This ethereal 18.5-kilometre out-and-back trail is located in Banff National Park, starting near the Sunshine Village base lodge. I parked right in the sunshine parking lot, keep in mind you do need a printed parking pass (which you can easily get on the website, or at the entrance).
Stepping onto the trail, you gradually gain elevation over roughly 10k, the first while is in an enveloping green forested area.
The beginning stretch had my boots squelching through muddy hollows and low spots. After breaking through several openings and being met with frosted trees and vegetation the mud was firmer, with an icy crunch and a thin layer of sticky snow.
Today was incredibly serene and the best weather you can hope for during this unpredictable, ever-changing season. Golden morning sun filtered through trees, glistening on morning dew and the packed snow.
Emerging the dense, lower greenery is an open expanse sprinkled with sweet honey-coloured trees. The frost coating and snow resting on the ochre needles creates this breathtaking stretch of warmth against the surrounding mountain range.
For the rest of the hike up to the turn back point larches are your buddies all around, and the panoramic views are through each tree break.
Mckayla, my yearly larch trail mate and I had been hiking for around 2 hours and 50 minutes when we reached the top viewpoint. If you’re like us and enjoy a hearty trail snack and moment to enjoy, bring yourself something to sit on (as the snow makes it a little tricker unless you don’t mind a cold, wet butt).
After enjoying those fleeting instants of complete serenity, we started back down, following our footsteps from the way up. With depleting snacks and lasting smiles, we savored each glance of the larches and mountain beauty. As well as each crisp breath of the piney air.
The busyness definitely grew as we were returning. To catch the morning stillness and perfect light, I would recommend getting on the trail by 7 or 8am.
Larches are deciduous coniferous trees, belonging to the pine family and they change colour every fall. The trees do eventually shed their needles, so make sure to check current reports before going to see them yourself.
If you decide to explore the shoulder seasons, always be extra prepared. This trail was quite calm today and is nothing crazy when it comes to elevation because of the gradual nature. However, it is a longer hike and conditions can change instantaneously.
Prepare for your hikes, have navigation, bear safety, and all the essentials, as well as plenty of layers as weather can shift quick. Leave yourself enough time, and make sure you feel confident with hiking and all your gear prior to stepping on a trail.
It is equally as important to remember who inhabits the land we get to visit. Leave no trace, that also means no taking. This area is marked as sensitive bear area, so stay on the trail, remain aware and remember your tendencies have an impact.
See you in the mountains?
I hope you enjoyed this one, it was almost as awesome recounting the experience as it was hiking.
Until next week.
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