Unbe-leaf-able Valley

Larch Valley. One of THE most hiked areas in fall in the Banff National Park. Thankfully I have managed to go here once a year each year I've been here to witness the vibrant yellow tones that flood the valley. (as well as at the end of my hike from Louise to Moraine)

First year literally the day after arriving back to Banff from Cancun at a bright early time of 5.30am we left Banff to be able to catch sunrise. Myself, Chelsea, Kat, Bron and some of Bron's photography buddies set out to go beneath Sentinel Pass at the

Minnestimma Lakes. Many coffees were consumed prior to attempting and also headlamps were shone to lead the way up the oh-so Canadian switchbacks up to Larch Valley from Lake Moraine before popping out to the wide open Minnestimma Lakes. With Sentinel Pass looming up above the far side of the large lake this is the perfect place to look back towards the Valley of Ten Peaks and get an almost mirror image of them in the glass like lake (see photo below). Even with it being beyond freezing the glow tipping the peaks and slowly working its way down was worth the pain. To date this is one of my most favourite scenes and views I have ever had and will forever be etched into my brain. Also with the silence and no-one being close by just made the experience so much more special.

The best photo I have taken to date.

Once feeling satisfied with the views we slowly started the descent snapping away as every which way you looked there was another breath-taking sight. Only now could we actually see the Larch Trees in their prime as it was dark on the way up. Its almost a mustard yellow which glows against the blues of the mountains and greens of the surrounding ground. Not only that but at the bottom and last view you see is Lake Moraine- and I can honestly say I've never met a person who hasn't been wowed by this sight.

Secondary trip was a quick by pass of the Larches mid-summer en route to Lake Moraine via Sentinel Pass and as I had only been hiking a previous 7 1/2 hours, I had no intent on taking any more views in. I was more focused on just getting it done and enjoying a coffee via IV drip and a much needed sandwich.

Lucky time number three. AKA today. Myself, Ty and Olive all got up and left Banff at 7am aiming to be able to get a park at Lake Moraine. Note: this is not early enough. I recommend going like 11-12pm as this was when we left and there were so many parks and the road wasn't blocked off. We semi-lied and said we were going to Paradise Valley (okay maybe fully lied) and managed to sneak (not so sneakily) into the carpark. Watching the debacle of tourist drivers trying to find parks was an absolute hoot and gave us a little pick-me-up prior to hiking.

Even though there were of people and the peaks hidden away in the clouds the trees contrasting against the snow was amazing. Much different to the previous year which was no snow in sight a week later that what it was now. The yellow just POPS that bit more. Even without feeling in my extremities and my breathing super deep due to the icicle air, I was more than content.

A lovely couple encouraged us to keep going up as we could still only see white as the clouds engulfed the area and almost felt like we were actually IN the clouds. Boy were they right. As we neared the Lakes we could see Mount Eiffel and Mount Temple teasing us through the clouds looming up above us. Unfortunately behind us the Valley of Ten Peaks were fully in the clouds with no chance of making an appearance today. Even so just having the view of Sentinel was enough for me as I haven't been up there in snow before. I just find it so majestic being surrounded by a winter wonderland with the mountains reflecting in the lake.

What made up for it was down at the base the Ten Peaks decided to co-operate and peak through for us. As expected Moraine Lake was as beautiful as ever. I'm so glad as Ty has NEVER been here since moving to Banff and was truly missing out.

Be warned- there will be LOTS of people during the fall period doing this hike specifically for the Larch Trees. If you hate hiking near other people or in crowded areas - avoid. But i must admit it is a must and is worth it. There are spots were you are able to remove yourself from the hoards and immerse yourself into the magic of the valley.