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Moraine Lake Hike: Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass HikeWondering what fall hike in Banff National Park is the best? In my opinion, it is the Larch Valley hike including Sentinel Pass in the Moraine Lake area of the park. Make sure you don’t miss this Moraine Lake hike in fall!

It was during my third visit to the Canadian Rockies that I finally got to experience fall in the mountains.

I had always visited in summer in the past which is a fantastic time of year for hiking and camping, but I was very much looking forward to discovering the mountains when the air was cooler and the trees were beautiful and bright in their golden coats. 

Ten Peaks from Larch Valley- the best Moraine Lake hike in fall

And as I would come to find out, the best time to visit Yoho and Banff National Parks in the Canadian Rockies is during fall. There are so many things to do in Banff National Park in the fall.

My brother was scheduled to visit me in the tiny village of Field in Yoho National Park, where I was living for six weeks, in the middle of September. The perfect time to embark on some fall hikes in nearby Banff National Park.

And the best fall hike in Banff National Park? The Sentinel Pass Hike and Larch Valley Trail in the Moraine Lake/Lake Louise area of the park.

There are a number of hikes that start at Moraine Lake but the best one to do in fall is absolutely the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass hike.

The Best Moraine Lake Hike in Fall

During the short mountain fall, the needles of the larch trees in Larch Valley above Moraine Lake turn a gorgeous golden color, something I have never seen before.

I never even realized that there were any conifers (trees with needles instead of leaves) that were deciduous.

Golden larches along the Larch Valley trail in Banff National Park

Backed by the snow-dusted and spectacular Ten Peaks, it looked like exactly the spell-binding scenery I was after. The best place to really experience the true beauty of the Banff fall colors.

It was my brother Robbie’s first time in the Rockies so we took the time to climb the rock pile for the iconic view of gorgeous Moraine Lake first, passing cute pikas and fat ground squirrels along the way.

I will never get sick of this view. Try to show me a more beautiful lake in the world than Moraine, I dare ya.

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park - the start of the Larch Valley Hike

The area around Moraine Lake is a high-risk grizzly bear area and you aren’t allowed to hike the trails with less than four people and without bear spray.

Luckily I had the spray and we didn’t have to wait long at the trailhead before a couple of German backpackers wandered up and agreed to join us.

Hiking To Larch Valley

We got to know each other as we hiked the lazy switchbacks through the pine-scented forest on the Larch Valley hike. There were no magical larch trees yet in sight but it was beautiful to be out in the clean mountain air surrounded by green.

Slowly we started to see the brilliant yellow larches amongst the deep green forest beside the trail as we got closer to Larch Valley. And what a stunning sight they were.

Autumn Larches in Larch Valley - my favorite Moraine Lake hike

And then we were there.

The impossibly scenic Larch Valley backed by ten snow-covered peaks stretched out before us. The trees were alight with gold and a sparkling river shone in the sunlight in a lush green meadow. What a place!

Beautiful scenery in the Larch Valley - the best Moraine Lake hike in Fall. Golden larches on the Larch Valley hike near Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Hiking Sentinel Pass

Once we peeled ourselves away from the magical Larch Valley we continued further through a forest of larch and evergreens till we emerged out of the forest and into rocky terrain.

A steep exposed mountainside was before us with a faint trail through the rocks up to Sentinel Pass.

Hiking Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass- a Moraine Lake hike in Banff National ParkSentinel Pass trail from Larch Valley in Banff National Park

Out of the protection of the forest and into a windy afternoon that was rapidly clouding over, we were freezing. We stopped briefly to eat our packed lunches by a still lake before setting off again to tackle the last section of the Sentinel Pass hike.

Sentinel Pass - the best Moraine Lake hike in Banff National Park, Canada

The trail underfoot was rocky and steep but the exertion of hiking warmed us up. Until the snow began to fall.

It was the first snow I had experienced since living in London and the first time I have ever hiked in the snow so I may have been ridiculously excited. Maybe… OK I was.

At the top of Sentinel Pass, we were truly exposed to the inclement weather so we didn’t linger long. A few hardy chipmunks and ground squirrels hung around hoping for food, sheltering under the rocks.

Top of Sentinel Pass, an incredible Moraine Lake hike in Banff National Park

There was no visibility down the other side of Sentinel Pass but the view over the trail we had traversed was still visible and starkly beautiful. The ground was now covered with a patchy layer of white and the lonely lake reflected the dark clouds above.

View from the top of the Sentinel Pass trail in Banff National Park The snow began to fall harder as we were heading down and soon the rocky landscape was completely blanketed in fresh snow. As we headed back into the tree line the snow turned into light sleet then ceased altogether, much to our relief.

Soon there was no sign that it had snowed at all as we began the descent back into the forest, away from the unforgiving landscapes of Sentinel Pass and down into Larch Valley.

Snow falling near Sentinel Pass in Banff National Park

It was just before we reached Larch Valley that we had a not wholly unexpected but still surprising encounter. A giant grizzly bear crossed our path.

The German couple was behind us and I heard a loud gasp. We turned around in time to see a gigantic lumbering grizzly slowly crossing the path only ten-fifteen meters behind us, approximately five or so meters from the Germans.

The girl was terrified but her boyfriend already had the camera out and was taking as many pictures as he possibly could.

I was nervous at first but quickly noted that the bear was not interested in us and was intent on just crossing the trail to head up the wooded mountain on the other side. It was extremely large and slow-moving and I was very thankful that he didn’t give us a second look.

Heading back down the Sentinel Pass trail to Moraine Lake

I feel very lucky to have seen this beautiful creature in its natural environment. Excitement coursed through me for the rest of the hike.

It seemed much faster descending the switchbacks back down to Moraine Lake than it had been on the way up. And as we got to the bottom, the sun came out and a rainbow brightened the sky in front of us.

Soon we were back at Moraine Lake where we farewelled the Germans and took one more glimpse at the most brilliant lake of blue I have ever seen.

Hiking through Larch Valley and up to Sentinel Pass was one of my favorite experiences in the Rockies, and I have had many. It is absolutely one of the best Banff hikes, particularly in fall.

The snow begins on the Sentinel Pass trail in Banff National Park

A bear, some magical golden trees, snow, and one of the world’s most beautiful lakes definitely make for a great hike.

In my opinion, it is definitely the best fall hike in Banff National Park, if not the whole of the Canadian Rockies, to see the larches alone. Something truly special.

How To Hike Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

Getting to the Trailhead for Larch Valley

It is no longer possible to drive in your own vehicle to Moraine Lake due to overcrowding.

There is a shuttle that runs from the Lake Louise lakeshore to Moraine Lake from June till mid October – it costs $8 return and runs regularly. Make sure you book your shuttle online to reserve a spot. You can check out the Banff and Lake Louise website for more details.

Where to Stay For This Moraine Lake Hike

Your best option if price isn’t an issue would be to stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge, a luxury lodge right on the lake, and only a few minutes from the trailhead.

Another luxury lodge nearby that would also make a great base if you wanted to treat yourself is the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located by the lake of the same name. There are a few other beautiful lodges to stay in around Lake Louise too.

For a more affordable hotel, stay in nearby Lake Louise at the Lake Louise Inn which has private rooms and suites, and there are hot tubs and a heated indoor pool on site. 

For good budget options, check out the HI Lake Louise, a warm and friendly hostel in Lake Louise village which is a great place to meet other travelers (and hiking buddies), or camp at the Lake Louise Campground.

Stay in Lake Louise after your Moraine Lake Hike

Length of the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Hike

7.5 miles/12 km return to the top of Sentinel Pass

Elevation Gain of the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Trail

2400 feet/730 meters

Difficulty of the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Trail

I would rate it as intermediate. Not too steep but still a lot of uphill with some being on exposed and rocky terrain. If you aren’t a big hiker, I highly recommend just doing the Larch Valley hike as this is shorter at 8.6km/5.3 miles return and that is the best place for the fall colors.

When To Hike To Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

The larches in Larch Valley start turning yellow in the first couple of weeks of September each year.

Golden larches on the Larch Valley hike in Banff National Park

What To Take on Your Larch Valley Hike

For day hikes, the Cotopaxi Luzon is an awesome backpack choice and is lightweight and will pack down easily when you’re not using it.

I highly recommend taking a GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier to filter water from the river, this saves you having to carry a lot of water and is better for the environment. Also, pack a CamelBak to make it easier to hydrate while you are hiking and

Take some trekking poles to help with the downhill – your knees will thank you! Pack a raincoat in case it rains, and if you are hiking in spring or autumn and are starting early or finishing late, wear a lightweight but cozy thermal base layer top.

The Best Travel Health Insurance For Your Trip

If you aren’t from Canada, make sure you get travel and health insurance before your Canadian adventure.

Safety Wing is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with – you can choose to have it auto-renew every month, or purchase a fixed plan.

Have you done the Larch Valley hike up to Sentinel Pass in fall? Do you agree that it is the best fall hike in Banff National Park?

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