Reviews of Sentinel Pass (Tourist Attraction)

Rob Delach

I hiked the 8.5 km Larch Valley Trail at Moraine Lake on the morning of September 28, 2020 (did not go all the way to Sentinel Pass). It was an amazing larch hike! ⁣ ⁣ The trail began along the flat lakeshore path and then branched to the right. It climbed for 2.4 km, along steep, long switchbacks through the forest. There were some views of Moraine Lake through the trees which was gorgeous. The climb up was hard and I took it slow and steady. At the junction, the trail continued to the right (Eiffel Lake is to the left). It was a gradual but steady (and less steep) climb through the beautiful larch forest! ⁣ ⁣ The trail opened up to a clearing where there were stunning panoramic views of the mountains and larches! It then climbed some more through larch forest, steep at times, and opened up again above the trees with even more breathtaking views from a higher perspective. You could see all ten mountain peaks and the larches were plentiful. I continued on a little ways further but turned around before Sentinel Pass. ⁣ ⁣ This hike was incredible and one of my favourites so far for larches! I took the Roam Transit from Banff to Moraine Lake to arrive just after sunrise. This was such a good option to avoid waking up super early to find parking. The trail was not that busy when I started at 8 am or when I was on my way down. It was very nice!

Sasha Bolton

This hike was very dynamic as you go through larch valley and Setinnel Pass to get to Mount Temple. The first 3-4 hours will bring you through larch valley and Setinnel Pass. Once you start moving towards Mount temple that hikes difficulty increases significantly. You will require hiking shoes, poles and helmet as there are a lot of falling rocks as you scramble up to mount temple. Conditions today didn't require cramp ons, but ok worst days they are a requirement as there is a lot of snow that requires cramp ons for better grip. Expect a 3-4 hours of taxing and challenging scramble that will push you to your limit.

Thimothy Tantioco

Awesome hike with spectacular views of Paradise Valley and Valley of Ten Peaks. So worth the measily 8 miles. Should be on everyone's bucket list.

Nerijus Mazėtis

One of the best hikes you can go on. If you're looking to see the best of Moraine Lake and do a hike that you'll remember forever, do this one. Make sure you take the time to go up the actual pasd between the two mountains if there isn't too much snow obstruction! It'll be worth it for the views and the pictures!

Joseph Sumney

A great hike! Perhaps one of the best in the Banff area. You get great views of the mountains around lake Louise and also paradise valley. The only reason this trail doesn't get 5 stars is because it's hard to get to the trailhead due to new parking restrictions which came into effect this year (plan to arrive well before 6am in the summer or take the inconvenient shuttle and pay).

Donna Trottier

Great hiking experience! First half is mostly for the larch, already turned golden when we were there about two weeks ago. View would be better if on a sunny day. Second half to the highest point with trail access of the mountain is a bit difficult—narrow and snowy trails can get quite slippery at some ascending parts. We should have taken our sunglasses and snow spikes however managed to climbed to the top. It definitely worths the effort.

Nicolas Vierge

(Translated) Nature's Magnificence (Original) 자연이 주는 웅장함

Brennan Wadsworth

Love that hike! Not hard and you get a stunning view on the mountain range and the paradise valley. You begin with steep switchbacks and then you arrive in a beautiful larch valley. For the best view you have to climb the pass. There might be some snow and hiking pole can help. Ease helo yourself and do an early start. The parking lot is really small and get full really fast. Went there at 7h30 in the morning and the parking was almost full.

Brittany Thiessen

Make the trek up here. It's worth the effort!

KupTin Ch

I did a few other hikes in the area but this one my lord ill just let the pictures do the talking

Dan Z

Nice hike, not too hard but really nice view of the veallys

Mark Jones

Amazing views from start to finish.

Maksym Borodai

Wonderful hike,go through the larch valley,beautiful but hard hike,worth it

CHUNYU LIAO

The last 1 km right up on the slope are hardest one. We were suddenly caught by flurry on the top and it was 28th of August. It was different experience but I liked it.

David Cy

Absolutely beautiful and worth the hike. We saw some marmots on the way and had a picnic on some blankets we brought. When we went there was still snow and to get down the pass we "sled" down on our jackets! Such a great place. There is a little bridge you pass on the way as well with water running underneath.

Marta Borowska

We hiked about 8KM from the bottom of Lake Moraine to get up here. Loved the view of the scapes along the trail leading up to the sentinel pass. We did an additional hike up to mount temple, freakishly awesome.

Karen C

Difficult hike but so rewarding! It’s a little dicey right now with the snow but still doable. Be careful of the tree wells and I would recommend poles (oops). Even if you don’t want to go all the way to the top of the pass the view of ten peaks valley is still stunning

Alexis Vergara

Love the hike and view.

Jegook Lee

An amazing hike with excellent views that are well worth it!

A. Kingsbury

One of the best hikes I did in the Canadian Rockies!

J B

Amazing hike, even better views!

Juan Parra

Mesmerizing place

Andrea Paganini

Always love this hike during the autumn season. The switch back is a bit strenuous but the golden larch view was well worth it. Parking is a perpetual problem it seems so arrive early.

Josh Grant

I took this hike to watch the golden larch and it was absolutely stunning. After hiking up through the greeny forest. When you reach the larch valley it becomes really brighter and there is refreshing smell for it too. Couldn't make it to the summit, will definitely do it in the near future.

Nancy Panozzo

"Must see" hiking trail with absolutely stunning scenery especially in the second half of September when larch getting in its best yellow-orange-red colors. Try to avoid a huge crowd of people and come there in weekday and as early as possible. You have to be there earlier that gate are closed when small parking lot at Lake Moraine is full.

Science According to Mr. B.

Gorgeous hike in Autumn. Larch trees were beautiful. Need to arrive VERY early in late September to get parking at Moraine Lake. It's a bit crazy but you need to get there before 7:00am as the lot fills up very quickly. Once we parked we just sat in the car until the sun rose then got onto the trail. The first hour of the trail is a bit tedious - just a bunch of forest switchbacks. Once you get past those you will reap your reward in the form of beautiful views of the ten peaks and Larch Valley. You then continue through the valley and up a couple large brief switchbacks to Sentinel Pass. The good news is that you can enjoy the views with only a little bit of company early in the day since the majority of visitors stay at the lakefront but you will encounter a lot more traffic on the way back down. Enjoy!

Yan Xia

Had to do this before the season ends (Thanksgiving long weekend 2020)and gotta tell you what a hike. Slippery snow-covered trail. Started the hike with the clear view of the lake and the weather drastically changed at the fork. Snow fell and lots of it. On the valley it was a blizzard condition, no more needles on the trees but the view is still absolutely magnificent! Felt like I can touch the sky surrounded by the mountanous snow covered peaks of the rockies. Will do this next year in the early fall.

Dr. Marco Navarro-Genie

Worth it. Our 2 kids came with us and they love the view. As soon as you reach the peak it is beautiful. We would definetly go back here and go to Eiffel Peak.

Daniel Pogue

Beautiful place and worth the effort to go there.

Bruno Kaufmann

(Translated) Fantastic walk with a sublime final climb. Even more worthwhile if you do the Sentinel Pass connector to Paradise Valley. Highly recommended. (Original) Fantastische wandeling met een sublieme slotklim. Nog meer de moeite als je de Sentinel Pass connector doet naar Paradise Valley. Zeker een aanrader.

jf brochu

Amazing day hike

Leon

Sentinels pass is my favorite hike in all of Banff. It starts at the most photogenic place in all a land Lake Moraine. The hike pass the ten Peaks screams of the glory of God. Take the time at the two meadows to enjoy the scenery. The end of the hike will you send to the very top it's worth the price. We had to Traverse snowfields that some people retreating a sledding hills LOL! But once you get to the top you'll never forget the view.

Harold Macks

Had an amazing experience. Except a bit of scrambles near the top, difficulty rating was medium for me. View at the top was unreal. It's totally worth to go all the way to the top. Try not to stop at the valley area!

Timothy Yue

Go late in the season. Larches are amazing. Pickup your garbage and stay on the trail

Frank J. Müller

Little crowded at peak season, hike is easy with lovely views. Brings you to start of the scramble up mount temple

Vince Tse

Amazing.... Simply amazing.

Jared D

Great views and nice relaxed trail. A few more people there than I like to hike around but its always a busy trail.. Especially in golden larch season

Sherill Chapman

Excellent hike beginning at Moraine Lake and ending at the start of the Mt. Temple scramble. Plan to be at the parking lot of Moraine Lake very early if you don't want to end up parking on the road or not being able to access Moraine Lake at all. I'd recommend being there by 8:30am at the latest on weekends. The hike takes you up many switchbacks until you reach the valley, from there the trail is more flat until the final assent up the last few switchbacks to the top of Sentinel Pass. From here, experienced scramblers can go up to the summit of Mt. Temple. In September you'll have amazing views of the Larches changing colour.

Christian Pommer

Absolutely beautiful and not terribly difficult to get up to the top of Sentinel pass. Has the option to go to the top of Mount temple as well if you'd like although that is quite a challenge.

Claire Hanna

Bucket List Hike. Heavenly, looks like a movie set.

Mackenzie Sutherland

beautiful viewpoint on both valleys. this peak can be reached with an easy hike during the summer (in 2-3 hours)

Alex Garin

Majestic

Anita Hsieh

Very tough to do in the snow, but well worth it! Wear hiking boots and a face mask if it's snowy, because the wind will be strong and the path very slippery. Hiking poles also very helpful in the snow.

Dena

Wonderful place, looking at the valley of the ten peaks at sunrise!

Linda Obiageli Chigbo

Absolutely a premier hike in the Canadian Rockies. Return hike is about 6 hours at a leisurely pace, with a constant elevation gain, and allowing time for lunch! Located in Banff National Park, the start is the lakeside at Moraine Lake. Access to the lake is easiest by taking the shuttle bus from the parking lot 6 km east of the Lake Louise turn-off on the #1 Highway. Parking near the lake us very limited, and monitored by Park staff. You will need to register and pay a small fee at least 24 hours before accessing.

Eugene Goloversa

Very beautiful. The trail begins near Moraine Lake, and is very easy to traverse. Climbing to the top of the pass is a little arduous, but the view is well worth it. The trail boasts waterfalls, lakes, forested area, wildflowers, and some wildlife - we saw several marmots, chipmunks, and squirrels. A beautiful hike!

Rich Phung

Must do if you can handle it.

Angus Cummings

Great hike in fall to see the larches!

Aldi Cantinho

It's a place that you have to go at least once in your life time.

Mike Herdes

Best place for a sunrise hike I've been to so far.

Sparrowhawk Read

Not a terribly hard hike, but the views are outstanding

kelly wang

Gateway to Temple Mountain

Matthew Henry

Stunning! Well worth the climb to reach the pass for amazing views of larch and paradise valley. A must for hiking in the Rockies!

Mcx Marttin

Went two weeks ago, the snow completely covered the golden larch trees. I would recommend poles for the snowy path up Sentinel Pass. We found this to be a short hike, 4 max round trip. I would do this trail again, perhaps on a nicer, sunnier day.

Isawesome Travel

As always hike early and you will have a wonderful experience. Listen to some podcasts or something if you hike alone in bear season.

Sean Blahovici

Maintained trail with hoards of people during larch season. Parking lot was full and closed at 5:20am, we had to wait for an hour circling up and down the road to check if the ranger will allow more cars in.

cherry varghese

This was one of the nicest hikes I've done in the Rockies. I did it in the beginning of October. Larches were fully golden. Getting there is challenging with the limited parking spots. Highly recommend to be there as early as 4am. Relatively easy hike for intermediate hikers.

James McKinnon

Well worth the effort! You feel so small in this environment.

Josen Media

One of the best hikes in Banff National Park. Be aware of mosquitoes in the woods, they are even more annoying rather than bears, take both sprays with you. Also, do not forget to take a look on giant steps waterfall, interesting place.

Christine Maurette

Great hike (it takes about 3-5hours round trip if you want to go to Sentinel pass ridge). Spectacular views of the Larch valley, you actually hike through it on your way up. I would recommend good hiking boots or sturdy runners. If you’re coming in the summer during tourist season, you might not be able to get into the parking lot. We parked in the lot just outside of Lake Louise before you turn in and hitch hiked into the parking lot. You can also do the loop, which is absolutely amazing and a good workout (about 20km total). Bring water and careful of bears!

Damir Mehmedovic

The larches are beautiful along the way. Views from the pass are splendid!

Hunter Chen

Awesome place

Mike Flemig

One of my favourite hikes on the planet! A relatively short day hike with big views at the top. Not to be missed.

travelhholic dr

We made it to the Larch Valley and were hesitant about doing the pass. We ended up going to the top and were very happy that we made it. It just looks difficult, in reality it is doable and not so hard. The views are incredible

Fred Wang

Amazing hiking!

Louise Dormaar

Beautiful area, especially in the fall once the larches have turned. Be prepared for a cold wind, and hours of waiting around for shuttles if you don't come early enough to get into the Moraine Lake lot.

Mark LeMessurier

The hike up to Sentinel pass is so fun! Hiked from the paradise valley side down to moraine lake, which is the best way to go to look at lots of mountains!

Grace Kwon

This might be my favourite hike in this area (of the popular ones). It is challenging enough to feel like you have worked hard once you reach the pass, but not challenging enough to make you want to turn around. The views are incredible on this hike. You begin at Moraine Lake (a beautiful view in itself), before you begin to slowly increase in elevation through some switchbacks through the trees. Once out of the trees you are treated to a wide view of the ten peaks, with Fay Glacier in between. Once at the top of the pass you have a view of either side, both gorgeous views. Definitely worth the effort to get there.

Chris Jurgenliemk

(Translated) 12 km of hike that made us discover Moraine Lake. The view of the lake, the glacier and the mountains is sublime. (Original) 12 Km de randonnée qui nous a fait découvrir le lac Moraine. La vue du lac , du glacier et des montagnes est sublime.

Bob Morrell

Great place to go. It's not too hard and really beautiful. I'll go there again.

Nicole Smith Daniels

I came here on a Sunday morning, took the shuttle from the Park and Ride, parking at the lake was already full. Lots of people at the lake and ran into a ton of people coming down when we were going up. The hike wasn't too steep at the beginning to Larch Valley which was really beautiful. The hike up to Sentinel Pass was a lot steeper and there was ice and snow, which was not the most pleasant. Views at the top were amazing, especially with the larches. On the way down, the snow had mostly melted and turned into slush a bit, ran into quite a few people and it started snowing a bit closer to the lake. Really beautiful hike, definitely recommend!

Rob Deighton

Well spent time. Great hiking tour and breathtaking view on the top. No people, just nature and fresh air. The best therapy after hard week.

Danielle Bar Shalev

Best views in Alberta!

ran lin

I think the view here is the best around Louise Lake.

David Couturier

This is an excellent hike. A bit snow close to the top but mostly in great condition

이동윤

(Translated) Hard but worthwhile, especially the descent to Lake Anette challenged us, on the one hand because there was still snow and on the other because the way was spilled. (Original) Hart aber lohnenswert allemal, vor allem der Abstieg nach Lake Anette hat uns herausgefordert, zum Einen weil noch Schnee lag und zum Anderen weil der Weg verschüttet war.

Sam Beauregard

Great hike with amazing views at the top.

Albina V

The hike through the valley was incredible here, especially as we went in the fall as the trees began to turn colour. The Sentinel Pass viewpoint provides good views and some good photo ops.

Eagleize

came up here on the way to summit Mount Temple, and it is quite beautiful. The walk through the forest can be a bit boring but you get to see the views start to open up, and once you're out of the forest, Larch Valley is beautiful, very nicely complimented by the valley of 10 peaks.

Federica Pucher

Spectacular. Amazing views in a beautiful place. A must visit if you are in this area.

Rachael Belnavis

This pass has a very high-altitude feel and it’s a good hike from the Fairmont Lake Louise.

Johnny Manzano

Nice pass it's Mt.Temple Entrance. If September later not more snow. I should be challenge.

Gurpreet Mohaar

One of the hardest hike in lake moraine, but also one of the most eyes rewarding.

Jan Bomans

(Translated) It took us 4 and a half hours to do it back and forth (30 years, normal fit). It was an intense hike: almost all the way is uphill, quite steep. One arrives at the top of a hill from where the image that I climb can be seen. I was not so impressed for all the effort: but it is a matter of taste ... perhaps the mountains do not impress me as much. It took us 4.5 hours to complete (we are in our 30's, normal fit). It was a hard hike for us: almost all the trial is uphill and it gets very steep in many parts. You end at the top of the mount where you can see the landscape I share in the pictures. It depends on your personal taste, but for me it was not very impressive ... for such a hard hike .. (Original) Nos tomó 4 hr y media hacerlo ida y vuelta (30 años, normal fit). Fue un hike intenso: casi todo el camino es en subida, bastante empinado. Uno llega a la punta de un monte desde donde se ve la imagen que subo. A mi no me impresionó tanto para todo el esfuerzo: pero es cosa de gustos... quizás los montes a mi no me impresionan tanto. It took us 4.5 hours to complete (we are in our 30's, normal fit). It was a hard hike for us: almost all the trial is uphill and it gets very steep in many parts. You end at the top of the mount where you can see the landscape I share in the pictures. It depends on your personal taste, but for me it was not very impressive...for such a hard hike..

billythebill10001

Isn't an easy trail, but the views are espectacular! I will return in the future to Moraine lake just to hike this trail again.

Nicholas Fairbanks

Beautiful hike with excellent views. The walk is well marked and accessible for families with younger children as well. The last section of the hike requires some snow crossing but as the hike is pretty crowded, it isn't dangerous.

tatsuhiro oshima

(Translated) The view compensates for the easy exertions (Original) Der Ausblick entschädigt für die leichten Strapazen

Travis Mcleod

It's a steady uphill all the way to the pass with few switch backs at the end. 500 m elevation gain to Larch Valley and 730 m to Sentinel Pass. Very rewarding hike. It has got a bit of everything... forest, lakes and rocks.

nati vt

(Translated) Wow my favorite !! Passed by larch valley traill and sentinel pass ... 13 km in 4h00. Not very difficult great view. (Original) Wow ma préferée!! Passé par larch vallée traill et sentinel pass...13 km en 4h00. Pas très difficile superbe vue .

Christian Bachmann

(Translated) The last climb is a little hard but it's really worth it. (Original) La dernière montée est un peu dure mais ça vaut vraiment la peine.

Andrea Wu

One of the most beautiful day hikes I would say in canada. Weather was perfect with a fresh coat of snow and bluebird day with sun all around. Went during the first week of October and the larch trees were gold. Amazing hike. It was perfect length at around 7.5 miles round trip. Highly recommend if you go to banff

Liding Huang

(Translated) A hiking course is a magnificent scenery that makes you feel uncomfortable, and it is close to a trekking course (Original) ハイキングコースと言うには、違和感があるほど雄大な景観で、トレッキングコースと呼ぶのが近いでしょう

Jeffrey McCurdy

Can be quite treacherous. Not for the faint of heart. Definitely a sense of accomplishment finishing it though.

Heather H

The gorgeous views, the amazing feeling of walking on snow, the careful navigation on dislocated rocks, the well maintened routes (considering) make this place great for hiking, photography and just fun.

Stef Jochems

Nice easy hike, amazing 360 view. Fall is the best time because of the larches changing color. Gets a bit windy at the top so bringing a light jacket would be beneficial. Lots of other hikers so you prob won't get lost.

Cee Cue

Beautiful day, climbing Mt.Temple from Sentinel Pass

Dhimant Patel

An outstanding view of the glaciers

J-L Cyr

(Translated) I like to travel among strange stones (Original) 喜欢穿梭于奇石之中

Charles Calthrop

Hike reviews say its difficult, however its really not. Everyone in my group was out of shape and did it no problem. Start off at moraine lake and work your way up. The views are spectacular and breath taking.

fahmida

Challenging yes, and amazing

stuart stevenson

Nice half day hike. Make sure you go there on a clear day to enjoy it at most.

Fatemeh Saryazdi

Loved this hike. Plan to go again soon. It was stunning to pass through larch valley to get to this pass. The views are incredible. One hiker we passed said that this was a hike that even short legged hikers could do and I agree! The trail is wide and well maintained and very busy. Brought two small dogs and they did the hike no problem. No scrambling involved. Just a fair amount of switchbacks due to the elevation gain but so worth it.

Gabe Lerca

No reason to write bad things about this hike.Still there is some snow patches,but it is worth overcoming.

Elsa Ross

Great trail, intense elevation and a great view