Every Fall, hikers start to get excited as the larch trees start to turn their golden colours and they head out on some of the best Larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies. The gorgeous trees can’t be found everywhere but here in the Canadian Rockies, if you know where to look, you can marvel at this amazing transition Mother Nature puts on annually.
If you are looking to see the golden larches you’ll probably need to hike to get there. It is possible to see some from your car if you drive Highwood Pass in Kananaskis or you can also see some if you take the Lake Louise Gondola at the ski resort. With that in mind I’ve compiled 10 of my favourite larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies to help you witness the show!
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Table of Contents
What Are Larch Trees?
Larch trees are conifers but have one distinct difference from the rest of the group and that is that they are deciduous and lose their needles every Fall.
There are many different types of larch trees, the ones which turn the golden colour before losing their needles are the Subalpine Larches. These trees are not found everywhere though, which makes them extra special.
When Is Larch Season?
Larch season in Alberta changes every year and so there are no guarantees. Fall in Alberta is very short and typically larch hikes in Alberta are in their prime for only two weeks. Typically it happens during the last two weeks of September, however some years it can be earlier or later with some larch trees hanging on into October.
The last week of September is your best bet if you are planning a trip to Alberta and BC to see the larch trees.
Weather has a big impact on the larch season and strong winds or heavy snow can result in an early end with the golden needles dropping quickly.
12 Of The Best Larch Hikes In The Canadian Rockies
Larch Hikes In Kananaskis
Burstall Pass
Distance: 7.5km one way
Elevation: 470m gain
Burstall Pass is easily one of my favorite larch hikes in Alberta, it starts off fairly flat before passing through a gorgeous valley and then climbing to the pass. On the way up to the pass the larch trees start to appear and from Burstall Pass you get a birds eye view looking down over the golden trees in both directions.
Pocaterra Ridge
Distance: 11.4km one way
Elevation: 764m gain
Easily one of the most popular larch hikes in Alberta, Pocaterra Ridge can be completed as an out and back or as a one way ridge hike if you have two cars to shuttle between trail ends.
This steep hike offers incredible views of the golden larches and there are easier options in the area too if you are looking for something shorter and easier such as Arethusa Cirque.
Note the parking area at Highwood Pass to complete the Pocaterra Ridge hike is closed for 2024.
Chester Lake
Distance: 4.6km one way
Elevation: 300m gain
Chester Lake is beautiful year round but in larch season it really pops! Hike up through the forest to get to the lake which is surrounded by larch trees. Continue onto the Elephant Rocks for even more larch trees. Take a picnic to enjoy at the lake if weather permits.
Tent Ridge
Distance: 10.6km to complete the loop
Elevation: 750m gain
A popular hike in the summer, Tent Ridge offers panoramic views of Spray Lake, however in the Fall it also becomes home to many golden larch tress, you can gaze on them as you traverse the ridge. Note, there is a small scrambling section involved in this hike. It can be completed as a loop though, best done clockwise to climb up the scramble section.
Larch Hikes in Banff National Park
Twin Lakes
Distance: 8km one way
Elevation: 715m gain
If you enjoy a steep climb up to alpine lakes, the Twin Lakes hike is sure to be on your list of Larch hikes in Alberta. Be warned the parking area at the Vista Lakes trailhead is very small, arrive early to avoid disappointment.
You’ll descend down to Vista Lake before starting the long climb up to Arnica and Upper and Lower Twin Lakes. All the upper lakes are surrounded by larch trees which really pop behind the blue lakes. There is a backcountry campground at Twin Lakes if you want to split the trip up into two days.
Lake Agnes
Distance: 3.4km one way
Elevation: 385m
You won’t have this larch hike in Alberta to yourself, but thats for good reason. Climb up from Lake Louise along a well defined trail. It gets steeper towards the lake as you climb up past the waterfall.
Enjoy a hot cup of tea at the Lake Agnes teahouse on a chilly day while enjoying the lake views and the larch trees. For more views head up the steep trail to the Big Beehive.
Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley
Distance: 5.8km one way
Elevation: 725m gain
Easily the most popular larch hike in Banff National Park, many people will hike into Larch Valley. Starting at Moraine Lake and heading up a switchback trail you get to walk through a beautiful larch meadow. For those with more energy, continue up to Sentinel Pass via a switchback trail to get views of the larch trees from above.
Note, you can’t drive to Moraine Lake, you’ll need to book a shuttle. I’d recommend trying to go early or later in the day for a more peaceful experience.
Fairview Mountain
Distance: 5.1km one way
Elevation: 1013m gain
Steep is the word for this larch hike in Alberta, it climbs up above Lake Louise until you reach the mountain summit. Hike through the beautiful golden larch trees and when you reach the summit enjoy views over Lake Louise and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Taylor Lake
Distance: 6.3km one way
Elevation: 585m
Hike up through the forest to get to Taylor Lake, a beautiful spot surrounded by larch trees. Continue on to Panorama Meadows for even more larch trees and incredible views. Taylor Lake makes a gorgeous spot for a lunch stop and there is also a backcountry campground if you want to brave the chilly nights and can secure a reservation.
Healy Pass
Distance: 8.8km one way
Elevation: 655m gain
A steady climb from the Sunshine Village parking lot gets you to the meadows below Healy Pass which have larch trees dotted throughout. Continue up to the pass to see even more larch trees. The higher you get, the more incredible the views get. This trail is gorgeous all summer.
Continue on to Egypt Lake to spend the night and enjoy even more larch hikes. From the campground with Whistling Pass being an incredible option, filled with larch trees.
Larch Hikes in Kooteney and Yoho National Parks
Floe Lake
Distance: 10.5km one way
Elevation: 1,110m gain
A slow steady climb through the valley is how the hike to Floe Lake begins, but it ends with steep switchbacks which take you up to the lake. There are larch trees right from the top of the switchbacks to the lake. Spends a night at the beautiful lakeside campground. Continue up to the pass for amazing views of the larch trees and Floe Lake.
Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara is filled with larch trees. If you are lucky enough to get a day bus ticket or overnight camping spot you are in for a treat. Opabin Plateau is a fantastic spot to enjoy the larch trees. As is McArthur Lake which is surrounded by larch trees. The whole area is filled with the beautiful yellow larches in September.
BONUS Larch Filled Multi Day Backpacking Trips
The Rockwall
The Rockwall Trail takes you from the Paint Pots trailhead to the Floe Lake trailhead in Kootenay National Park; there are lots of larch trees to be spotted along the way. This trail is tough though with numerous mountain passes to get over. I’d recommend completing this trail in 4 or 5 days for a more relaxing pace. You’ll need to book campgrounds in advance to hike this trail.
Sunshine Village to Vista Lake
There are so many larch trees on the mountain passes along this three day backpacking trip in Banff National Park. It will be glowing come September and once past Egypt Lake you’ll likely have a very quiet larch experience.
If you are going to backpack during larch season you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for any weather, it can get very cold overnight in September and may even snow.
Places To Stay When Doing Larch Hikes
If you are coming to stay in the area and complete a lot of larch hikes, I’ve compiled some of my favorite spots to stay which cover a number of different price points.
Banff
Banff allows easy access to Kananaskis and Banff National Park so can be a great base to explore both areas.
Mount Royal – Location doesn’t get any better than this, located right on Banff Avenue in the middle of town these recently renovated rooms are gorgeous and the rooftop hot tubs are the perfect spot to warm up and relax after a big day of hiking.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is much smaller than Banff but if you are focusing your larch hikes in the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake areas it can be worthwhile to base yourself here.
HI Lake Louise – This family friendly spot has single beds and family rooms at reasonable prices as well as a great cafe onsite to fuel up after your day of larch hiking.
Kananaskis
There are limited options for staying in Kananaskis but those that do exist are beautiful!
Engadine Lodge – Located near many of the incredible larch hikes in Kananaskis, Tent Ridge, Burstall Pass and Chester Lake are all just a short drive away. There are lodge rooms and glamping tents.
