Autumn months call for hikes that offer up some beautiful views that include viewing golden larches, and the trail up and through Larch Valley is nothing less than spectacular.
The gorgeously unique colours that the larches provide create a landscape that enchants those hardy enough to finish this moderately difficult walk. This popular walk follows a well-trodden path, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost while hiking.
About Larch Trees in Fall: Larch trees are unusual conifers because they lose their needles each fall. Through spring and summer, their soft needles are green, but as temperatures cool and daylight shortens, they turn brilliant shades of gold and yellow before dropping. This seasonal change creates striking autumn scenery, especially in mountain regions where larch forests stand out against evergreens and rocky landscapes.
Located by Moraine Lake in Banff National Park (don’t forget that you will need a Park Pass to enjoy this hike), hikers who would like to experience the golden larches this fall should plan to start at a decently early time, as the trail can be busy as the day wears on.
This is probably the most popular fall hike in the area. It is best to hike this trail to see the larches between the middle of September and early October.
Plan to spend at least six hours exploring this up-and-back trail, as you can choose some off-shoot routes and may end up with a total of 8 to 12 kilometres of walking.
If you don’t live close enough to make this a day trip, you may want to consider staying in Banff or Lake Louise, or choose to be one of the lucky ones who get to spend the night at the closest hotel – the Moraine Lake Lodge.
- 15 Fantastic Fall Activities in Banff National Park
- 15 Fall Hikes to See Golden Larches in and Around Calgary
Larch Valley Hike
From the parking lot at Moraine Lake, you start walking towards the Moraine Lake Lodge and follow the lakeshore pathway until you see a sign indicating the turn-off to the right for Larch Valley. The hike begins with a slight incline, which is ideal for warming up before you encounter the switchbacks on the trail.
There are ten or so large switchbacks to get through before you come to the beginning of Larch Valley. This hike has an elevation of 535 meters (1755 feet).
Once you have arrived at the beginning of Larch Valley, the most difficult part of the hike is over. It’s approximately a 45-minute walk down to the end of the Valley, or potentially more if you happen to catch some photo opportunities at Minnestimma Lakes, where, if it is calm, the reflections of the larches on the water can create some memorable photos.
As you reach the end of the trail and turn around, the ocean of yellow is backdropped by the magnificent 10 Peaks. This is what makes it all worthwhile.
If you are still feeling adventurous and the weather is cooperating, you can continue to Sentinel Pass. This will add an additional three kilometres round trip and has an elevation gain of 170 metres (558 feet). It will take about 30 minutes to climb up the long switchbacks, and once at the top, you can explore a bit before returning along the same path. The views from this vantage point can not be beaten!
When you have had your fill of the beauty of nature in Larch Valley, you will return to the Moraine Lake parking lot along the same pathway as you climbed up.
This moderately rated trail is a fantastic way to spend a lovely fall day.
Trip Planning – Larch Valley Hike
What: The Larch Valley hike is a 4.3 km one-way trail with a 535 m elevation gain. The hike takes about 3.5 to 4 hours round trip, but you can extend it to include Sentinel Pass.
When: Until Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend (2nd Monday in October), daylight hours.
How Much: Banff National Park Admission — Adult: $12.25; Senior: $10.75; Youth: free
Family/Group:$24.50
Where: Trailhead: Moraine Lake Parking Lot, Banff National Park
Getting there:
Private vehicles are banned on Moraine Lake Road. You can utilize the ROAM Transit system from Canmore or Banff and the Parks Canada Park and Ride shuttle.
- Until October 12, access Moraine Lake via Route 8X. You must buy the “Superpass,” which will take you to Lake Louise Lakefront first. You will have to change onto the Parks Canada Shuttle to Moraine Lake to enjoy the larch hike. Reservable Super Pass costs $30 for adults and $15 for seniors (65+) and youth (13-18).
- One day of unlimited travel: Your Super Pass includes unlimited travel on all Roam Transit services for one day, giving you flexibility to move around the network.
- Banff to Lake Louise: The pass includes a reserved round trip on Roam Transit Route 8X between the Banff High School Transit Hub and Lake Louise Lakeshore.
- Access to Moraine Lake: You can use Parks Canada’s Lake Connector Shuttle between Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake, but you must begin your journey in Banff.
- Know the shuttle times: The latest shuttle to Moraine Lake leaves Lake Louise Lakeshore at 4:30 p.m., with the final return from Moraine Lake at 6 p.m.
- Plan ahead: Super Passes require round-trip bookings, reservations are subject to availability, and Parks Canada accepts only same-day round-trip Super Pass reservations for the Lake Connector Shuttle.
- Alternatively, take the Parks Canada Park and Ride shuttle from the Lake Louise Gondola Parking Lot.
There are also private companies which offer bus tours.
Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the morning, and check the weather forecast before attempting this trail. You will want to carry an extra layer with you, snacks or a packed lunch, and plenty of water.
We recommend carrying a flashlight, especially if you plan to start early, as well as bear spray.
Bears are a common sight during autumn months, and bear spray is highly recommended, especially if you are travelling on your own. Remember, pack out what you have packed in.
Once you have figured out how to get there, the trail starts at Moraine Lake, the parking lot. If you have arrived very early to get a parking spot and it is still dark, you may want to wait to watch the sunrise over Moraine Lake, which is a fantastic way to start your day.