Mt. Frosty Larch Updates 2025

The Mt. Frosty Larches in E.C. Manning Provincial Park are a must-see autumn destination on every southwest hiker’s list. Normally growing farther inland, the Subalpine Larch is more common in the southeastern reaches of the province, in the Rockies. Also called the Golden Larch, this species is unique in that it’s a deciduous conifer, meaning it turns colour and sheds its needles in the autumn.

While in their brilliant yellow, these trees are well worth a trip to see and marvel over. The small patch that grows high on a plateau near Mt. Frosty generally turns yellow towards the end of September through the beginning of October. With autumn here, Larch Watch has officially begun.

See below for the latest updates on the larches for 2025.

To help with trail projects, consider donating to Friends of Manning Park!

Know Before You Go

• The Mt. Frosty Larches are a popular hike, so expect crowds.
• Weekdays may be less crowded than weekends.
• The hike is 9 km to the plateau and 11 km to the summit of Mt. Frosty. (18-22 km round trip)
• Know your abilities—this is a full day’s hike for most people, so start early if you’re new to hiking and be aware that daylight hours grow short in autumn.
• Be prepared for winter conditions—cold and snow can come suddenly and early to the region.
• Mountain weather will differ from regular forecasts, which are based on lower elevations.
• If you plan to summit Mt. Frosty, ensure you have the proper equipment if snow is on the ground.
• All campers must stay at designated campsites in Manning Park. Do not camp on the plateau.
• Stay on designated trails. Trampling sensitive alpine habitat damages it. Due to the short summer growing season, high-elevation ecosystems take much longer to recover.
• Practise Leave No Trace principles—take only photos, leave only footprints.
• Check park advisories for wildfire and other closures.
• Leave a trip plan and bring your Ten Essentials.

Larch Watch 2025: Updates

September 22, 2025: Some very small larches have started to turn, but otherwise there is minimal colour change.

September 28, 2025: Still some green to them, but the larches have begun to turn.

October 2, 2025: The larches should turn fully golden over the next week.

October 5, 2025: The smaller larches are fully golden.

October 8, 2025: The larches are golden!

October 14, 2025: The smaller larches have begun to lose their needles. Snow has fallen, and there are now winter conditions on the trail.

October 19, 2025: All larches are now dropping their needles.

October 23, 2025: With snow on the ground and the larches losing their needles, no further updates are expected.

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