Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley Hike, Banff National Park.

Sentinel Pass is located 5.8Km West of Moraine Lake and 15km South West of the Lake Louise Town site. The trailhead is located next to the Moraine Lake parking lot. This hike is considered difficult with an elevation gain of 720m. Allow 6 hours return trip. The trail has a somewhat strenuous start as it climbs what seems like an endless amount of switch backs. Outstanding views of Moraine Lake can often be seen through the old growth spruce and pine forest. Moraine Lakes lakes blue green color is a brilliant contrast when seen through the surrounding forest. The trail continues upward until you reach Larch Valley, named after the rare larch trees that can be found in the area. Unlike other coniferous trees Larch trees shed their needles every winter, they look dead and burnt in early spring. Here you will see stunning views towards the South East 'Valley of the Ten Peaks'. This point on the trail may possibly be one of the finest vistas you can access in Banff National Park. As you continue on, you'll pass through groves of larch trees, tundra ponds and beautiful alpine meadows. Further on you'll reach the the base of Mount Temple and Mount Pinnacle. Several Hoary Marmots can't be missed as they whistle at your presence. Hoary Marmots always let you know if something has passed ahead or behind you. At the base of Mount Temple and Mount Pinnacle there is a beautifully colored tarn lake. This spot makes for a nice rest stop before continuing up to Sentinel Pass, save your lunch for an extended rest at the pass. From the tarn lake you can view the nearby switchbacks cut into the rock scree leading upwards to Sentinel Pass. On arriving at Sentinel pass you can now look down towards Paradise Valley. You can see the Paradise Valley loop trail continue a long way downward through the rock scree. The nearby fascinating Pinnacles are what give Pinnacle Mountain it's name. Mount Temples massif South face raises steeply from Sentinel Pass and it's summit can be reached from here. Mount Temple is a major peak (3543 meters). This particular route is considered a very difficult scramble. Mountaineering and route finding experience is an absolute must, several people have lost their lives on Mount Temple. Allow 12 hours round trip for a summit attempt. Trail heads to Consolation Lakes, Paradise Valley,  Plain of Six Glaciers, Lake Louise Tea House, Eiffel Lake are all located near the Moraine Lake parking lot. Lake Louise is also located a few Km's to the West. The nearest campground is the Lake Louise Campground. Moraine Lake Road is not plowed in the winter and is an excellent cross country ski in. Photos below were taken in late June.  You are in Bear country.