Rocky Mountain National Park - Glacier Gorge Trail

Alberta Falls

Direction to the trail head from Denver: Take US 36 all the way to west. Be sure to make a left when you see a gift shop called Indian Village when you pass the main street in Estes Park. Follow the sign to RMNP to get to Meadow Beaver Entrance.   Make a left onto Bear Road and keep driving for a few miles until you see the sign of Glacier Gorge. Bear Road is currently under re-construction and is close between 9 – 4.  Many times, the park closes some trails or roads for varying reasons, It is better to call the park ahead of the time to make sure the trail you are going is open.

The total length of this trail is 4.5 miles with the destination at Sky Pond. There are many scenic stops along this trail so if you don’t want to go all way down, it is still a very nice hike. Our hike was delayed 30 minutes at 9:30am because the shuttle to the trailhead was too busy to carry everybody right before the closure of Bear Road. The trail was pretty busy between the trailhead and Alberta falls. 

Smokes from the wild fires in Fort Collins

We saw the heavy smoke caused by the wildfire in Fort Collins. I have heard about Produe Canyon where the wildfires are burning is the great mountain getaway. Hopefully the fire will be under the control soon.

 

 A stream coming down from the mountain along with the hiking trail creates a great view. Wildflowers grow very well by the stream. Two girls were having picnic on the big rock here. What a great engagement between the human being and the nature.

The next stop is called the Loch. It is a big lake with snowy mountains around it. Very windy by the lake so if you want to take a picture of yourself, be carefully not to lose your hat.

The loch

Everything here is nice except the giant mosquitoes. I didn't realize mosquitoes could survive in the mountains at above 9000 feet. It is highly recommended to bring a bugs spray with you.

After passing the loch, continue hiking for another 1 mile, you would get to Timberline falls. In order to get close to the falls, you will need to climb with your hand. It is not the most difficult part of this hike. From Timberline to Sky Pond is. I wasn't comfortable enough to give a try so I turned around after taking pictures and lunch break in front of the falls. The funny thing was a guy asked me to be his model so he could focus on me then quickly took my spot over for a self-portrait for himself. He said he would need this for his Facebook.  I guess, because of the facebook, people are becoming more creative and more aware of what are happening around them.  

Timberline Falls

Rocks to climb for Sky Pond

'I need a great Facebook picture!'

The way back wasn't pleasant as the way up because the sun was pretty strong and hot around the noon. On my way exit the park, I was told US36 to Estes Park was closed because of  new wildfire in Estes Park. I felt so sad about all these fires. This summer has been so dry and hot...please give us some rains!

I took US34 instead and sat in the traffic for about  30 minutes. Got home exhausted!