Larch Valley - Sentinel Pass
Also known as: Moraine Lake larches
Larch Valley’s golden larches under the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake and Sentinel Pass
The route
The line through Banff NP, Alberta, Canada - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Late Jun-early Oct (larches gold late Sep)
Afternoon storms, cold, early snow
Snow-free ~late Jun-early Oct; group-of-4 rules may apply for bears. Confirm.
On the trail
Forest switchbacks, the Larch Valley meadows, a scree pass
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Black and grizzly bear country - carry bear spray, travel in groups, store food properly; often a mandatory tight-group (4+) rule in larch season
Extremely busy in larch season; shuttle-gated
Turn around in Larch Valley (skip the pass); continue to Eiffel Lake
Getting there & staying
Accessed from Lake Louise; confirm exact trailhead and road access
Moraine Lake is accessible only by Parks Canada shuttle or commercial bus - book early
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Lake Louise; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
Parks Canada day pass; Moraine Lake is SHUTTLE-ONLY (private vehicles banned) - reserve the shuttle/roving well ahead. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Black and grizzly bear country - carry bear spray, travel in groups, store food properly; scree on the pass, weather, the late-September larch crowds
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.