Black Lake in upper Glacier Gorge is a beautiful high-elevation lake surrounded by some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s highest mountains, including Longs Peak, Chiefs Head Peak, and McHenrys Peak. The 10,620-foot lake, reached by a 5.1-mile moderately strenuous hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, tucks into a glacier-carved cirque surrounded by granite walls. The round-trip, 10.2-mile hike, gaining 1,480 feet from trailhead to lake, passes several scenic wonders, including Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Jewel Lake, and Ribbon Falls. The trail is easy to follow but crosses boardwalks in marshy areas past Mills Lake. Look for wildlife, especially moose between Mills and Black Lakes. The trail continues up from Black Lake into a higher cirque below Spearhead, Pagoda Peak, and Longs Peak. This alpine cirque is filled with meadows, boulderfields, and Green, Frozen, and Blue Lakes. Plan on six to eight hours to hike to Black Lake.
Pro Tips
Start the 5.1-mile hike to Black Lake at Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. The small parking area is usually filled early. Head south on Glacier Gorge Trail for 0.3 miles to Glacier Gorge Junction; go left and hike 0.5 miles to Alberta Falls. Most hikers turn back here. Continue south and uphill for 0.9 miles to a junction with East Longs Peak Trail. Bear right and hike 0.5 miles toward Loch Vale. At the next junction, cut left on Glacier Gorge Trail and climb through forest for 0.5 miles to the north side of Mills Lake. Enjoy the view and catch your breath, then hike 0.4 miles on the east side of the lake to Jewel Lake. Continue another 2.2 miles south on the rough trail (watch for tree roots), passing Ribbon Falls, to Black Lake. Return the same way to the trailhead for a 10.2-mile hike.Glacier Gorge Trailhead, the start of the trail to Black Lake, is extremely busy in summer and on autumn weekends. Arrive early to grab a parking spot. It’s best to catch a free shuttle bus to the trailhead. Stash your car at a Park & Ride lot across from Glacier Basin Campground and board a shuttle at the terminal. Buses run frequently in summer so you won’t wait long. Shuttle schedules and maps are found at the park website, visitor centers, shuttle stops, and park newspaper. On the return trip, take a shuttle up to Bear Lake Trailhead so you’ll have seat back because the shuttles often fill at Bear Lake and there’s no space if you’re waiting at Glacier Gorge.The 800-foot-high Northeast Face of 12,575-foot Spearhead in the cirque above Black Lake is one of the best cliffs for rock climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Numerous five-star routes ascend cracks and corners up the granite wall. Some of the best routes are Sykes Sickle (5.9+), The Barb (5.10c), and the North Ridge (5.6). The regular scrambling route up the South Ridge is an exciting affair with lots of exposure.Black Lake is very high at 10,620 feet. Glacier Gorge is susceptible to fast weather changes in summer, especially since you don’t see bad weather coming from the west. Be prepared for heavy afternoon thunderstorms accompanied by lightning. High winds, snow, and cold temperatures can occur in summer. Pack a raincoat, extra clothes, snacks, and water. No cell service at the lake. If you come from lower elevations, you can get altitude sickness, with a headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Descend to a lower elevation to recover.Recommended season(s): Year-round. May through October is best.
–Stewart M. Green
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