Ella's Escapes

Larch Valley Trail
51.33° N, 116.19° W

   

Larch Valley Trail

Larch Valley Trail is a captivating hiking trail located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, renowned for its spectacular alpine scenery and vibrant fall colors. The trail begins at Moraine Lake, one of the most iconic and photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, and quickly ascends through a series of switchbacks, offering hikers stunning views of the turquoise lake below and the towering peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. As the trail climbs higher, hikers are rewarded with expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the journey.

The highlight of the Larch Valley Trail is its namesake, the larch trees, which turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall, transforming the valley into a magical, glowing landscape. This seasonal spectacle makes the trail particularly popular in late September to early October, attracting hikers from around the world. The trail continues through lush meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer and golden larches in the fall, eventually leading to the stunning Minnestimma Lakes. The combination of vivid colors, serene alpine lakes, and the dramatic backdrop of the Ten Peaks makes the Larch Valley Trail a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Banff National Park.