​​In The Shadow of Longs Peak

The Loch

01 September 2006

Today we revisited and old favorite:  Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park.

If memory serves me correctly, this is one of the first winter hikes I took after moving here.  That was before I learned to cross-country ski so it would have been on snowshoes.  The route in winter is generally up the drainage, very scenic and something only available in the winter.

Today we follow the trail. 

The parking lot at the Glacier Gorge trailhead is full, as it often is, so we drive the additional 1.5 miles to the parking lot at the Bear Lake where there is usually ample parking. 

Be sure to look upward toward Tyndall Glacier, a prime example of the of the ever upward undulating outcrop of rocks that create the beauty of this landscape.  At the trailhead, look closely at the signage and head downhill toward the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 

The trail down to Glacier Gorge is nearly paved so it’s an easy downhill walk.  At Glacier Gorge Junction, you can continue downhill along the creek and Prospect Canyon but today we turn uphill and follow the sign toward Alberta Falls only we do not go to Alberta Falls as our planned route is the unimproved summer trail.  To find it, pay attention to the 3 stream crossings with bridges.  Once past the 3rd bridge, keep an eye out on the right for the start of the unimproved trail.  This is a nice alternative to the regular trail and in general will take you above the gorge where the winter trail goes.  The trail is clear the whole way but is completely unmarked so a map and compass is recommended.  This trail will eventually tie back to the main trail, just below the Mills Lake / Loch Vale Trail Junction.  This alternative will give you respite from the crowds on the main trail but it is wooded, without the panoramic views of that trail.  Another advantage – it does cut off a mile.

As you travel along, there is an overlook that allows you to peer down into the ravine where the alternate winter trail goes.

Once you join the main trail, it is not far to the Mills-Loch junction.  From there, take the right hand fork and continue upward to the Loch.  The trail switches back a few times making the grade easy but continuous.  At the switchback that overlooks the creek, be sure to stop and enjoy the view.

Before long, the Loch is before you.  We take a few minutes for lunch, enjoying the scenery from Andrew’ Glacier to the right over various peaks and towers.  You can see the falls below Sky Pond and the ledge (wrong word) where Sky Pond sits:  a destination for another day day.

For the return, we retraced out steps except that we stayed on the main trail for the way back and are rewarded   You will be rewarded with cool views of the drainage going up to Black Lake, the back side of Longs Peak and clouds forming in the distance above the front range.  We wind along the nose of a ridge and pass the Beaver Brook trail, an alternate route to Longs Peak.  Before long, we hear the upper section of Alberta Falls;  the picture taking is more accessible at the lower falls but if you must and are adventureous and take care, climb down the ledges for a better view.  Back again on the trail, continue down with a stop at the main section of Alberta Falls. 

From there, you are a quarter mile from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, them ½ mile to the Bear Lake parking area.