The Loch
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Hiking to The Loch in RMNP takes you to a large alpine lake at the intersection between Andrews Glacier and Taylor Glacier. The Loch offers stunningly clear reflections of the surrounding peaks.
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Route Description for The Loch
The hike to The Loch is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a beautiful hike that is a perfect half-day hike in RMNP.
From the Glacier Gorge trailhead, follow the signs for Alberta Falls and Loch Vale. The trail climbs gradually for approx. 1.2 km until reaching Alberta Falls. This is a great spot to relax and catch your breath before climbing higher in elevation. Continue hiking along the Glacier Gorge Trail until arriving at a trail junction for The Loch Trail. Follow the sign to the left and hike The Loch Trail.
This section of The Loch trail will traverse along a steep mountain side through dense forest until it eventually diverts into the small canyon of Icy Brook. Hike along Icy Brook, traversing the hill side all the way up to the lake.
The Loch is a large alpine lake that offers impressive views of the surrounding peaks, most predominantly Taylor Peak (4,010 m) and Otis Peak (3,806 m). The Loch sits at the intersection between Andrews Glacier to the west and Taylor Glacier to the southwest.
To get back to the Glacier Gorge trailhead, hike back the way you came by retracing your steps.
Want to find more amazing hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? Check out Chasm Lake hike, Lake Haiyaha hike or the Sky Pond and Lake of Glass hike.
Insider Hints for The Loch
- After hiking to The Loch, experienced hikers who want something a bit more epic can continue to Sky Pond!
Getting to the The Loch Trailhead
From Estes Park, take highway 36 west and enter RMNP at the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Just after the pay station, turn left on Bear Lake Road. Follow the road for 13.7 km to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
Route Information
The Loch Elevation Graph
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