Fall 2026 / Larch Madness Edition
Larch hikes + Best Hikes for the fall season
Larch Madness
Larch Madness
Larch season starts in mid-September, typically peaking between September 20th and October 5th when the needles turn a vibrant golden amber.
Checking recent trail reports right before you leave is essential, as an early mountain snowstorm can strip the golden needles overnight.
Other Fall Hikes
These hand picked hikes are lower-elevation hikes and closer to Calgary to help avoid snow and bad weather in the fall
Heart Mountain Horseshoe Trail
Larch season starts in mid-September, typically peaking between September 20th and October 5th when the needles turn a vibrant golden amber.
Difficulty:★ ★ ★ ☆☆
Exposure / Scrambling : ★☆☆☆☆
Duration + Elevation gain : 5hr 1000m
Expert tips:
Mount Yamnuska
One of my favorite hikes of all time. Mount Yamnuska is the closest major peak to Calgary, offering a thrilling mix of hiking, and scrambling.Known for its iconic flat-faced cliff, the mountain features an exciting loop with an exposed chains section and two distinct routes for descending or ascending
Difficulty:★ ★ ★ ★☆
Exposure / Scrambling : ★★☆☆☆
Duration + Elevation gain : 5hr + 1000m
Expert tips: Mount yamnuska can be accessed through a loop going counter clockwise or clock wise. We remcomend counter blah blah, if easier and toa void scrambling or chains go up and down the clock wise. Be safe.
Grassi Lakes
The trail features an easy, gently graded option that rewards hikers with stunning views of two brilliant turquoise lakes nestled against a dramatic rock wall. Visiting during the fall season is particularly spectacular, as the surrounding forest transforms into a beautiful canopy of golden autumn colors.
Difficulty:★☆☆☆☆
Exposure / Scrambling : ☆☆☆☆☆
Duration + Elevation gain : 3.4 – 4 km, 1-2 hours , 125m elevation gain
Expert tips: Perfect hike for all ages and levels. You can hike the Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail (also known as the “difficult” or “scenic” route) instead of the flat gravel road adds a steeper physical effort.
Tunnel Mountain
Hiking Tunnel Mountain in the fall gives you crisp, cool weather and fewer crowds than the busy summer season. Shorter autumn days make it easy to catch a stunning sunrise over the Bow Valley without waking up too early. This quick, moderate hike rewards you with panoramic views of the town and changing colors in under two hours
Difficulty:★★☆☆☆
Exposure / Scrambling : ☆☆☆☆☆
Duration + Elevation gain : 4.7 KM, 1.5 – 2 HR, 265 M
Expert tips: Want a shorter hike? Use the Upper Parking Shortcut on Tunnel Mountain Drive Instead of the lower lot by the Banff Centre