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Interpretive Sites: Colorado > Rocky Mountain National Park

Quick Facts

Glacier Gorge Trail (to Alberta Falls)

Beginning Elevation:	9,240 Feet (2880.3 Meters)
Difficulty:	Moderate to Mills Lake
Difficulty:	Easy to Alberta Falls
Elevation:	9,920 Feet (3092.3 Meters) at Mills Lake
Elevation Gain:	680 Feet (212.0 Meters) to Mills Lake
Length:	0.6 Miles (1 Kilometer) to Alberta Falls
Length:	2.5 Miles (4.17 Kilometers) to Mills Lake
Length:	4 Miles (6.67 Kilometers) to Black Lake
Usage:	Heavy

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

The beautiful view of Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds from Mills Lake is one of the park's finest. The trail is accessed at the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead, southeast of Estes Park, near the end of Bear Lake Road and near Bear Lake.

This trail leads past Alberta Falls, about 0.6 miles from the trailhead. Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park's more popular hiking destinations. Glacier Falls is encountered just below Mills Lake. The trail continues beyond Mills Lake, past Ribbon Falls to Black Lake. Mills Lake offers fishing opportunities. Before fishing, check with the Park Service for license requirements, size and possession limits and other regulations.

Directions from Estes Park: Travel west on Hwy 34 to the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Just west of the Entrance Station, head south on Bear Lake Road. Follow this road to the parking area for the Bear Lake shuttle bus. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is located just before the end of the road and Bear Lake.

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Fishing	Mills Lake offers fishing opportunities.	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Glacier Gorge Trail (to Alberta Falls)	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	The falls and lakes along this trail offer spectacular views.	Yes

Related Activities

Bear Lake Road Bike Route - This route climbs 1,500 feet in 8 miles from Highway 36, and ends at scenic Bear Lake, elevation 9,475 ft.

Bear Lake Trail - An excellent interpretive nature trail circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road.

Timberline Falls Trail - This trail begins at Glacier Gorge Junction. Scenic Loch Vale is enjoyed while on your way to the beautiful Timberline Falls. The trail continues to Lake of Glass and Sky Pond.