Fall in the Rockies

Took this photo a year ago, on 3 October 2011, when I went with friends to Larch Valley. We welcomed the bit of sun and blue sky when we went west of Calgary, to hike up to Larch Valley from Moraine Lake, though it turned cloudy for a good part of the time later. After climbing 360 meters (1181.088 ft) in elevation with ten uphill switchbacks to "endure" and hiking 2.6 kilometers, you enter Larch Valley near this spot, where it opens up into a huge meadow. There is a window of just two or three weeks in which to see these Larches at their best - they were past their prime when we were there, but still beautiful. The Bear ruling was in effect - you must hike in a tight group of four or more people. Those Grizzlies sure have a spectacular place to call home : ) We were very fortunate to be there on a relatively "quiet" day. Someone else, who went on a different day, said that people were having to park 2 km (or miles?) down the road, away from the start of the trail by Moraine Lake! We were able to park in the actual parking lot by Moraine Lake. We would never have made it if we had had that extra 4 km to walk, lol! It is one of the most popular places for people to visit, especially in the fall.

hikealberta.com/hike/larch-valley-sentinel-pass-trail