A Guide on Larch Valley Hike and Sentinel Pass
Larch Valley hike is one of the best autumn hikes in Banff National Park, Alberta, which you can easily extend with the Sentinel Pass trail. Seeing the yellow larches in the Canadian Rockies is an experience no visitor should miss. This Larch Valley hiking guide includes a trail description and tips on when to visit, what to pack, and where to park.
Larch Valley hike in Banff National Park is a classic trail in the Canadian Rockies that attracts visitors from all over the world. Each year in the autumn, the larch-forested valley turns golden and puts on one of the most breathtaking sights in entire Canada.
It's no wonder why thousands of hikers are lured into the Canadian wilderness to witness this beauty. The best thing about Larch Valley is that it is beautiful even outside the peak season and definitely worth visiting.
Whether you are looking for one of the best day trips from Calgary or planning your Canadian Rockies trip, the alpine area above the famous Moraine Lake should be on your bucket list.
Speaking of which, another reason why this hike is so popular is that it starts at Moraine Lake, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies and a place you surely have on your travel itinerary.
Moreover, hiking is the best way to explore the Canadian Rockies on a budget.
As we were sitting in our flat in Calgary on just another rainy day in mid-September, we started to lose the hope to see the Larch Valley before the leaves lose all their needles.
However, we always knew that patience is a virtue, and the last week in September, the weather forecast showed two clear days on the weekend, which was exactly the window we were waiting for.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast accuracy is not that great when it comes to the predictions for mountainous areas, so we tried to keep our expectations low. On the day of our departure, the cold Calgarian morning greeted us with a dark and clear sky covered by stars, and we sighed in relief.
Here is everything you should know about hiking the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass before you go.
TRAILHEAD
The trailhead to Larch Valley Hike and Sentinel Pass starts at Moraine Lake. Yes, it is the famous lake that is almost on every postcard from Canada and used to be on the twenty dollar bill in the 1970s.
Moraine Lake is located 14 kilometers from Lake Louise village, and it's accessible by car via the Moraine Lake Road.
There is a parking lot right next to it, but it's often full, so you can take a free shuttle from the overflow parking lot instead. But more about it later.
LARCH VALLEY HIKE
Larch Valley is a moderately challenging hike that requires an adequate fitness level. To put things into perspective, Larch Valley Trail is 4.3 kilometers each way with an elevation gain of 550 meters.
It's not the hardest hike in Banff National Park, but some sections are steeper and require some effort from your side.
The trail is well-marked, and you won't get lost; just follow the signposts and stay on the designated trail. In our opinion, Larch Valley is one of the best autumn hikes in the Canadian Rockies, but it also has a lot to offer in the summer.
Once you arrive at Moraine Lake's shores, you can start hiking the Larch Valley Trail immediately, or first walk the Rockpile Trail and soak up the views of Moraine Lake and then head out to the valley.
And that's what we did. We walked the Rockpile Trail first, enjoyed the stunning sunrise over the Rocky Mountains, and then returned to the lake's shores just to start hiking the Larch Valley Trail.
The lookout from the rockpile over the turquoise lake with the majestic sunlit peaks at the backdrop is one of its kind, so take your time and fully enjoy it while it lasts.
We knew that we had the whole day in front of us, so we didn't rush to Larch Valley. It was a beautiful day, and we wanted to enjoy it as much as we could.
The first part of the hike is roughly 200 meters long and shares the path with Lake Moraine Trail that leads along the lake. Once you reach the junction, turn right and start climbing towards the valley. The next part is not steep, and you can enjoy a walk through the forested area for another kilometer or so.
After some time, you will arrive at a steeper section with approximately ten switchbacks. Even though this part is a bit tedious and not very entertaining, the presence of switchbacks makes the climb less strenuous. If you have brought trekking poles, you will appreciate them in this section.
There is another junction at the top of the switchbacks, and you want to take the right way. The left trail goes to Eiffel Lake, which is also worth visiting, but not today.
Once you are behind this section, the trail gets more interesting. As you are slowly entering the valley, the forest will start to change gradually, and the larches start to dominate the environment.
While you are walking through the valley, you might also start wondering how far can you go.
If you want to visit the Larch Valley, you can go as far as you want, and at some point, the larch forest starts to be less dense until you arrive at an open plain with only scattered trees.
Now it would be a time for you to head back, but we hope to convince you to hike a bit further today.
SENTINEL PASS HIKE
If you still have some energy left and the weather cooperates, you can push for the Sentinel Pass. We would really recommend hiking the Sentinel Pass, as the views from there are truly breathtaking. Also, a smaller part of hikers continues to the pass, so you will have more space on the trail.
Continue to the end of the Larch Valley onto a Sentinel Pass Trail and admire the open area with some excellent views behind you.
Shortly after you leave the valley, you will have a chance to admire Lake Minnestimma, an alpine lake that reflects the surrounding mountains on a calm day.
By the time you reach the lake, the larches will be long gone, and the area around you will be quite barren and inhospitable. You can take a short break at the lake, and once you've regained some of your strength, follow the rocky trail towards the pass once again.
Then, the trail continues gently uphill along the steep slope of Mount Temple. If you need an excuse for a break, just stop for a while and turn around. The higher you climb, the better the views.
The final section has another set of switchbacks, but there are fewer of them, and you can already see your final destination ahead of you.
When we finally reached the pass, we sat there for a while, hiding behind the rocks, and admiring the Ten Peaks while eating our early lunch.
It was a bit windy at the pass, which we think is quite common, so you should put on a warm layer not to get cold. A down jacket works best in these conditions.
From the trailhead, Sentinel Pass is six kilometers one way with an altitude gain of 750 meters. Congratulations, you've made it!
Well, except you still have to walk back, but now you know the trail, and you will be at the parking lot in no time.
If you have still some time, you should go visit Lake Louise while in the area.
DIRECTIONS
Getting to Moraine Lake is quite easy, but some difficulties might take you by surprise if you are not aware of them. Firstly, you need a car to get there. Luckily, many rental companies are operating in Alberta if you are an international visitor without your own vehicle.
Therefore, renting a car in Canada is very easy and convenient.
Another thing you should know is that Moraine Lake Road is closed in winter for cars.
BY CAR
Calgary is 200 kilometers from Moraine Lake, and it takes two and half hours to get there. From Calgary, follow the Trans-Canada Highway all the way to Lake Louise. In Lake Louise, turn onto Lake Louise Drive, and after two and a half kilometers, turn left onto Moraine Lake Road.
In high season, local park rangers control the traffic and allow the cars onto the road depending on the parking capacity. If you have reserved the shuttle bus, the overflow parking lot is located six kilometers before Lake Louise village.
Banff is 70 kilometers southeast of Moraine Lake, and you should follow the same directions as if arriving from Calgary.
If you travel to Lake Louise from Jasper along the famous Icefields Parkway, the entire journey is 233 kilometers long but takes a whole day to complete as there are many stops and attractions along the way you shouldn't miss.
TOURS
Lastly, you can take Larch Valley Tour from Banff to enjoy the epic scenery while learning more about the fragile environment from a local guide.
Also, if you haven't done any serious hiking in the mountains, a guided tour is a safe way to visit this place.
PARKING
The most convenient way is to leave your car at the Moraine Lake parking lot. However, the parking area is quite small and fills up incredibly fast. You can risk it but be prepared that you have to arrive there super early.
The reason is that visitors want not only to hike to Larch Valley but also to see the sunrise over Moraine Lake (that's probably the main reason for many).
The problem is even more prominent in the fall when the sunrise is quite late, approximately around 7:30 AM. Some people arrive at the lake's shores as early as 4 - 5 AM and wait for the sunrise in the car, while other hikers want to see the sunrise in the Larch Valley or Sentinel Pass (and beat the crowds).
Finding a parking space at Moraine Lake strongly depends on your luck; fortunately, there is a more elegant way to get there.
Due to the popularity of the area, Parks Canada offers a free shuttle service to Moraine Lake from an overflow parking lot near the Trans-Canada Highway. When searching on google maps, you can find it under Moraine Lake Shuttle Park and Ride (it's the same parking as for the shuttle to Lake Louise).
In fact, we would advise you to leave the car there and book the free shuttle to make your trip stress-free. Nowadays, the rules have changed a bit, and you have to make a reservation in advance for the shuttle bus to Moraine Lake.
The only thing you should consider is that if you opt for the shuttle service, you won't be able to catch the sunrise, as the shuttles start running at 8 AM. It's not the end of the world, and on the other hand, you won't have to worry about transport.
For more information, read our Moraine Lake Guide.
WHERE TO STAY
You have several options where to stay before hiking the Larch Valley. The nearest settlement to Moraine Lake is the village of Lake Louise.
You can also stay directly at Lake Moraine though it's going to be an expensive night. The lodges set in the forest near the lake offer upscale rooms and are often sold out.
If you have been to Lake Louise, you have already seen the huge hotel on its shores, and that is another place where you can stay.
Lake Louise village has a larger selection of hotels, but you should always book your accommodation in advance (three to six months in the peak season). The village offers some budget accommodation, but don't expect cheap rates, as the Rockies is a premiere destination.
There is also a fairly large campground in Lake Louise if you plan camping in the Canadian Rockies.
Here is our choice of the best hotels in the Lake Louise area that can serve as a base for hiking the Larch Valley trek.
Moraine Lake | Moraine Lake Lodge - To be honest, when walking around the lake, we felt a bit jealous that we are not staying in this lodge. Situated right on the shore, the rooms offer hard-to-beat views, and if you are lucky enough that your dates are available (the lodge is often sold out) and you can stretch your budget, this is for sure a place to stay.
Lake Louise | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - This large 4* resort offers panoramic views over Lake Louise, and if you want to experience something unique, make sure you reserve at least one night here. The resort offers a large number of services, for instance, eight restaurants, so we are sure the time here will be well spent.
Lake Louise Village | Lake Louise Inn - Wonderful location with views of surrounding mountains, heated indoor pool, and modernly furnished rooms are the main reason why you should check out this hotel.
WHY IS LARCH VALLEY YELLOW IN THE AUTUMN
Despite the fact that larches are conifers, they are deciduous trees that lose their leaves every year in the autumn. They are not evergreen trees as pines or fir trees, and when the temperatures decrease, the needless drop off.
But before they lose the battle to cold and gravity, they turn yellow.
The strategy that larches use to endure harsh climates and long winters is quite ingenious. They are more resilient to fire damage and less prone to damage by heavy loads of snow on the branches.
Larches are quite interesting, so we share a few more facts with you here.
The wood is highly valued for its qualities, and due to its slow growth, it's mostly knots-free and without imperfections. Larch wood is tough and waterproof, a perfect combination for building boats, residences, and is suitable for paneling or fencing.
WHEN TO GO
The Moraine Lake Road (and Larch Valley trailhead) has seasonal closures and restrictions due to avalanche risk. The road is open usually from the 1st of June to mid-October, though the exact dates vary each year as they depend on the snow.
This is an essential thing to know for planning your Larch Valley hike, as it can affect your Canadian Rockies travel itinerary.
AUTUMN
By far, the best time to visit Larch Valley in Banff is in the autumn, from mid-September to late September, to be precise. As soon as the leaves turn yellow, you should head out to the Banff National Park. Only during this time of the year can you fully appreciate the color transformation of the valley.
And although you can hike there any time during the high season, the contrast of the golden trees with snow-capped mountains in the background is the main reason to visit this area. The trick is to see the valley not too soon nor too late. By the end of September, the larches start to lose their needles, and the leaves fall rapidly. In mid-October, the larches lose most of their needles, and although the scenery is still breathtaking, you won't see the yellow coat.
The transformation period is quite short, and you can't predict exact dates as it depends on many factors. We know this type of advice is not great for international travelers who have pre-booked trips and cannot wait for the short window, but it is how it is.
SUMMER
Larch Valley is a world-renown area for seeing this annual phenomenon, and due to its relatively easy access, the trail is often crowded. It's not the end of the world, but if you prefer a more peaceful walk, you should hike there early in the summer.
The mountain meadows are home to many wildflowers, and the valley offers more serenity if that's what you are looking for. However, the needles are green during this time of the year, so you won't be able to see the golden blanket that covers this area each year.
When the summer is in full swing, the trail sees more and more hikers.
SPRING
For many hikers, springtime is the best time to hike Larch Valley without crowds. The leaves are growing once again, and the entire area turns slowly green. Snow usually covers the area till late spring, and trails can be icy, so you might want to bring crampons.
WINTER
You might be wondering whether you can hike to Larch Valley in winter? Well, technically, you could hike to Larch Valley or Sentinel Pass in the winter, though it's not recommended.
Firstly, Moraine Lake Road is closed for cars. Only snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is allowed on Moraine Lake Road in winter, but it's more than 14 kilometers one way just to reach the Larch Valley Trailhead. And then climb for several kilometers to the Larch Valley. Moreover, later you need to return via the same trail back to the Lake Louise village.
And all that in extreme winter conditions. It would be extremely challenging to get there on foot, so you might want to cross-country ski to the lake and then decide whether it's worth continuing on foot or not.
Secondly, the trail leads through the avalanche-prone area, and you should be well-equipped (carrying an avalanche kit is essential) and well-experienced (and know the avalanche risks).
And lastly, if you want to experience the magical wonderland of the Canadian Rockies, it's much easier to wait for early snow in late September or early October (or late snow in the spring) while the road is still accessible by cars.
CROWDS
What struck us most was that the Larch Valley Trail was quite crowded even by the end of September. Yes, it was a beautiful sunny day bringing one of the last chances to see the yellow larches in their full glory, but we were still a bit caught by surprise by the number of hikers we met on the trail.
Even the parking lot was full even in the morning, and we had to head back to the overflow parking lot. Simply put, the peak season for hiking in Larch Valley is the second half of September, and you should be prepared for it.
The situation got better when we left the Larch Valley behind and started the climb to Sentinel Pass, but don't expect to have the trail only for yourself.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds on Larch Valley Trail, then skip the autumn weekends when the day-trippers from Calgary flock to the area.
But honestly, to avoid the crowds, you would have to skip the golden autumn period entirely or start hiking either super early or late. Hiking in the dark is more challenging, you need a reliable headlamp, and you should have some previous experience with this activity for safety reasons.
The benefit of a crowded trail is that the bear sightings might be less frequent; therefore, it will be safer to hike there.
STAYING SAFE
Following some basic safety rules when hiking in the Canadian Rockies is essential. First and foremost, the Canadian Rockies are home to a large population of black bears and grizzly bears. It's called the bear country for a reason, and avoiding a bear encounter is the best approach.
Be loud, watch for fresh bear signs, hike in a larger group of people, stay on the designated trails. Always carry a bear spray within easy reach (not in your backpack).
The area above Moraine Lake is known for a population of grizzly bears; therefore, some seasonal restrictions may occur. Hiking in a group of four (or more) is often recommended/mandatory.
These are some of the crucial tips you should follow not only here in Larch Valley but all around the Canadian Rockies.
Secondly, the weather in Banff National Park can change rapidly. Always come prepared and use proper gear. We share some tips on what to pack for hiking in Larch Valley down below.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHAT TO PACK
Hiking in jeans without a rain jacket and proper footwear is not smart, rather the opposite. We always carry a lightweight rain jacket, comfortable hiking pants, and sturdy hiking boots.
A trusty down jacket is another essential thing we carry with us, as it won't take up any space in the backpack, and it keeps you warm when needed.
In case you are expecting rain, make sure to pack rain pants. Moreover, we still use a good old rain poncho to stay dry in case of a downpour.
In summer, if the weather looks super promising, and high temperatures are forecasted, you can hike in shorts, trail runners, and even a t-shirt. Just remember to reapply sunscreen often to prevent sunburn.
Also, stay hydrated and wear headwear. Hiking in shorts and a t-shirt is fine in the summer, but always keep some extra waterproof and warm layers in your backpack.
We like to avoid using single-use plastic bottles to reduce our plastic footprint, so we always bring our water bottles and refill them from the streams along the way. If you are concerned about water quality, use either SteriPen or a water bottle with a filter.
Don't forget your camera at home, as you will want to take pictures all the time. The scenery is breathtaking, and a reliable mirrorless camera with general-purpose zoom-lens should produce amazing photos in skilled hands.
To find more information on this topic, read our guide on the Canadian Rockies Packing List.
ENTRANCE FEE
Before you go, you have to purchase either a day pass or Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park. The day pass costs $10 per adult.
However, if you plan on traveling around Canada more, there is a much better alternative that will eventually save you a lot of money.
Discovery Pass is valid for a year and costs either $69.19 for an adult or $139.40 for a family or group of up to seven people. Moreover, Discovery Pass covers unlimited admission to over 80 Canadian parks, so you can also visit Jasper National Park, Kootenay, or Yoho National Park when in the area.
Once you are inside the park, natural attractions such as Moraine Lake, Larch Valley, or Lake Louise are free.
We believe that the Discovery Pass is worth the initial steeper price, not only for locals but also for all visitors to the Canadian National Parks who want to explore the area for more than just a day or two.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
