The Loch Vale Hike
Larimer County, Colorado
Details
Distance
5.53 miles
Elevation Gain
1093 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Kyle Frost
Loch Vale is a short hike in Rocky Mountain National Park rewards hikers with a spectacular lake and alpine backdrop. Fantastic spot at sunrise!
The trail starts at the Glacier Gorge trailhead along the road to Bear Lake. After hiking for just under a mile, you'll pass Alberta Falls and continue up the trail through the gorge. At about 2 miles you'll reach a clear junction, with trails towards Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and The Loch. Take the Loch trail and climb up through some switchbacks until arriving at the lake.
The main trail continues to the right, but make your way to wherever you feel is the best vantage point of the lake, the views are wonderful. There's a small 'peninsula' (pictured) that is accessed by veering to the left as soon as you reach the lake.
TIMED ENTRY
To manage crowding and protect natural resources, Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed entry reservations during peak season (typically from late May through mid-October). Reservations are required daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for most areas of the park, with two options: “Park Access + Bear Lake Road” and “Park Access (excluding Bear Lake Road).” You’ll also need a park entrance pass (such as a 1-day, 7-day, or Interagency Annual Pass) in addition to your timed entry reservation. For current dates, details, and to reserve your spot, visit the NPS timed entry page or go directly to Recreation.gov to book.
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The Loch Vale Hike Reviews
We included Loch Vale as part of a longer loop hike, which featured 5 other alpine lakes (Bear, Dream, Nymph, Emerald, and Haiyaha). Of the 6, this one was my favorite. Even though it felt more secluded than the others, it was still busy with lots of other hikers. Regardless, a worthy hike if you're in Rocky Mountain National Park.
5.0
We attempted to hike to sky pond in early June. there ended up being too much snow and we didn't have the proper gear. However, we made it to the Loch which made up for the disappointment. Absolutely beautiful lake.
5.0
I started my adventure from Bear Lake trail head, which added a few more miles, but those added miles added the views of Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake and Dream Lake. All of them are spectacular in their own way. However, The Loch was the best of the bunch, definitely worth the hike to get there, we set up a small camp at the edge of the lake and had lunch there. We went on a week day and it was very secluded. We didn't run into many people and we never wanted to leave because of the views we had. The water was clear, plenty of trout swimming around and the hike to get to the Loch was a challenge for me as I am from Florida and no experience in Elevation but it was doable and I feel the intermediate label was accurate. Thanks for sharing this adventure and helping me and my future wife see some of the best views we have seen in our life.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trailhead
The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail
Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead
Green Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail
Alberta Falls Trail
Black Lake Trail
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