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. Record your own trail from the Wikiloc app, upload the route and share it with the community. The Larch Valley hike in Banff National park is a must-do. The Larch Valley trail winds through a beautiful coniferous and larch tree forest with the massive Mount Temple (3,544m) looming high overhead through the trees. A good pair of hiking shoes and hiking poles should be part of the day hike's attire during the warmer months, and shoe cleats for snow are must haves. That has now changed for the 2022 summer season, details about the change can be found here. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. Print/PDF Map. It's another 2.9 km to reach Sentinel Pass - which I recommend you do. There is another junction at the top of the switchbacks, and you want to take the right way. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. These amazing views show a sea of yellow (if youre here during Larch season) with the famous 10 Peaks in the background. And then climb for several kilometers to the Larch Valley. This climb gains roughly 450 meters (1,476 feet) in elevation and takes around 1.5 hours. As you are slowly entering the valley, the forest will start to change gradually, and the larches start to dominate the environment. In fact, its frequented by grizzly bears. As soon as the leaves turn yellow, you should head out to the Banff National Park. The hike from the trailhead to the start of the Larch Valley is about 3.5 km. Moreover, we still use a good old rain poncho to stay dry in case of a downpour. Booked the shuttle, so easy. Absolutely gorgeous fall day Larches are probably going to be over by next week. Read on to discover what to expect on this stunning trail, and some insight to make your adventure as enjoyable as possible. In mid-October, the larches lose most of their needles, and although the scenery is still breathtaking, you won't see the yellow coat. I know most people do an out-and-back via Larch Valley but that sounds a little too short and not challenging enough for me. The best part is, I use a set that only costs $25 CAD and they serve my basic needs without any issues! The Sentinel Pass Trail is an alpine trail measuring 5.8 kilometres one -way with an elevation gain of about 725 metres. Absolutely stunning. Our room and the guest only parts of the lodge still felt quiet and removed. Estimated Duration: 4 - 7hrs round-trip Directions: From Banff Alltrails Map: Sentinel Pass Trail The Larch Valley trailhead is located right off Lake Moraine parking lot. It climbed for 2.4 km, along steep, long switchbacks through the forest. Larch Valley Trail hiking details: distance and elevation gain. Besides the distance, there are plenty of delicious restaurants in Lake Louise as well as hotels to spend the night. Jul 11, 2018 - The Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley Trail is a beautiful trail, but users should be ready for a little bit of effort. Its also important to note that from the main road you cant turn left directly onto the road to Moraine Lake (no left turn allowed.) See you at the next lake Karen!! Or are you interested in an overview of the Mazamas, our Publications, and more? and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. In case you are expecting rain, make sure to pack rain pants. 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. I hiked among breathtaking autumn colors with cool crisp air and mountain views. sentinel pass elevation gain. Amazing views, we went on Thanksgiving weekend and fall colors were amazing. Youll get to pass into Yoho National Park on this trail. 5 hrs return The best time to hike Larch Valley is the 3rd and 4th weekend of September. Archived. Stunning, but crawling with people. Larch Valley trail from Sentinel Pass, Banff National Park, Canada. Now its time to take a slow stroll along the Larch Valley and enjoy the magnificent views around you! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 44 min to complete. Oh, and its also warmer! This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke and so much more. Browse our listings to find jobs in Germany for expats, including jobs for English speakers or those in your native language. For more information, please visit: Giant Steps and Moraine Lake via Paradise Valley Trail, Moraine Lake Shoreline to Mount Bowlen Trail, Moraine Lake, Fairview Mountain and Lake Louise, Lake Louise and Lake Agnes via Paradise Valley Trail, https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions, https://roamtransit.com/2020/03/important-roam-service-information/. We were wondering if it was difficult to find people/groups to join, as we will only be 2, and i believe their are restrictions and we need to be at least 4 to do this. I have never before seen so many people at a pass so high up. Yes! The trailhead of this hike begins at the very busy, very popular Moraine Lake parking lot, just a short wander up the path from the lodge. Stay to the right and you will quickly gain elevation through a series of switchbacks in a dense pine forest. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The Larch Valley trailhead is located right off Lake Moraine parking lot. When visiting the Larch Valley for Larch season often people stay in Banff. The reason? Close. . You should always carry bear spray with you on the Larch Valley Hike. Any wind will be knocking the needles down any time now. However, in autumn, the needles turn a vibrant golden yellow before they eventually fall. No need to register, buy now! Therefore, renting a car in Canada is very easy and convenient. Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley. We made it up to Sentinel Pass. Id love to hear from you just leave me a comment below! It begins with an incline, however, its not that steep and there are flat areas to give your legs a rest. Larch Valley hike & Sentinel Pass. Larch Valley hike in Banff National Park is a classic trail in the Canadian Rockies that attracts visitors from all over the world. This has a vertical rise of about 200 m (660 ft). It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for one day. But more about it later. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, best things to do, north america, british columbia, road trip, travel guide, safety tips, canadian rockies, north america, Canadian Rockies Travel Guide, most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, A Guide to Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon Hike in Banff National Park, Where to Stay in Banff: The Best Hotels & Travel Tips, mirrorless camera with general-purpose zoom-lens, Best Things to Do in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Best Things to Do and See in Drumheller, Canada, The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide. The Larch Valley hike rises from the shores of Moraine Lake to an extensive forest of larch trees. To support our channel - Please click Like and Subscribe!Five star easy hiking trail from Moraine Lake near Lake louise.WHAT a gorgeous hike and stunning vie. Beautiful trail with amazing views. No snow or anything of the sort yet. It can be a camera, book, binoculars, or even my keys. The day I went it was so windy it would not have been safe to explore the mountain pass, so we didnt. Booked a bus from Banff, didn't even try to get a parking spot. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. This Larch Valley hiking guide includes a trail description and tips on when to visit, what to pack, and where to park. I must say, this spectacular trail is easily one of the best things to do in Banff. Luckily, many rental companies are operating in Alberta if you are an international visitor without your own vehicle. Trip Information: Distance : 10.5 km (6.5 mi) round-trip Elevation Gain : 760 meters (3,000 ft) Estimated Duration : 4 - 7hrs round-trip Directions : From Banff Alltrails Map : Sentinel Pass Trail The Larch Valley trailhead is located right off Lake Moraine parking lot. very dusty and lots of wind depending on the season but the view is totally worth it. When we hiked up in the dark, I will admit that we were a little scared! If location and luxury are important to you, this is the best hotel. However, bears can smell the food in your bag while youre hiking and the best way to avoid an encounter is to use a scent-proof bear bag. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! Also, stay hydrated and wear headwear. Just remember to reapply sunscreen often to prevent sunburn. The strategy that larches use to endure harsh climates and long winters is quite ingenious. Distinctive towers of rocks give the pass its namesame. In fact, up until mid-July, you can still expect icy conditions in the mountains. 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. For more detailed info read our blog about parking at Moraine Lake and shuttle options! You must buy the ROAM Superpass, this pass is $25 CAD and includes your roundtrip transport from Canmore or Banff to Lake Louise Lakefront. What are the best hotels that are close to Moraine Lake and Larch Valley Trail? Seriously they have come in handy so many times, especially when Im looking for wildlife. flask multiple requests; square wave voltammetry parameters; veggie lovers pasta salad run fast eat slow; Publicado por-7 noviembre 2022. As you get closer to the end youll want to turn around. How do you get there? Larch Valley is a moderately challenging hike that requires an adequate fitness level. Saw kids about 7 or 8 years were there too. How long does the Larch Valley trail take to hike? SHUTTLE BUS: (Updated 2021) However, if youre still looking to hike on a weekend and dont want to start that early, or were turned away from the road to Moraine Lake due to the parking lot being full, you still have an option! So, if you want to enjoy the Larch Valley as I did then read on. Weve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and weve been reimbursed for countless expenses when weve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!). Moderate traffic on trails. I hiked the 8.5 km Larch Valley Trail at Moraine Lake on the morning of September 28, 2020 (did not go all the way to Sentinel Pass). This can be a great hike to add onto your day on your way back down the switchbacks from Larch Valley. Firstly, you need a car to get there. We descended to the north, crossed a small creek, and rejoined the Larch Valley Trail near the Minnestimma Lakes. Once again for the most luxurious option, the Fairmont takes the cake. The transformation period is quite short, and you can't predict exact dates as it depends on many factors. 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. This is an essential thing to know for planning your Larch Valley hike, as it can affect your Canadian Rockies travel itinerary. Read my blog all about visiting Moraine Lake to learn more. The MARCHWAY bag is really good quality, and when not in use, takes up only a small amount of room. Once at the top you can then explore the pass and enjoy the views. Thankfully it does end and youll know it has (if you didnt count the switchbacks) once you get to a sign that points to the Larch Valley in one direction and Eiffel Lake in another. Larches thrive in high altitudes and turn a bright golden yellow color for a few weeks each year, usually in mid-September to early October. From the trailhead, Sentinel Pass is six kilometers one way with an altitude gain of 750 meters. Departures from Moraine Lake back to the Park and Ride/Overflow will also run every 20 minutes, with the final shuttle departing Moraine Lake at at 5:30 PM. Each circuit takes around 30 minutes when the traffic is bad. This would be the perfect stay for wilderness lovers! To get a parking spot at Moraine Lake youll need to arrive before 5:30 am during any time of the year, and during Larch season, as early as 4:30 am! This is the same side of the lake as the hotel so just walk towards the hotel along the lakeshore. The village offers some budget accommodation, but don't expect cheap rates, as the Rockies is a premiere destination. We knew that we had the whole day in front of us, so we didn't rush to Larch Valley. Once youve gotten above the treeline, you will reach the Minnestimma Alpine Lake with clear views of switchbacks up ahead leading up to the Sentinel Pass. To be completely honest, Ive lived within a 2-hour drive of this amazing hike for over 15 years and have only hiked it for the very first time this season! Bear spray As I mentioned above, this is bear country, and grizzly bears frequent the area. Don't forget your camera at home, as you will want to take pictures all the time. This hotel is actually out of this world and is more of a castle than a hotel. 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. Only during this time of the year can you fully appreciate the color transformation of the valley. . Larch Valley Hike Key Facts Length 9.33 km round trip (5.8 miles) Duration 2-4 hours Elevation 544 meters (1786 feet) Difficulty Moderate Trailhead Moraine Lake Canoe Docks Continue to the Top of Sentinel Pass Length 2.41 km round trip (1.5 miles) Duration 1 hour Elevation 169 meters (554 feet) Difficulty Easy Trailhead Minnestimma Lake However, the parking area is quite small and fills up incredibly fast. However, at the base of the rocky climb to the pass, the weather . , The Most Beautiful Lakes in the Canadian Rockies w, A lovely moment of tranquility for your Monday mor, The open road is a beckoning; a strangeness; a, CONTEST NOW CLOSED! This is a fantastic question! 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). Elevation gain is 725 metres, and it's recommended to give yourself at least five to six hours to complete the roundtrip. Gorgeous views. The only problem is that this parking lot is very busy, so you need to have a game plan when it comes to parking or arranging an alternative option in advance. Copyright 2022 Jenn Explores | All Rights Reserved. 1. However, if you plan on traveling around Canada more, there is a much better alternative that will eventually save you a lot of money. If the weather had been better, we would have loved to also hike Sentinel Pass, but we'll save that for another trip. Beautiful fall day, starts with switch backs, then you reach the larches. These three-season treks - access road is closed during winter - are unparalleled in autumn when the larch trees turns golden. They are more resilient to fire damage and less prone to damage by heavy loads of snow on the branches. By the end of September, the larches start to lose their needles, and the leaves fall rapidly. We turned back halfway up as the gusts of wind were simply too strong! One of the cheapest is Samesun Banff. Banff is such a lively place and Lake Louise just doesnt have that atmosphere nor the quality of restaurants and shops. Once you ascend the switchbacks on your way to Larch Valley, you will come to a sign. Ive stayed on multiple occasions and love this hostel. 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. Occasionally, you will be able to get a glance of the vivid turquoise colors of Lake Moraines glacier fed basin. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Calgary is 200 kilometers from Moraine Lake, and it takes two and half hours to get there. Booked ticket by ROAM. The best time to explore the Larch Valley is during the Larch season in fall. Not much to see on the road in until the last few km. In the flats before Sentinel Pass there are a couple of pretty reflective pools (called Minestimma Lakes). Busy!! The bear bells I use are only $9 CAD and they come with a silencer (a must) so you can easily travel with them. Overall I think the Larch Valley hike is one of the best in Banff at any time of the year. However, you can hike the Larch Valley anytime during the summer months when the road to Moraine Lake is open (read this blog for more on wildflower season). Larches are quite interesting, so we share a few more facts with you here. Distance: 1.5 kilometers/0.9 miles (each way) from end of Larch Valley. It can get pretty windy at the pass, so make sure to bring an extra layer of clothing to keep warm. 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. Gorgeous hike through the forest and up past 2 small lakes to the pass. The trail starts at the Sunshine Village gondola, just go round the main building towards the river and look for the Parks Canada board for the start of the trail. We share some tips on what to pack for hiking in Larch Valley down below. Distance: The Larch Valley Trail is 4.3 km (2.67 mi) one-way Elevation Gain: 535 m (1,755 ft) Duration: 3-4 hrs dependent on fitness level. The benefit of a crowded trail is that the bear sightings might be less frequent; therefore, it will be safer to hike there. The grade is perfect, at the end of a long hike. Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass Banff National Park Time: 5 hours (average is about 7 hours but we hiked it very quickly) Distance: 7.0 (return from the lake) + 5 km (return from the pass) Elevation Gain: 532 m (to lake) + 200 m (to pass) How To Get There: From the Moraine Lake parking lot, walk counterclockwise around the lake until you reach the sign that indicates the start of Larch Valley. During times of grizzly bear activity, it is required to hike in groups of four or more. Making my first trip to Banff next week and I have heard Sentinel Pass is one of the must-see destinations. This trail takes you to Consolation Lakes, a short and easy hike with only 65m of elevation gain. The left trail goes to Eiffel Lake, which is also worth visiting, but not today. When you consider the fact you need to be at Moraine Lake so early, the extra sleep is a no-brainer. Buses depart from the Banff High School Transit Hub and take you to Moraine Lake. After the valley you come to the final incline of the hike. I cant believe it took me this long to do it! The trail head starts at Moraine lake, so getting there might be a hassle during a busy day or essential any day in Summer because of the limitation on the small parking lot. The lodges set in the forest near the lake offer upscale rooms and are often sold out. Always come prepared and use proper gear. Jun 5, 2016 - Climb above Moraine Lake into an extraordinary larch forest with breathtaking views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. From this forest of larch trees, Banff hikers will enjoy panoramic views of the mountains which make up the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Hikers traverse the rocky trail at Sentinel Pass in the Larch Valley near Lake Louise in Banff National Park . What exactly are these famous larch trees and why are they such a big deal? The Larch Valley hike starts along the Moraine Lake Lakeshore trail. People of all ages on this hike. 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. Firstly, Moraine Lake Road is closed for cars. Its been a long time aspiration to show our parents The Canadian Rockies. Its truly one of the earths greatest views! Try to reach Sentinel Pass, the views from there to both valleys are worthy. Of course, this does change slightly day by day and depends on whether it is a weekend or not. When the summer is in full swing, the trail sees more and more hikers. Looking for a Banff/Lake Louise hotel? The ultimate luxury stay in Lake Louise has to go to the Fairmont Chteau Lake Louise. Also, a smaller part of hikers continues to the pass, so you will have more space on the trail. 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. The reason? We hiked around Moraine Lake, Lake Louise (which is somewhat ruined by the massive hotel stuck on it), and up Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley. Become part of a This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 10-Day Guatemala Itinerary - The BEST Places and Things to do. Really nice views. Washrooms: Onsite at the parking lot. The area above Moraine Lake is known for a population of grizzly bears; therefore, some seasonal restrictions may occur. Once you reach the junction, turn right and start climbing towards the valley. Dry bag: I have expensive camera equipment, so I always travel with a dry bag large enough to fit some of my equipment. I can't recommend this one enough. Hiking in jeans without a rain jacket and proper footwear is not smart, rather the opposite. Here is my advice: Go early, or go late. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. But shortly after this, youll hit the switchbacks. If you found this guide helpful be sure to read more of our Canada blogs. Around the two mile mark, we reached the junction for Eiffel Lake and Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass. Here is everything you should know about hiking the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass before you go. The trail starts at the Sunshine Village gondola, just go round the main building towards the river and look for the Parks Canada board for the start of the trail. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once youve left your home country we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport. The best thing about Larch Valley is that it is beautiful even outside the peak season and definitely worth visiting. The most popular fall hike in the Rockies, famous for the vast amount of larch trees. Amazing weather, larches are beautiful. We never travel without it! Turn . Looking at Valley of Ten Peaks from Sentinel Pass withMinnestimma Alpine Lake on the right. The colors of the Larch trees are nothing short of amazing! Yes, you can. When you approach the trailhead, you will see a sign warning that you must hike in groups of 4+ people due to the increased grizzly bear activity in the area. 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. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) There is also an early bird shuttle running from 6 AM to 8 AM. . If you have reserved the shuttle bus, the overflow parking lot is located six kilometers before Lake Louise village. On a calm day, the reflections of the larch trees are out of this world. The trail is filled with loose rocks, so be careful, wear proper shoes and take your time. Related Read: Another great hike near the Larch Valley is Lake Agnes Tea House Trail. If you still have some energy left and the weather cooperates, you can push for the Sentinel Pass. One of the most famous locations for viewing golden larch trees is Larch Valley near Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Trail TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: Reviews Lake Louise, Alberta Located 14.3 km east of Lake Louise Drive on Moraine Lake Rd. What are other hikes in the area that I can add on to Larch Valley Trail? In fact, we would advise you to leave the car there and book the free shuttle to make your trip stress-free. Flashlight If you plan on hiking early in the morning a flashlight is a great idea. Larch Valley The hike from Moraine Lake, near Lake Louise Village, through Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass, wedged between Pinnacle Mountain and Mount Temple for the spectacular view into Paradise Valley, is one of the most popular in Banff National Park . Seeing the yellow larches in the Canadian Rockies is an experience no visitor should miss. During previous years, it departed from an overflow parking lot located 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) east of Lake Louise Village on the road between Lake Lousie and Banff. Watch. Polls were nice on the descent. Questions or questions about Larch Valley Trail, Moraine Lake or the entire Lake Louise area? Weather was absolutely incredible so we decided to take a dip with our new found friend Karen. you can actually buy a bus pass with ROAM that will get you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from either Banff or Canmore. 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.

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