Larch Valley Hike Plus Sentinel Pass

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In larch season in Alberta seemingly sane people do insane things. Take myself for example. I rose at 3:15 AM and was in the car driving towards Lake Louise by 3:30 AM. I had been closely monitoring the weather forecasts across three stations and was keen on picking a clear day in the mountains. Even though the forecast wasn’t ideal, the weather looked to be worsening over the week so I went. My goal was to do the Larch Valley hike plus Sentinel Pass in peak larch season.

And I needed a parking spot but more on that later.

I’ve done the Larch Valley hike before but it was many years ago in the summer.

It was a delight then, but for sheer in-your-face beauty I think the prime time to go is actually larch season, which is typically the last couple of weeks in September. I nailed the timing for the Larch Valley hike – getting it at the peak for larch colours. By the beginning of October, most larch trees have shed their needles.

Larch Valley hike summary

A premiere larch hike: The Larch Valley hike which starts from the Moraine Lake trailhead, is considered to be one of the premiere larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies.

Crux of the hike: It’s getting to the trailhead. Either book a guide, or book ROAM from Banff or a Parks Canada shuttle. There are also private shuttle companies like the Moraine Lake Bus. Get all the details here – How to Get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Best time to hike: If its larches you’re after, plan to hike between mid-September and early October. Summer is still a wonderful time to do the Larch Valley hike. Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and wildflower displays.

Distance: The hike from the trailhead to the start of the Larch Valley is about 3.5 km. It’s another 2.9 km to reach Sentinel Pass – which I recommend you do. Total distance to Sentinel Pass return is 12.8 km.

Level of difficulty: The Larch Valley hike is on the easy side of moderate.

Time needed: Allow 3.5 – 5 hours to do the hike to Larch Valley, depending on how many stops you make for photographs.

Weather: It can be very cold here in September, so pack a down jacket, a hat, mitts and other warm weather gear.

The Larch Valley hike starts beside Moraine Lake

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Getting to the Larch Valley trailhead

As of 2023, Parks Canada has decided that personal cars are no longer welcome on the Moraine Lake Road. Instead, you’ll need to book a Parks Canada shuttle, or hop on public transportation like ROAM from Banff. The Moraine Lake Road will be open from June 1 until mid-October.

Recommended reading: How to Get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Parks Canada shuttle option

Starting June 1st at 6:30 AM, there will be a shuttle every 30 minutes with the last one leaving at 6:00 PM from the Ski Louise parking lot. Departures from Moraine Lake will then go to the Ski Louise parking lot at 20 minute intervals with the last one leaving at 7:30 PM.

Reservations are required and will open on April 16, 2025 at 8 AM MST.

ROAM Transit

You can also go from Banff High School Transit Hub to Moraine Lake via ROAM’s Lake Louise Express Route 8X bus. You will need to transfer to the Moraine Lake Shuttle connector at Lake Louise Lakeshore. Summer reservations will open in May.

Private cars are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake. Parks Canada shuttles are the most cost-effective way to go.

What about bears on the hike to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass?

You used to have to form a group of four to do the Paradise Valley or Larch Valley hike as the trail traverses prime grizzly bear habitat. If the sign below had been ticked off as mandatory – and I ignored it, I could incur quite a nasty fine, if caught.

Though I would never do that, and I was quite prepared to form a group of four with strangers (most people are accommodating), I was surprised but happy that I could hike to Larch Valley alone. Perhaps the parks people appreciate that the Larch Valley hike is one busy one come mid-September.

I actually like meeting people and chatting but I also like hiking at my own pace, particularly on a day when I know I’m going to be taking a lot of photos.

And after all the hiking I’d done this summer – much of it in lonely, truly wild places, I really wasn’t concerned about bears because of the sheer number of hikers on the trail.

Interestingly, very few people I saw carried bear spray. And even some of the ones that did had it on the back of their pack – which in a surprise situation, is not the best idea.

Once on the Larch Valley trail, I didn’t so much as see old bear scat – and never for a second did I feel afraid while alone.

Read: Bear Safety Tips: What You Need to Know

Bear restrictions for the Larch Valley hike

Larch Valley hike description

The hike begins just past Moraine Lake Lodge. The first few kilometres take you steeply up a series of switchbacks through the forest so initially it’s not that interesting as there are no great views. Climb 360 metres in 2.4 km to reach the turnoff to Eiffel Lake. The saving grace is the odd peek-a-boo view to Moraine Lake.

When you reach the signed junction, continue right on a less steep trail to reach the more open meadows of Larch Valley at the 3.5 km mark.

In mid to late September, Larch Valley is a riot of yellow with all the larch trees changing colour. As you enter the meadow, look around. The views over to the Valley of the Ten Peaks are truly gorgeous.

Many people go no further than the meadows – which is fine – but do yourself a favour and at least go to one of the small Minnestimma Lakes to enjoy the views up to Sentinel Pass. Wander around. Sit on a boulder and just enjoy the landscape. The beauty of this part of Banff National Park is worth savouring.

Excellent signage for the Larch Valley hike

Into the larch trees on the Larch Valley hike — Into the larch trees

Beautiful layering in the vegetation on the Larch Valley hike

Into the more open area with even better views — Breaking through the dense trees into the meadows on the Larch Valley hike

Expansive larch views as you hike higher

The understory on the Larch Valley hike is equally beautiful in larch season

Even the ground cover is beautiful — Sentinel Pass is off in the distance

Notice how many hikers there are - most with big smiles on their face — Notice how many hikers there are – most with big smiles on their face

Golden larches and mountain views in all directions

I enjoyed different lighting on the larches on the way down — I enjoyed different lighting on the larches on the Larch Valley hike descent

The hike to Sentinel Pass

The facts: It’s 11.6 km (7.2 miles) return from Moraine Lake with an elevation gain of 726 m (2382 feet). Allow 4 – 5 hours, more in the fall during larch season for photography.

Continue north on the well-trodden trail through the meadow to continue to Sentinel Pass. In less than 15 minutes you’ll come to the Minnestimma Lakes. The trail slips between the lakes and the craggy, austere environment that makes up Sentinel Pass can be seen ahead.

After a brief respite at the lakes climb 175 m (574 feet) up a talus field on another series of switchbacks to top out at the pass. At 2,611 m (8,566 feet) it’s the highest point reached by a maintained trail in the Rockies. At Sentinel Pass, you can’t help but be awestruck at the views – in every direction you look.

Mount Temple is on your right as you approach the pass, Pinnacle Mountain on your left. Paradise Valley unfolds on the other side of the pass while the Valley of the Ten Peaks fills your line of vision if you look back from where you’ve come. And all around the pass are pinnacles of rock, some like the Grand Sentinel, a favourite of rock climbers.

Retrace your steps to return. If you still have some energy at the bottom of the trail, it’s well worth continuing on the flat trail to the far end of Moraine Lake to get an altogether different perspective of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Except for the steep section in the trees, be prepared to be wowed every foot of the way. The Larch Valley hike will put a giant smile on your face.

The Larch Valley hike - on the way to Sentinel Pass — Hike past one of the Minnestimma Lakes

Beautiful reflection on the way up to Sentinel Pass

The view of Sentinel Pass from Larch Valley

The final climb to Sentinel Pass — Some people will find poles helpful on this part of the hike

Switchbacking up the steep face to Sentinel Pass – my lens cap is on the face somewhere

Looking down towards Paradise Valley from Sentinel Pass

Hiking options from the Larch Valley

Continue from Sentinel Pass into Paradise Valley, but arrange private transportation ahead of time as the Paradise Creek and Moraine Lake parking lots are approximately 9.7 km apart. And the road to the Paradise Creek trailhead is closed to private vehicles.

As you’ll see at the top of Sentinel Pass, it’s initially a rocky, steep descent but very doable.

There is also the option to hike to Eiffel Lake. It can be done on its own, or possibly on the way down from the Larch Valley hike.

At the signed junction turn right (if you’re descending) and continue west for 3.2 kilometres. Far fewer people do this hike. There isn’t a lot more elevation gain and it is lovely, especially in summer when wildflowers are blooming.

There is the option to hike to Eiffel Lake — There is the option to extend the hike and include the trip to Eiffel Lake

The wildflowers in mid-July along the trail are out of this world

Larch Valley hike trailhead location

Start at the Moraine Lake Trailhead, located at the end of 12.5 km long Moraine Lake Road.

At the south end of the parking lot near Moraine Lake Lodge and the lake itself, look for a trail just a short ways along Moraine Lake. There is lots of signage so you should have no difficulty finding the trail for the Larch Valley hike.

Cool fact about the Valley of the Ten Peaks

Did you know that in 1969 and again in 1979, the back side of Canada’s twenty dollar bill sported a picture of the Valley of the Ten Peaks?

Interested in a guided Larch Valley hike?

While the Larch Valley hike is very easy to do without a guide, access isn’t easy because of the crowds – and I find I always learn something with a guide.Sign up for one with Viatorthat includes lunch.

Where to stay in the Lake Louise area

For a luxurious stay in Lake Louise, consider theFairmont Chateau Lake Louise. With direct access to hiking trails right outside your door, you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings.

Just a short drive along the Bow Valley Parkway,Baker Creek by B a secampoffers charming individual cabins nestled in the woods. Guests can enjoy fat biking, cozy fire pits by the river, and easy access to exceptional hiking.

For those seeking budget-friendly accommodations, theLake Louise Hostelis an excellent choice.

TheMountaineer Lodgeconveniently located near the village, features comfortable, well-appointed rooms perfect for a relaxing stay.

For a truly upscale experience, thePost Hotel & Spasits along the scenic Pipestone River near Samson Mall. This elegant resort boasts sophisticated rooms, a beautiful pool and hot tub, and multiple dining options to elevate your visit