The Spirit of the Rockies www.thespiritoftherockies.net

Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas

Mills Lake

Distance: 2.5 miles one-way Lake elevation: 9,940 feet Trailhead elevation: 9,240 feet Net elevation gain: 700 feet Glacier Gorge Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park

Mills Lake is a popular destination in Glacier Gorge, because of its relatively easy approach and scenic view. The large lake sits in a rocky basin and offers a panoramic view of Longs Peak, Pagoda Mountain, and Chiefs Head Peak to the south.

XLooking south from Mills Lake

Major Trail Landmarks Alberta Falls (0.6 miles one-way from trailhead) Junction with North Longs Peak Trail (1.3 miles one-way from trailhead) Junction of Loch Vale and Black Lake Trails (1.9 miles one-way from trailhead)

Principal Destinations Near Mills Lake The Loch (2.7 miles one-way from trailhead) - via Loch Vale Trail Jewel Lake (2.9 one-way from trailhead) - via Black Lake Trail beyond Mills Lake Black Lake (4.7 one-way from trailhead) - via Black Lake Trail beyond Mills Lake

Backcountry Campsites Near Mills Lake Glacier Gorge (3.5 miles one-way from trailhead) - 1 individual site

Glacier Gorge Trailhead is on the east side of the Continental Divide near Bear Lake. From the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station on U.S. Highway 36, head west less than a quarter mile and turn south on Bear Lake Road (toward Moraine Park). Follow Bear Lake Road approximately 9 miles to the small parking area at Glacier Gorge. This lot often fills up early in the morning when Bear Lake Road is open to vehicle traffic. This area is also accessible by the Bear Lake shuttle service when applicable. The trailhead begins across the road to the south. From the trailhead, hike past Alberta Falls and continue to the junction with the North Longs Peak Trail. At this junction, continue toward Mills Lake and The Loch to a second junction at 1.9 miles from the trailhead. At this junction, bypass the right-hand trails leading toward The Loch and Lake Haiyaha, and take the left-hand trail leading southwest toward Mills lake and Black Lake. Follow this trail for 0.6 miles to the north end of Mills Lake.

Sample photographs of the hike to Mills Lake

Alberta Falls

Chiefs Head Peak and Mills Lake

Mills Lake topographic map

Principal summer trail marked by solid red line; unmaintained trail or route marked by dashed red line. Map is oriented with north to the top of the map

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All photographs are property of Mike Amfahr and are protected by copyright laws. Topographic map is property of and copyrighted by Maps a la carte, Inc., and is used on this site with permission.