At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance (one-way)
2.7 miles
Elevation
10,181 ft
Elevation Gain
N/A
Trailhead
Glacier Gorge TH
Park Area
Loch Vale / Bear Lake Corridor
Side of Divide
East
Coordinates
40.2925°N, 105.6572°W
Trailhead Restroom
🚻 Available
Pit/vault toilet at the trailhead. Glacier Basin park-and-ride nearby has flush toilets.
Loch Vale / Bear Lake Corridor

The Loch

Scottish-named lake; very scenic

The Loch, Loch Vale / Bear Lake Corridor, Rocky Mountain National Park — 10181 ft elevation

About The Loch

The Loch (or Loch Vale) is a stunning, glacier-fed alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park perched at 10,190 feet, offering iconic views of Taylor Peak and Otis Peak. Accessible via a moderate round-trip hike from Glacier Gorge trailhead, it is renowned for its dramatic scenery, featuring rushing, snow-capped peaks and the sparkling waters of Icy Brook.

Often considered one of the most scenic spots in the park, this tranquil destination is perfect for photography, fishing, or a picnic lunch while admiring the surrounding jagged peaks. Along the way, hikers can visit the spectacular Alberta Falls and traverse the scenic Loch Vale valley, making it a popular, high-reward, quintessential Colorado mountain experience.

🚻 Restroom available at the Glacier Gorge TH trailhead. Pit/vault toilet at the trailhead. Glacier Basin park-and-ride nearby has flush toilets.

Route Map

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