What time of year do outdoor enthusiasts get more excited for than summer? LARCH SEASON! What can beat clear blue skies, crisp air, and those golden larches? Not much! Although fall is a short season in the Rocky Mountains, what makes it so special is enjoying the golden beauty while it lasts. So sit back with your almond milk chai latte and take a look at the best larch hikes in BC and Alberta to plan your next adventure!
What is a larch tree?
Larch trees are part of the coniferous family and are known for their golden color in the autumn. They are unique in that they are deciduous, meaning they shed their needles in the fall, unlike most coniferous trees that have evergreen needles. In the spring, larch trees grow new, soft, light green needles that become darker as the season progresses. They have clustered needles, cones, and smooth bark that can become reddish-brown as the tree matures. Lastly and most importantly, larch trees are known for their unique golden appearance that becomes vibrant in the height of fall just before they shed their needles.
When is larch season?
Larch season in the Alberta Rocky Mountains typically begins in early to mid-fall, usually in September or early October. This is when larch trees transition to their vibrant golden or yellow color before eventually shedding their needles for the winter months. Larch season varies from year to year and can be challenging to predict due to factors influencing this change, such as elevation and local weather conditions.
The British Columbia Rocky Mountains are quite similar to Alberta; however, in some locations, the weather tends to be slightly milder than in Alberta, causing the larch season to lag by a week or two. To witness the larch season and its stunning display at its peak color, it’s important to stay informed about local weather conditions around mid-September to early October to optimize your trip.
Is hiking during the larch season busy?
One of the reasons the larch season is so special is because it only lasts for a couple of weeks every year. Consequently, hiking in Alberta and British Columbia to spot the larches can be quite overwhelming due to the crowds. Unfortunately, some popular hikes to see the larches in Alberta can attract hundreds of people at a time, creating more of an “ants marching in a line” experience than an opportunity to enjoy nature with minimal crowds. For this reason, try to plan ahead and schedule your hike for weekdays. If you can’t take time off from work, consider waking up extra early on weekends to avoid overcrowding during peak times.
What should you pack for a larch hike?
Larch season, which typically falls between September and early October, coincides with a period of unpredictability in the Rocky Mountains’ weather. We’ve experienced hiking through what seemed like a full-blown snow globe during this time. Given this variability, it’s wise to be well-prepared. Fall mornings are notably chilly, so we recommend layering your clothing, allowing you to adjust as needed. Moreover, always be ready for the possibility of snow and cool mountain weather. Finally, it’s crucial to check the weather conditions before your hike.
Now time for the best larch hikes in BC and Alberta!
Healy Pass
Distance: 17.9km, 816m elevation
Route Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Healy Pass Trail is one of the best larch hikes in Alberta! While this hike is rated as hard, you’ll find that the elevation gain is quite gradual, making it much more enjoyable. Along the way, you will pass stunning mountain meadows, bubbling creeks, and mossy forests. The final stretch of the hike opens up to a beautiful meadow where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. You can even spot Sunshine Mountain Ski Resort from the top!
To access this hike you will park in the Sunshine Ski Resort parking lot and start the hike up the access road. Dogs are welcome, but must be on leash.
Pocaterra Ridge
Distance: 9.8km, 730m elevation
Route Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Pocaterra Ridge is another great hike to schedule in for the fall to see the golden larches and experience the beauty of Canada in the fall! Of course it is also a very popular hike in the fall so you will want to try and hike during the weekdays. This can be completed as a point to point hike, in which you will have to coordinate two cars. Otherwise, you can also hike to the top of the mountain and turn around making it an out and back.
For a point-to-point hike on this trail, two vehicles are needed, one left at Little Highwood Pass parking lot (north) and the other at Ptarmigan Cirque/Highwood Meadows lot (south). Early arrival is advised due to limited parking, and overflow parking along the highway should be done legally to avoid ticketing. The trail includes a steep climb to the first peak, offering amazing views, and some hikers choose to descend after reaching this summit. While generally well-marked, some visitors get lost near the end where the trail crosses a stream; logs act as a bridge.
Larch Valley
Distance: 8.9km, 604m elevation
Route Type: Out & back
Difficulty: Hard
This is one of the best larch hikes (hence the name) but also one of the most popular hikes in Alberta during the fall when the larches are golden! However, if you are lucky enough to escape work mid-week, this could be the perfect hike to see the beautiful larches and potentially avoid the weekend crowds. There is an option to make this trail more moderate by skipping out on the final climb to the summit. Lastly and most importantly, the Moraine Lake parking lot is closed to personal vehicles and will require you to reserve a shuttle up to the parking lot and the start of the trail head.
Beginning by the flat lakeshore, the trail veers right and ascends 2.4 kilometers through steep, long switchbacks in a captivating forest. Halfway, surprising glimpses of Moraine Lake through the trees offer a refreshing rest spot. At the junction, the path turns right, while Eiffel Lake lies to the left. Progressing, a steady climb unfolds through the enchanting larch forest, leading to a panoramic clearing with stunning mountain and larch views. During autumn, the yellow-hued trees exemplify Western Canada’s fall beauty.
Brewer Lake
Distance: 10.3 km, 530 m
Route Type: Out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
VentureVida’s favorite hike to do in the fall is Brewer Lake, mainly due to the stunning golden larches. The initial ascent can be steep, but it levels out into a gorgeous meadow that’s surrounded by rustic mountains. The final stretch leading to the crystal-clear alpine lake is also somewhat steep, but not overly difficult. The trail is well-marked, with ribbons and orange diamond markers on the trees.
Note, the last 2 km of the road leading up to the trailhead is quite gnarly and a 4X4 vehicle is recommended. Additionally, there is no cell service on the road.
Conrad Kain Hut Trail to Applebee Dome Camp
Distance: 9 km, 991 m
Route Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
The Kain Hut Trail leading to Applebee campground is a spectacular and distinctive hiking experience within the region. If the full hike to Applebee’s camp seems too daunting, you can opt for a shorter trek of 4.5 km and 740 m elevation to the Conrad Kain hut, which is equally impressive. You can also spend the night at the Conrad Kain Hut! As you begin the journey, you will spot the Conrad Glacier in the distance and make your way towards it. After reaching the hut, you can easily take a side hike for a closer view of the glacier. The hut and glacier are named after Conrad Kain, an Austrian-Canadian mountaineer who explored the Bugaboos and other regions of the Canadian Rockies.
The trailhead is located about 1.5 hours away by car from Invermere. However, a majority of that will be completed on a service road from Highway 95. This road is well maintain with the exception of some bumps on the last km towards the trailhead.
Diana Lake
Distance: 14.5 km, 754 m
Route Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Diana Lake is one of the best larch hikes in British Columbia that typically would not be as busy as most of the popular hikes in Banff National Park. This hike will give you a variety of scenery including forests, meadows, rivers and of course lakes. It’s a great place in the fall to witness the vibrant larches of the season and avoid the crowds!
The forestry road up is a great road in case you are having concerns or don’t have a proper 4X4 vehicle. There are a few deep drainage furrows in the road right at the end by the trailhead, so if you are not driving an SUV or truck be on alert for those once you see the 23 km sign. Otherwise, the road is easy to drive.
Adios, Chicos!
We hope you enjoy the beautiful larch season and take advantage of the best larch hikes in BC and Alberta! Comment below which are your favorite hikes to see the larches. Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe for more adventures!