Hike the Loch Vale Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park | Bear Lake Corridor

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<<< Loch Vale >>>

3 miles

Trail Type: Moderate Hike
Trailhead: Glacier Gorge
Location: Bear Lake Corridor
Trailhead Elevation: 9,175'
Destination Elevation: 10,197'
Total Elevation Gain: 1,022'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 6

The Loch

Trail Description
The trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is the same as the Mills Lake trail for the first two miles. At the junction, the trail branches to the right and parallels the Icy Brook before climbing up a series of switchbacks into the Loch Vale and on to The Loch with its dazzling scene. Abner Spraque named the lake after a Mr. Locke from Kansas City, but used the Scottish spelling of the lake and valley. The trail continues to Timberline Falls and Sky Pond.

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