Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
- nps.gov
- Estes Park
About
Glacier Gorge Junction is the jumping-off point for Alberta Falls, Mills Lake and a whole run of lakes beyond. It's busy and it deserves to be. Take the shuttle, because the lot fills early and everyone knows it.
Glacier Gorge Junction sits at about 9,240 feet on Bear Lake Road, inside Rocky Mountain National Park. From here the NPS lists Alberta Falls at 0.8 mile with about 160 feet of gain, and Mills Lake at 2.8 miles with about 750 feet. Those are each way. Alberta Falls is an easy walk. Mills Lake is a solid half day with a payoff, and the trail keeps going toward more lakes for people with the legs.
Parking here fills early, and the NPS recommends the free Bear Lake shuttle, which stops at Glacier Gorge Trailhead. In summer you'll also need a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation during certain hours, so look at nps.gov/romo before you plan. I'd start early and be off the high ground by early afternoon. It's the most crowded stretch of trail I know, so be kind on the narrow parts and step aside to let people pass. No dogs on Park trails.
