Sentinel Pass Trail
Sentinel Pass Trail is a famous Banff National Park alpine out-and-back hike from the Moraine Lake area in the Lake Louise region, using the Larch Valley route to reach the high saddle known as Sentinel Pass.
Expect a steep, sustained climb early with continuous switchbacks through forest, then a more open stretch in larch country as you gain elevation toward Minnestimma Lakes.
At the Minnestimma Lakes, the route sets up a break and continued effort—after the lakes, the trail steepens again into scree/talus terrain leading toward the pass headwall.
The final approach is a hard grind up loose, rock-covered slopes to the pass; it can hold snow and conditions can feel alpine even in season, so good traction matters.
From Sentinel Pass, the views open over Paradise Valley and the Valley of the Ten Peaks area, with multiple prominent peaks visible from the saddle.
Logistics: Moraine Lake Road is closed to private personal vehicles, so you’ll need a shuttle or other booked transport option from the Lake Louise area to reach the trailhead at Moraine Lake.