Larch Valley, Banff National Park, Alberta hiking , Alberta North, Alberta, Canada

Why choose a trail at Larch Valley, Banff National Park, Alberta?

Sentinel Pass is a trail that runs through the Larch Valley Trail. It measures exactly 10.9 kilometers, and is located near Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. Often considered difficult. The trail offers a number of activities and its best use is from June to August. Dogs may also use this trail, but must be on a leash.

Discover the Sentinel Pass

This trail, with a total distance of 12km, is near the town of Banff. It can be done in 7 hours, only if you have the ability or ability to walk quickly.

The Larch Valley is one of the main hikes in Banff National Park. It is for this reason that you will meet many tourists along the way. Crossing this valley, you will see a beautiful green meadow, as well as a view of the peaks of nearby mountains.

The main features of this trail

This is the first question a hiker will have to ask: Why do I have to choose the Sentinel Pass trail and not another? The answer is very simple. Indeed, it is one of the busiest tracks in the city of Banff. And the landscape you will discover will easily answer your questions.

The beauty of Moraine Lake could keep you there. Indeed, it sends back a unique blue color, supported by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It is approximately an hour's drive west of Banff. This panorama is so extraordinary that it attracts both beginners and professionals of the hike. In this case, do not forget to take a picture, breathe deeply and admire everything in peace. The wildness of the journey in the Larch Valley to the Sentinel awaits you.

Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass in Banff National Park are traditional circuits in the Canadian Rockies. These trails are accessible during the three seasons (they are closed in winter). Do not miss to appreciate larches especially in autumn.

Indeed, it is during this season that we can see the most hikers and photographers. They invade the valley to admire the snow-capped mountains, which are then filled with shiny golden plates among evergreen trees.

You can make a jump on this trail during the fall. However, it is during the summer that it is better. At the end of July, the wild flowers are magical, and there are not many people this season.

With animals, you can see marmots and ground squirrels. They fly by the alpine flowers. Do not be afraid if you encounter grizzly bears en route. They are everywhere. If you find them on your way, it would be easier to let them pass and not excite them.

One of the plus of this trail is that you can have up-to-date information when you are at the park. Which is always a good idea when going on a hike? Whether it's news about the track or the weather, it's good to have some information.

Do not worry if you see many hikers from the beginning of the trail. There are always other tourists who wait at the beginning of the track to join a group.