Brazeau Loop Backpack – Day 5 Four Points Campground to Nigel Creek Trailhead

August 24, 2025

This is Day Five of Five. Click HERE for the full overview, including distances and elevations for each day.

After yesterday’s epic hike over Jonas Shoulder and the stunning views, I was not looking forward to today. I thought it was going to be a boring grind. Something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Boy, was I wrong.

After another cold night, Erin and I were up well before 6:00 am. I shivered in my sleeping bag as I listened to Erin already dismantling her tent. Time to get up and get cold again. This is the coldest campsite on the circuit, I think because it’s the low point for several valleys. All that cold air drains down here.

This was our most efficient morning yet, and we were packed and on the trail in a record setting 1.5 hours. Hiking at 7:30 am is chilly, and we had full toques and mitts.

Gear

Full backpacking kit. See Overview page for detail.

Overview

From the campsite, turn right to join the main trail to Nigel Creek. Cross the bridge, and continue to Boulder Creek campground. Cross the wonky bridge (now covered in frost) and hike on other side of the river. Wrap around left shoulder of mountain, and start gaining elevation in earnest up to the Rock Garden. Descend to cross Brazeau River, and hike back up to Nigel Pass. Descend into valley. Cross the creeks, then make the final ascent up to the old gravel road. Endure an unnecessarily long plod back to vehicle.

Totals – Downloadable Tracks on Gaia, Displayed on Strava

Date: August 24, 2025
Group:  Two (Alisen & Erin)
Distance: 14.6 km
Elevation:  417 m (1,376′)
Time:  4 hours 45 minutes (includes lunch and breaks)

Four Points Campground to Main Trail

After saying goodbye to our Brazeau Crew, and noticing the new recruits were still all a snug in their tents, Erin and I hiked out for our last day on the Brazeau Loop. While happy to sleep in my own bed, I was worried about the insane Sunday traffic that awaited us.

My immediate concern was staying warm. Everything was iced over, and I hustled to keep my hands from freezing. As we gained elevation towards Boulder Creek campground, we rose above the frost line and warmed up. I was finally able to shed some layers. A bit premature as it turned out, as we descended back into the valley and the freezing cold.

In no time, we had broken out of the trees, and were in the open valley, steadily gaining elevation. I was not looking forward to the steep incline to get back up to the Rock Garden. I was not mistaken – it was a miserable trail that went straight up. This is decidedly NOT Parks Canada. I think what’s happened is there was a nice switchback, but people cut the trail on the downhill, and it somehow became the ‘main’ trail. I would encourage Parks to reestablish the switchback.

Anyhoo – the Rock Garden was again spectacular!

The river crossing was again fairly deep, but kept my feet dry.

At Nigel Pass, Erin and I again took the opportunity to dry out our tents. We were spread out all along the slope, but thankfully no day hikers were yet upon us. It would have ruined their view for sure. After about 20 minutes, everything was dry enough to pack up and head out.

It was a long, but nice hike out down through the valley. Several day hikers and a few backpackers were coming in. We stopped to chat about the river crossing and encouraged the newcomers.

On the hike in, I had noted the big uphill to regain the old gravel road. I was not looking forward to that. However, with the lighter pack and four days worth of quality hiking under my belt, I practically ran up that hill.

The long boring gravel road back to the car was totally unnecessary. It’s the worst when you can see to the end, but it never gets any closer. Sigh. We eventually got there, and did the mandatory ‘after’ photos.

Wrap Up

What a backpack! I absolutely loved this route. Something for everyone – rivers, a gorgeous lake, and epic mountain views. At four nights and five days, it’s a good effort. While the overall elevation gain is staggering, each day was doable for a fit backpacker. I would not recommend this as your first backpack, but is totally doable for the intermediate.

I hope you enjoyed my extensive trip reports for all five days of the Brazeau Loop. If you go, or have already been, please let me know how you liked it.

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Alisen