TRIP REPORT: EGYPT LAKE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK
By Meghan J. Ward
Anyone willing to put in some mileage on their hiking boots should consider a multi-day trip into Egypt Lake in Banff National Park. Forested valleys, striking pinnacles, clusters of small lakes, and exciting alpine passes distinguish this area from its other backcountry counterparts. Hit it up in July to enjoy carpets of wildflowers, and warm weather that’ll make you eager to jump into one of the many lakes along the way.
OUR ITINERARY
Day 1:
Redearth Creek Trailhead to Shadow Lake Campground (12.9 km one-way)
Gibbon Pass (6.2 km roundtrip)
Day 2:
Shadow Lake Campground to Egypt Lake Campground via Whistling Valley Trail (15.3 km one-way)
Day 3:
Egypt Lake to Pharaoh/Black Rock/Sphinx Lakes (7 km roundtrip)
Scramble up Lesser Pharaoh Peak
Day 4:
Exit from Egypt Lake Campground via Healy Pass to Sunshine Village Parking Lot (12.4 km one-way)
Total Distance: Approx. 54 kilometres, excluding scramble up Lesser Pharaoh Peak
Love This
Various access points are quite close in proximity, making it easy to have a car parked at either end.
Get there in the month of July to enjoy more wildflowers than you could ever imagine, particularly on the Gibbon Pass and Healy Pass trails!
Impressive views from Whistling Pass, Healy Pass and Lesser Pharaoh Peak, we spent quite some time debating the benefits of binocular vs monocular, but at the end of the say, both systems allowed us to view this natural beauty and store in our memories forever.
Uncrowded backcountry experience, especially mid-week.
Consider This
If it’s mosquito season, remember that you’re camping, cooking and hiking in the trees. Bring repellent and mosquito coils.
Food storage, cooking areas and water sources are located a short distance from the campsites. Get ready to put in some extra walking.
The Redearth Creek Trail is mostly an old fire road in the trees. We recommend starting with it if you’re venturing that way.
The Whistling Valley Trail walks through marshland and involves a bit of rock-hopping over muddy patches. Nothing the adventurous soul can’t handle.
Other Side Trips
From Egypt Lake Campground: Mummy/Scarab Lakes or Talc (Natalko) Lake
Variations
Scan the map of this region and you’ll see many variations you could tackle, including Altrude Creek (Twin Lakes) Trail, Arnica Lake Trail, Pharaoh Creek Trail (as an alternative to Whistling Valley Trail) or Simpson Pass Trail. Hiking it in reverse is also a possibility, though we highly recommend coming out through Healy Pass. What a finish!
Resources
Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, Brian Patton and Bart Robinson
Additional information and reservations/permits through Parks Canada.
Meghan J. Ward is a writer, editor, digital content specialist and all-around storyteller based in Banff, Canada. Meghan loves any sport that takes her up a mountain or into the backcountry, and also enjoys travel and photography.
A NOTE FROM WILDLY: You, the reader, are responsible for your own safety and gathering the information you require to tackle these trips. Please adventure safely.