Sentinel Pass

If you can manage to get yourself a bus ticket here then sentinel pass is a must. The hike from Moraine Lake to about the 1/2 way point is pretty lame but once you pass the dense tree line it is an absolute marvel. I felt like I passed through a teleporter 4 times before I reached the top of this hike with all the different types of scenery. Truly a special place

Super fun hiking all the way to the Sentinel Pass. Although we could not finish the very last and the most difficult part to reach the pass, the rest of the trail was super fun also. The lerch valley was in full fall colors and it was crowded. This is one must do hike in the Lake Moraine area in the Fall. Lots of places to stop and take photographs. Beautiful hike and vista all around.

It's absolutely stunning. This is the best trail I've hiked in the area. Unlike other trails that go straight up for the view, this one is unique with the Larch Valley section and the zigzag path near Moraine Lake. It reminded me of Patagonia. It took us 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete, including 30 minutes at the top and a 10-minute rest on the way up. We're not fast hikers.

Stunning views! The hike from giant steps up to here was very hard. The last section was a boulder field. Still snow to walk through. The final climb I lost the trail and ended up in a lose rock scramble. Thankfully I was able to get back to the trail because of cairns. It is a MUCH better trail coming from Moraine Lake as it is just well defined switchbacks.

One of the best 8-mile hikes in Banff National Park with stunning views is the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass. Generally it seems it takes about 5-6 hours to complete, it took us just over 4 hours. Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Hike **Distance:** About 8 miles (round trip) **Elevation Gain:** Approximately 2,625 feet **Trailhead:** Moraine Lake Highlights: 1. **Larch Trees:** In the fall, the larch trees turn a brilliant golden color, offering some of the most picturesque fall scenery in the Rockies. 2. **Moraine Lake Views:** The hike starts at Moraine Lake, which itself is one of the most photographed spots in Banff. 3. **Alpine Meadows:** As you ascend, you'll pass through beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers (in summer) and expansive views. 4. **Sentinel Pass:** The final ascent to Sentinel Pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Tips: - **Timing:** This hike is very popular, so start early to avoid crowds, especially if you're hiking during peak season (late June to early September) or fall larch season. - **Gear:** Bring layers, as weather can change quickly in the mountains. Also, consider bringing trekking poles for the steep sections. - **Wildlife:** Be aware of wildlife, including bears, and carry bear spray.

Very slippery in October but the larches were beautiful! Bring proper biking boots as there is quite a deep incline.

Tough hike that is an extension of the Moraine Lake trail. The two hikes together were about 7 miles with an elevation gain of about 2500 feet. Well worth the trek to the top! Awesome views and Moraine Lake is spectacular!

Really hard but really cool trail. If you've got the time you should definitely do this trail. Note: a quarter of my time going up was spent past the two lakes just going up the final part, which is tough.

I came here on a Sunday morning, took the shuttle from the Park and Ride, parking at the lake was already full. Lots of people at the lake and ran into a ton of people coming down when we were going up. The hike wasn't too steep at the beginning to Larch Valley which was really beautiful. The hike up to Sentinel Pass was a lot steeper and there was ice and snow, which was not the most pleasant. Views at the top were amazing, especially with the larches. On the way down, the snow had mostly melted and turned into slush a bit, ran into quite a few people and it started snowing a bit closer to the lake. Really beautiful hike, definitely recommend!

As with many hikes in Banff, Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass is a must see. It begins at Moraine Lake which can get quite busy at the parking lot so you'll want to go before 10 in the morning if possible. When the bears are out, it is the law to go up with a group of four or more. My wife and I were just two but we had read that it doesn't take long to find others who are going up. Many people came up to the base but mainly to take a picture of the sign stating that bears are in the area. Lame. We were beginning to doubt that other hikers were going to come but it turned out all right. We probably waited about 10-15 minutes before some nice hikers around our same age range came along. Simone, Eric, their dog Chico, along with their four friends from New Brunswick were nice enough to let us join them. Thankfully they were also about the same speed as us. We did see many groups less than four and even some solo hikers. Naughty. The hike starts with a series of switchbacks within the treed canopy. After a while you hit a fork in the trail with one route taking you to Eiffel Lake and the other to Larch Valley and then onto Sentinel Pass. Soon after you will hit an alpine meadow area which is huge, and then the larches. I did this in July so the trees were still green but if you do it in the fall, apparently everything turns yellow! When you get past Larch Valley and make your way to Sentinel Pass you see a huge 'Z' shape way off and high up in the distance. We weren't sure if we would have to climb that but yes. The 'Z' is the final switchback before you can be rewarded with the view. In July the higher elevations still had snow, which made it a bit tricky to trek through. In some parts the hike would take you through a very steep mountainside with snow. Thankfully we made it through without mishap and finally made it up the last switchback. At the top there is a 360 degree panoramic view. On one side you have the great view of Paradise Valley. On the other side is Larch Valley where you climbed up, and a view of Valley of Ten Peaks. Unfortunately the day we went was quite cloudy. Obviously it'd be better with clearer skies but it was still enjoyable. We had lunch up there as most people do before making our decent. I would budget about 5 hours round trip for this hike. Make sure to go in a group of four as they can fine you up to $2000 and carry bear spray.