MadMountainMegan

August 29th-August 31st 2024

Egypt Lake is a popular area for backpacking, day hiking and trail running. The lake is one of many areas in a back valley of Banff National Park. Our trip was 2 nights and we stayed in two different campgrounds. I will describe the booking process, campgrounds and the hikes we did in the area. In the side notes section I will mention other hikes in the area. This area is stunning, the mountains are very different looking and all the lakes are super blue. I would love to go back next year.

Booking

In January the Parks Canada will release its reservation system. Check the website prior for the exact date. You will need to be online for the exact launch time as it is a popular hike. You will be in a waiting room until you get a place in line. The closer you are in line the better your chances. This selection process is random. Select Egypt Lake, Pharaoh Creek is 4 km away.

Campgrounds

Egypt Lake

Egypt Lake campground is about 1km away from Egypt Lake and is situated on a creek. It is situated below the Healy Pass. There are many campsites, some in an open meadow and some in the forest. Two outhouses, you must bring your own toilet paper and sanitizer. Two cooking areas, gray water disposal and bear bins. The eating area is in the forest but it is a bit muddy and cold.

Pharaoh Creek

This campground is 4km away from Egypt Lake Campground. The path between the two campgrounds is flat. The campground is also beside a creek and has one large picnic table, and a few bear bins. The tent pads are super nice with wood chips making your tent less moist in the morning.

Hikes

Healy Pass

Distance: 13km Elevation: 1298m

Starting at the Sunshine Village parking lot head up the trees on a wide path. You will eventually reach a more narrow path. The path is well beaten down but does have some roots to watch for. The slope is steady. There are some openings that provide views of the surrounding mountains but this part is a little boring and we listened to a podcast. Eventually you will reach a bridge in a meadow with lovely views. Climb the gentle incline to the Healy Pass. The Healy pass is one of my most favorite views, it provides an amazing view of the Egypt Lake valley. Climb down the steep tree path until you reach the valley bottom. The campground is close to the creek and the lake is just beyond the campground.

Whistling Pass

Distance: 3.7km

Starting from the campground you climb steady up the headwall, until you reach a open alpine forest. From here you can see Pharaoh Peak Hike on your right. Yes it is straight up that avalanche gully with the pointy rocks. We continued on to the pass and had lunch at a large rock. On the way down you have the option to visit Scarab lake which is a beautiful blue color.

Notes

• If you do not have a dog like us you can take the Sunshine Gondola up and come in through Simpson Pass.
• Next time I would like to do Pharaoh Peak, Sphinx Lake, Tale Lake and The Sphinx.
• There are MANY bears, we saw a grizzly from a far, have bear spray handy, know how to use it, make noise and stay in groups!!

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