I’ve hiked in Glacier Gorge in the summer. I’ve also hiked in Glacier Gorge in the winter. A lot, in fact. Winter in Glacier Gorge is one of my favorite things in Rocky.
And while I’ve published posts on Sky Pond in summer and Sky Pond in winter and Black Lake in summer and Black Lake in winter, I realized recently I have a large number of photos I’ve never shared from our other, shorter hikes into Glacier Gorge.
Because while Sky Pond and Black Lake are lovely, they’re also really difficult hikes in the winter, and sometimes we just don’t feel like trudging through the snow for 9 miles (14.5 km) with cold wind flinging snow into our faces. And so on these days, we only hike halfway up Glacier Gorge, stopping instead at either Loch Vale, Mills Lake, or both.
In this post, I’ll talk about how to reach these two lakes in snowy conditions and share photos of our various winter outings. Before you set out, be sure you have proper clothing and gear, including microspikes (definitely) and snowshoes (maybe, particularly if it has recently snowed).
Table of Contents
Alberta Falls
Glacier Gorge Trailhead is located almost at the end of Bear Lake Road. In the summer, the trailhead parking lot typically fills before dawn. In the winter, we’ve found a parking space as late as 9:00am, though the lot filled to capacity very quickly after that. You can also begin just up the road at Bear Lake Trailhead. This will add a short distance to your hike, but there’s more parking here so it doesn’t usually fill quite as early.
From the trailhead, follow signs to Alberta Falls. The trail begins with a short descent before flattening out, climbing sharply, and arriving at two sequential junctions. Follow signs to stay right at the first and left at the second. Not far beyond is a bridge, and from here you have two options: bear right just shy of the bridge onto the winter trail, or cross the bridge and continue on the main trail. For Alberta Falls, cross the bridge.
Winter trail
The winter trail is a snow-only route that bypasses Alberta Falls and takes a much more direct route up to Loch Vale and Mills Lake. We typically take this route. However, it’s almost 1 mile (1.6 km) shorter than the main trail, making it a much steeper hike. Also, on our most recent hike, we encountered two hikers who had turned around because they’d accidentally gotten off trail.
We have hiked this trail enough that we recognize certain landmarks, but beware that the trail is not marked by any signs and may not be easy to follow. You’ll probably need snowshoes and a way to navigate. We use either the COTREX app or the NPS app for this purpose. With either app, be sure to download the maps and check their function prior to arrival at the trailhead.
The winter trail reconnects with the main trail just before a three-way junction, from which you can reach Lake Haiyaha, Loch Vale, and Mills Lake.
Loch Vale
To reach the three-way junction without taking the bypass, simply continue on the main trail above Alberta Falls, following signs toward Loch Vale. The trail zigzags up the hillside along Glacier Creek and then curves around into a more open area, from which you can see the mountains behind Loch Vale.
After this long, straight, and fairly flat stretch, the trail re-enters the trees and arrives at the three-way junction. At the signs, follow the middle fork to Loch Vale.
Now on the Loch Vale trail, if it has recently snowed you may need to swap out your microspikes for snowshoes. There are two options for this trail as well. Option one is to follow the normal summer route, which cuts across the hillside above Icy Brook and then climbs the hill in a series of switchbacks before depositing you in an open area just shy of Loch Vale.
Option two is to follow the trail initially, and then split off and follow the winter shortcut that travels on top of Icy Brook. Obviously, this is only safe when the snow and ice are stable. It’s also a much steeper route, as you’re walking directly up the gorge until you reach Loch Vale. We’ve done both, and they’re both challenging in their own right, but I think the winter shortcut is harder.
Either way, you’ll eventually flatten out and reach Loch Vale.
As you approach the lake, expect to be buffeted by the wind that seems to be a near permanent fixture here in the winter. On our most recent hike, the wind was particularly gusty, and had created a lot of neat patterns in the snow.
Braving the wind is worth it, though, for the scenery. Despite the fairly consistent snow cover, the lake always looks a little different. This is a hike I’ve done many times, and it’s one I will probably do many more times in the future.
Mills Lake
While Loch Vale is a worthwhile hike of its own, it’s possible to combine it with a trip up to Mills Lake, something we have done a couple times. Alternately, you can just hike straight to Mills Lake. Either way, follow the main or winter routes mentioned above to the three-way trail junction. From here, take the leftmost fork, following signs to Mills Lake.
The trail crosses a bridge (which is often very slippery; in fact, we once saw someone almost fall into the creek below) and then begins to climb. It then crosses another bridge and flattens out on the final approach to Mills Lake. You may or may not need snowshoes on this section of trail; in my experience, it is typically more packed and windblown than the Loch Vale trail.
There are many rocky outcrops along the shore of Mills Lake, providing various options for places to sit and enjoy the view. It will probably also be windy here, but some of the outcrops might provide a bit of shelter. As with Loch Vale, Mills Lake always looks a little different depending on the sunshine, weather, and patterns on the ice.
Up next: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park
The Important Stuff:
- Getting there: these hikes depart from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead near the end of Bear Lake Road. In the winter, plan to arrive by 9:00am at the very latest to secure parking. In the summer, consider leaving your car at the park-n-ride and taking the free shuttle to the trailhead. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrive before dawn to find a parking space.
- Fees and passes: there is a $30/car daily or $35/car weekly entrance fee to RMNP; America the Beautiful passes are accepted. From May-Oct, if you arrive after 5:00am you will also need a timed entry permit to access this trailhead. Outside of that window, no timed entry permits are needed.
- Hiking: round trip distances from the Glacier Gorge trailhead are as follows:
- Alberta Falls: 1.6 miles (2.6 km) with 200 feet (60 m) elevation gain
- Loch Vale: 4 miles (6.4 km) with 1050 feet (320 m) elevation gain via the winter trail; add 2 miles (3.2 km) if taking the main trail
- Mills Lake: 3.6 miles (5.8 km) with 800 feet (245 m) elevation gain via the winter trail; add 2 miles (3.2 km) if taking the main trail
- Loch Vale + Mills Lake: 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with 1250 feet (380 m) elevation gain; add 2 miles (3.2 km) if taking the main trail
For more information on the park and how to prepare for hiking in the snow, see my posts on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and winter hiking tips and safety.
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