From Arethusa Cirque to Pocaterra Ridge, here’s where to see golden larches in Kananaskis this fall.
You’ve gotta get high to find larches – they grow above 1,800 metres (5906 feet) – but it’s worth it in autumn when the needles turn from green to gold. This stunning display of color happens in late September and if you blink, you’ll miss it. There’s a small window of time from when the needles change color and fall off. Alpine larch trees (Larix lyallii) are unique deciduous conifers that drop their needles each fall, usually by mid-October.
Where can you see larches? Head to Highwood Pass, the highest paved pass in Canada, or Smith-Dorrien Trail for the best larch hikes in Kananaskis Country. There are a few larches near Kananaskis Village too if you hike high enough (try Mount Kidd Fire Lookout or Centennial Ridge). Here are some of our favorite fall larch hikes in K Country.
1. Pocaterra Cirque and Pocaterra Ridge
Hike to a pretty tarn ringed by larches, or to a ridgetop with spectacular, panoramic views. If you choose to do the whole 10.3 km (one way) ridge walk, go with a friend and leave a car (or bike) at Little Highwood Pass. To the tarn: 2.1 km, 200 m elevation gain; to the cirque: 2.5 km to the cirque, 225 m; to the ridge: 4 km, 450 m
Get the scoop on this trail at: Amazing Larches at Pocaterra Cirque and Pocaterra Ridge.
2. Arethusa Cirque
Arethusa Cirque is a must-do in autumn. Hike through golden foliage, past a little waterfall and fossils, to the cirque with Storm Mountain dominating the skyline. If you’re feeling energetic, summit Little Arethusa (scramble with exposure). There’s nothing little about the views from the top! 4.5 km loop, 275 m elevation gain. Add 1 km and 330 m elevation gain for Little Arethusa.
For details on this hike, read: Awesome Arethusa Cirque and Little Arethusa.
3. Ptarmigan Cirque
Ptarmigan Cirque is a family favorite! This short and steep hike has larches, a small waterfall, and a sculpted cirque. Unlike nearby Pocaterra or Arethusa Cirques, Ptarmigan Cirque is an official trail with signage so you don’t need to worry about route-finding. 4.5 km loop, 200 m elevation gain.
Read more about it here: Ptarmigan Cirque – The Best Short Hike in Kananaskis.
4. Tryst Lake
It’s a short, steep hike to Tryst Lake, a little lake (more of a pond in fall) nestled between The Fist and Tent Ridge. For a better view of the larches, go to the east end of the lake and hike up the ridge (on the left in this photo)! 6.6 km round trip, 260 m elevation gain to lake. 9.5 km return, 600 m gain to ridge.
See our trail report here: Tryst Lake Trail, Kananaskis.
5. Chester Lake
Chester Lake trail is a great year-round destination, but is prettiest in fall, when the larches turn. For the best view, continue on to the Elephant Rocks and an upper viewpoint looking down on the lake. 9.2 km round trip, 275 m elevation gain to the lake. 10.3 km, 374 m elevation gain to Elephant Rocks.
For more information, see our story: Year Round Fun at Chester Lake.
6. Tent Ridge
With tons of time above treeline, Tent Ridge offers awesome panoramic views of the Spray Valley. Hike the ridge clockwise to do the more difficult scrambling on the way up. 10 km round trip, 800 metres elevation gain.
Read the route description for this unofficial trail here: Tent Ridge Horseshoe, Kananaskis.
7. Burstall Pass
Hike through the woods and alpine meadows to beautiful Burstall Pass in Kananaskis Country. Highlights of the trail include panoramic views, the Robertson Glacier, and and larches in autumn. 14.8 km round trip, 480 metres elevation gain.
See our writeup at: Beautiful Burstall Pass, Kananaskis for a detailed route description. A couple sections of the trail aren’t well-marked.
8. Piggy Plus Col
Definitely the weirdest named hike on the list, Piggy Plus Col is worth a visit. An unofficial trail near Burstall Pass leads to a narrow valley of larches and awesome views of the French and Robertson glaciers. 13.1 km round trip, 614 metres elevation gain. (It’s possible to bike the first 3 kilometres to save some time.)
Read our writeup: Hike Piggy Plus Col for Larches and Glacier Views
9. Mount Lipsett
Mount Lipsett does not have as many larches as the trails above, but is a gorgeous fall hike with moderate elevation gain and panoramic views. 14 km round trip, 700 m elevation gain.
Read our trip report for more information: Hiking Mount Lipsett, Kananaskis.
More Larch Hikes in Kananaskis & Banff
- Mount Kidd Fire Lookout, Kananaskis Village: 3.5 kilometres one way, 350 metres of elevation to the lookout
- Centennial Ridge, Kananaskis: look for larches around Olympic Summit. 4.3 km one way, 1000 m elevation gain
- Black Prince Cirque (aka Warspite Lake): 5 km round trip (look for larches on the right side of the lake), 90 metres elevation gain
- Kicking Horse Viewpoint, Lake Louise Gondola: 1.7 km return
- Saddleback Pass, Lake Louise: 3.7 km one way, 595 m elevation gain to the pass
- Mount Fairview, Lake Louise: 5.1 km one way, 1013 m elevation gain to the summit
- Mount St. Piran, Lake Louise: 6 km one way, 900 m elevation gain to the summit
- Eiffel Lake, Lake Louise: 5.6 km one way, 370 m one way
Larch Fun Facts
According to Urban Dictionary, “take a larch” means to do a number two! And then there’s “wet larch”… gross! Have you heard the word larch used this way before?
Larches are extremely hardy and long-lived. One specimen in Kananaskis is estimated to be around 2,000 years old! Source: Wikipedia.
Know Before You Go
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online from the Government of Alberta.
- You are in bear territory. Review our Bear Safety Tips and keep bear spray accessible.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
What to Bring
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Good hiking boots and a windproof/waterproof shell are must-haves. Trekking poles are recommended for the descent, especially if you have a heavy pack.
You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a headlamp, a GPS/compass and map of the area, bug spray (this one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), sunscreen (this one is safe for babies), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Frontiersman Bear Spray Holster (attaches to your backpack or belt) or Scat Belt.
In winter conditions, traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon or MEC), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Amazon and Sport Chek) are recommended.
Related Posts
- Awesome Autumn Hikes Near Calgary
- The Best Spring and Fall Hikes in Kananaskis
- 20 Super Scenic Hikes in Southern Alberta
- 25+ Waterfall Walks & Hikes in Southern Alberta
2 comments
Let's do it!I will pack my hiking poles.
Did you get out on many larch hikes? Which was your favorite?
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