The Loch – known in some circles as Loch Vale – can be found about 2.95 miles away from Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s situated at the juncture of two valleys – one which was created by Andrews Glacier (in the north) and another which was cut by Taylor Glacier (in the south) – just beneath the Continental Divide. The lake is fed by Icy Brook, which comes from Taylor Glacier, and is also filled with Andrews Creek from Andrews Glacier. This in one of the best lake hikes in Rocky!
The trail to the The Loch Vale follows Glacier Creek upwards, with newly-planted aspens lining the path all the way to Alberta Falls (.85 miles : 9,423′). After 1.6 miles (9,768′), it veers southwest and enters a shallow gorge between Thatchtop Mountain (12,668′) and the Glacier Knobs. follows Glacier Creek upwards, with newly-planted aspens lining the path all the way to Alberta Falls (.85 miles : 9,423′). After 1.6 miles (9,768′), it veers southwest and enters a shallow gorge between Thatchtop Mountain (12,668′) and the Glacier Knobs.
The path descends to Glacier Junction (2.1 miles : 9,804′), a place where two immense glacial valleys meet, thus providing an entrance to some of the most renowned sites in Rocky.
Veer to the right for Loch Valley and follow Icy Brook uphill; this lively stream has carved the gorge below. The path goes up sharply, winding through switchbacks (2.5 miles : 9,985′) into a thin forest. Eventually, you’ll reach The Loch (2.95 miles : 10,192′) with a stunning view.
After visiting the lake, you can head up the trail another 1.5 miles to Glass Lake and Sky Pond.
