Banff National Park: Sunshine Village to Egypt Lake, Pharaoh Peak and the Sphinx (4 days / 42 km)
Egypt Lake is a gorgeous back-country campground located in Banff National Park. It is quickly gaining popularity due to its towering peaks, stunning alpine lakes, and charming mountain meadows. This backpacker’s paradise is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast looking for a multi-day adventure.
I have hiked into Egypt Lake Campground on 2 separate occasions, and both times it completely blew me away. The Egypt Lake trail offers a portal into the marvellous and untouched Canadian Rockies that is hard to beat.
This jaw-dropping multi-day hike winds through mountain passes and meadows full of wildflowers. The turquoise lakes and rugged peaks show off some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Canada. And the seclusion you get on this trail is tough to find anywhere else in Banff National Park.
Trip Completed: July 2022
Trip Summary
Location: Banff National Park, Alberta
Traditional Territory: This route takes place on the traditional territory of Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis (source).
Maps and Resources
Guidebook: No guidebook was used.
Map: Click here to view and modify this route in the Route Planner
Permits and Reservations
Campsite Reservations: Reservations are necessary through the National Park website.
Permits: Yes, but you do need to bring a copy with you.
Know Before You Go
Season: Mid-July to mid-September.
Cell Reception: None.
Water: You can filter water from the creek or the lake near the campground.
Wildlife: There is a ton of wildlife in this area, including Deer, Moose, Grizzly Bears and Black Bears. Always carry bear spray and familiarize yourself with backcountry bear safety before your departure.
Waste: There are outhouses at the campground but you will want to bring your own toilet paper. All backcountry hikes in Banff National Park do not have garbage cans and operate on a Leave No Trace basis, so be sure to pack in what you pack out!
Outfitters and Shuttles
Outfitter: We did not use an outfitter, but there are several in the nearby towns of Banff and Canmore.
Shuttle: Shuttle not needed.
Trip Report
Day 1: Top of The Sunshine Gondola to Egypt Lake Campground
From the parking area, you have two different options. First, you can choose to hike directly to Egypt Lake Campground from the parking lot via Healy Creek Trail. This route takes you up 898 m of elevation over the first 9 km with a fairly consistent incline.
From the top of Healy Pass, you get incredible views over Egypt and Scarab Lake as well as the surrounding mountain ranges and meadows. From there, it is all downhill to the Egypt Lake Backcountry Campground. The total one-way distance for this route is 12.4 km and 898 m elevation gain.
The second option, and the one we chose, is to take the gondola from the parking lot up to Sunshine Village. After this 1070 m boost from the Sunshine Gondola ($41 CAD per person in 2022), we took a hard right and began hiking toward Simpson Pass.
After about 1.8 km of uphill hiking, we were greeted with 360-degree mountain views on both sides of the BC/Alberta border. From there, the path winds down into a valley full of wildflowers, where it joins the Healy Creek Trail. After the trails merge, you hike up to Healy Pass and down to Egypt Lake Campground on the same trail as described in the first option. The total one-way distance for this route is 13 km and 585 m of elevation.
Note: If you choose to take the gondola up, I recommend the one-way option and hiking out via Healy Creek Trail. This saves you from the extra money and elevation gain that would come with hiking back to Sunshine Village and taking the gondola down.
Campsite: Egypt Lake Campground is about 1 km from Egypt Lake and very close to the crossroads of Healy Creek Pass and Red Earth Creek Trail. It has 15 campsites and a lodge that sleeps an additional 12 campers. The hand-built log cabin is basic and cozy, with wooden bunk beds surrounding a large wood-fired stove. This can be used for heat or cooking during the winter months.
Each campsite is entitled to 1 bear locker for food storage. Next to the lockers, there are picnic tables for cooking and eating. An outhouse with two stalls is available, but be sure to bring your own toilet paper! They are almost always out.
Egypt Lake is an incredibly popular campground. If you want to visit, especially on a weekend, you will need to book a tent pad well in advance. We have had the best luck booking on the first day reservations open. After that, it is typically full for the entire summer.
| Total Distance | 13 km |
| Elevation Gain | 585 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Reserve Egypt Lake Campground |
Day 2: Egypt Lake Campground to Pharaoh Peak
Pharaoh Peak is one of the most difficult and popular peaks in the area to summit. This hike begins fairly flat but quickly gains elevation as you wind through the trees and up to a viewpoint over Egypt Lake.
From there, you will arrive at a stunning alpine lake called Scarab Lake. This is an excellent place to filter some water and have a snack before beginning your final ascent up to Pharoah Peak.
From Scarab Lake, follow the trail to the right and hike beside the lake to the other side of Pharaoh Peak. From there, the real challenge begins. The last km is a steep scramble to the top, and you gain about 458 m of elevation. I promise, though, the views from the top are worth your effort. Make sure to pack lots of snacks and water to enjoy at the top.
Campsite: Egypt Lake Campground. We stayed at the same campground each night, which made the weight of our packs much more enjoyable for each day hike.
| Total Distance | 7.8 km |
| Elevation Gain | 698 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Reserve Egypt Lake Campground |
Day 3: Egypt Lake Campground to The Sphinx
This hike begins on the same trail as Pharoah Peak. Once you arrive at Scarab Lake, there’s a small trail that follows a creek to your left and brings you to the top of a massive waterfall. From the top of Scarab Waterfall, you can look down over Egypt Lake while the water cascades hundreds of feet below. This lookout is peaceful, surreal, and unlike anywhere I have ever been.
SAFETY NOTE: This waterfall is incredibly powerful, and it is important not to get yourself into a dangerous situation. Do not stand in the water at the top or get too close to the edge.
If you continue along the left side of Scarab Lake and follow the trail that navigates up the steep rocky wall in front of you, Mummy Lake will be your next stop. This long, narrow lake was named after its shape and is a fantastic place to stop for a snack and some water.
After passing Scarab and Mummy Lakes, the trail steeply ascends to Sphinx Peak. The last section of this hike is without shade, and I’ll be honest—it’s challenging. Don’t worry, though—the views out over Mummy and Scarab Lakes are worth every step!
Campsite: Egypt Lake Campground.
| Total Distance | 7.8 km |
| Elevation Gain | 558 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Reserve Egypt Lake Campground |
Day 4: Egypt Lake Campground to The Sunshine Gondola Parking Lot
After packing up camp, begin hiking out on the same trail you arrived on. Unfortunately, it is about 3 km uphill, but once you reach Healy Pass, it’s all downhill from there! Keep your eyes peeled for a trail branching off to the left about 1 km past Healy Pass. This is called Healy Creek Trail and it will bring you all the way back to the parking lot at Sunshine Village.
The hike out is 13 km long and involves 358 m of elevation gain. Other than the views at Healy Pass, this trail is a bit of a slog because it is mainly in the trees with no views. If you want to break this hike up, there is a campground 8 km in called Healy Creek Campground. Like Egypt Lake Campground, though, it needs to be reserved online in advance.
| Total Distance | 13 km |
| Elevation Gain | 358 m |
| Campsite Reservation | n/a |
Trip Video
Reflections
This hike is absolutely mind-blowing, but it is not recommended for beginners. Make sure to bring enough food, hiking poles, bear spray, and a lightweight water filter and enjoy!
Author Bio
Cayleigh and her husband have been exploring the Canadian Rockies for the past 13 years. They run an adventure travel blog called Made to Explore and are extra passionate about hiking, van life, and off-the-beaten-path adventures!
Website: madetoexplore.ca
Instagram: @cayleighanddavid
YouTube: @madetoexplore