SideHillSoup wrote:
Your best bet is to contact Parks Canada Banff and ask them the questions that you have.
Agree.
If you have Google Earth you can see the Moraine Lake parking lot. It would have held in excess of 100 vehicles so possibly quite a few spots for handicapped if closed to other vehicles.
The trail to Larch Valley has an elevation gain of about 1,750 feet however it is front end loaded. About 1,500 ft in the first half then a gentle climb. Sentinel pass would add to that but it is not necessary.
Nothing technical or difficult but a definite uphill grind with lots of switchbacks.
I think Oct 20 may be late for prime fall colors at that altitude. It seems to me late Sept early Oct is best but will be very busy.
An alternative or additional trip is the Highwood Pass area in the Kananaskis. you can drive to about 7,300 ft elevation then take trails such as Ptarmigan Cirque which are easier and also have Larch trees. It will also be busy.
Larch Valley is my favorite but the Highwood Pass area is also beautiful.
