Your Ultimate 2025 Guide to Larch Hikes in the Canadian Rockies

Why Fall is the Most Magical Season in the Rockies

There is no better way to experience the Canadian Rockies in the fall than on a larch hike. For a few fleeting weeks, golden needles light up the landscape, casting a warm glow over alpine meadows and glacier-fed lakes. It’s a sensory moment—the scent of cold earth, the sound of crunching leaves, the quiet awe that settles in when everything turns to gold.

You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to witness this. Many of the best larch hikes are beginner-friendly and deliver big rewards without the grind. Others challenge you to climb a little higher for sweeping views that stretch across valleys of fire-coloured forest.

When is Larch Season in 2025?

The window is short. Plan your trip between September 18 – October 5, 2025 for peak golden glory. Weekdays are quieter, but even busy weekends are worth it—just get an early start, pack layers, and bring patience for parking or shuttles.

Easy & Scenic Larch Hikes (Perfect for Beginners or Families)

Mount Lorette Ponds (Kananaskis)

1 km | 25 m | 30–60 min | Loop | Easy
A relaxed walk around serene ponds surrounded by golden larches. With picnic tables and zero elevation gain, this is a great low-effort way to bask in autumn beauty. Bring a blanket, a book, or lunch and make it a full unplugged afternoon.

Ptarmigan Cirque (Kananaskis)

4.2 km | 271 m | 1–2 hrs | Loop | Easy to Moderate
Located off Highway 40, this trail brings a huge payoff with minimal effort. Meadows of larch trees line the route, and mountain views unfold at every bend. Arrive early to avoid crowds—it's a favourite for families and day trippers.

2025 Update: Ongoing construction near Highwood Pass may impact parking. Always check Alberta Parks updates before heading out.

Tryst Lake (Kananaskis)

7 km | 373 m | 2–3 hrs | Out & Back | Moderate
A peaceful lakeside hike nestled below towering peaks. Golden larches frame the lake like a painting. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking serenity and incredible views without a big climb.

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Iconic Larch Hikes in Banff & Lake Louise

Larch Valley via Sentinel Pass (Moraine Lake)

9 km | 564 m | 3–5 hrs | Out & Back | Moderate to Hard
This is the larch hike. A steady ascent from Moraine Lake leads to sweeping views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, golden larch groves, and tranquil Minnestimma Lake. For a real leg-burner, continue to Sentinel Pass.

Taylor Lake & Panorama Meadows (Banff)

13.7–16.5 km | 712 m | 4–6 hrs | Out & Back | Moderate to Hard
Though the initial stretch through forest is long, the reward is a golden basin of larches reflecting in a pristine alpine lake. Continue into Panorama Meadows for even more fall colour.

Healy Pass (Banff)

20.9 km | 890 m | 5–7 hrs | Out & Back | Hard
One of Banff’s most spectacular fall hikes. A well-maintained trail winds through lush forest before revealing an expansive alpine meadow dotted with golden larches. Make a full day of it.

More Must-Do Kananaskis Larch Trails

Arethusa Cirque

5 km | 350 m | 2–3 hrs | Loop | Moderate
Tucked just beyond Highwood Pass, Arethusa is quieter than Ptarmigan but equally spectacular. It’s a loop trail with forest, rock slides, and ridgelines blanketed in gold.

Rummel Lake

12.5 km | 411 m | 3–5 hrs | Out & Back | Moderate
Ideal for hikers staying near Smith Dorrien Trail. This mellow route passes through dense forest and into an alpine bowl where yellow larches wrap around a glassy lake.

Chester Lake

9.7 km | 300 m | 2–4 hrs | Out & Back | Moderate
A local favourite near Mount Engadine. The wide trail leads to an open meadow and glacial lake backed by Fortress Mountain. It’s stunning in peak season—especially when the larches are glowing.

Burstall Pass

16.4 km | 675 m | 4–6 hrs | Out & Back | Hard
Alpine meadows, larch forests, and glacier-carved views. If you want a quieter challenge, this one delivers. Bonus: bring a mountain bike for the first 4 km to save time.

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Where to Stay for Larch Adventures

Sundance by Basecamp

Unplugged mountain magic in Kananaskis. Nestled among golden poplars and towering peaks, Sundance is your gateway to the larch-lined trails of Kananaskis. Choose from cozy tipis and trapper tents—all with indoor heating to keep you warm on chilly mornings. Open until early winter, it’s your off-grid basecamp for fall colour, crisp air, and starry skies.

Baker Creek by Basecamp

Rustic charm meets larch-filled adventure. Located just 15 minutes from Lake Louise, Baker Creek is surrounded by golden valleys and glacier-fed creeks. Enjoy log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces and access to Banff’s best fall trails.

Basecamp Suites Canmore

Comfort, convenience, and golden views. These fully equipped suites offer everything you need for a fall getaway: full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and walking access to downtown Canmore. Wake up close to both Banff and Kananaskis larch trails.

Final Tips for Fall 2025

• Leave No Trace: Stay on trail, pack out trash, and protect the trees.
• Pack Smart: Bring layers, bear spray, headlamps, and trail snacks.
• Book Early: Larch season is short. Accommodations and parking fill up fast.
• Check Conditions: Weather, parking, and trail updates can be found at Parks Canada and Alberta Parks.
• Parks Pass: Be sure to stop and purchase your conservation pass for Kananaskis and your park pass for Banff National Park—there are convenient roadside stations along the way where you can get them.

Make it a Golden Getaway

Larch season is a brief but breathtaking invitation to slow down and connect—to the mountains, to the seasons, and to something a little deeper. Whether you're in it for the photos, the silence of the forest, or that first breath of autumn air, this is your sign to pack your bags and make it happen.

Book direct with Basecamp Resorts and join our Explorer’s Club to earn up to 15% back in rewards. More hikes. More hot tubs. More golden moments.

Let the fall adventure begin.

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