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Long Range Traverse

Long Range Traverse — the trail guide

The Long Range Traverse is a 57.5 km trek in Canada, typically walked in 3–4 days, with 1999 m of total ascent. It rates Expert on our published rubric (35 m of gain per km, topping out at 716 m).

The Long Range Traverse is an unmarked, unmaintained backpacking route across the highland plateau of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada. Hikers ride the Western Brook Pond boat tour to the fjord's inland end, scramble up its 600-metre gorge wall, then navigate by map, compass and GPS across bog, barrens and caribou country to finish on Gros Morne Mountain. Its raw sub-arctic scenery and demanding route-finding draw self-reliant trekkers; a Parks Canada backcountry permit and shuttle are mandatory.

Quick facts

Distance57.5 km
Total ascent1999 m
Typical duration3–4 days
Difficulty (computed)Expert
Steepness35 m gain per km
High point716 m
CountryCanada
RegionCanada

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Expert" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 18 m · high point 716 m · 1999 m total ascent over 57.5 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 17 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-2°-8°172 mm
Feb-3°-9°157 mm
Mar-1°-6°131 mm
Apr4°-1°118 mm
May9°3°124 mm
Jun16°9°148 mm
Jul20°14°162 mm
Aug20°15°187 mm
Sep16°11°193 mm
Oct11°6°179 mm
Nov5°0°209 mm
Dec1°-4°181 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Long Range Traverse?

The Long Range Traverse is 57.5 km, and most hikers complete it in 3–4 days. Total elevation gain is 1999 m.

How difficult is the Long Range Traverse?

It rates Expert on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 35 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 716 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Long Range Traverse is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Long Range Traverse?

In Canada. The route starts near 49.787, -57.874 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.