Banff National Park: Lake Moraine – ‘Sentinel Pass, Larch Valley’ a quintessential hike!

(My solo road trip of western Canada – Tuesday 22nd September)

I had read that there were many different hikes available in this area, I really wanted to challenge myself and do a hike that would really get my heart pumping and my adrenaline rushing…

Oh my word, this was a wonderfully exciting hike, I had never done anything like this before in my life.

I went to the foot of the trail and as I was by myself had to wait to see if I could go with some other people.

This was a trail that required by law that you hike in groups of more than 4 due to bear activity.

I managed to hook up with two couples who were also looking for others to go with. Absolutely amazing hike, tough, really tough at times, but so happy I did it, strongly advise if in the area.

Difficult: 5.8 km one way; elevation gain 725 m; 4.5 to 5.5 hour round trip, steep switchbacks lead to a glorious viewpoint of two famous valleys: Larch Valley and Paradise Valley.

The valley of the Ten Peaks is a view that has become inspiration for many painters and artists.

It was even was featured on the backside of the twenty dollar bill of the 1969 and 1979 issues and there is no better spot to view the valley than from way above on Sentinel Pass.

The Sentinel Pass trail is one of the highest trail in the Lake Louise area that you can hike to and well worth the effort.

Although the trail is relatively moderate throughout, there are steeper sections in the beginning as well as final switchbacks at the end taking you up to the pass.

The popular range of 10 mountain peaks that can be seen on Sentinel Pass include the following (ranged east to west):

1. Mount Fay

2. Mount Little

3. Mount Bowlen

4. Tonsa

5. Mount Perren

6. Mounta Allen

7. Mount Tuzo

8. Deltaform Mountain

9. Neptuak Mountain

10. Wenkchemna Peak.

 

  

  
  

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