It’s easy to get stuck at the start, staring at the surreal blue of Moraine Lake backed by the Valley of Ten Peaks, about an hour’s drive west of Banff. It’s a scene so spectacular that it has graced the Canadian $20 bill twice in the past. Take another photo, a deep breath and pull yourself away – the rugged grandeur of hiking through Larch Valley and up to Sentinel Pass awaits.

Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass in Banff National Park are classic Canadian Rockies hikes – and personal favourites. These three-season treks – access road is closed during winter – are unparalleled in autumn when the larch trees turns golden. Hundreds of hikers and photographers flood the valley every fall to soak up snow-capped mountain peaks punctuated with patches of brilliant gold among the evergreens.

Seasonal Preferences

During Spring, Grizzly bears are known to use the meadows so, for safety reasons, always have bear spray with you.

The hike to Larch Valley and Minnestimma Lakes begins at Moraine Lake and climbs up through the thick forest to the larch meadows. It’s a steady ascent with 535 m (1,755 ft) elevation gain over 4.3 km (2.67 mi) of trail. The round trip to here can take up to four hours – depending on how much time you spend soaking up the views.

Up to the Pass

From the valley, it’s another 2.5 km (1.55 mi) and close to 200 m (656 ft) elevation gain on a switchback trail up to Sentinel Pass.

*During larch season, check with Parks Canada in Lake Louise before driving up to Moraine Lake – you may be required to park in an overflow lot and take a free shuttle up to the trailhead. I always go for Sunset or Sunrise, meaning starting really early or staying up there pretty late. I prefer the morning because you can usually drive right up to the parking lot before they block it off for buses.