Sep 26 2025 — Sentinel Pass

Tackling Sentinel Pass during larch season requires commitment, and this year, we were determined to beat the crowds. The day started painfully early with a 3:00 AM wake-up call to catch the alpine shuttle. Waiting for the bus in the pitch black and freezing cold is always a test of willpower, but we knew the views would be worth it.

We hit the Moraine Lake trailhead right at 5:00 AM. The initial switchbacks were completely dark, navigated only by the glow of our headlamps. It was an eerie but magical experience. As we gained elevation into Larch Valley, we stopped to admire the golden needles of the larch trees glowing brightly against the stark darkness under our lights.

As we continued to climb, dawn finally broke. The morning light creeping over the Valley of the Ten Peaks was nothing short of spectacular. The sun illuminated the Minnestimma Lakes below us, highlighting the contrast between the rugged, shadowed peaks and the bright, autumnal gold of the valley floor. It was a steep, grueling push to the pass, but these views made every step feel lighter.

Despite the sun coming up, the alpine air was biting cold—we were incredibly thankful for our puffers, toques, and gloves! We spent plenty of time near the pass capturing the scenery before the masses arrived. After a solid morning of hiking and photography, we began our descent, eventually making it back to the shuttle and arriving home exhausted but completely satisfied by late afternoon.