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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

Loch Vale, Rocky Mountain National Park
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
Profile, Loch Vale Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
See an Index of Trail Profiles here
Weather Information
NWS Weather Link
Trail Maps:
The Loch Vale Trail Photo Gallery

Picture
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  • Home
  • Hike Rocky Magazine
    • Hike Rocky magazine
    • RMNP Updates
    • Trail Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Science & Ecology
    • History & Current Issues
    • Stories & Adventure
    • Culture and Arts in the Park
    • The Continental Divide Story, 1977 by Kip Rusk
  • Trail Guide to RMNP
    • Trails by Location
    • Trails by Distance
    • Trails by Destination
    • Index of Trails
  • Wildflowers of RMNP
    • April/May Flowers
    • June/July Flowers
    • August/September Flowers
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Supporting Partners
    • Media Kit
    • 2025 Hike Rocky Print Edition
    • 2024 Hike Rocky Print Magazine