This Enchanting Alberta Hike Explodes With Golden Larch Trees Every Fall (PHOTOS)
Do you smell the pumpkin spice in the air? Fall is knocking on your door and you better be ready. There are so many stunning fall trails in Alberta. With golden trees blooming in every direction, Larch Valley needs to be the number one entry on your fall bucket list.
There's something so magical about fall hikes. For starters, you don't have to worry about trekking through the hot summer temperatures or the brutal winter conditions.
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The air is just crisp and cold enough for you to get your steps in without getting your sweat on.
The Larch Valley trail is right near Moraine Lake. You can access the trailhead form the Moraine Lake Lodge.
It's been rated as moderate by Parks Canada and is about 4.3 kilometres one-way. But note that it's fairly steep and covers an elevation of about 535 meters.
So prepare for the hike accordingly.
It should take you up to 4 hours round-trip but the actual time of completion depends on your speed and how long you spend taking in the extraordinary views.
The trail leads up through spectacular larch meadows and forests, which is where its name comes from.
With autumnal colours surrounding you throughout the trail, you'll be wondering why you hadn't discovered this region sooner.
Alberta may be known for its turquoise lakes but the golden hues that explode at this time of the year might give Lake Louise a run for its money.
The same hike also brings you up to Minnestimma Lakes, a group of tiny alpine lakes. This viewpoint is staggering, especially when you factor in the towering mountains nearby.
The valley is so well-known that it has "has graced the Canadian $20 bill twice in the past," mentioned Travel Alberta.
If you want to hike a bit further, you can head up the Sentinel Pass. It's another 2.5 kilometres. It'll be a rocky terrain and gets occasionally windy but you will get to see the beauty of it all from an even higher elevation.
But if you want to feast your eyes on the larch trees and nothing but the larch trees, the initial trial should be more than enough to grant your wishes.
Just because the temperature is sliding down doesn't mean you have to stay indoors all the time. Fall is a season worth exploring outdoors, especially when such spots are just waiting to be discovered.
Larch Valley
Address: Moraine Lake Lodge, Banff National Park, AB
Why You Need To Go: This hike near Banff will blow your mind with the golden larch trees, so much so that you'll be wishing it was fall forever.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.