Hike to Black Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park | Lake Hikes

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Black Lake - 4.9 miles

Trail Type: Lake Hike
Trailhead: Glacier Gorge
Trailhead Elevation: 9,175'
Destination Elevation: 10,611'
Total Elevation Gain: 1,436'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 9.8

Black Lake

Trail Description
Begin by following the trail to Mills Lake in the heart of the Glacier Gorge. The trail continues along the rocky eastern shore line, travels by Jewel Lake, and then strings its way through subalpine trees along Glacier Cr, steadily gaining in elevation, before opening up to Ribbon Falls. Travel up beside the falls and then boulder hop to the lake with McHenery's Peak towering overhead.

How to Get There
Take the Bear Lake Road from US 36 to the Glacier Gorge trailhead, 8.3 miles. Parking during the summer season is limited. It's best to utilize the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Park Shuttle Buses.

Trail Profile