Healy Pass Trail in Banff National Park

Author: Dan Brewer

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The Healy Pass hike is one of the most beautiful larch hikes in Banff National Park. The larch forest on the Healy Pass trail is one of the best and largest we’ve ever seen, and you’ll enjoy incredible views of it throughout this rewarding hike.

The best part about the Healy Pass hike? Unlike many of the other top-tier Banff larch hikes, where it’s near impossible to find parking, the Healy Pass trail has a massive parking lot. This advantage virtually assures hikers the ability to see the amazing larch trees.

a dense forest of golden larches on the Healy Pass hike near Sunshine Village

Healy Pass Trail – Quick Details

Trailhead: Healy Pass Trailhead

Distance: 18.3 km out and back

Elevation: 890 m elevation gain

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Healy Pass Hike Highlights

The Healy Pass trail begins by crossing a bridge behind the Sunshine Village gondola building. The hiking trail begins on a gravel dirt road, making it nice for hiking with a group. The open spaces allow enough sunlight in for deciduous trees and shrubs to grow along the side.

a hiker crosses a narrow bridge on the Healy Pass trail near Sunshine Village in Banff National Park

The forest is quite dense, but you’ll enjoy occasional views of a towering rock cliff from Mt. Bourgeau through the trees. In the morning, the cliff face is nicely lit up by the soft morning sun. In the fall, look for bright yellow shrubs growing in the track of an avalanche.

There’s a trail junction for Sunshine Village after hiking 1 km on the Healy Pass trail. There are no mountain bikes allowed on the Healy Pass hike after this point.

Beyond the junction the trail narrows to 2 people wide, which is still nice for walking with friends or family. The trail stays this wide for most of the way to Healy Pass.

yellow shrubs line the Healy Pass Trail in fall

The Healy Pass hike has a few short steep spots through the forest, but for the most part it’s a steady, but very manageable incline. The hiking trail runs through a beautiful forest of fir trees, with yellow shrubs overtop a carpet of moss. It’s a very atmospheric forest with a lot of charm.

You’ll cross a bridge over Healy Creek at the 3.2 km mark of the hike. Take a moment to look at the very interesting layered rock underneath the surface of the water. If you are hiking to Healy Pass in the morning, you might be lucky enough to see sunlight hitting the top of Wawa Ridge on the right.

a man crossed a bridge over Healy Creek while hiking the Healy Pass Trail in Banff

Beyond the bridge, you’ll cross a series of small bridges over little creeks, alternating between forest and open meadows. While hiking through the meadows, you’ll enjoy unimpeded views of the ridges on both sides.

While in the forest, look and listen for Banff wildlife. We were lucky enough to see a grouse crossing the trail and hear a woodpecker pecking a tree not far from the trail.

a woman hikes through a meadow on the Healy Pass Trail in Banff, Canada

At the 5.7 km mark of the Healy Pass hike, you’ll reach the Healy Creek backcountry campground (the ‘E5’ campground). And then 500 m later, you’ll reach a trail junction for Simpson Pass and Sunshine Village Ski Resort. Continue hiking straight ahead for Healy Pass, Egypt Lake and the E13 backcountry campground.

You’ll emerge from the evergreen forest at the 7.5 km mark and you’ll see the first larch trees of the Healy Pass trail. Although the larches are mixed with fir and spruce trees at this point, it marks the beginning of one of the largest stands of larch trees in Banff National Park.

a mixed forest of evergreen trees and larch trees on the Healy Pass hike

Before long, you’ll cross a bridge over Healy Creek (which is just a babbling brook at this stage) and enter an expansive meadow filled with golden larch trees. With the soothing sound of the brook, a meadow filled with larches and The Monarch (2,904 m) mountain standing guard in the background, this could possibly be the most beautiful location in all of Banff National Park.

Healy Creek runs through a stand of larch trees on the Healy Pass trail in Banff, Canada

As you slowly wander through the stand of golden larches, you’ll cross the little mountain stream a few times. As the trail continues to climb and wind around corners, the views of the Banff National Park mountains continues to change.

After hiking 8.5 km on the Healy Pass Trail, we entered a meadow and suddenly could see larch trees everywhere in every direction for miles. I literally stopped in my tracks and said, “Wow!”. I’m a local and have been enjoying Banff larch hikes for years, but I was that blown away by the incredible fall scenery along the Healy Pass hike.

a vista of golden larch trees in front of The Monarch as seen from the Healy Pass Trail in fall

As you near the top of the Healy Pass trail, you can see a few small lakes below Monarch Ramparts (2,393 m), surrounded by golden larch trees. If you look behind you, you’ll see the true extent of the larch forest, stretching all the way to the alpine zone of The Monarch.

The sheer size of the larch forest prompted a debate between us over which Banff hike had the most larch trees – the Healy Pass hike or the Larch Valley hike. It’s a close call, but the extent of the Healy Creek larch forest just may make it the winner.

an extensive forest of golden larches as seen from the Healy Pass hike in Banff

When you reach the point in the Healy Pass hike when the trees are small and stunted from the wind, you’ll know you are near the top of Healy Pass. Less trees mean better views, so hike slowly and soak in the splendor of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park.

You’ll reach the top of the Healy Creek Pass after 9.7 km of hiking. From this vantage point atop the pass, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Banff National Park from all directions. The views behind you of the path you just hiked are breathtaking, but you’ll be enjoying these on your way back to the parking lot.

Be sure to seek out the distinctive summit of Mount Assiniboine in the distance, poking its head above a mountain with a flat top.

A massive forest of golden larch trees rests in front of the Monarch and Mt. Assiniboine as seen from the Healy Pass Trail

Looking northwest beyond the Healy Creek Pass, you’ll marvel at the stunning views of the Canadian Rockies and the ongoing extent of the larch forest, which seems to continue for miles.

From here you can clearly see The Sphinx (2,487 m), Scarab Peak (2,918 m) and Pharoah Peaks (2,711 m). With so many Egyptian named mountains, it goes to follow the lakes that rest at the bottom of these peaks are called Scarab Lake, Mummy Lake and Egypt Lake!

Golden larch trees surround Egypt Lake and Scarab Lake in Banff in September

If you properly prepare and have the time and energy, you can extend your hike all the way down to Egypt Lake. This add-on hike increases the overall distance to 24.8 km and 1,345 m elevation gain.

Due to the distance, the Egypt Lake Trail is typically done as a multi-day hike, with an overnight at the Egypt Lake campground (“E15”) or Egypt Lake shelter.

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The Healy Pass Trail earned a spot – now check out the rest of the Best Hikes in Banff National Park.

Healy Pass Trailhead

The Healy Pass trailhead is found behind the Sunshine Village lower gondola building. Simply walk west towards the VIP parking area and you’ll see the Healy Pass trail sign pointing the way.

It’s a short 20 minute drive from the Town of Banff to the lower Sunshine Village gondola terminal. As you drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway, watch for the Sunshine Village turnoff.

interesting rock formations in Healy Creek

Being one of the most popular ski resorts in Banff National Park, Sunshine Village has a massive parking lot. In the summer, Sunshine Village operates the gondola to transport visitors to the ski area to enjoy hiking Sunshine Meadows (one of our favorite hiking experiences in Banff!). Despite how amazing Sunshine Meadows is, the parking lot will still be well below capacity, even on the busiest days.

Many of the most popular larch hikes in Alberta have limited parking, or require shuttle buses to get to, so the sheer size of the parking lot ensures that everyone will get to enjoy the Healy Pass hike.

Get Directions to Sunshine Village

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If you come back in winter, be sure to check out the best beginner ski trails at Sunshine Village.

Healy Pass Trail Stats

How Long is the Healy Pass Hike?

The round-trip distance of the Healy Pass hike is 18.3 km (one-way distance of 9.1 km) from the Sunshine Village parking lot all the way to Healy Pass.

a long hiking trail leads into a forest of larches on Healy Pass

How Hard is the Hike to Healy Pass?

Due to the length and elevation gain, we rate the Healy Pass hike as a “moderate-to-challenging hike”.

Looking purely at the stats for the Healy Pass trail (18.3 km and 890 m elevation gain), it sure looks like a difficult hike. But, we found the Healy Pass hike is easier than the numbers look.

The Healy Pass hiking trail has a steady, but manageable incline for the first 7.5 km, after which it transitions to a slightly steeper trail. It’s all uphill, but it’s never grueling.

an elevated picture showing the elevation gain achieved on the Healy Pass Trail

With a starting elevation of 1,660 m above sea level and an ending elevation of 2,330 m, you end up 670 m higher than you began. Over the one-way distance of 9.1 km, this is an average slope of only 7.3% (meaning you only gain 73m of elevation for every 1 km hiked).

That’s a pretty manageable slope for most hikers in the Canadian Rockies, as long as you can handle the round-trip distance.

How Long Does the Healy Pass Hike Take?

The AllTrails app states that it takes the typical adult around 6.5 hours to complete the Healy Pass trail. That must include time to stop and enjoy the epic Rocky Mountain scenery as that seems pretty long. One our most recent visit to Healy Pass, it took us 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the hike (not including breaks).

a hiker is framed by the needles of a golden larch tree on the Healy Pass hike

Healy Pass Trail Map

The Healy Pass hike is easy to follow the entire distance to the top. If you are feeling uncertain, or simply like to track your hiking stats, you can use the AllTrails app while hiking to Healy Pass, but you likely won’t need it as the hiking trail is also well signed.

To find the Healy Pass trail map in AllTrails, simply click here for the “Healy Pass Trail”. With unreliable cell service around the outskirts of the Sunshine Village ski resort, be sure to download your hiking maps prior to leaving.

A recent App of the Year winner, AllTrails is also one of the best apps for visiting Banff! Enjoy map downloads and many more premium features with a 7-day free trial of AllTrails+!

a hiking path through golden larches in Banff in fall
golden larch trees reflect in the still waters of Healy Creek

Hiking the Healy Pass Trail with Kids

If you are visiting Banff with kids, and are regular hikers, this is an good option for a long family hike. With the steady climb and a long stretch of forest without views, this hike may be challenging for some kids, but it’s very rewarding to make it to the top.

We haven’t (yet) hiked to Healy Pass with our kids (7 and 9 years old) yet, but they recently hiked the Lake O’Brien trail, which has nearly identical stats.

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Don’t miss these other fun kid-friendly Banff hikes.

beautiful fall colors surround the Healy Pass hiking trail

Where to Stop for Lunch or a Break

The absolute best place to stop for lunch is when you reach the top of Healy Pass, where you can enjoy the incredible views towards Egypt Lake. But, realistically you can stop anywhere in the vast meadow of the larches. There are plenty of spots to stop next to the creek and enjoy a well-deserved break.

the view of Scarab Lake from Healy Pass

Healy Pass Hiking Safety

There are relatively few hiking hazards along the Healy Pass hiking trail. The Healy Pass trail is well maintained and easy to follow up all the way to the pass.

Wildlife Safety

When hiking in Banff National Park, you are responsible for your own safety. Before hitting the hiking trails we highly recommend you read our Essential Banff Hiking Tips for information about bear safety, trail conditions, wildlife warnings and possible closures.

a hiker enjoys the healy pass trail in Banff National Park
the leaves on a shrub turns red along he healy pass trail in fall

Healy Pass Trail Logistics

On-leash dogs are allowed on the Healy Pass hike.

You may ride your mountain bike for the first 1 km of this trail, but bikes are not allowed beyond. Given it’s such a small distance, you may as well leave your mountain bike at home.

There are toilets in the main Sunshine Village building where you can buy tickets for Sunshine Meadows.

Due to the distance, pack plenty of water and snacks for this hike. Fill your hydration packs before you leave.

Due to the proximity to the Sunshine Village ski resort, you may get pick up an occasional cell signal, but it’s very intermittent, so please don’t count on it for your safety.

a mountain is framed by golden larch tree needles on the Healy Pass hike

What to Bring for Hiking the Healy Pass Trail

The Healy Pass hiking trail is a long Banff hike, so you need to be properly prepared for a day of safe hiking in the mountains. Before hitting the trail, please take the time to review our recommended gear for hiking in Banff and clothing for hiking in Banff.

Frost on a shrub shows how cold it can be hiking to Healy Pass in fall
a photo showing the Healy Pass hiking trail is in good condition

The Healy Pass hike is one of the best larch hikes in Banff. With a massive parking lot, you are guaranteed a parking spot, even in the peak of larch season.

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Complete Guide to Hiking Healy Pass in Banff National Park
Standing at Aylmer Lookout Banff National Park
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Dan Brewer, a life-long Alberta resident, calls Canmore home along with his wife and two kids. He is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada, where he gets to share his passion for the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Dan, along with his family, love being outdoors doing one of the many activities they enjoy in the mountains: hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

When he's not in Canmore enjoying one of his favourite local hikes, you can find him hoping on a plane to explore a new country with his family or working on one of their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.