Top 10 Snowshoe Hikes - #2 Alberta Falls and The Loch

This hike was #1 on my summer top 10  list, but slipped to a close second for snowshoeing.  Another of the ideal winter outings for families with small children.  If you are hosting out of town guests and want a day in the Colorado back country, this day trip will secure you a spot on your guests all-time favorites list.

A runner competes in snowshoes.

Getting there:  From Main street in Estes Park, there is a sign at the tghird traffic llifgt, directing you left to RMNP.  Follow signs to Beaver Meadown Entrance Statioin.  Once in te park, take the first left on Bear Lake Road adn follow it to teh shuttle bus lot.  You will be taken (no charge) directly to the Glacier Gorge TH.  You will have options to snowshoe to seven lakes and four different falls from this trailhead.

Option 1: It is 1.2 mi. RT to Alberta Falls.

Option 2:  Trail continues from the falls to The Loch at xxx' elevation, a 5.4 mi. RT.

Option 3:  Trail again continues to Embryo Lake, Timberline Falls, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond, all within another mile from The Loch.  RT from TH to Sky Pond is 6.4 mi.

Option 4:  The Back Lake Trail junction is 1.5 mi. from the TH.  Follow it .25 mi. to Glacier Falls Trail.  Continue another .25 mi. to Mills Lake, a 4 mi. RT.  At the north end of Mills Lake, it's .5 mi. to Jewel Lake and 2 more mi. to Black Lake, 8 mi. RT.

Difficulty:  Options 1 and 2, easy to moderate; Options 3 and 4, moderate to challenging.

Skill Level: Options 1 and 2, novice to intermediate; Options 3 and 4, novice to exspert

Elevation gain:  Option 1, 160' to Alberta Falls; Option 2, 940' to The Loch; Option 3, 1,540' to Sky Pond; Option 4, 700' to Mills Lake, 710' to Jewel Lake, 1,380' to Black Lake

Map: All options - Trails Illusrated #200 (RMNP)

Contact: RMNP backcountry office (970) 586-1242