Fall creates gorgeous colours with the leaves changing but what’s even more exceptional is that for about a week in mid-September, the larch trees turn from a green to a bright yellow colour. The larch trees radiate throughout the entire valley when you know where to find them higher up in the mountains. These amazing hikes will provide exercise and a sense of accomplishment with family or a partner putting a lot of effort to see these beautiful golden larch landscapes. Here are the four best larch hikes in southwestern Alberta to discover and take some gorgeous pictures.
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Little Arethusa Peak
Location: Go south on highway 40 from the Trans-Canada #1 Highway in Peter Lougheed park until you reach Little Arethusa parking lot (this section of the road is closed from December to June).
Parking: It’s a very popular hike and though there’s a large parking area off the road, you’ll have to arrive early if you want to park in the designated area. Otherwise, you’ll be parking along the highway like these vehicles (including ours).
Washrooms: There are no outhouses at the trailhead. Stop at another parking lot before arriving.
Hike: It took us five hours to complete the 7.57 km hiking loop at a leisurely pace.
Initial Ascent for the Best Larch Hikes
Depending on how far from the trailhead you end up parking, your hike might be slightly longer. As shown in the third picture, the stretch from numbers six to seven must be completed by everyone to start and finish the trail. You can complete the loop portion that starts off at a fork in the trail by either going left (clockwise) or right (counter clockwise).
Tip: I recommend going steadily uphill to the left for the climbing section. Once at the top of this section, it’s a short steep downhill, followed by a gradual downhill for most of the remainder of the loop. There will be a short ascent and then a downhill in this clockwise direction, as opposed to straight up in the counter clockwise direction followed by a gradual uphill and a small steep downhill section to complete the loop.
Optional Uphill Scree
Once you’ve completed the left uphill section of the loop, there’s an optional steep scree section that I highly recommend hiking for the breathtaking 360° views! This is shown as numbers two and three on the third picture.
Tip: All hikers of different fitness levels can make it. Take it slow and easy and gradually make progress arriving at the top. There is no rush or time limit to reach it. Take your time. You’ll be proud of making it to the peak and seeing the gorgeous colours throughout the valley. Watch your footing!
My parents and I were able to find a sheltered area from the wind at the summit to eat our lunch. Different people took turns taking group shots. The bright larch colours were lighting up the whole valley, especially on a gorgeous blue-sky and sunny day. It was quite spectacular! We reached the views at the summit fairly quickly as well, which was awesome. We could see where we were headed after this following the distinct trail in the scree to continue the loop.
Spectacular Pictures on the Best Larch Hikes
The green spruce trees with the bright yellow colours beside them made a beautiful contrast against the mountain backgrounds. It created gorgeous landscape pictures that are now hanging in our house. We were able to continue enjoying the sights while eating a snack and hiking down the gradual trail. Closer to the south of the trail (#5 on the map), it became steep with scree for a good portion of the loop. This area is less spectacular for landscape pictures of the valley but offers nice close-ups of larches and mountains. Once we reached the end of the loop, we took the final stretch back down to our vehicles feeling a sense of accomplishment and admiration for the gorgeous colours and views we experienced that day.
Chester Lake
Location: Go south on highway 40 from the Trans-Canada #1 highway until you reach the gravel road 742. Turn right and drive until you find the Chester Lake parking lot in Peter Lougheed park. Alternatively, drive south from Canmore on gravel road 742.
Parking: Lots of parking in the parking lot.
Washrooms: There are outhouses at the parking lot as well as one near the lake.
Hike: It’s a 9 km hike in-and-out.
The first part of the hike is uphill in trees with not much of a view. The larch trees can be sporadically seen through the area once you reach Chester Lake. It made for a gorgeous area to hang out and eat our lunch. Make sure to bring your MEC seat cushion to ensure you have something comfy to sit on while enjoying your surroundings. Many groups could be seen sitting at different spots around the lake eating their lunch. They conveniently have an outhouse near the lake for your needs. Thankfully, when we went, it wasn’t overcrowded with hikers. People were around but spread out in this location.
Gradual Incline
You might decide to keep going north past Chester Lake on the Three Lakes Valley Trail, where many children and adults (including Kris) stop and climb the Elephant Rocks that are on the right side of the trail. It’s not too difficult to climb but fun to have your picture taken from up there. Access a small trail inclined through the trees and rocks. You would see water flowing down past green spruce trees, yellow larches and rocks creating beautiful pictures. Once arrived at the next lake, it offers even better views of golden larches.
Tip: I recommend hikers go a bit further north past Chester Lake. There will be a substantial increase in views and beautiful golden larch trees. A few additional kilometres with barely any challenge will likely make you happy to have achieved a longer distance and accomplished more steps by going a bit further than Chester lake. Also, the crowds diminish past Chester Lake.
Best Larch Hikes: Landscape Views
The fifth picture shows us hiking up past the second lake straight up the mountain to get a better view of the golden larches in the valley. This was well worth the extra effort. The valley was exceptionally beautiful. This trail had a steeper incline and it was hard work to reach the top but definitely worth it. The hikers had thinned out by the time we did the last part of the trail. Only a few hikers were in this region.
Tip: Anyone can reach the top with perseverance.
Best larch hikes: Larch Valley
Location: The hike starts along the right shore of Moraine Lake.
Parking: It’s an extremely popular hike. It is advised to arrive by 5 a.m. on weekends at the Moraine Lake parking lot otherwise you might be disappointed if there is no parking available. Better yet, book a shuttle. It’s possible to start later on weekdays.
Washrooms: There are outhouses at the parking lot.
Hike: It’s a 9 km hike in-and-out to Larch Valley and 11 km if you hike up to Sentinel Pass.
Over the years, this hike has gotten extremely popular. So much so that crazy things have happened like having to park by five in the morning at the latest on weekends otherwise the parking lot might be full. That being said, there’s a reason for that. It’s a very beautiful hike with gorgeous fall colours; the golden larches will be in abundance.
Getting up the Hill
The hike starts to the right of Moraine lake. The trail will take you up a steep ascent on long switchbacks. As you go up, you’ll get glimpses of Moraine Lake’s beautiful turquoise colour down below through the trees. It might be exhausting for the first part of it but remember the trail is leading you to a beautiful larch landscape. With many people on the trail, you’ll likely have to step aside to let faster hikers go by. On some parts of the trail, there’s little additional room for two-way traffic, so it might be a bit cramped when you meet traffic going the opposite direction.
Best Larch Hikes: Panoramic Larch Views
After the initial steep incline, the trail continues as a gradual incline and showcases beautiful panoramic views of the larches all around you. People will start to disperse as people will take breaks at different locations throughout the valley.
Tip: Leave no trace and try to stay close to the trail when taking a break. It’s important to avoid damaging vegetation, prevent erosion, and minimize confusion for hikers by limiting side trails.
Reaching Larch Valley
The views are breathtaking at the top with yellow golden larches surrounding hikers. The snow on the tip of the mountains makes it even more picturesque. This is one of my favourite hiking trails in the fall and is clearly popular for good reason.
Tip #1: Dress for the weather. It might be warm down below by the parking lot but the breeze once you’ve reached Larch Valley can create much cooler temperatures. In the previous pictures, I’m wearing a winter hat since the temperature had dropped considerably once we reached the valley near Minnestimma Lake.
Tip #2: If you have time and want an extra challenge, as long as the weather cooperates, hike up to Sentinel Pass!
Fairview Lookout
Location: Hike from the Lake Louise parking lot. You’ll hike up the mountain to the south of the lake (shown in the first picture below).
Parking: There is parking in the Lake Louise parking lot but it will fill up. Be aware that there is a user fee now in effect and parking is limited! You might consider taking the shuttle.
Washrooms: There are washrooms at the west end of the Lake Louise parking lot.
Hike: It’s a 9.2 km steep and short hike out-and-back.
Get in Shape
This is a short but steep trail. You’ll want to get in shape with other hikes before attempting this one. You’ll leave from the Lake Louise parking lot and head up behind the mountain (to the left of Lake Louise in the first picture). The trail is steep the entire way. You’ll be able to see the Lake Louise ski hill across the valley as you climb. The larches will slowly make an appearance as you make your way higher up the mountain. The trail will have a small plateau at the saddle, allowing a view of the gorgeous larches in the valley before the trail heads straight up a scree slope. A member of our group stopped at this area, as it was getting much steeper to reach the summit and this hiker did not feel comfortable to attain it.
Tip: Stop when you feel you’ve surpassed your comfort zone. The small plateau offers fantastic views and a place to stop to wait for the others to summit and get back down. Remember to congratulate yourself for reaching this destination, it’s an amazing accomplishment!
Appropriate Footwear
The scree slope wasn’t too bad with the correct hiking footwear with grips on the bottom of our hiking boots. Otherwise, it could have been difficult, especially since it was snowing by the time we reached Fairview Lookout.
Short, Steep and Beautiful
If you’re looking for a short hike that offers views and amazing beautiful larches in the fall then this is the hike to choose. It is steep and will require you to be fit but it’s absolutely worth the effort to get to the top. You’ll be able to see Lake Louise if you’re brave enough to look down.
Tip: Make sure to have the appropriate gear (warm layers and footwear) as it can get cold and snowy at the summit. The weather changes quickly in the mountains. Always be prepared with a fleece or down jacket and a windbreaker.
Final Thoughts
I love the outdoors throughout all our four Canadian seasons but nature is especially beautiful in the fall when the colours of the leaves change and the larches go from green to a golden yellow. These 4 best larch hikes will provide you with picturesque views and a good workout. There are different options for every family and couple depending on the length, steepness and distance you’ll want to accomplish. Also, keep in mind the logistics to make it to the top of Larch Valley. A 5 a.m. hiking start means you’re getting up super early or if you prefer book the shuttle in advance. Decide on the hike you’ll like to do, bring your camera or phone to take some stunning larch pictures and go have a wonderful adventure in nature!
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