Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass
The Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass hike in Banff is a must-do for anyone looking for a fall hike with spectacular views. The trail takes you through a sea of golden larches with the ten peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks behind you, making for some of the best views in the park. The hike starts at the Moraine Lake Canoe Docks, where you'll see a sign on your right that marks the trail for Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass. The first section of the trail is a well-trodden switchback path that takes you up to Larch Valley. This section is a bit boring and doesn't offer many views, but it's worth it for the views that come later.
Larch Valley
The Larch Valley Hike is 9.33 km round trip (5.8 miles) and takes 2-4 hours to complete. The elevation gain is 544 meters (1786 feet) and is considered moderate. The trail takes you through a sea of golden larches with the ten peaks behind you, and the views are spectacular. Once you reach Larch Valley, the views open up, and you'll find yourself surrounded by beautiful larches. The elevation gain is gradual from this point, and you'll be so mesmerized by the views that you probably won't even notice. There’s a small alpine tarn to your right that you can detour to for some beautiful photos with Mount Faye behind you or continue up the trail to Minnestimma Lake. At Minnestimma Lake, take some time to snap photos and take in the views of the ten peaks before continuing on to Sentinel Pass.
Sentinel Pass
The Sentinel Pass Hike is an additional 2.41 km round trip (1.5 miles) and takes 1 hour to complete. The elevation gain is 169 meters (554 feet) and is considered easy. The trail to the top of Sentinel Pass may look steep, but the views from the top over the valley are worth the extra effort. The pass offers a panoramic view of Paradise Valley on the other side, but be aware that if you want to hike through Paradise Valley, you'll need a second vehicle or to arrange a shuttle between the Paradise and Moraine parking lots. Additionally, if you're planning to continue to Mount Temple, you should only do so if you're well-equipped and have scrambling experience, as it's a serious scramble and people have died on it, so it's important to know the conditions beforehand.
Overall, the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass hike is a must-do for anyone visiting Banff in the fall. It's a moderate hike with breathtaking views, and it's a great way to experience the beauty of the larches. Start early, bring plenty of water and snacks, and don't forget your camera! Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring layers as the weather can change quickly. It's also important to be aware of the trail conditions and to check for any trail closures or warnings before starting the hike. It's always a good idea to let someone know your hiking plans and the estimated time of return. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to fully enjoy the incredible scenery and make this hike an unforgettable experience.
Safety and Tips
Note that if you want to hike through Paradise Valley on the other side of the pass, you'll need a second vehicle or to arrange a shuttle between the Paradise and Moraine parking lots. Additionally, if you're planning to continue to Mount Temple, you should only do so if you're well-equipped and have scrambling experience. This is a serious scramble, and people have died on it, so it's important to know the conditions beforehand.
