Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

Start hiking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead down the bear lake road in rocky mountain national park. The trailhead is very popular so it can be difficult to find a parking place at times. From Glacier Gorge, follow the obvious trail and signs towards mills lake.

In the summer the trail will go past Alberta Falls (0.85 miles from the trailhead) and continue climbing through forest with occasional views of longs peak and the glacier gorge cirque. At just over 2 miles the trail will split, the right heads toward Loch Vale and Left Heads to Mills Lake (this is also the spot the winter trail rejoins the main trail). From the junction, it is only another 0.5 miles to Mills lake. From here, you can also continue around Mills lake to the smaller and grassier Jewel lake. During the winter, the ice is usually safe/thick enough, although check for yourself, to cross and enjoy.

The winter trail heads up a small valley at the 4th bridge you cross from the trailhead. It cuts off almost a mile from the hike and is usually well traveled and easy to follow unless a large storm moved through the area recently.

TIMED ENTRY

To manage crowding and protect natural resources, Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed entry reservations during peak season (typically from late May through mid-October). Reservations are required daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for most areas of the park, with two options: “Park Access + Bear Lake Road” and “Park Access (excluding Bear Lake Road).” You’ll also need a park entrance pass (such as a 1-day, 7-day, or Interagency Annual Pass) in addition to your timed entry reservation. For current dates, details, and to reserve your spot, visit the NPS timed entry page or go directly to Recreation.gov to book.