Larch Valley Trail

Larch Valley Trail is a famous hike in Banff National Park that climbs out of the Moraine Lake area and into Larch Valley. Expect an out-and-back pattern, with the main effort concentrated in the early ascent from Moraine Lake before the route opens into the larch forest and valley terrain.

The route starts just past the Moraine Lake Lodge on the shoreline/Moraine Lakeshore side. From the trailhead, it’s a steady uphill with a steep, switchback-heavy section in the first stretch, before the grade eases as you move higher into the treeline country.

After the initial climb, the trail transitions into a broad alpine-meadow feel inside Larch Valley, where larch trees dominate and the valley begins to open up around Minnestimma Lakes. This is the point where many hikers stop, regroup, and decide whether to push farther toward Sentinel Pass.

A commonly chosen turnaround is around Minnestimma Lakes in Larch Valley. The segment to the Minnestimma Lakes is about 4.3 km one way with roughly 535 m of elevation gain, making the overall out-and-back about 8.6 km round trip.

The hike is typically paced as moderate: expect 3–4 hours for a normal out-and-back to Minnestimma Lakes. Conditions can shift quickly in the mountains, and higher sections may be icy or snowy even when the valley floor looks clear.

This route is also managed for wildlife safety and visitor flow. Grizzly habitat is frequent here, and Parks Canada can require hiking in groups (often four or more) during busy periods; carry bear spray and plan to travel as a group when required.

Access is controlled because Moraine Lake Road does not allow personal vehicles; use the Parks Canada shuttle, public transit/taxis, or a guided option to reach the trailhead area for the hike.

More information: Booking, Larch Valley Hike in Banff National Park (Updated for 2026), Larch Valley Hike- Banff National Park's Most Beautiful ...