Sentinel Pass from Paradise Valley
challenging Lake Louise trail

Sentinel Pass from Paradise Valley

The long approach to Sentinel Pass from Paradise Valley, gaining over 1,100 metres through stunning alpine terrain.

๐Ÿ“ Distance 14.2 km one way
โฌ†๏ธ Elevation Gain 1160 m
โฌ‡๏ธ Elevation Loss 670 m
โฑ๏ธ Time 9-10 hrs
๐Ÿ“… Season summer
๐Ÿ”๏ธ Difficulty Challenging

About This Trail

Approaching Sentinel Pass from the Paradise Valley side adds significant distance and elevation to this already challenging objective. The trail winds through the full length of Paradise Valley before ascending steeply to one of the highest trail-accessible passes in the Canadian Rockies at 2,611 metres. This route offers a completely different perspective from the Moraine Lake approach and rewards the extra effort with a through-hike option connecting two iconic valleys.

Highlights

Highest trail-accessible pass in the RockiesThrough-hike to Moraine LakeOver 1,100 m of elevation gain

Trailhead Information

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Starting Point

Paradise Valley trailhead

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Vehicle Required

This trail is not accessible by public transit. A personal vehicle or taxi is required.

Trail Location

Safety Tips

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Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bears are active throughout Banff National Park.

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Check trail conditions on the Parks Canada website before heading out.

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Tell someone your hiking plan โ€” where you're going and when you expect to return.

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Bring layers. Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer.

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Carry at least 1 litre of water per person. There are no water stations on most trails.

Check Latest Trail Conditions

Always check the official Parks Canada page for current conditions, closures, and advisories before heading out.

View on Parks Canada โ†’