Ancient Wall, Natural Arch, Deep Thoughts - Jasper National Park Backcountry Backpacking

127KM NO resupply. Remote backcountry. All with someone NEW to backpacking the Rockies. EPIC! See timestamps and shoutouts below:
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** EDITED by request of Jasper Nation Park Wardens ***
00:00 Intro
9:54 Trip Plan
13:55 Day 2
21:12 Welbourne Falls
23:18 Shoutout to Matt and Bill
24:29 Day 3
33:48 Day 4
42:53 Day 5
51:38 Natural Arch
57:08 Day 6
1:08:09 Deep thoughts with Stu
1:13:38 Day 7
1:25:12 Day 8
1:28:35 Quick Notes on Backpacker’s Panty and Happy Yak Pad Thai, Gossimer Gear Mariposa 60 TWELVE day loadout, confusing trail signs around blue creek, shout out to Brian Patton of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide
1:34:44 Day 9
1:46:27 Shout out to Jilley, and Dan
1:47:57 An evening with Rob, Jeff and Ken
1:51:15 Day 10
1:48:04 Howe's the Hike?

[@infobaseworks2401]

These videos inspire me to leave my couch, stop watching and start doing !!!❤

[@HowestheHike]

You got this!

[@debraonthego3960]

Oh and Jennie is a great addition to the videos!! Love her energy, smiles and laughter!! Hope to see more of her in future videos!

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! I agree - she's fantastic!

[@monicaforestell93]

Aweosme vid! Hi Jennie! So cool to see you doing such radical stuff. Hoping to get out there myself soon

[@HowestheHike]

You should! But be warned - it is addicting!

[@ricklarry4212]

Awesome footage and great narration. Your hiking partner provided good observations as well. Overall I immensely enjoyed the long format. I found your site after viewing one of my favorite hiking narrators Joey Coconato (My Own Frontier) who provided a link to you and also Brian DeLay. Joey's video provided a different perspective on another area of the park, the North Boundary Trail, which I also greatly enjoyed. I know from that video that it was you who invited him along for that route. Thank you for the inspiring views.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks for you comments Rick! And such GREAT memories with Joey and Brian. And, seeing it from their perspective in their videos was a wonderful ting for me. I miss the North Boundary Trail and hope to do it again. Happy trails!!

[@wanderingpanda6556]

Nice video Stu. Also kudos to Jennie for completing a 10-day as a newer backpacker. Many wouldn’t think of attempting that to start!

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! and she sure is a trooper. After this, a lot will seem pretty easy!

[@daveysdash]

Thank you McGyver Stu for the eye candy video! I love long-format vids so this was sooo enjoyable. Congrats on your forward-thinking approach to guiding Jenny through an obviously enjoyable first experience trip. You guys make a handsome couple by the way! GET OUT, STAY OUT, and LIVE YOUR DASH!!! - Davey.

[@HowestheHike]

Haha! Thanks D. I owe you an email - on the way soon!

[@bryanhryciw]

Glad to see you again Stuart. Looking forward to your video dump of your trip out west

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks 👍

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Hi Stuart and Jennie. Thanks for taking us along on your hike. Really enjoyed it.

[@HowestheHike]

Glad you enjoyed it. thank you!!

[@hikingwithbarb9006]

Thanks for sharing once again. Just returned from this area myself after 9 days and kinda glad this video wasn't out before I left as I went into this hike blind and it was so deeply rewarding not knowing what to expect or the views in store for me. We didn't see the Natural Arch at all so thank you for sharing because now I know what it was that I was supposed to see. You have to do Little Heaven and McLaren on another trip. Definitely worth it but start from little Heaven like you mentioned in your video. Less climb but be aware that less trail maintenance on your way up to McLaren for sure. So many fallen trees! If I was to do this trip again, I think I'd skip Natural Arch next time. For me it just wasn't as spectacular as Ancient Wall and 3km of willows gets tiring lol!

[@HowestheHike]

Hi Barb - I like hiking blind too. The wild areas especially. Love to know what you thought about out there. I will absolutely do Little Heaven but from the other direction ha ha! Hardscrabble passing glacier past All City Spruce tree campsite. Lots to explore, would've been great to run into you!

[@kurdtus]

Scandalous hiking video!! The Stuart Howe saga continues with adventure, intrigue, danger!, And Rooooooooooomance. 😏😏 As usual, love the video.

[@HowestheHike]

Hahaha!

[@gregleigland9414]

Thanks for sharing another awesome trek and giving us a front row seat to that stunning scenery!

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks so much!

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice hike. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a lovely week.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks, you too!

[@tangenttrails]

What a great trip Stuart! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@HowestheHike]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@LordBobCanada]

Great video. I heard Twintree bridge is out on the North Boundary so knowing Jasper I might have to live that trail vicariously through guys like you. Thanks for doing them!

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! Yes, that bridge is unsafe. Hard to say with JNP if it will get fixed or not. If not, that is the end of the trail. I will say, I found the rather harsh tone of the bulletin they put out rather odd though. On the plus side, they got out and fixed Twintree Cabin very quickly this year, so maybe there is hope.

[@annerichardson4170]

Love this amazing video Stuart and Jenny. Aren’t Bill and Matt great guys? We met them on our 2018 Brazeau hike. Camped at brazeau lake John John and Jonas at the same time. Great memories of finding the Pobotkan shelter and sharing stories of and pictures taken by my husband’s grandfather, Warden Mickey McGuire, from his days on Jasper district patrol. We just watched grandpa’s 8mm films of his horse back patrol of the Willow Creek, Blue Creek and Smokey River Districts. Amazing area then as it is now. He took many hours of film while on patrol in Jasper over his 34 year career. We love to use those films and find the spots he travelled to and see the images he captured so many years ago. Hopefully we will meet you on the trail one day!

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you Anne! Yes, we had a great time chatting with them. Fun guys. And what a wonderful history you have on film!!!! It would be amazing to have those converted to video. It can be done, as I did it for old 8mm film of my grandparents, mom as a teenager and even with me as a toddler. I love Jasper. Have thought many times of simply moving out there and wandering the mountains with the years that remain. I envy those who have been able to do that like your Grandfather. Please keep in touch!

[@lucyporter2544]

Thanks so much for this, Stu! We had a failed attempt at this hike last summer (conditions were sooooo bad!), so it's great to see what's out there. We'll keep it on the list for another year. And totally agree about the reservations...it's more than time for Jasper to admit this is random camping.

[@HowestheHike]

Sorry to hear that Lucy! I hope you can get out there again. Yes, Jasper BC is a bit of a mess with the exception of a few popular trails. time for them to rethink things for sure.

[@joemac3814]

Great to see your vids again and enjoyed your pondering thoughts as i have undergone cancer and wonder at 80 i need to get out and and get back in shape thank you. God Bless

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! And I sure think you should! I can't imaging going through that, but who knows if that lies ahead for all of us. God Bless you and onward!

[@debraonthego3960]

Thank you so much for your videos!! My friend Barb and I just did the same trek (we also did McLaren!!) … we missed seeing you by only 2 days!! It would have been so cool to have met you, but we settled for geeking out over your registry at Willow Creek and taking a selfie with it 😂 haha! (And a little vlogging of our own) We had the NBT booked based off your videos and have Brazeau in our sights as well! Can’t wait to see what you do next!!

[@HowestheHike]

Oh boy! Loving your videos too! Sorry we missed each other. Next time!

[@billbagshaw3266]

Thanks for the shout out! It was great to meet you both and I'm glad you made it out well. Hope to see you again on the trail!

[@HowestheHike]

I hope so too!

[@awalkintherockies9475]

Thanks for sharing ! I have my sights set on this area for next summer’s big trip , looks beautiful, wild and peaceful. I hope I don’t miss the opportunity to walk out there and see it for myself ♥️

[@HowestheHike]

You will love it!

[@xoxXCutiepieXxox]

Beautiful thanks for sharing!!!!! ⛰🏔😍 Nice to see you get out and enjoy the summer! And yes we had a dry and smokie year here in Alberta this winter is pretty crazy to we have alot of snow... The Lady your with seems really sweet! Happy 😊! Living your best life!!!!! Was nice to see the girls to in the other video! Sorry about the infection hope she is doing well now 💛 . Was funny when u was singing to JLo 🤣 !!!! Happy New Year! Hope to see more videos in the summer! You still inspire me to get out there one of these days it's kinda silly I haven't yet since jasper is my backyard.... hopefully one day soon 🙏 😌.... you should take Jenny to the the Brazeau Loop! She would love that I think!!!!!! 😍🏔⛰😍 LOLZ @ The poop 💩 police!!!! 👌❤❤🤣🤣 I can't imagine how amazing the stars would have looked out there!! Wish u could of had video of that!!!🤩😍

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you so much! Love this! And hey - TONS of snow in NB too - crazy winter!!

[@kcwins84]

Thanks for the work you put in to make these videos, Stu. One day I hope to share the trail with you. Meeting you at the TH a couple of years ago wasn't quite enough lol.

[@HowestheHike]

Would LOVE that Chuck! Thanks so much for the kind words. Let's make a plan!

[@150F2011]

Thanks for all the fun watching this video! How was Jennies ankle at the end of the hike? Tough gal!

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! Jennie healed up pretty quickly. She's tough!

[@Booboomiss]

Another great video ❤️ so happy to see that your wife is with you 😍 Thanks for sharing your beautiful landscape. I’m missing Canada 🇨🇦 Hopefully I’ll get to come back one day 👍 Gotta say that I LOVE my Hoka’s. I have low tops, mid and high tops plus tennis shoes.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks Cindy. and I will pass that on the Jennie. funny you said "wife" - check out the clip at 1:47:57 😂🤣

[@Booboomiss]

@@HowestheHike too cute 😂

[@nicholasholland3681]

Thanks Had a short hike myself, great for the views.

[@HowestheHike]

Very cool!

[@cdwalks5243]

what new boot/shoes did Jennie end up buying? Fun video to watch, as I have not seen this area of Jasper. Hope you will be out in the west again this summer....We will be missing the rockies, as our retirement has taken us to hiking in other continents now.

[@HowestheHike]

I envy you travelling to hike. It's on my list! YEs - we will be back out with a few leftover trips form my plans east year to fulfill. Mostly all remote! Jennie still has not replaced those - thanks for reminding me to get her going!!

[@lovemountains5517]

enjoyed this video, nice one! laughing here when you were smelling yourself, hahaha. use baking soda as deodorant, it works no smell at all.

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks for the tip! As I dialed weight down, deodorant was one of the first things to go!

[@conormaclean1763]

Hi Stuart, great video! I have sent you a pm on Facebook with a few more questions if that’s ok! Thanks.

[@HowestheHike]

I will check it out

[@shawnyork9065]

Awesome video. Is the Topaz and Caribou Inn campgrounds closed ?

[@HowestheHike]

They have been "decommissioned" meaning not bookable online. however, they are still there and in pretty good shape. You can always call the office and book them.

[@thejasonbourne]

You've got to stop starching your socks, Stuart. 😉😂

[@HowestheHike]

Hahaha!

[@nikolajquaade9050]

Hi Stu! Fantastisc video:-) Simple question: Do you bring a satelite telephone when you travel alone in remote backcountry like this or Banff Front Ranges? Or what other kind of emergency equipment do you bring along? Regards from Nikolaj in Denmark:-)

[@HowestheHike]

Hi Nikolaj! I bring a Garmin inreach mini. With the Garmin app on your phone it can also provide you navigation assistance, two-way messaging with friends and family, and of course the SOS button. I really don't go anywhere without it. Hope this helps!

[@nikolajquaade9050]

@@HowestheHike Hi Stu:-) Thanks for the answer. I will buy a Garmin inReach within the next couple of days. I guess that you charge your phone from a powerbank? I have another question for you:-) Do you use a bear canister on these extended trips in the random zone? And what size? I am busy planning a trip into the Front Rages - I will arrive in Banff on the 25 th of july. Regards, Nikolaj.

[@HowestheHike]

My pleasure! I do carry battery banks for my phone and the Garmin and the longer trips. I'll bring a solar panel. With regard to bear canisters yes I use one anytime I'm in random zones. There won't be any hangs so you need something that is bear proof. I use an URsack with an OPsack inside in Parks that allow these bags. Currently in the front ranges they are still permitted, but I've heard rumblings Banff may at some point require hard side canisters for some odd reason that I can't figure out. There are several parks in the US that require hard sided canisters. Oddly, one of these parks WILL allow an URsack if you put the stove pipe insert inside... ??? And this park only has black bears. Anyway, sorry for that little rant, but you are perfectly fine to use one of those bags or a hard side of cannister in the front ranges. There really is no other safe solution. I'll be in the front ranges around the same time you are. We start on the 24th! PM me!

[@Russell.Jolly.2023]

Did Jenny's foot/ankle pain subside?

[@HowestheHike]

It did. She's ready to get out again! Gave her the "Backcountry Bug" I think!