Hiking – RMNP - Glacier Gorge TH - Green Lake

Please be ready for a challenging on-trail and off-trail EXPLORATORY hike to one of the most picturesque areas in RMNP. Our adventure to Green Lake in Glacier Gorge begins along the main RMNP trail, where we follow the rushing waters of Glacier Creek through a shaded forest alive with the sound of wind and water. Soon the trail opens to the broad expanse of Mills Lake, often called the “Jewel of the Rockies,” where reflections of Half Mountain and surrounding cliffs shimmer on its surface. Just beyond, we pass the quieter Jewel Lake, tucked amid trees and marshy meadows, before the path steepens and climbs into the rugged upper gorge. Here the trail leads us to the striking amphitheater of Black Lake, where sheer granite walls plunge dramatically to the shoreline and Spearhead rises as a sentinel at the head of the basin. Leaving the official path behind, we continue off-trail, working our way through talus fields, grassy ledges, and small streams, with the bold silhouettes of McHenrys Peak and Chiefs Head Peak towering above. At last, we arrive at the hidden alpine sanctuary of Green Lake, its emerald waters resting in a rocky cirque where solitude and grandeur combine in one of the park’s most spectacular settings. We'll stop at a comfortable spot for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this trip in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~11 miles and ~2600 ft elevation gain. (Green Lake - RMNP - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Estes Park Visitor Center parking lot at 6:45am, for no later than 7:00am departure (Estes Park Visitor Center - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Bear Lake Trailhead Parking Lot in RMNP (Bear Lake Trailhead - Google Maps)

A carpool location further south is possible.