Pharaoh Creek Trail

Why hike it

If you want a quieter, more rugged-feeling way into the Egypt Lake basin, Pharaoh Creek delivers. Expect real backcountry vibes: dirt singletrack, steep pitches (including a very steep signed reroute above the creek), and lake-filled alpine scenery once you’re in the basin. This is the access most people use for multi-day wanderings around Egypt, Scarab, and Mummy Lakes—with Pharaoh Peak looming over it all.

Route at a glance

Most hikers approach via the Redearth Creek parking lot up the Redearth fire road, then branch off onto the Pharaoh Creek Trail. Many bike the fire road to save time and enjoy a fast roll back at the end. From there, the singletrack climbs more sharply—especially on a recent, signed detour that pulls away from flood-affected creekside tread. Round-trip distance for the core Pharaoh Creek out-and-back to Egypt Lake is about 15.3 miles (24.6 km total). Strong hikers sometimes do it in a long push, but most backpack it over 2 days (or more if you’re adding side trips).

Scenery and side trips

You’re heading into one of Banff’s prettiest basins, with “cirque staircase” lakes—Egypt, Scarab, and Mummy—etched by ancient ice. Expect forest walking that opens to meadows and lake basins with big views to Pharaoh Peak. Spur trails here can be direct and steep (a reported 125 m gain in 0.6 km up to Pharaoh Lake) and may feel less maintained than the main corridor—beautiful, but bring legs and poles.

Difficulty and conditions

Overall difficulty lands in the moderate range, but it spikes on the steep reroute after the Pharaoh Creek crossing and on short, switchback-free spurs to nearby lakes. Early season can mean lingering snow and mud; late fall brings cold nights and early snow. The trail is remote—navigation, weatherproof layers, and self-sufficiency matter.

Logistics and permits

• Best done as a backpack: book a Parks Canada backcountry camping permit for Egypt Lake or nearby sites. A park pass is required for day use.
• Pets must be leashed at all times.
• Biking the Redearth fire road is a popular tactic; bring a lock for stashing your bike at the singletrack turnoff.
• Many parties link Pharaoh Creek with the broader Pharaoh–Whistling–Haiduk circuit; others run a point-to-point between the Sunshine/Healy side and Redearth.

History and geology

The basin’s “Egyptianized” names (Pharaoh Peak, Egypt, Scarab, Mummy) date to 1922 and reflect the area’s striking, stepped glacial cirques—classic Rocky Mountain geomorphology that’s easy to spot from shorelines and passes.

Best time to hike

Summer to early fall is prime for snow-free travel and wildflowers. For quieter camps and trails, aim for mid-September midweek. Avoid poor weather if you’re considering any summit scrambles nearby; the main Pharaoh Creek Trail itself is non-technical.

Tips

• Trekking poles help on the very steep reroute and the short, steep lake spurs.
• Treat all water from creeks and lakes.
• Carry bear spray and check current Parks Canada advisories before you go.