{"id":64053,"date":"2025-06-21T08:10:36","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T14:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=64053"},"modified":"2025-07-14T12:26:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T18:26:30","slug":"egypt-lakes-banff-national-park-alberta-canada-9-15-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=64053","title":{"rendered":"Egypt Lakes, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (9-15-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 55 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

10:35 AM, 46\u00baF<\/em> – Gah!\u00a0 Overslept, and rather badly, too.\u00a0 Not good, not good at all!\u00a0 Too much precious daylight on what was destined to be a very long day had already slipped by.\u00a0 At least 100 vehicles were already present when Lupe arrived at Sunshine Village<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0No worries on that score, though.\u00a0 SPHP still had thousands of vacant parking spaces to choose from in the unbelievably gigantic parking lot.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Sunshine Village<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fancy place, but doesn’t seem to be much going on here, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sunshine Village is a ski resort, Loopster, so it’s closed this time of year.\u00a0 We’re only at the base of the complex.\u00a0 From what I understand, the main facilities are somewhere way up the valley.\u00a0 Let’s have a look around.\u00a0 We need to find the trail to Healy Pass.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not too surprisingly, the gondola to the upper village, which would have been a big time saver, was closed.\u00a0 None of the tourists milling aimlessly around seemed to know anything about getting to Healy Pass until SPHP talked to a lady with a knapsack.<\/p>\n

Go past the hotel to where the school buses are parked.\u00a0 The trail starts on the L back there.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was just as she said.\u00a0 Trotting past the mostly glass hotel, Lupe quickly found the trailhead.\u00a0 A short single track trail led almost immediately to the gravel access road to the main Sunshine Village ski resort.\u00a0 Less than 10 minutes on this road brought the American Dingo to the spot where the Healy Pass trail split off toward the R.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the access road<\/strong> to the upper village<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sunshine Village access road<\/strong> (L), Healy Pass trail<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon leaving the access road, the Healy Pass trail dipped deeper into the forest before leveling out and beginning to wind very gradually up the Healy Creek valley as a wide, well-beaten path.\u00a0 Within 5 minutes, Lupe crossed a wooden bridge complete with pawrail over a dry gully.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the bridge<\/strong> over the bone dry gully<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For more than half an hour, Lupe continued on through the shady forest before coming to Healy Creek.\u00a0 After helping herself to a drink, an even more substantial bridge got the Carolina Dog over to the N side of this currently shallow stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the broad, well-traveled Healy Pass trail<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Healy Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the bridge over Healy Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From here, the Healy Pass trail trended WSW up the valley, climbing at an easy to moderate pace.\u00a0 In a dense forest, there was nothing to see for a long way, except a glimpse of the surrounding mountains from a single isolated clearing.\u00a0 Beyond this clearing, the trail resumed its shady route through the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the clearing<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back in the forest<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly an hour after crossing the Healy Creek bridge, Lupe reached a much smaller clearing at the Healy Creek campground.\u00a0 No one seemed to be around.\u00a0 Continuing on, less than 15 minutes later, she came to a junction with a trail branching off to the S.\u00a0 This trail featured a bridge over another dry wash.\u00a0 A sign said it went to Simpson Pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The small clearing<\/strong> at the Healy Campground<\/strong> entrance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
First side trail to Simpson Pass<\/strong> (L), Healy Pass trail<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ignoring the Simpson Pass option, nearly another 40 minutes on the Healy Pass trail went by before Lupe reached the first relatively large clearing.\u00a0 A high ridge was visible ahead.<\/p>\n

Looks like we’re finally starting to get somewhere, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

We are, Looper.\u00a0 That ridge must be Monarch Ramparts!\u00a0 It’s actually a bit higher than Healy Pass, which shouldn’t be too far to the R (N) of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s encouraging, SPHP.\u00a0 Seems like we’ve come a long way already!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Monarch Ramparts<\/strong> (L & Center) from the first big clearing. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Healy Pass trail crossed the big clearing, then reentered the forest again, but only briefly.\u00a0 Lupe quickly came to another clearing where a plank bridge crossed a small tributary of Healy Creek.\u00a0 From this bridge, an impressive mountain was in sight S of Monarch Ramparts.<\/p>\n

That’s got to be The Monarch<\/span><\/a> (9,498 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> itself, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing a tributary of Healy Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Monarch<\/strong> (L), Monarch Ramparts<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing this next clearing beyond the bridge, the American Dingo came to another trail junction almost as soon as she reached the forest again.\u00a0 A sign here said Simpson Pass was now 2.6 km S (L).<\/p>\n

Forget Simpson Pass, SPHP!\u00a0 We aren’t going there.\u00a0 How much farther to Healy Pass?<\/em><\/p>\n

Only 1.5 km to the R, Looper.\u00a0 Egypt Lake is 4.8 km.<\/em><\/p>\n

Egypt Lake!\u00a0 That’s our actual destination, right, SPHP?\u00a0 4.8 km isn’t all that far!<\/em><\/p>\n

Egypt Lake is only one of several lakes with Egyptian names beyond Healy Pass, Loop.\u00a0 We won’t have time enough to see them all, especially since I stupidly slept in so late, but hopefully we can visit at least 2 or 3 of them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Turning R at this junction, the Healy Pass trail headed N.\u00a0 The forest was rapidly starting to thin out in this region.\u00a0 In fact, the trees themselves were different here.\u00a0 No longer dark green, some other, smaller species of evergreen with a yellowish tinge to its needles dominated.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Amid the everyellows<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail crossed the same small tributary of Healy Creek a couple more times before breaking out of the forest altogether.\u00a0 Healy Pass was now in sight off to the W, as the trail began a long sweeping curve around the N side of a giant bowl where a lake was visible below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the same tributary of Healy Creek<\/strong> again. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Healy Pass<\/strong> (Center). The trail doesn’t cross it at the low point, but a little farther N (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The lake<\/strong> (Center) down in the bowl<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching Healy Pass, the views were tremendous back to the SE.\u00a0 The trail had been excellent, but it had been a long uphill march.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP were both looking forward to a nice break at the pass.<\/p>\n

And just think, SPHP!\u00a0 The fabled land of Egypt lies beyond it!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Healy Pass<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back. The Monarch<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Healy Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:36 PM, Healy Pass<\/em> – Several small groups of people were lazing about when the Carolina Dog arrived.\u00a0 Conditions were near perfect – no wind, and comfortably warm with scarcely a cloud in the sky.\u00a0 Going slightly over the broad pass, Lupe sought out the shade of a couple of big pines before lying down to rest.<\/p>\n

A splendid view of the ancient land of Egypt was now before her.<\/p>\n

Seriously?\u00a0 That’s Egypt, SPHP?\u00a0 Gorgeous, but not at all what I expected.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 You were anticipating a little more sand, perhaps, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

A lot more, SPHP!\u00a0 Where are the windswept dunes of the vast Sahara desert?\u00a0 Where are the pyramids and the Sphinx?\u00a0 This doesn’t look like Egypt at all!\u00a0 It’s magnificent, but indistinguishable from the rest of the Canadian Rockies!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, this must be Egypt, Looper.\u00a0 I can see 2 of the Egypt lakes from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s another thing, SPHP.\u00a0 I’ve never heard of lakes in Egypt before.\u00a0 When it comes to water, all that ever gets mentioned is the mighty Nile River and its giant delta on the Mediterranean coast.\u00a0 Maybe an isolated oasis, or two.\u00a0 No sign of any of them!<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re still a long way from the Sahara and the Nile River, Loop.\u00a0 This is just the far NW corner of Egypt.\u00a0 It’s not much like the rest of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

While Lupe relaxed in the shade of the pines, SPHP studied the map.\u00a0 It took a while to figure out what was what.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The land of Egypt<\/strong> from Healy Pass<\/strong>. Scarab Peak<\/strong> (L) with Scarab Lake<\/strong> (upper) and Egypt Lake<\/strong> (lower) below it. Haiduk Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) with Isabelle Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) in the distance. Greater<\/strong> Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> (R), with Lesser Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> between it and Mount Ball<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Think I’ve got it, Loopster.\u00a0 The mountains on either side of the lakes are The Sphinx<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> (8,136 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Greater Pharaoh Peak<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> (8,894 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The pointy peak farther off to the R is Lesser Pharaoh Peak<\/span><\/a> (8,793 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Egypt is full of surprises, SPHP!\u00a0 I had no idea that the Sphinx was big enough to be considered a mountain.\u00a0 Apparently, it must be facing some other direction.\u00a0 Just looks like a massive dome of rock from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

The two lakes we see between The Sphinx and Greater Pharaoh Peak are Scarab Lake, nestled at the base of Scarab Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,573 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Egypt Lake, which is below it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Those lakes aren’t that far apart.\u00a0 We ought to be able to visit both, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope so, Looper.\u00a0 Haiduk Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,518 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is peeping up just above Scarab Peak’s R shoulder.\u00a0 Isabelle Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (9,626 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> is in the gap between it and Greater Pharaoh Peak.\u00a0 Mount Ball<\/span><\/a> (10,807 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is in the distance to the R of Lesser Pharaoh Peak.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mount Ball is the one with snow on top?<\/em><\/p>\n

Precisely, you’ve got it, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

3:37 PM, Healy Pass<\/em> – After the long uphill march to get here, it was easy to simply hang out enjoying the view of Egypt on such a beautiful day.\u00a0 Others apparently felt the same way.\u00a0 People came and went, but none seemed to be in any great hurry.\u00a0 Some even snoozed on the grass in the afternoon sun, rarely stirring.<\/p>\n

That’s sort of how I feel, too, Looper.\u00a0 We’ve been here an hour, though, so if we’re ever going to visit Egypt Lakes, we better get going.<\/em><\/p>\n

Been bit by a tsetse fly, SPHP?\u00a0 How much sleep do you need, anyway, after snoozing in so late?<\/em><\/p>\n

At least the American Dingo was ready for action!\u00a0 Returning to the trail, Lupe began following it into the deep valley beyond Healy Pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave Healy Pass<\/strong>. The Sphinx<\/strong> (Center) in the foreground, Scarab Peak<\/strong> (R) with Scarab Lake<\/strong> and Egypt Lake<\/strong> below it. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was 1,000 feet down to the valley floor, an easy and scenic descent.\u00a0 The only bad thing about it was the thought of having to come back up later on during the return.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down. Greater Pharoah Peak<\/strong> (far L), Lesser Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> (L), Mount Ball<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Sphinx<\/strong> (Center), Scarab Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A junction appeared immediately upon reaching the floor of the valley.\u00a0 Exploring the path that headed N, it went only a short distance to an old, boarded up cabin.\u00a0 Doubling back, the trail going S soon led to a bridge over Pharaoh Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the old cabin<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
First trail junction<\/strong> in the Pharaoh Creek valley<\/strong>. Healy Pass<\/strong> (L), to Egypt Lake and Whistling Valley<\/strong> (Center), cabin<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pharaoh Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Sphinx<\/strong> (L of Center) from Pharaoh Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Greater Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the bridge, the trail turned SW.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog quickly came to another trail junction.<\/p>\n

Which way to Egypt Lakes from here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Both, Looper.\u00a0 Pharaoh Lake and Black Rock Lake are to the R (N), but are kind of small, and unfortunately we don’t have time to see them all.\u00a0 Go L (SW) here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Passing by the Egypt campground almost right after leaving this second junction, although a few tents were set up, no one seemed to be around.\u00a0 Continuing SW, the trail began a gradual climb.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Egypt campground<\/strong> and The Sphinx<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Less than 10 minutes from the campground, a third trail junction of the Pharaoh Creek valley appeared.\u00a0 SPHP checked the signage.<\/p>\n

Alright!\u00a0 This path on the L is the spur to Egypt Lake, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Egypt Lake can’t be much farther, can it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Doesn’t say, but I think we’re really close already, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of the spur trail<\/strong> (Center) to Egypt Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage<\/strong> at the start of the Egypt Lake spur trail<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The spur trail wound SW through a dense forest, passing a couple of sloughs along the way.\u00a0 Less than 10 minutes, and Lupe was there.<\/p>\n

5:04 PM<\/em> – A blue-green jewel at the base of The Sphinx<\/span><\/a> (8,136 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Egypt Lake was absolutely stunning!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Egypt Lake<\/strong> and The Sphinx<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the late afternoon sun, ripples sparkled and danced.\u00a0 Going down to the N shore, Lupe posed on a big boulder.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Egypt Lake<\/strong>. The Sphinx<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Sphinx<\/strong> and The Dingo<\/strong> from Egypt Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sparkling<\/strong>! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dense forest or steep, rocky slopes lined virtually the entire shoreline, leaving only a small area where the spur reached it easily accessible.\u00a0 Lupe explored what little she could of the N shore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the N shore<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In my wildest dreams, I never would have thought Egypt looked like this, SPHP!\u00a0 Egypt Lake is the exact opposite of what I expected.<\/em><\/p>\n

No argument there, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 Egypt Lake is incredible!\u00a0 Really kicking myself for oversleeping now.\u00a0 We could have spent a lot more time here.\u00a0 You should have bit me to wake me up.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really, SPHP?\u00a0 You wouldn’t mind, if I bite you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Let me rephrase that.\u00a0 I meant nip, Loop.\u00a0 In fact, I take it all back.\u00a0 Don’t even do that.\u00a0 Bark instead, but just loud enough to wake me.\u00a0 Don’t scare the living daylights out of me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bite, nip, bark.\u00a0 Sadly, none of them had happened.\u00a0 The sun was sinking, and with more lakes on the agenda, the American Dingo could only stay a short while at the hidden Paradise of Egypt Lake before hurrying on.<\/p>\n

Returning to the main trail, it went NW for a little way to a clearing with a boardwalk that curved back to the SW as it went over a marshy area a shallow stream flowed through.\u00a0 A sign nailed to a spruce tree here gave distances to the last two lakes Lupe might be able get to before dark.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the boardwalk<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The old sign<\/strong> visible from the boardwalk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once beyond the boardwalk, the terrain began steepening.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was gaining serious elevation as the trail switchbacked up a wall of rock on the S shoulder of Greater Pharaoh Peak.\u00a0 This climb went on longer than SPHP expected.\u00a0 By the time the trail began to level out again, the Carolina Dog had regained 650 feet of elevation, and the massive, near vertical E face of Scarab Peak was visible ahead through the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the S shoulder<\/strong> of Greater Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A more typical view along the switchbacks. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Greater Pharaoh Peak’s S shoulder<\/strong>. Scarab Peak<\/strong> ahead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was already over Greater Pharaoh Peak’s S shoulder, and started down the other side, when she came to the last trail junction.\u00a0 Going R here would have taken her over Whistling Pass, and on to both Haiduk Lake and Shadow Lake.<\/p>\n

We’re close to Scarab Lake now, Loopster!\u00a0 We need to go L here.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction of the trails<\/strong> to Scarab and Mummy Lakes<\/strong> (L) and Whistling Pass<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Junction signage<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:25 PM<\/em> – The sun was low, still illuminating only the mountaintops as Lupe hurried SSW down the path to Scarab Lake.\u00a0 Nestled at the base of Scarab Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,573 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the lake was gray and calm when the American Dingo arrived.\u00a0 It had already been in shadow for a long time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Evening on the way to Scarab Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving the trail, Lupe leapt up onto a big rock along the NE shore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Sphinx<\/strong> (L) and an unnamed peak<\/strong> (R) from Scarab Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Scarab Lake is very beautiful, too, SPHP!\u00a0 Too bad we didn’t get here when the sun still shining on it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, that’s my fault, Looper, for not getting us off to a much earlier start.\u00a0 Scarab Lake’s beauty must rival Egypt Lake in the morning.<\/em><\/p>\n

In a more open setting than Egypt Lake had been, Scarab Lake was a bit larger and didn’t feel quite as secluded.\u00a0 Sniffing S on flat terrain along the E shore, Lupe enjoyed a grand view of the entire lake, The Sphinx, and Scarab Peak, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the E shore<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Scarab Peak<\/strong> from Scarab Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the trail as she reached a more heavily forested area again, Lupe soon crossed Scarab Lake’s outlet stream.\u00a0 Exploring this stream E a short distance led to a waterfall plunging into another forested region.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scarab Peak<\/strong> (L) and Scarab Lake<\/strong> from near the trail. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the outlet stream<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Just above the waterfall<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peering over the edge. Photo looks down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The waterfall was impressive, but with light steadily receding, if Lupe wanted to visit another one of the Egypt Lakes, she had to keep going.\u00a0 Returning to the trail, it quickly began climbing S deeper into the forest.\u00a0 Looking back from a clearing, Greater Pharaoh Peak<\/span><\/a> (8,894 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> soared skyward at a steep slant, its upper reaches still illuminated by the sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Middle Pharaoh<\/strong> (L of Center) and Greater Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just a little farther on, this view was even more spectacular from a big rock at a minor pass where the trail leveled out.\u00a0 Lupe could also see Scarab Lake, a deep blue from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scarab Lake<\/strong> (L & Center), Middle Pharaoh<\/strong> (R of Center) and Greater Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> (far R) from the pass. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking S from this pass, the last glimmer of alpenglow still clung to the very tip of the unnamed peak Lupe had seen before.\u00a0 Situated SW of The Sphinx, the region around it was very rocky.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Sphinx<\/strong> (L edge), unnamed peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sort of looks like the entrance to the Land of the Dead over there, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

It is, Loop, and that’s where we’re going next!\u00a0 <\/em>Keep a keen eye and a nose out for mummies.\u00a0 Warn me if you sniff anything that has been dead for a really long time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to the trail, Lupe began losing elevation as she continued S through the forest, which soon ended.\u00a0 Surrounded by slopes of broken rock leading up to the cliffs of the surrounding mountains, a shallow green valley was ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The shallow valley<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following the trail down into the green valley, it then began a slow climb straight toward a huge jumble of broken rock right below the unnamed peak.\u00a0 SPHP lost it among the boulders.<\/p>\n

C’mon, Miss Keen Nose!\u00a0 Find the trail!\u00a0 Where does it go?<\/em><\/p>\n

To the Land of the Dead, just like you said, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m on mummy watch duty.\u00a0 You’ll have to find the way yourself<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Eager to avoid this scramble among the boulders, SPHP climbed clear to the upper end of a steep slope to the W.\u00a0 Here, a strip of open ground along the base of a wall of rock made faster progress S possible.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the base of the wall. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the pass between the rock wall<\/strong> (R) and unnamed peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the S end of the wall, completely avoiding the boulders was no longer possible.\u00a0 However, after a short scramble lower, the trail reappeared.\u00a0 A few more minutes was all it took for the American Dingo to reach the pass leading into the Land of the Dead!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the pass<\/strong> to the Land of the Dead<\/strong>! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So what does it look like?\u00a0 What can you see from up there, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

C’mon up, SPHP.\u00a0 The coast is clear.\u00a0 Not a single mummy in sight!<\/em><\/p>\n

Joining Lupe, the trail continued across a surprisingly wide and smooth pass toward a small ridge of bedrock.\u00a0 Mountains loomed beyond it, but what was between those peaks and the little ridge still wasn’t in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the pass<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going over there, the trail lost elevation as Lupe continued beyond the ridge.\u00a0 Mummy Lake soon appeared ahead, tucked in a valley below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
First glimpse of Mummy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mummy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end<\/strong> of Mummy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A faint path with a single switchback along a steep open slope got the Carolina Dog down to the E shore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By Mummy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:40 PM, 58\u00baF, Mummy Lake<\/em> – A massive jumble of rock jutted out far enough to hide the S end of the lake, but most of it was in view from a flat strip of tundra and low bushes extending N toward a hilly area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The rough shoreline<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No mummies here, either, SPHP.\u00a0 Will they come out after dark?<\/em><\/p>\n

Who knows?\u00a0 Let’s not stick around long enough to find out, Loopster.\u00a0 We can stay a little while, though.\u00a0 I’m ready to take a break.\u00a0 How about you?<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo plunked herself down on the soft tundra.<\/p>\n

It’s been a long march, SPHP.\u00a0 Got any chocolate coconut bars?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll see what I can do, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing by Mummy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although the last rays of sunlight had abandoned even the highest peaks, it was still quite light out.\u00a0 Mummy Lake filled virtually the entire valley.\u00a0 Not a soul was around as Lupe watched ripples lap gently against the shore.\u00a0 At first, most of the lake reflected the sky’s pale blue, but as the light dimmed, a darker mood began spreading over the surface.<\/p>\n

Well, shucks, Looper.\u00a0 If we had gotten an early start like I’d intended, we could have climbed Greater Pharaoh Peak today.<\/em><\/p>\n

That would have been awesome, SPHP, but it’s not everyday that we visit the Land of the Dead!\u00a0 I sure had the wrong expectations of what Egypt would be like.\u00a0 Mummy Lake is cool.\u00a0 The Land of the Dead isn’t scary at all, at least, not until the mummies show up!<\/em><\/p>\n

If SPHP had paid more attention to the map, and Lupe had arrived a bit earlier, her Egypt Lakes adventure might have continued a little farther.\u00a0 The mountain across Mummy Lake was actually all part of Scarab Peak.\u00a0 Beyond the hills toward the N end of the lake, maybe the Carolina Dog would have enjoyed an even more spectacular view of both Scarab Lake and Greater Pharaoh Peak?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end<\/strong> of Mummy Lake<\/strong> from the E shore<\/strong>. Possible view of Scarab Lake<\/strong> from beyond the forest on the R? Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, SPHP didn’t even think of it at the time.\u00a0 At any rate, light was fading fast, and it was a very long way back to Sunshine Village.\u00a0 Simply resting while appreciating the quiet ambience of this secluded valley felt good.\u00a0 Mummy Lake seemed incredibly remote.\u00a0 Just getting this far had been an accomplishment.<\/p>\n

8:20 PM<\/em> – Next to Mummy Lake, Lupe stood staring at SPHP with eyes black as coals.\u00a0 Beyond her, there was no color.\u00a0 The lake was a sullen, opaque gray, the rocks of the surrounding mountains and upon which she stood were gray or white, and the appearance of the lines of trees across the lake was jet black.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Zombie Dingo<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I sense a strange presence, SPHP.\u00a0 It will be dark soon.\u00a0 Maybe we better leave the Land of the Dead?\u00a0 Mummies may be coming!<\/em><\/p>\n

You might be right, Loop.\u00a0 You’re starting to look sort of like a mummy or zombie Dingo yourself.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then let’s get out of here, SPHP, before we turn into mummies, and forever become doomed minions of the Land of the Dead!<\/em><\/p>\n

Seemed reasonable at the time.<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

After climbing out of the Mummy Lake valley, Lupe paused for a quick glance back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Mummy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I think we’re safe now, SPHP, but let’s not take any chances.\u00a0 Who knows how far the Land of the Dead extends?\u00a0 It might include all of the Egypt Lakes!<\/em><\/p>\n

Crossing the pass leading back toward The Sphinx, a final glimpse of the N end of Mummy Lake was the last Lupe would ever see of it.\u00a0 From this perspective, Middle Pharaoh and Greater Pharoah Peak loomed like the twin horns of some monstrous, wicked creature not that far from it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end<\/strong> of Mummy Lake<\/strong> (L), Middle Pharaoh<\/strong> (R), Greater Pharaoh Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching The Sphinx<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enough light lingered in the sky to allow SPHP to a better job of sticking with the trail on the way back down through the jumble of rocks leading to the shallow green valley W of The Sphinx.\u00a0 Not for long, though.\u00a0 Soon silver stars glittered like diamonds in the black universe overhead.<\/p>\n

Hurrying on through the dark forest, all trails were empty.\u00a0 Lupe saw no one else at all.<\/p>\n

12:00 AM, Healy Pass – <\/em>Arriving right at midnight, weary to the bone, SPHP sat down on a patch of tundra.\u00a0 Lupe promptly curled up on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was tired, too.\u00a0 Still miles to go, but the good news was that the 1,000 foot climb out of the Pharaoh Creek valley, the hardest part of the return, was over.<\/p>\n

Downhill virtually all the rest of the way from here, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

That was a happy thought!<\/p>\n

How about some water, SPHP?\u00a0 Do we still have any?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, we do.\u00a0 Good idea.\u00a0 I could use some, too, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

After producing the water, SPHP munched on honey roasted peanuts.\u00a0 The night air was cool with a slight breeze.\u00a0 High in the Canadian Rockies, SPHP stroked Lupe’s soft ears beneath the silent stars.\u00a0 More than half an hour slipped by before the American Dingo continued on.<\/p>\n

9-16-23, 3:02 AM, 54\u00baF<\/em> – After crossing the giant, well-lit, almost entirely vacant parking lot at Sunshine Village, Lupe couldn’t wait to leap into the RAV4 and curl up on her pink blanket.<\/p>\n

Ugh!\u00a0 Now don’t let me oversleep again tonight, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why not, SPHP?\u00a0 Surely, we’ve earned a good night’s rest!\u00a0 Egypt Lakes was a big adventure!<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, but we’re supposed to meet someone at the gazebo with the Canadian flag in Banff at 8:00 AM, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 You’re crazy!\u00a0 That’s only a few hours from now, SPHP.\u00a0 Besides, we don’t know anyone in Banff!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yes we do!\u00a0 Someone you haven’t seen in years, Loop, so we don’t want to miss out.\u00a0 Remember, just bark, no biting when you wake me up!<\/em><\/p>\n

Whether the Dingo alarm clock would work, or not, definitely seemed questionable, but SPHP was too tired to come up with a better plan.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Egypt Lake<\/strong>, Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada 9-15-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track & Statistics<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 55 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 10:35 AM, 46\u00baF – Gah!\u00a0 Overslept, and rather badly, too.\u00a0 Not good, not good at all!\u00a0 Too much precious daylight on what was destined to be a very long day had already slipped by.\u00a0 At least 100 vehicles were already present … Continue reading Egypt Lakes, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (9-15-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64028,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1659],"tags":[1213,105,32,30,31,106,26,1785,1787,104,1788,1789,1786],"class_list":["post-64053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-alberta","tag-american-dingo","tag-banff-national-park","tag-canada","tag-canadian-rockies","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-egypt-lakes","tag-healy-pass","tag-lupe","tag-mummy-lake","tag-scarab-lake","tag-sunshine-village"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_3075-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64053"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64053\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65458,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64053\/revisions\/65458"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/64028"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64053"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64053"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}