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Hiking to Loch Vale, Rocky Mountain National Park: Distance, Difficulty, and What to Expect

by | Jun 21, 2020 | Hiking

Hike to The Loch Vale lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking to The Loch in Rocky Mountain National Park

by Gordon | Jun 21, 2020

On the first day of summer, my son and I set out for The Loch, an alpine lake high in Rocky Mountain National Park. At over 10,000 feet, winter still lingered in the mountains. Patches of snow covered the trail as we climbed higher, a reminder that in Colorado, summer arrives slowly in the alpine.

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Hiking Series Graphic with backpack and hiking shoes. AI Generated Graphic
The National Park trail sign showing distances to different destinations.

Details:

  • 10,190 Feet
  • Round Trip Distance: approx. 6 Miles
  • Alberta Falls Distance:
  • Overall Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Route: Glacier Gorge Junction
  • Time: 3 Hours
  • Date Hiked: June 21, 2020
WARNING:

Hikers should remember that this trail passes through black bear country, so proper awareness and precautions are recommended. For more information please see the Black Bear Information on the National Park Website.

Sign that warns hikers they are entering Black bear Country.
The sign on the trail showing the way to Alberta Falls, Loch Vale, and Mills Lake

On the trail to The Loch

Alberta Falls in the background with a trail sign stating the same in the foreground.

Alberta Falls

Alberta Falls with no sign in the photo.

A wider view of Alberta Falls

Icy Brook stream that comes from the Loch Alpine Lake.

Icy Brook