Trip Itinerary
July 30 - August 1
Lake O'Hara
- Morning: Possible Moraine Lake visit (Tower of Babel scramble)
- Camper shuttle to Lake O'Hara (verify times with Parks Canada)
- 3 nights camping at Lake O'Hara
- Explore surrounding lakes and trails
August 2 - August 3
Pharaoh Peak
- Return to Lake Louise for shower
- Heavy lunch in Banff
- Hike to Pharaoh Creek campground
- Early morning sunrise hike to Pharaoh Peak (~4km/8km return from Pharaoh Creek campground)
August 3
Return to Calgary
- Pack up and hike out
- Drive back to Calgary
August 4
EEOR (East End of Rundle)
- Monday afternoon: Head to Canmore
- Hike EEOR (across from Ha Ling Peak)
Hiking Details
Lake O'Hara Trails
Difficulty: Moderate
- Shoreline Trail: 2.8km loop around Lake O'Hara
- Lake Oesa: 3.2km one way, 240m elevation gain
- Opabin Plateau Circuit: 5.9km loop, 250m gain
- Lake McArthur: 8km loop, 310m gain (or 3.5km direct from junction)
- All trails well-maintained with alpine lake views
Tower of Babel (Moraine Lake)
Difficulty: Difficult/Scramble
- Distance: 2.9km round trip, 518m elevation gain
- Unmarked gully with loose scree - helmet recommended
- Parks Canada sometimes enforces minimum party of 4 when grizzlies active
- Always carry bear spray and check current notices
- Spectacular views of Moraine Lake from summit
Pharaoh Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
- From Pharaoh Creek campground: ~2km one way (4km return)
- From camp to summit: 497m elevation gain, ~2hr 20min
- Total from Healy Creek trailhead: 33.2km round trip
- Early morning start (3-4am) for sunrise summit
- Spectacular 360° views from 2,713m summit
EEOR (East End of Rundle)
Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 5.6km round trip, 872m elevation gain
- Duration: 3-6 hours depending on fitness
- Starts near Whiteman's Pond (requires Kananaskis Conservation Pass)
- Exposed ridge walking with steep scree sections
- Panoramic views of Bow Valley and surrounding peaks
Trail Locations
Lake O'Hara
Alpine paradise with multiple day hikes
Moraine Lake
Tower of Babel scramble, iconic turquoise lake
Pharaoh Peak
Sunrise summit via Egypt Lake trail system
EEOR (East End of Rundle)
Canmore classic scramble with exposed ridge
Packing List & Food
Essential Gear
- Backpack (day pack + overnight pack)
- Sleeping bag (extra available)
- Tent/sleeping pad
- Bear spray (mandatory)
- Water bottles/hydration system
- Water filter (O'Hara well water not always available)
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
- Rain gear
- Helmet (for Tower of Babel scramble)
- Camping stove (wood at O'Hara for heat only)
Food Plans
- Instant oatmeal for breakfast
- Sandwiches (salami & cheese from Costco)
- Instant noodles (various flavors)
- Cup noodles & spam option
- Cliff bars for snacks
- Cooking stove available
Training Reminder
Andrew's recommendation:
- Treadmill: Level 12 incline
- Speed 3
- 30 minutes, 3x per week