These Alberta trees turn gold in the fall and you can hike to see them

If you’ve spent an autumn in Calgary, you may have heard of the rumoured larch trees that grow near the Rocky Mountains.

In fact, larch hikes are a fall pastime here in Alberta, a one-of-a-kind experience that defines who we are.

With September just around the corner, it’s almost time to head to the mountains to see the golden hues of the western larches. Here’s what to expect when you head out of town to witness this natural wonder.

What are larches?

Evergreen conifer trees like pine, fir and spruce are scattered along the Rocky Mountains near Calgary, Alta. The Western Larch is an alpine conifer tree with needles that turn bright yellow before they drop off each fall, just like maples or willows.

These mighty trees regrow their needles each spring and are one of only five other tree species on earth that have this unique characteristic.

You can usually count on seeing the wave of gold turn across the evergreen of the Rockies by the third week of September.

Where to see them

Sentinel Path in Banff begins at Mouraine Lake and is extremely popular this time of year for larch seekers. Healy Pass is another favourite hike that’s ideal in the fall for its view of the larches.

Pocaterra Ridge is also a popular larch hike for Calgarians, located near Highwood Pass, Kananaskis. The Arethusa Cirque is an easy half-day larch hike that’s also a loop trail, with striking views of Mount Arethusa, Mount Tyrwhitt and Storm Mountain.

If you’re reluctant to head out of town this fall, you can also spot golden larch trees in the city. Baker Park in northwest Calgary is home to mature larches, and there are also larches scattered throughout the north shore of the Glenmore Reservoir.

Will you be making the pilgrimage to the mountains to see the larches this autumn? We’ll see you out there!

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