The Sphinx Route

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 59 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

The Sphinx Route is a 3.2 km out and back trail near Banff in Banff National Park. It runs 1.6 km each way. The route gains 478 m in total and tops out at 2,500 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 3 hours of moving time. It passes two mapped trail junctions. Along the way you pass Scarab Lake and the summit of The Sphinx.

Length: 3.2km; 1.6 km each way
Elevation gain: 478m
Estimated time: 3h; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,500m
Lowest point: 2,138m

Elevation profile

2,138 m to 2,500 m

Highest point 2,500 m, lowest 2,138 m, 478 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 70% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 38% of route

28% LTE · 10% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 1.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

0.0 kmScarab LakeLake
1.5 kmThe SphinxSummit · 2,513 m

Good for

Hiking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Lake, Summit, Views, Alpine

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.0992° N, 115.9110° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30