Sentinel Pass

Above the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Sentinel Pass climbs from Moraine Lake through Larch Valley to a 2,611-metre saddle in Banff National Park, one of the most scenic day hikes in the Canadian Rockies.

The route runs about 11.6 kilometres round trip with roughly 725 metres of gain, ascending switchbacks into a bowl of alpine larch before a final rocky pitch to the pass, where views open toward Paradise Valley and the surrounding spires. The trail is popular yet demanding on its upper reaches.

Practical detail: no permit is required for the day hike, but Parks Canada often requires hikers to travel in tight groups of four or more during grizzly season, and access to Moraine Lake is now by shuttle or bus only. Snow can hold at the pass into summer.

Late July through September is the window, culminating in late September when the larches turn brilliant gold and draw large crowds. Compact but spectacular, the hike distills the beauty of the Lake Louise area into a single memorable climb.