Moraine Lake parking -- Disable October 20, 2023

TenOC wrote:

StirCrazy wrote:
probably none, unless you get there at 5am. but by october 20th it should be better. in previous years if you were after 7 am you couldn't get in. if you have a disabled parking tag you can get up there, and the same as the service dog as long as you have his training documentation. the other optio is if you are camping in Banf just take the roam transit out there.

I think my question should have been with no private cars in 2023 how big is the parking lot for disable parking?

I can see them adding some spots to the exsisting number, but i imagin they will use different areas of the parking lot for somthing else while maintaining the shuttle bus rout. as this is all pretty new, I think this is the first year of full closure, previous couple years was just seasonal restrictions, calling would probably be your best bet. also you want to find out about the hiking restrictions and when they are in effect and not in effect and for which trails.

just noticed THIS on there website.

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.

Your best bet is to contact Parks Canada Banff and ask them the questions that you have.

StirCrazy wrote:
probably none, unless you get there at 5am. but by october 20th it should be better. in previous years if you were after 7 am you couldn't get in. if you have a disabled parking tag you can get up there, and the same as the service dog as long as you have his training documentation. the other optio is if you are camping in Banf just take the roam transit out there.

I think my question should have been with no private cars in 2023 how big is the parking lot for disable parking?

probably none, unless you get there at 5am. but by october 20th it should be better. in previous years if you were after 7 am you couldn't get in. if you have a disabled parking tag you can get up there, and the same as the service dog as long as you have his training documentation. the other optio is if you are camping in Banf just take the roam transit out there.