The Grand Sentinel

The Grand Sentinel 42" x 28" 2006 SOLD The hike to Sentinel Pass through the Larch Valley from Morraine Lake in Banff National Park is one of the grandest in the mountain parks. These days, resident grizzly bears can block the way. Travelling in groups of at least six persons is mandatory. It is also the route mountaineers use to summit Temple Mountain. Once at the Pass after a steep hike up a headwall, often snow covered, you arrive at the highest point on a prepared trail in the Canadian Rockies. Looking back from whence you came affords a magnificent view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Ahead, you gaze in awe and wonder down into the beautiful Paradise Valley (a hiking route to Lake Louise and also home to grizzlies). Standing proudly overseeing the valley, as though protecting it from unwanted visitors, is the "Grand Sentinel". This rock is a favourite of intrepid rock climbers and is impressive by any standards.