The Larches are abundant in the meadows, and you’ll also get some amazing views as you climb. Alas, the fall season is almost over. Larches perfectly yellow this day. At any time of year Burstall Pass is one of the iconic hikes of Canmore. Burstall Pass 15 kms, 5hours, moderate Chester Lake 10 kms 4 hours moderate Pocaterra Ridge 11 kms , 7 hours, moderate. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Buller Pass (Kananaskis) 20.4km rt. took usb about 5 hours with a 25lb toddler on our back! And in autumn, the sights of the larches are incredible! Will definitely do again next year. And the third option is to descend from Burstall Pass to the Palliser Trail though I’m not sure what sort of shape the trail is in. Before they fall, they turn a vibrant golden yellow. Many of the larches have lost their needles by now, but the hike was still beautiful. Hike to Burstall Pass, Peter Lougheed park. Head to Burstall anytime of the year. After the lakes, the trail is reduced to a single track. September would be tremendous as there are a lot of larches in the area. Larch season on Burstall Pass. Larches only grow at higher elevation found in the upper Highwood Peter Lougheed Provincial Park the Sheep/Elbow watershed and the Smith-Dorrien. Cleared a bit by the time I made it back down to the marshy bit; would love to redo it on a clearer day as I got just enough of a glimpse of the possible views to entice me back. Take the small side path to go down to see the view, it’s worth it. Taylor Lake is an excellent choice for those wanting flexibility in their day. Info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. Most of the 300m elevation gain is achieved within the first few kilometers and then the trail opens into beautiful alpine meadows. For the most part, Ryder says, anywhere near Highwood Pass has a great view of larches. The final push to Burstall Pass Welcome to Banff National Park My girls enjoying the view and their respective lunches Looking west into Banff National Park. Burstall Pass Hike – Fall Getting there. Burstall Pass Trail: 16.4-km hike, in Kananaskis Country. It’s a great ski in winter and a fun hike in summer, with the possibility of ascending Snow Peak on a sunny day. Hike into the mountains, and the experience is even better. I loved how the hike was in sections, beautiful forest, then the flood plain with amazing mountain views, first incline after the flood plain into the larches and then the last incline to the top! Started up around 9 today and by the last half kilometer or so, I was breaking trail through about a foot of snow. Prev Next 779 views Joe Price September 17, 2017 Burstall Pass Trail, Elkford, AB T0L, Canada Date shot: September 15, 2017. There were still some larches in full colour which made for a great fall hike. Tip: Wear waterproof boots or pack a pair of sandals for the stream crossings at the beginning of the trail. When can you hike Burstall Pass? Starting out on a small logging road the trail leads to wide gravel flats that already offer decent views of the surrounding peaks. Once you reach to the bike stand, The first 3 km are on an old logging road, so not too exciting. Total white-out of the view! Forecast (Avalanche Report). Getting there: Moraine lake is about 2 hrs and 20 min from Calgary Alberta. Only saw a handful of others on the trail by the time I came off around 1:30 but there were a lot of tracks lower down - a lot more than the number of ppl I saw would have made - so I think some must have turned around when the weather started to come down. Commonwealth Ridge (Kananaskis) 7.9km rt Few muddy spots but overall trail in great condition. Taylor Lake. Training ( Avalanche Course), 3. After re-entering the forest the trail quickly gains elevation eventually coming out to beautiful alpine meadow. The elevation is a bit challenging. No snow up top today. Burstall Pass is a classic hike in Kananaskis Country and off Smith Dorrien Trail. Log in. Is a moderate, varied route packed with larches and mountain vistas your jam? Training (Avalanche Course), 3. Burstall Pass This Kananaskis Country favourite is particularly beautiful in the fall. late afternoon, early summer). Burstall Pass (Kananaskis) 16.4km rt. Gorgeous day. Here’s proof from Burstall Pass on September 30, 2018. Larch trees in autumn, Burstall Pass, Mt. I think the moderate rating in correct, took 6 hours at a moderate to slower pace. Burstall Pass is beautiful. Winter Conditions: The trail after the lakes/opening travels through AVALANCHE TERRAIN. The meander across the marshy flats between the mountains was fun, but I can see where it might be a lot wetter earlier in the year. For those who aren't fans of trails that are constant climbs in the trees ... you will love this one. Located on highway 742 (Spray Lakes Road) This 8 km hike is an idyllic Larch hike. The trail crosses several creeks, which may be difficult to cross early in the season. Burstall Pass is a must do hike, especially if you do it during the fall when the larch trees begin to change colour. Very slippery/icy on the inclines due to the snow and amount of people, remainder of trail was very muddy. Hiking Burstall Pass. I believe the mountains have the following names, from left to right Leval, Vavsour, Warre, and Currie and way in the background (far right) with a bit of snow on the summit is the Matterhorn of the Rockies, Mount Assiniboine. Did this hike earlier in the fall. Trail was in good condition with only a few slightly muddy spots. Great Larch March. We chose this as our Larch viewing hike – and it truly felt like an adventure, with the varying landscapes and changing views. The views also provide great variety. I would grade this trail as difficult only if Burstall Creek is high (eg. Practice (there is an beacon pit at the trailhead), 4. Burstall, Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada Poster Print - Item # VARPPI166896 It’s one of the hardest larch hikes in this post, but you’ll be rewarded with a walk through and eventually above a large larch forest. Trail Information. Was a nice trail but short. But it’s definitely worth it. You might think snow in September sucks, but keep in mind it also makes those golden larches pop. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! #4. The route was first documented in Andrew’s “More Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies” under “Piggy Plus” on page 229. The signed entrance to the Burstall Pass parking lot … I still can’t get used to the extremely short fall in Calgary. Do not venture up the headwall to the pass unless you 1. I promise you will not be disappointed. It starts at Moraine Lake, one of the prettiest spots in the Canadian Rockies, and climbs through an impressive larch forest high above the lake. For the most part, Ryder says, anywhere near Highwood Pass has a great view of larches. Taylor Lake. Burstall Pass Trail is a 10.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail starts pretty gently on an old road up past a couple of small lakes you can’t really see. Anywhere from March to October is likely a good time to hike Burstall Pass. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. But if you didn’t want to rush, you shouldn’t. It seems the larches shed their leaves. ... Burstall Pass is an off-the-beaten-path hike in Kananaskis Country with great views of changing larches. Another slightly off the beaten track trail, this is a lovely hike to be able to capture some … But keep your eyes open for moose in the swamp to your right. It’s wonderful. This is the granddaddy of larch hikes. Chester Lake up to Three Lakes Valley: 15.3-km hike, in Kananaskis Country. This goes down as one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done. Burstall Pass. The larches are a wonder of nature. A pleasant level walk before the final climb to the pass and views open up all around you. Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass. The trail gets a bit more technical in the middle, but not really difficult. Twenty other amazing larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies: Boulder Pass (Skoki Area, Banff National Park) 13.9km rt to Skoki Lodge. About 1 km later you begin the final climb to the Pass.Great views once on top, with lots of opportunities for further hiking or scrambling. But defintely into micro-spike, or even snowshoe, season. Larches Subalpine Larch, larix lyallii The hardwood deciduous forests of eastern Canada and the USA are home to trees like oaks and maples that explode into fluorescent colours of reds and purples in the fall. Practice (there is a beacon pit at the trailhead), 4. WINTER: Trail after the lakes/opening travels through AVALANCHE TERRAIN. harder ski tour then I expected. trees are tight where it steep. Both Chester Lake and Burstall Pass can be done and enjoyed in about five hours. There are campgrounds past Burstall pass (US18 and US15 in Banff National Park) if you want to stay the night for a backpacking trip. And that at the end of it is a high col with a superb view of the French Glacier. Burstall and the long north ridge of Piggy Plus. From Burstall Pass you can also do the Birdwood Traverse, an epic sounding day that ideally requires a shuttle as it’s 19.6 kilometres one way with a reasonable 665 metres of elevation gain. small slab avalanche was triggered by skiers. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Got lucky with no wind and warm sun today - could have stayed out there forever enjoying those autumn larches! Mountains in every direction and stunning fall colors! During the fall, the larches are on full display as they turn bright yellow. I enjoyed the variety along this hike, it offers sections closed in with trees, wide open valley and some rock all at varying inclines. Situated 40km down the Spray Lakes Road from Canmore this is a good intermediate hike. Burstall Pass Trail is a 16.4 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Despite being a conifer, they are also a deciduous tree so they lose their needles in autumn. The trail re-enters forest after .5 km, climbing to open meadows at 5.5 km. Only walked to the meadows. M ost people bound for Burstall Pass have no idea that a narrow valley exists between Mt. Chester Lake to Three Lakes Valley (Kananaskis) 15.3km rt. Buller Pass: 20.4-km hike, in Kananaskis Country. Best Larch Hikes . Good busy trail then made my own route to Burstall pass peak great views. The first 4.5km of the Burstall Pass … Fall colours are fantastic. Ptarmigan Cirque and Little Highwood Pass in Kananaskis region of Alberta Rockies. Don’t worry … What an amazing day in the mountains! Be mindful, maybe avoid. This goes down as one of my favourites of this summer! Oct 4, 2020 Photo-oriented hikes during fall color, with golden larches on premier scenic trails to Burstall Pass. There’s some moderate climbing in places and we found a few sections a little greasy, but very manageable. Drive through the Rockies this time of year and the upper slopes will be covered with a stripe of gold. If you’re coming from the Calgary area and are short on time, Kananaskis might be your best bet! The final section of the trail up from the far side of the flats has some steepish points, but the views are oh so worth it. As the trail lies low in elevation and has easy slopes it’s good to hike early and late in the season. The Larch Valley Hike is an approx 8.6 km moderate hiking trail beginning at the beloved Moraine Lake up to Sentinel Pass area. Long drive for a walk, DAY USE AREA CLOSED and all trails leaving from it. We in K-Country are not so blessed. Trail was completely dry at this time, some snow on tops of the mountains made for beautiful photos. Burstall Pass in Kananaskis is the trail for you. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. The trail begins on a wide, gently-sloped former logging road that takes you past Burstall lakes. Burstall Pass in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Larches from Burstall Pass Hiking towards the pass… but don’t forget to look back! Rated 5.0 /5 based on 1 customer reviews 9.3 miles 1542 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add ... and larches turn golden in the Fall. Located on highway 742. We had really snowy weather, so the view at the top was not there. It’s about 15km round trip and just under 500m of elevation gain. Buller Pass: 20.4-km hike, in Kananaskis Country. Sandals for creek-crossings are recommended if you will be visiting June-July. Although a great trail for intermediates, those with energy can scramble up Snow Peak for one of the best views in the Rockies. Forecast (Avalanche Report) You could still see some yellow trees but mostly on the brown side. The hike to Burstall Pass is an iconic Canmore route for good reason – it's stunning! Burstall Pass Larch Hike Burstall Pass is considered by many to be the best larch hike in Kananaskis Country. Relatively gradual incline to the top. Have the Gear (beacon, probe, shovel), 2. From Highway 1, exit at Three Sisters Parkway and follow the signs to the Canmore Nordic Centre, then stay on the Smith Dorrien Trail for 44 KM or 27.3 miles. Burstall Pass (15 km, 450 m elevation gain) is a moderate hike that is considered one of the best fall hikes. Burstall Pass is one of Kananaskis best fall hikes and has incredible views of autumn … Lake Agnes. beautiful views, muddy and a little slick on the inclines but not bad overall. Burstall Pass is a 15 km hike with 470 m elevation gain. Burstall Pass. The view at the pass offers a beautiful look at the surrounding forest, and views of Banff National Park. Burstall Pass Trail: 16.4-km hike, in Kananaskis Country. Boom Lake (Banff National Park) 10.6km rt. The hike moves past several marshy lakes and streams, before a steep ascent up to an alpine meadow, and then finished on a high mountain pass with grand glaciated mountain views. Burstall Pass hike Map Do not venture up the headwall to the pass unless you 1. Great moderate hike with amazing views. Because I know when I get … Have the Gear (beacon, probe, shovel), 2. However it is autumn when Burstall Pass becomes a true delight, with larches …