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Group of hikers on the trail in Larch Valley with the Ten Peaks in the background
Larch Valley Trail in Fall
Hiking

Larch Valley Trail

At certain elevations of the Rockies, the renowned larch tree grows in verdant patches. Those willing to hike up above Moraine Lake into Larch Valley will find an entire sweeping forest of them.

The feeling of topping out after a rolling trail and attaining the treeline above the larches will fill you with pride. Sit beneath their soft branches to bask in the view and swap smiles with backpackers headed deep into Paradise Valley and climbers descending from the summit of Mount Temple.

Good To Know

Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
3-6 hrs
When
Jun - Oct

Plan Ahead

Personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is not available. Reserve a seat on the Parks Canada shuttle , book a guided tour, or take Roam Transit (fall service only).

Location

Distance from Banff:
71km
Distance from Lake Louise:
14km

When to go

Operating Dates

MonthOperating Status
JanClosed
FebClosed
MarClosed
AprClosed
MayClosed
JunOpen
JulOpen
AugOpen
SepOpen
OctOpen
NovClosed
DecClosed

The road to Moraine Lake is only open to vehicle traffic during the summer months, personal vehicles are not permitted but shuttles, public transit and guided tours are available.

Busy Times

Everyday

Getting There

  • Parks Canada Shuttles: Daily service operating June - October.

  • Roam Route 10: Daily service operating September – October.

  • Guided Tours: Multiple options available.

More Information

  • Difficulty: Moderate

    Length: 4.3 km one way

    Elevation gain: 535 m

    Hiking time: 3 - 4 hour round trip

    Trailhead: Moraine Lake

Useful Links

Let's do this!

Take a guided sightseeing tour, transit or shuttle to Moraine Lake for the best experience.

Brewster Sightseeing

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Brewster Sightseeing

Discover Banff Tours

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Discover Banff Tours

Hop On Banff

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Hop On Banff

Radventures

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Radventures

White Mountain Adventures

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about White Mountain Adventures

Moraine Lake Bus Company

Shuttles & Taxis
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Moraine Lake Bus Company

Mountain Park Transportation

Shuttles & Taxis
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Mountain Park Transportation

Parks Canada

Community & Government
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Parks Canada

Roam Public Transit

Shuttles & Taxis
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Roam Public Transit

Ten Peaks Shuttle & Tours

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Ten Peaks Shuttle & Tours

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Surrounding Areas
See details about Yamnuska Mountain Adventures