Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass
Larch Valley
A classic hike from Moraine Lake, when the alpine larches on the mountainside turn gold in autumn. Views of the Ten Peaks Valley, with the option to climb to Sentinel Pass at 2,611 metres.
Starting from the shore of Moraine Lake, the switchback trail climbs about 535 metres in about 4.3 km one way to Larch Valley. For roughly two weeks each year, from mid-to-late September, the alpine larches turn golden against the snowy peaks of the Ten Peaks Valley, making this the most popular autumn hike in the Rockies. Fit hikers can continue to Minnestimma Lake and Sentinel Pass at about 2,611 metres (about 5.8 km one way), overlooking Paradise Valley. Private vehicles are banned on the Moraine Lake road, so take the Parks Canada shuttle or Roam Transit. Bear activity in this area is frequent, and group-size rules requiring at least four people are often imposed, so check notices before setting out.
Opening hours
Approx. late Jun–early Oct (depends on snow)
Nearby sights
- Moraine Lake
- Lake Louise
- Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- Lake Agnes Tea House
- Morant's Curve
- Lake Louise Gondola & Ski Resort
- Lake O'Hara
- Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park