About This Route
The Glacier Gorge to Black Lake route in Rocky Mountain National Park is a premier backpacking destination, offering stunning alpine lakes amid jagged peaks. Starting from the Glacier Gorge trailhead near Estes Park, this 9-mile round trip gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, passing Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, and Jewel Lake before reaching remote Black Lake at 11,600 feet. Ideal for intermediate backpackers seeking solitude above treeline, the trail features granite slabs, waterfalls, and views of the Continental Divide. According to NPS guidelines, secure a wilderness permit and vehicle dashtag in person at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center; no digital permits allowed. Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve this high-use area.
Safety Considerations
Altitude sickness strikes quickly above 10,000 feet; acclimatize by camping at Mills Lake first if new to elevation. Sudden afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August; NPS urges descending open areas by noon to avoid lightning, which causes most injuries here. Bears roam Glacier Gorge; store all scented items in a hard-sided bear canister like the BearVault BV500, positioned 200 feet from your tent per RMNP rules. Moose frequent willow thickets near lakes; maintain 75 feet distance as per NPS wildlife protocols. Purify all water from lakes using Sawyer Squeeze filters or Aquamira drops, boiling if needed. Rockfall hazards increase on upper granite sections; wear helmets on steep scrambles.
Essential Gear
Pack a lightweight tent like the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+, a 30-degree sleeping bag for chilly nights, and a bear canister. Include a personal locator beacon (PLB) such as the ACR ResQLink View for emergencies. Trekking poles prevent slips on uneven terrain; bring layers including a Gore-Tex jacket for rain. No campfires allowed; use a Jetboil stove for cooking. Headlamp, first aid kit with blister treatments, and map (Nat Geo Trails Illustrated #302) are musts.