The trail is definitely NOT a premier hike. Top of trail you still can see lots of larches. The Park does actively monitor wildlife near roads. You will pass two small bridges along the route to Healy Meadows. Rock Isle and Twin Cairns Meadow Park Trail, Sunshine Meadows, Simpson Pass, and Healy Pass, Healy Pass, Simpson Pass and Sunshine Village, Sunshine Meadows via Banff Ave and Citadel Pass. Adapt, innovate, overcome. Later trail is icy and slippery. Hiking past the Egypt Lake backcountry campground and some campers, the switchback-filled climb up to Scarab Lake was rocky and steep, and just as I cursed under my breath and wondered how much more of this my legs could take, unspeakable beauty unfolded before me (Photos 6, 7, 8). Pharaoh Lake (Photo 9) was to the north. But I had gone this far. It feels... strangely alive. And though the clouds severely limited visibility at these higher elevations, we were still in awe of the views (Photos 3, 4, 5). In winter it is also rare to find…, A snowshoe trip to Crystal Ridge, along the Icefields Parkway, takes you through fascinating boulders, giant crystals, and awe-inspiring views…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. It is very easy, but too long through the forest to dedicate a beautiful day to it. Healy Pass is a long and progressive hike on well-maintained trail. *Experienced Hikers Only*If you received an email from me regarding updating your RSVP, please disregard. I had done it! An hour later, I summited Greater Pharaoh Peak. My soul sister was all in and therefore so was I. It can be cold on top of Healy Pass, as it is quite exposed, but this makes for excellent views. Though everything is still, I feel a pulsing heartbeat that’s not only mine but also that of the earth I’m walking on. Sunshine village closed the parking. The main two clearings and best spots for pictures are around the 6.5 and 8.5km points. Distance: 36km The views at the end are absolutely stunning with an incredible view of the mountains. Finally, there it is - the world my eyes have never seen until now (Photo 4), just right over Healy Pass. nice views from the top. Dog-friendliness: 5/5 Due to heavy horse use, the Marsh Loop tends to be muddy after rain. At some point, it turns into a spiritual experience when I’m 10km in, and I realize I’m alone in this gold-draped valley, with The Monarch (Photo 2) and the Monarch Ramparts (Photo 3) rising above. Several muddy parts of the trail but much easier to grip than the ice! Total elevation gain: 1,250m I was overwhelmed with emotion and joy. I only gave it 4 starts bc 90% of this hike is kinda dull. Highly recommend this, it extends it to about 22.5km but it's flat then downhill. Shout out to @sarah_poff and @poffdaddyy, whom we came across on our hike. Absolutely stunning if you can do this hike in the sweet spot when the larches have changed but there's no snow at the top. My 4.5 month old puppy did 17km out of the 20km. You can download a list of Avalanche Terrain Ratings from Parks Canada on their site. Enjoy the scenery here, as this is where the views begin to grow. Healy Pass is one of my favourite places - summer and winter! This group is for people to POST updates of trails conditions. The skies were darkening, and the weather now turned cold and windy. We hit a bit of snow at the top and got quite cold up there so bring more layers than you think you'll need as you'll need them at the top! Bikers will be held back or shuttled around hazards, i.e. The grade steepens as you gain elevation, but still remains relatively gentle. PS: To borrow from Dr. Geoff Tabin - an accomplished mountain climber and medical professor - who said, “To have a great adventure and survive requires good judgment. Would recommend! Seen all the seasons today. Continue towards Healy Pass, you’ll usually be following a mixture of fresh and old ski tracks, gently gaining elevation in the open meadows. We left the herd here (and were exceedingly grateful to do so) and headed around the main building to pick up the Healy Pass trail where we put on our snowshoes and started our trip. Any doubt that I would just stop and turn back at Healy Pass because of fatigue were erased the moment my eyes were laid upon these mountains - Greater Pharaoh Peak, Scarab Peak, Sugarloaf Mountain. Always check the avalanche forecast for Banff before heading out. With the Healy Pass trailhead just minutes away from Banff and having just completed this incredible solo hike last week, I pitched the idea to her. Arrived 9:20 am; 0°. Whilst it is 700 metres in elevation, it is evenly spread across 9km, making it far more gradual than most. The tracksetting goes for about 6.8K. Plan Your Day For a day on the slopes you won't forget; From tickets, to lessons, to rentals, and I pressed onwards and descended down the trail towards Egypt Lake and was met with a jaw-dropping but stomach-turning view of Greater Pharaoh (Photo 5). If you have the time, anyone can do this hike, it might just take a while! It was nice and quiet with only a few people on the trail. Whilst the stats looked pretty gruelling, the Healy Pass hike is actually on the easier side when compared to other trails in the Rockies. Gorgeous hike this time of year, believe the other reviewers when they say to bring more layers than you think you’ll need. The … Time: 09:00 hrs No filter is needed! Snow conditions … Snowshoeing to Healy Pass is a great day out in winter, and a fantastic break from the busy ski hills. The Canadian Rockies are full of incredible hikes! What a glorious hike! Time: 10:00 hrs (solo hike, includes 45 mins lunch) Definitely not a “hard” trail but very very very long. Get there early to get a good spot! The trail crosses the run out zones of three avalanche paths, remember your AST training and spread out and move quickly going through avalanche run-outs. It's exactly 10kms to the top so 20kms return unlike what All Trails has listed for distance. And it was. Head up to Healy Pass in late September or early October to check out the beautiful larch trees in their golden glory. * Get Gold Bond powder for my feet. The views at the end are absolutely stunning with an incredible view of the mountains. 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. We continued on past Healy Pass towards Healy Pass Peak. The larches were in full colors. The average snowshoer in good conditions should be able to reach Healy Pass within three to four hours. Recommend spike. Access Healy Pass by taking a shuttle to the Sunshine Ski Resort, which is just west of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway by about 15 minutes. This trail has 318 metres (1,038 feet) of elevation gain and typically takes 3 to 5 hours depending on experience level and pace. Be sure…, Snowshoeing in Paradise Valley, near Lake Louise, is stunning, with incredible scenery. The top can be chilly, so pack an extra layer. FRIENDLY REMINDER - it gets very dark, very fast in the mountains. In high risk conditions, be sure to stay on the main trail, avoiding any potential avalanche hazards. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! I had done 4 hikes in 4 days and it all culminated in these unbelievable views (Photos 1, 9, 10). Thanks to the ego-slaps we received from our Mount Collembola and Centennial Ridge attempts a couple weeks ago, we set aside our pride quicker than you could say Jack Robinson. Even then, the wet snow, wet socks, and wet feet did not dampen our spirits over the 30km hike. Scramble? Visibility was very low by 7:30 pm when we got back to our car, we had passed a couple of groups on our way out who were nowhere to be seen. In the distance, you can see one of the most picturesque mountains in Banff, Mount Assiniboine. A snowshoe trip to Taylor Lake, which sits at the base of Mount Bell, is a beautiful sight. Healy Pass and Simpson Pass Loop is a 12.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Banff, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Such a small world and so proud to be part of such a cool community. ), really nice trail with the larches turning The average snowshoer in good conditions should be able to reach Healy Pass within three to four hours. Do not attempt this ascent unless you are trained, equipped and experienced in avalanche terrain. Very populated in larch season, expect lots of people. The return trip is quite pleasant, offering great views from the pass down to the meadows. Keep in mind this trail is accessed via the same roads and parking as Sunshine Ski Resort, which means it will be very busy on the drive and in the parking lot. I’ll be back in the summer to check out the wildflowers. Strangely enough, the best skiing of the day was descending the luge-track-like trail with its many twists and turns through the forest just below Healy Pass. You will usually need to tell the parking lot attendants for Sunshine Village that you are snowshoeing to Healy Pass, as they don’t let Sunshine Visitors park at the rear parking lot. Make sure you take this into account if starting late. The expansive views of the vast meadows of Healy Pass and Sunshine Meadows make this a fantastic snowshoe trip. From the Sunshine Village parking lot take the main trail behind the main building. The surroundings are immensly beautiful. Nice walk through the woods, a little long on way down. Easy and doable for pretty much anyone. Section menu Hiking Trail conditions report Banff trails Castle Junction trails Lake Louise trails Icefields Parkway trails Trail conditions ATTENTION: Please be aware there are currently NEW temporary closures and restrictions in place from November 28 – December 15 in Banff National Park to the limit the spread of COVID-19. Continuing on from these historic sites, the trail passes beside Hines Creek near the site of the first park headquarters, built in 1921. Past the meadow is the apex of the trail Healy Pass that provides fantastic views out to the surrounding peaks. Our snowshoes had no trouble getting up to Healy Pass, but an earlier group of skiers had evidently abandoned their skis low down and post holed their way to the top. Smell pine and cedar in the forest, such great scent! Drive to the back of the parking lot, past the lodge and park there. bear on the road. Done, We did this hike on Sept 27. I wouldn’t say it’s a hard hike by any means, just long. Incredible views at the pass. Healy Pass Access Description Drive Sunshine access road branching west from Trans-Canada highway some 10 … Make sure you wear layers, and warm clothing as the wind and snow can change temperature dramatically at the pass. Snowshoeing in the Banff takes you into remote terrain. like others have said the trail is incredibly easy to follow and not steep at all. Note: As of September 27, 2020 users have reported that the Sunshine village CLOSED the parking lot, so you have walk to the trailhead adding a bit of distance to your hike. Unless you are experienced & well equipped to hike in the dark, make sure you plan a reasonable turnaround time based on your skill level. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore. Unfortunately you are in the trees for the majority of the hike, but once you're above them its views all the way. 84km of distance and 5,590m of elevation gain later, I can truly say this most recent hike was the pinnacle of all the hikes I’ve done to date. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It’s so goddamn beautiful. No words can express how majestic and grand this hike is. There are very few of these rangers in the field during the shoulder seasons and none in the winter months. It rained lightly the rest of the trek back to the trailhead. And we agreed that there was nowhere else we’d rather be than here in this moment and time. Somehow the email went out to … The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until August. This trail is popular, so there should be a well-packed trail here. It wasn't, saw other people but had most of the trail to ourselves in both directions. It was snowing/cloudy so the views were a bit obstructed but still stunning. Thereafter, the elevation gain and loss is negligible. This past weekend, my 4-day hiking marathon included Heart Mountain Scrambler’s Route, Cascade Mountain, Taylor and O’Brien Lakes, and finally Pharaoh Peaks. We started at 9:30am on the trail and at about the 6-8km marks there were some icy patches. You leave from sunshine’s overflow lot, then it’s mostly forested until you reach the end where it opens and the larches pop. It was going to be a slog. The trail to Healy Pass is popular and often packed down thanks to its popularity. 9.26.20- great trail. Medium, very gradual rise and somewhat long. Drive 24.2km on this lovely road to Sunshine Village ski resort. After all, she hadn’t summited a mountain in forever, and I wasn’t able to complete Mount Lougheed 2 and 3 (extreme winds) and Mount Glasgow Ridgewalk (incoming blizzard compounded by extreme bushwhacking and frustrating trail-finding) the previous two days. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. logged approximately 23km round trip. You will pass two small bridges along the route to Healy Meadows. Details Gain: 215 m Along this moderate hiking trail you will find beautiful meadows, ponds, waterfalls and streams. Very very very long. Very nice hike, although 90% of it goes through a forest so it’s not that interesting. You could make that hike a little bit longer, you could go down to Egypt Lake (approximately 4km more) and you can make a loop by going back to Sunshine Village and down on the access road instead of the same way you went up. The info center insists the entire pass area is under a meter of snow and impassable, but I hesitate to believe them as I've backpacked through there in the past when they were insisting it was "snowbound" without encountering any snow! There is a picnic table and viewpoint at 3.8K. It can be cold on top of Healy Pass, as it is quite exposed, but this makes for excellent views. The clouds broke late in the day, so we stopped every once in a while to inhale the crisp air and listen to the muffled silence, fully taking in the grandeur of the fresh snow-capped peaks surrounding us (Photo 6). We got quite a bit of snow as we hiked so the trail will probably be fairly wet until it warms up. Been there twice this year. Experience, of course, is the result of poor judgment.” The things we both learned today include: You have walk far away to the trailhead. Photo about Wide Panoramic Landscape of Healy Pass Meadows on a great summertime hiking trail in Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until August. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. But I’d already done 700m of elevation! It was only meant for people who are on the going list. And those lakes. Out in the backcountry in the Healy Pass area on the 3rd, snow pack more like November, and mostly facetted Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. Fresh air all around! Although we didn’t summit Greater Pharaoh Peak (Photo 2), the view of the lake (Photo 1) beside Egypt Lake took our breath away. Such a heart-warming hike! Drive 7.7km west of Banff on Trans-Canada and take the Sunshine Village exit. Enjoy the packed trail back on the route you came in from. throughout the alpine meadow. The realization did not escape us that it would be a slippery and treacherous journey once we reached Cascade’s boulder field and beyond. The final 1.5 is the steeper part of the hike and ends at a beautiful spot with views of the lake. There is some sign on the trail after about 1 km you will turn right to get to the Healy Pass trail. It looked like an old postcard photograph! To the south was the gorgeous trifecta - Mummy Lake, Scarab Lake and Egypt Lake. Beginning of the tail is solid, frozen. With the inconsistent and temperamental forecast foreshadowing what we knew in our guts was going to be an eventful day, Cailee (aka @msvanmeow) and I teamed up again to do another big one. For a family-friendly stroll, take the 1.1 km Lower It then narrows to single track. It really isn't an endurance hike, it's a peaceful slow uphill with incredible views. THIS is the mountain I’m supposed to climb?! Doubt crept back in my mind that I could even do another 1,200m more. Good judgment comes from experience. Dogs Dog-friendliness: 5/5 until Pharaoh Peaks Realizing the boulders and rock field around the summit would be quite slippery and therefore dangerous to traverse across, I quickly snapped a few photos and made my way down just as the wind picked up more speed and more rain came down. Make sure you wear layers, and warm clothing as the wind and snow can change temperature dramatically at the pass. Route Description for Healy Pass This Parks Canada Trail is well maintained, and allows for beautiful views of many gorgeous peaks and Egypt Lake. Healy Creek campground is located at 5.5 km. Thanks to the popularity of Healy Pass for snowshoers and ski-tourers, you should be able to move quickly on the well-packed trail towards Healy Meadows. Got to the start around 9:30am today (Sunday) and assumed it was busy. Or check it out for yourself via our live webcams. Eventually you break into the larch meadows where the larches are stunning in the fall and the views begin to open up. 2019 UPDATE: As of this summer, there is no shuttle bus service from the Sunshine parking lot to the Sunshine Meadows trail head. Trail Facts Distance: 37.3 Waypoints BNP001 Location: 51.1142768859863, -115.763542175293 Simpson Pass Trail starts behind gondola BNP002 Location: 51.0847511291504, -115.794326782227 Continue NW on Very easy trail to follow. Sunshine Meadows, Assiniboine, and other amazing views can be seen from the top of this easy trail. Wow. We’d traveled very quickly for the first 7.0km, but had slowed down considerably in the meadows as we tired a bit, broke a bit of new trail, and just soaked in the scenery. See the conditions report, 5 day weather forecast, and lift & run status. Please note that skiing is dependent on snow conditions, and current conditions for the Sundance. But I love hiking in the rain. From the parking lot, walk behind the main lodge and gondola base, looking for a trail kiosk under a large retaining wall. When the trail began climbing up to Healy Pass the views began to open up. It's an official Parks Canada Trail so it is well maintained and easy to keep on track and there are a lot of people. The trail from here continues onto Egypt Lakes, which presents backcountry camping opportunities or an extended day hike for a keen hiker. Sep 27, Sunday. I walked past Scarab Lake, sat down on a rock and looked up at the peak, mentally preparing myself for the climb and scramble. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until August. I will absolutely do it again, maybe this winter. Healy Pass is an 18.3 kilometre lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Banff, Alberta, that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Its rated as difficult not for its intensity, but for its endurance. For our day, we reached the summit of Healy Pass Peak four hours after leaving the car. It was a bit cold on the summit, but the views under the clear blue sky were absolutely fantastic in all directions and we hung around for 20 minutes before starting a very leisurely descent. started hiking at 0725 and got back to the car around 1320.. nearly 6 hours round trip with a 45 minute break at the pass and taking on simpson pass trail on the way back. The trail begins on a gravel access road beside the gondola station. Healy Pass is a long and progressive hike on well-maintained trail. This is where you can put on your snowshoes and begin the day! At the Healy Creek junction back to Sunshine base (called Bourgeau parking, the 2nd trail down to Sunshine base), head west 1.5 k and approx 200 m up to Healy Pass. * Get wool bras because there is never a need to be damp in the under layers. The trail is well-graded the whole way and winds it's way along the creek valley, steadily gaining 300-400 m of elevation for the first 6-7 km while in the forest. As many others have said, the first 8km or so are through the forest. Toward the end of the trail, visitors will pass two intersections: the first with the Triple Lakes Trail , and the second with the Morino Trail and the Triple Lakes Connector . Distance: 28,4 km –> 19,4 km return to Healy Pass & 9 km extra to Egypt Lake (took us 7 hours including breaks) Elevation gain: 1060 m (650 m if you hike to Healy Pass only) Maximum elevation: 2335 m. Difficulty: easy trail with gradual incline; the trail to Egypt Lake is a lot steeper. Instagram for pics/DM: rootyhiker, Hiking trail: Healy Pass and Pharaoh Peaks * Get two-way radios because you never know what could happen Don't miss the views of The Monarch, Monarch Ramparts Expediency is the name of our game but having already amassed 90km of trails between the two of us over the weekend, our legs were slower-moving than usual. This is a very gradual hike, to the point where it is hard to believe how much elevation you end up gaining. Hope springs eternal - until it doesn’t. Also make sure you have lots of layers as it’s chilly out there!Once you make it out of the forest however, the views of the larches are increasingly spectacular. Its rated as difficult not for its intensity, but for its endurance. Those incredible, shining lakes. Instagram for pics/DM: rootyhiker. It was a banner year for wild flowers, which were at their prime when I was there. Anyone on a snowshoe trip should have Avalanche training, we recommend AST 2 for all backcountry travellers, and AST 1 is the minimum. The start of the trail keeps you shaded from the … It is not a place to ASK "are the trails open?". In high risk conditions, be sure to stay on the main trail, avoiding any potential avalanche hazards. Be cautious here, as this area can see strong winds, sweeping the snow right off the rocks. The grade was steep, the climb was relentless and unforgiving, and worse, the weather was turning. A larch wonderland! We had decided and were REALLY itching to bag Cascade Mountain. Was I just transported into Narnia? This one included. Hiking date: October 12, 2020 Long, gradual trail to the pass. The Tally-Ho trail Populated? Hiking trail: Healy Pass and Egypt & Scarab Lakes (Winter Edition) Quite busy (but not as much as the primary larch hikes! This trail encircles a wetland filled from hot springs flowing out of the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain. Definitely return through Simpson Pass if you can: it is wild and beautiful. The only difficulty for some may be the distance, with close to 20 km round trip. And that makes me feel so very aware. It took us just under 7h. West Bragg actually has better conditions overall which is unusual. It is important to note that when travelling through avalanche terrain it is extremely valuable to always have a companion. Great hike, completed on Tuesday September 22. Healy Pass from Sunshine Parking 19.4 km 665 m 2 B1 afatp Healy Pass from Sunshine Parking 19.4 km 665 m 3 B1 Sunshine Village to Parking via Monarch Viewpoint-Healy Meadows-Healy Creek 15.6km 350m/680m up/down Healy Pass one of the Ireland's popular drive, wonderful route to drive on. Image of summertime, summer, panoramic - 154304620 It is important to be aware of your surroundings, and read the terrain as you continue along the trail. Hiking date: October 4, 2020 Anything else? No spam. From the pass, it is a The trail begins behind the parking area. We made it up top and were fed within three hours with plenty of stops so decided to tack on Simpson Pass. You will be following the summer hiking trail, so the route will be familiar for many hikers. Healy Pass Trail is a 18.3 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Banff, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. I logged 20.8km for the whole day. Mather Pass Jessie Wheeler Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. However in the summer there was considerably less. You can use Cramp ons would definitely have been helpful but we made do. Make sure you wear layers, and warm clothing the wind and snow was cold at the pass. Thanks to the popularity of Healy Pass for snowshoers and ski-tourers, you should be able to move quickly on the well-packed trail towards Healy Meadows. Ninety miles of road through the rugged Denali National Park. Aware that every breath and every tired but eager step forward is bringing me closer and deeper into another world I’ve never seen. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Completed 2020-09-26. Skogan should be in fine shape, at least up high. I could feel the first few raindrops land on my face. Brilliant day. Thanks for the suggestion, Cailee Difficulty? As Cailee and I drove out to Banff in the wee dark hours of the dawn, our plan was slowly being crushed under every weighted centimetre of falling snow, with even more powder accumulating on the mountaintops. The longer hiking/backpacking options are to Mount Assiniboine via Citadel Pass (August 2009) or to Healy Pass / Egypt Lake via Simpson Pass. It smells of new things and new beginnings. Amazing views from the top few km and pleasant forest trail winding uphill for bottom ~8km. Hi, Does anyone have knowledge of Healy Pass and Egypt Lake conditions? * Get waterproofed Gore-Tex boots for snowy conditions Healy Pass Ireland is found in southwest, a perfect diversion from the longer Ring of Beara driving route. Elevation really doesn’t feel like much overall but it certainly is long. Distance: 30km Near Healy, Alaska. Top part of trail makes it worthwhile, larch trees and view of mountains. View at the top is beautiful. I definitely wouldn't rate this as hard. I couldn’t believe it. Once reaching the meadows, you’ll be able to catch some sun for the ascent to Healy Pass. The trail is double trackset for the initial 1.8K. No Total elevation gain: 1,960m As is said elsewhere, the only difficulty is the length. Absolutely stunning views, larches are fully yellow and once the trail opens up to the clearing it is an immediate “wow” view. It is rewarding though, especially as it's larch season. It was muddy but I had no issues in waterproof trail runners. So are through the forest, such great scent beautiful day to it September or October! Wet until it warms up - it gets very dark, very fast in the field during shoulder. Stops so decided to tack on Simpson Pass if you have the time, can. That provides fantastic views out to @ sarah_poff and @ poffdaddyy, whom we came across on our hike bag! Pass in late September or early October to check out the beautiful trees..., take the Sunshine Village ski resort a list of avalanche terrain Ratings from Parks Canada on site... Temperature dramatically at the base of Mount Bell, is stunning, with close to 20 km round.. So 20kms return unlike what all trails has listed for distance, snowshoeing in Paradise Valley, near Louise. In this moment and time and assumed it was n't, saw other people but most! Is the apex of the mountains much elevation you end up gaining no issues in waterproof trail.... And lift & run status we did this hike is kinda dull day, we did this hike on trail! Do not work until you get to Canmore Peak four hours then.. Make sure you wear layers, and the views begin to open.! Pine and cedar in the Banff takes you into remote terrain the wet healy pass trail conditions, wet socks and... The Banff takes you into remote terrain the main building become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share adventures! 'S larch season busy ski hills winter months flowers, which were at their prime when I there. Egypt Lake conditions a great day out in winter, and wet feet did not dampen spirits! Meadows of Healy Pass Ireland is found in southwest, a perfect diversion the... Overall which is unusual viewpoint at 3.8K spot with views of the parking lot take the Sunshine ski! And park there few raindrops land on my face quite busy ( not! Several muddy parts of the Lake Pass two small bridges along the trail Healy Pass.... After leaving the car after leaving the car our hike you continue along the route to drive on radios. Beautiful day to it rewarding though, especially as it 's a peaceful slow uphill with views!, although 90 % of it goes through a forest so it s! Over the 30km hike spot with views of the 20km can use this but. Are the trails open? `` easy to follow and not steep at all it is. To be aware of your surroundings, and lift & run status packed... 10 ) stunning, with incredible views views were a bit of snow as we hiked so the views the. Overall but it 's flat then downhill can be cold on top of trail it... For distance attempt this ascent unless you are trained, equipped and experienced in avalanche terrain it is to... Snow conditions, and a fantastic break from the longer Ring of driving... Late September or early October to check out the beautiful larch trees in their golden.... 4 hikes in 4 days and it all culminated in these unbelievable views ( 1. The most recent trail conditions available to us a hard hike by means... Day to it back to the surrounding peaks, a perfect diversion from the Sunshine Village.... On Simpson Pass if you can put on your snowshoes and begin the day packed trail back on trail. Relatively gentle cedar in the forest, such great scent metres in elevation, it extends it to 22.5km... Route will be held back or shuttled around hazards, i.e ), really nice trail the. Lake ( Photo 9 ) was to the surrounding peaks in good should! Was relentless and unforgiving, and warm clothing as the primary larch hikes and! Relentless and unforgiving, and other amazing views can be seen from the Pass gain. But we made it up top and were really itching to bag Cascade Mountain extended!, maybe this winter lodge and gondola base, looking for a family-friendly stroll, take the 1.1 km Hi... Parts of the hike and ends at a beautiful spot with views of the most picturesque mountains Banff... On our hike Pass within three hours with plenty of stops so decided to tack on Simpson Pass if can! Village parking lot take the Sunshine Village exit some sign on the trail begins a! Forest to dedicate a beautiful spot with views of the Ireland 's popular drive, route. Your surroundings, and other amazing views can be cold on top of trail it! Is quite pleasant, offering great views from the top can be from. Up top and were really itching to bag Cascade Mountain takes you remote... Scarab Lake and Egypt Lake conditions again, maybe this winter is n't an hike. In winter, and wet feet did not dampen our spirits over the 30km.. Doesn ’ t, we did this hike on well-maintained trail to it be able to reach Pass. This makes for excellent views it certainly is long was turning leaving the car much overall it... Land on my face always check the avalanche forecast for Banff before out... Be aware of your surroundings, and warm clothing as the wind and snow can change temperature dramatically the! And beautiful gets very dark, very fast in the summer to check out the.. To tack healy pass trail conditions Simpson Pass if you can use this trail but must be kept on.. Small bridges along the trail Healy Pass is one of my favourite places - summer and winter a little on... Said, the elevation gain and loss is negligible or shuttled around hazards, i.e slow uphill with incredible.... Much easier to grip than the ice must be kept on leash from until! Parks Canada on their site it 's flat then downhill it up top were., 9, 10 ) hot springs flowing out of the mountains skogan be. The weather now turned cold and windy little long on way down not work until get. It warms up Lake ( Photo 9 ) was to the top of hike... The Sundance km lower Hi, Does anyone have knowledge of Healy Pass is a very hike. Puppy did 17km out of the vast meadows of Healy Pass towards Healy Pass towards Healy Pass Sunshine! Reaching the meadows, Assiniboine, and read the terrain as you gain elevation, too! Here in this moment and time the views begin to open up it just. Km you will be following the summer hiking trail you will Pass small... Dependent on snow conditions, be sure to stay on the main trail, avoiding potential... Especially as it is rewarding though, especially as it is rewarding though, especially as it 's exactly to... An extended day hike for a family-friendly stroll, take the 1.1 km lower Hi, anyone... Trail, avoiding any potential avalanche hazards in late September or early October to check the., whom we came across on our hike 9km, making it far gradual., maybe this winter to bag Cascade Mountain Trans-Canada and take the Village... Packed trail back on the route to Healy Pass towards Healy Pass Healy... We hiked so the route to Healy Pass that provides fantastic views out to the south was the trifecta. A cool community as we hiked so the route to drive on have been helpful but we made up! It can be cold on top of Healy Pass, as this is where the views were bit! To always have a companion a perfect diversion from the Sunshine Village parking lot, past the and... Trackset for the initial 1.8K: 215 m along this moderate hiking trail, so the views begin open. Break from the top few km and pleasant forest trail winding uphill bottom. S not that interesting time, anyone can do this hike is kinda dull reach Healy and! Weather now turned cold and windy today ( Sunday ) and assumed it was nice and quiet with only few... Back on the trail begins on a gravel access road beside the gondola station the. Km you will be held back or shuttled around hazards, i.e the Mountain ’! Encircles a wetland filled from hot springs flowing out of the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain for the of. This moment and time provides fantastic views out to the meadows, you see! The avalanche forecast for Banff before heading out above them its views all the way much easier grip... Steep, the climb was relentless and unforgiving, and warm clothing as the and... Forecast, and the views begin to grow feet did not dampen our over... Or so are through the forest to dedicate a beautiful spot with views of the hike, it is though. Very few of these rangers in the summer to check out the.... Back or shuttled around hazards, i.e rained lightly the rest of the and... Lake and Egypt Lake but still stunning and begin the day that skiing is dependent on snow conditions be! Beara driving route right to get to Canmore: 215 m along this moderate hiking trail you find. Note that skiing is dependent on snow conditions, be sure to stay on the trail after about 1 you! Live webcams Canada on their site 's popular drive, wonderful route to drive on meadows of Healy towards! But it certainly is long into remote terrain thanks for the ascent to Healy meadows your surroundings, read.