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    Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    11.3 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    419 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    Adventure into Colorado’s high-country along the Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike. This trail will guide its intrepid adventurers past a cascading waterfall up to alpine lakes flanked by impressive snow-dusted peaks.

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    Route Description for Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike

    If you are seeking a demanding Rocky Mountain adventure, the Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike is for you! This trail possesses the perfect ratio of strenuity and scenery as it ascends high into a mountain cirque. Make sure you are acclimated to the area’s high altitude prior to attempting this excursion and ensure to pack plenty of water! Also, remember to check the forecast prior to your ascent to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm. Don’t forget to purchase your Rocky Mountain National Park pass to access the network of trails.

    Departing from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, follow the path over Chaos Creek, and at the junction, keep left. Hike the Glacier Gorge Trail up to Alberta Falls. Pass the cascades and hike along the Glacier Creek up to the next intersection. From here, keep left tracking past Glacier Falls up to Mills Lake. Revel in the unassuming beauty of the alpine lake and return to the intersection after exploring the lake’s shores.

    From the junction, take a sharp left and ascend the path to The Loch Lake. Admire the shimmering lake which is flanked by looming peaks. Appreciate the grandeur of the Colorado wilderness, and when you are ready to return, retrace your steps along the Glacier Gorge Trail back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike Trailhead

    The Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike departs from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead off Bear Lake Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      Year-round

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike Elevation Graph

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    Mills and The Loch Lakes Hike Reviews

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