Sentinel Pass
Photos Maps Summary: In late-September Larch Valley glows in the gold of the deciduous conifers and lures many hikers and climbers to the area. Also a popular hike during the summer, this trail probably sees most of its visitors in the fall when the larches are putting on their show. The view of the golden trees below the Wenkchemna Peaks to the south and southeast is considered one of the best in Banff National Park. From Sentinel Pass are many options for more ambitious hikers or climbers including Mt Temple and Paradise Valley. Eiffel Lake is a much more secluded side-trip that would make for a fantastic long day-hike. Grizzly Bears frequent the area and it is very common for group restrictions to be in place where it is required that a party be no less than four (sometimes six). This restriction is of minor nuisance (unless you want to go to Eiffel Lake) because you will not have to wait long to complete your group of four (or six). We also highly recommend walking to the top of the large boulder pile at the end of Moraine Lake for truly spectacular views before the hike.Distance: 7.2 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 2,380' totalSeason: late-June to early-OctoberFees & Permits: None (other than the park entrance fee)
Finding the Trailhead: 51.32819 N, 116.18188 W (Moraine Lake parking lot). From Banff follow CAN-1 northwest for ~33.9 mi (55.6 km) and take the Bow Valley Parkway (Promenade de la Vallee de la Bow) exit (northern one of the two). Turn left into the community of Lake Louise and continue following Lake Louise Drive for ~1.4 miles (2.2 km) before turning left onto Moraine Lake Road. Follow this to the end at Moraine Lake (~7.6 miles/12.2 km). The trail begins off the southern end of the large parking lot. Be sure to arrive early (before ~9:30a).
The Hike: A wide level trail leaves the southern end of the parking lot and follows the shore past the lodge and a few cabins. Along the way are some great views over Moraine Lake of the Wenkchemna Peaks. At ~0.15 miles the official trailhead is reached (turn right). Now the climbing begins through the trees. At ~0.35 miles a spring is crossed as the trail makes its way west. The base of the switchbacks and first steep climb is reached at ~0.8 miles. During this first steep climb there are some nice views of the Wenkchemna Peaks and the beautiful blue of Moraine Lake through the trees. The last switchback is reached at ~1.35 miles. Here, the trail levels some before reaching the junction with Eiffel Lake Trail in the trees at ~1.5 miles where the trail has already gained over 1,100'. Stay right to continue toward Sentinel Pass. Up to this point there have only been a few larches sprinkled around the forest. However, now you'll notice a lot more as you enter Larch Valley. At ~1.85 miles there is an alpine meadow that offers extraordinary views as the trail heads west. In autumn the contrast between the dark evergreens, gold larches, and bright snow on the surrounding mountaintops is brilliant. There is a perfect view of the larches just below the Wenkchemna Peaks. When we were here in late-September, 2013 there was a dusting of fresh snow on the ground with a light snow falling.
As the trail climbs further to the northwest the views get even better until you reach our favorite view--Mt Babel, Mt Fay, Fay Glacier, and Mt Bowlen towering over the larches of Larch Valley (the picture at the top of this page). Take your time to appreciate being in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The climb continues to the north-northwest, where the snow became deeper for us, before reaching the largest Minnestimma Lake at ~2.8 miles. Pinnacle Mountain reflects perfectly in the shallow water. The smaller Minnestimma Lake can be reached by use-trails downstream of the larger one but be careful not to trample fragile alpine tundra.The trail follows the southeastern shore before crossing the outlet and climbing to the northeast into the large scree field between Pinnacle Mountain and Mt Temple. Please stay on the trail where it turns to the east to a sharp switchback and ignore the cut-through trails. As the trail climbs further through the scree look back to admire the views over the Minnestimma Lakes and Larch Valley. At ~3.4 miles the base of the last set of switchbacks is reached just below Sentinel Pass. After around five switchbacks of decreasing length Sentinel Pass (~8,560') is reached ~3.6 miles from the parking lot.
To the north you peer into Paradise Valley and the namesake hoodoos north of Pinnacle Mountain. Grand Sentinel is the lone tall finger to the right. Pinnacle Mountain towers over the pass to the west-southwest and Mt Temple to the northeast. Keep your ears and eyes open for pikas hopping and squeaking through the rocks. We found a great lunch spot on top of an altar of rocks just to the southwest of the pass. Take a seat and enjoy the views. When it's time to leave you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot. For the more adventurous and those that have set up a shuttle, you can follow the trail into Paradise Valley and out at the Moraine Lake road just north of Paradise Creek and ~5.9 miles (9.5 km) below Moraine Lake. Climbers also like to use Sentinel Pass as a launching point for a summit of Mt Temple. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you start the hike and be prepared for the weather to change quickly.
