Fall in the Canadian Rockies is one of the most stunning times of the year as autumn colours illuminate the rugged landscapes of the alpine. The short window of larch season draws local and visiting hikers/photographers alike, all eager to witness the mountains bathed in the warm, golden hues that only these alpine trees provide.
But what is a larch tree? Larches in the Canadian Rockies belong to the genus "Larix lyallii" and are found in the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They have soft, needle-like leaves that grow in clusters and turn a beautiful golden-yellow in the fall before dropping to the ground. They are well-adapted to cold climates and can grow in poor soils, making them common in alpine and boreal forests.
Due to our tumultuous weather patterns in the Rockies, this time of year as magical as it is, is unfortunately short-lived. However, if the weather remains decent you can enjoy larch season from as early as mid-September until the middle of October.
While there's no shortage of options for hiking trails to keep you busy during larch season, I along with my friends at North Campervans have compiled a list of our favourites in case you're in the area.
Larch Valley
Distance: 8.9km Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 564m
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Lake Louise
Larch Valley is without a doubt the busiest larch hike in the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason. With a starting and ending point at the famous Moraine Lake, you get a lot of bang for your buck on this hike. Besides a sea of larch trees, minnistima lakes and sentinel pass are worth a visit. And if you're feeling super adventurous, this trail offers access to the larger scrambles in the region including Mount Temple and Eiffel Peak.
Regardless of your objective, I highly recommend starting early to beat the crowds. Keep in mind, with the implementation of the new shuttle system, reservations will need to be made in advance.
Pocaterra Ridge
Distance: 9.8 km one way (2okm return)
Elevation: 708m
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Location: Highwood Pass, Kananaskis Provincial Park
This larch hike is another one of the "more" popular trails in the region, especially on the weekends. Arrive early to secure a parking spot and follow a map such as Alltrials to ensure you remain on the trail. If you want to get away from the crowds continue up to the ridgeline for a spectacular view of surrounding peaks. You can either head back the way you came, or If you are hiking with friends and have two vehicles, plan ahead and leave one near the Little Highwood Pass parking lot (north) and continue the rare opportunity to traverse the ridgeline hiking south to north! You won't be disappointed!
Chester Lake & Elephant Rocks
Distance: 9.3km Out & Back
Elevation: 419m
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Kananaskis
Chester Lake on a calm day has one of the most picturesque reflections in the Kananaskis region. Although I might be biased as the curvature and striking features of Mount Chester make it one of my personal favourite peaks in the Canadian Rockies. With a relatively easy elevation grade, this hike is great for all adventure types. Larch Trees surround the lake shore with a magnitude of space available to accommodate many lunch and snack areas.
Floe Lake
Distance: 20.3km Out & Back
Elevation: 976m
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Location: Highway 93S, Kootenay National Park
This trail is often done as a backpacking trip rather than a day hike due to the nature of both elevation and distance. You can find permits for camping on Kootenay National Parks Backcountry camping website. Featuring one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, there is no surprise why this hike has become a crown jewel and highly sought after backcountry camping location. When the weather is calm, nothing beats this reflection.
Arnica Lake
Distance: 9.3km Out & Back
Elevation: 738m
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Highway 93S, Banff National Park
I can't believe this year was my first experiencing this stunning larch location. With that being said, I do feel this hike is gaining more popularity. And with any trail on this list, I recommend starting early to not only secure a parking spot, but to beat the crowds.
This hike starts out alongside the incredible Vista Lake lined with beautiful aspen trees and a magnitude of colourful leaves. While the majority of the hike after this point is in the trees, once you hit the lake the trail opens up with lots of room to sit and enjoy. If you continue a little further up the trail, you'll gain a small ridge where you can find a more aerial view over the larch-lined lake. If you're looking feeling ambitious, you can continue this hike to Twin Lakes or even Shadow Lake.
Ptarmigan Cirque
Distance: 3.4km Out & Back
Elevation: 241m
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Highwood Pass, Kananaskis Provincial Park
This hike is an exceptional option for families given its low elevation grade and short loop. Definitely the easiest and shortest trail on this list, Ptarmigan Cirque serves up a heavy dose of larch madness with relatively low effort.
Arethusa Cirque
Distance: 4.5km Out & Back
Elevation: 377m
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Highwood Pass, Kananaskis Provincial Park
Just next door to Ptarmigan Cirque, the Arethusa circuit is another great trail for the entire family. This loop trail offers incredible views the whole way through, including a never-ending view of Storm Mountain. Another dramatic and impressive peak in the kananaskis range.
If you're feeling ambitious, I'd highly recommend summiting Little Arethusa. Not only is this ridgeline relatively easy to climb, but the views from the top are just stunning. Especially during larch season.
Tent Ridge
Distance: 10.1km Loop
Elevation: 810m
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Location: Kananaskis
Tent Ridge is a Kananaskis Classic offering exceptional ridgeline views of Spray Lakes. This trail can either be accomplished in a horseshoe loop or by hiking up the front side (north entrance) to the main viewpoint. The golden yellow of the larche trees in contrast with the blue water amongst towering peaks is a tough combination to beat. I recommend being at the main viewpoint or on top of the ridge at golden hour into sunset to really witness this scene come to life.
Ten More Fantastic Larch Hikes in the Canadian Rockies
Lake O'Hara (Yoho National Park) 21km return
Sparrowhawk Tarns (Kananaskis) 11.6km return
Taylor and O’Brien Lakes (Banff National Park) 14km return
Rawson Lake (Kananaskis) 8.9km return
Rockbound Lake (Banff National Park) 17.5km return
Buller Pass (Kananaskis) 20.4km return
Burstall Pass (Kananaskis) 16.4km return
Healey Pass and Sunshine Meadows (Banff National Park) 18.3km return to Healy Pass, 21.1km return to Sunshine Meadows
Rummel Lake (Kanaskis)12.4km return
Skoki Valley Loop (Banff National Park) 34.9km return
All hikes listed above that are located in provincial parks in Kananaskis Country require a valid park pass. Day passes can be purchased online and are per day per vehicle. If you’re staying six days or longer, it’s more cost-effective to just buy an annual pass that registers two vehicles.
Note: This is a separate pass from national park passes that are required for visiting Banff or other national parks like Jasper or Yoho.
Layering for Larches
Weather can be unpredictable this time of year, therefore I always wear a base layer and have a puffy jacket and gortex shell with me.
Things to Remember
Always carry bear spray when you're hiking in the Canadian Rockies and know what to do if you come into contact with a bear on the trail.
Respect wildlife and please do not feed the animals.
Practice trail etiquette. Always stay on trail as there are many sensitive species of animals and vegetation that are part of larger ecosystems surrouding your footsteps.
Be aware of your surroudings and dont be afraid to turn around if weather or trail conditions are unfavourable. The mountains will always be there!
"Leave No Trace" and dispose of waste properly. Pack out what you pack in.
If you are heading out on some of the longer trails or summits make sure to bring extra food and water.
Always do your research on the trail ahead of time and prepare accordingly with gear and supplies. I always have offline trails downloaded and a garmin device in case of emergencies. There is no cell signal in the mountains.
On Vacation? Need Accommodation? Transportation?
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Happy Larch Hunting!!
Written by Jenna Dixon in collaboration with North Campervans.
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