Rockies :: Banff-Louise :: Healy Pass Alpine Hikes

Healy pass environs from Monarch Ramparts.  Simpson pass center left, Monarch right.  Mt. Assiniboine far in the distance

Healy Pass is exceptional alpine area lying on continental divide along Alberta/BC provincial border.  In the fall it is one of best places to see golden larches;  in summer, meadows full of wildflowers are prime example of what summer hiking in Canadian Rockies can offer.  Access trail stays below treeline most of the way but it can be done fast and trudge is small price to pay for scenic awards that follow.  Some people just day-hike to the pass, but for more energetic hikers here are couple of different ideas to extend the day from the pass:

1.  Monarch Ramparts
2.  Healy Pass Peak
3.  Eohippus Lake Loop

Note that Alpine environment is fragile and in season Parks Canada usually restricts hiking beyond established trail in full season.  Thus Healy Pass Peak is best done as winter snowshoe trip, while Eohippus lake trail can be used as alternate access to Monarch Ramparts in summer.

Drive Sunshine access road branching west from Trans-Canada highway some 10 minutes north of Banff townsite;  park here.  Healy Pass trail starts along the ski run behind the day-lodge. You can also follow upper complex access road, then transfer down as it curls left (south).  This is the trailhead, with post showing direction and distances.  Follow well-defined trail along south side of Healy creek, then cross on good bridge to the north side. Healy Creek campground and lower Simpson Pass junction are around 5km mark; continue on the main trail.  Next couple of kilometers are bit steeper with bit of roots but going is still easy. You reach alpine meadows around 8km mark near bridged creek crossing and upper Simpson Pass junction. Trail sign informs you that there are still 1.5 km to the pass.  Abundance of larches or wildflowers -- depending on the season -- makes this last bit exceptionally scenic! Beware though, this is also prime grizzly bear habitat;  on my visit in the fall of 2006 I've seen huge bruin roaming in the meadows directly below the trail! Continuing over the pass main trail descends to Egypt Lakes back-country campground and shelter (~3km and ~400m elevation loss).  It is usually used as 3 days overnight trip ( see this and this).

Map

Elevation

After reaching Healy Pass turn left and follow good trail ascending semi-open ridge towards Monarch Ramparts.  This trail is well defined, but way is obvious.  Above (unofficially named) "Monarch Lake" transfer to upper ridge and continue for couple of kilometers towards Monarch Peak.  Hiking is exceptional to say the least!  Continental Divide marker at high-point is logical turnaround spot, but you can also continue to south end and descend to Eohippus Lake, then return along the meadows below the Ramparts.  Shortcut (off-trail) around "Monarch Lake" brings you back to Healy Pass trail just above upper Simpson Pass junction.

Map

Elevation

From Healy Pass turn right and ascend gentle ridge through stunts of larch trees and later low pine towards obvious high-point above. Going is easy and ridge wide. It takes 30-40 minutes from the pass to the "summit" that hosts large cairn (but usually no register).  Fabulous views unfold north and you can study length of Pharaoh Creek between Egypt and Shadow Lake.  To the right are Pilot and Mt. Brett -- both Kane scrambles;  Bourgeau is further to the right. In the distance is host of familiar peaks of Lake Louise area.   Much further exploration is possible as ridge is gentle and several lower bumps can also be visited;  when your sense of adventure has been satisfied simply drop south and reconnect with Healy Pass trail.

Map

Elevation

Official Eohippus Lake trail branches off Simpson Pass trail near Healy Pass alpine meadows. This junction is marked.  Easiest and fastest way is to hike standard Healy Pass trail, then branch off to Simpson past km 5 junction -- or hike Simpson from Sunshine upper area which is more scenic, but does lose elevation.  Either way, hike is very scenic past this junction as it traverses expansive alpine meadows dotted with larches as well as one large lake (pic 1 in gallery).  Trail rises a bit past this lake, then descends to Eohippus.   You can return the same way, but recommended is to hike up to south end of Monarch Ramparts then loop back via Healy Pass trail.  This is fairly long day (~30km), but the most rewarding trip in the area, specially in the fall when larches are turning golden.   Way is obvious and good trail exists, but if snow covered simply climb lower bench above Eohippus and hike this gentle ramp to the top.   Kane scramblers would now drop into talus basin to access ascent gully;  hikers simply continue north for one of best alpine hikes Banff NP offers.  This loop can also be done in reverse and there is little benefit in choosing one over the other.