The Loch Trail
A longer Glacier Gorge hike to a high lake enclosed by steep Continental Divide walls.
Route overview
The Loch Trail in Front Range, Southern Rocky Mountains.
The Loch route passes Alberta Falls and climbs through forest and glacial terrain to Loch Vale. The upper basin is more exposed to wind, cold and storms, and early-season snow can materially change footing and navigation.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Front Range, Southern Rocky Mountains
- Distance
- 6.2 miles / 10 km return
- Typical duration
- 4–5 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Summer through early autumn; upper route may retain snow
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entrance required; 2026 Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road may be required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Altitude, lightning, snowfields, wind, cold, slick rock and fatigue
Highlights
Rocky Mountain National Park, The Loch, Loch Vale, Glacier Gorge, alpine hike
Why find a buddy
A buddy provides meaningful support for weather monitoring and the longer high-altitude return.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.