9 replies to this topic

[bubbatrout]

On the front of the Vacationland "brochure" there's a picture of a waterfall that is supposedly on Glacier Creek. stock photo link: http://www.worldofst...ups/NEA2546.php Has anybody been here before? Is it on the Glacier Creek trail? About where is it located? Will it be more than a trickle at this time of year? One more full day here in RMNP and I don't want to waste my boot leather trying to find something that is less than spectacular.

Thanks in advance!

Terry

[Lynette]

My guess is Ribbon Falls under Black Lake, but I've never seen the falls when they weren't covered in snow... Actually, when we were there, we walked right by them without knowing they were there!! (For some reason, your link in this thread didn't open for me, but the link in the other one did.)

Does this looks like the same area to you?

Edited by Lynette, 07 October 2010 - 10:10 PM.

[John]

Terry, I have spent a lot of time in this area and don't recall seeing this scene. That is Chiefshead in the background and The Spearhead just to the left of it, but even with those clues it doesn't ring a bell. I hope Ed sees this because he might know.

[bubbatrout]

Ahhh! I found the photogs site and it is Chiefshead Peak that is behind the falls. This link should work: linky

Still doesn't help me figure out where the falls are though. Basically....does Glacier Creek trail follow Glacier Creek? If it does I think I would be able to find it but I'm just wondering if I'd need to bushwack a little to get to these falls.

Does flurries in Estes Park mean snow up in he mountains?

[Lynette]

If it is Ribbon Falls, there is no bushwhacking. Here is a link to a photo the photographer identifies as Ribbon Falls just below Black Lake. Sure looks like the same falls to me, but from a different angle. The falls do look different in a lot of pictures I look at. Must be a lot of change in flow from one time of year to another.

http://picasaweb.goo...dWrDnqdQzGSUgdA

[bubbatrout]

Lynette, on 07 October 2010 - 10:40 PM, said:

If it is Ribbon Falls, there is no bushwhacking. Here is a link to a photo the photographer identifies as Ribbon Falls just below Black Lake. Sure looks like the same falls to me, but from a different angle. The falls do look different in a lot of pictures I look at. Must be a lot of change in flow from one time of year to another.

http://picasaweb.goo...dWrDnqdQzGSUgdA

Looks like those are the same falls but when I do a search for Ribbon Falls the picture results that come up don't look like those two. I like the looks of the photo possibilities of Ribbon Falls though so I think I'll just go there and check it out for myself. Maybe I'll end up taking two hikes tomorrow.

[bubbatrout]

And thank you!

Photos to come after we get back home.

[Lynette]

There is one other possibility... In the Lisa Foster book, the author writes:

"Glacier Falls spills through a rocky canyon in Glacier Creek north of Mills Lake. It is located less than 20 yards west of the Glacier Gorge Trail, but few people leave the trail to check it out. The stream tumbles 30 feet through an inviting and beautiful canyon carved from granite walls. This is one of the most impressive spots along Galcier Creek. Downed trees, interesting boulders, and exposed bedrock highlight the waterfall.

From the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, follow the trail as it climbs southwest 0.25 mile toBlacier Gorge Junction. Turn south and follow the Loch Vale Trail for 1.75 miles to the prominent junction between Loch Vale Trail and Glacier Gorge Trail. Turn south and follpow the Glacier Gorge Trail toward Mills Lake. Hike for 0.3 mile to a footbridge that crosses Glacier Creek. Leave the trail and bushwhack south along the west bank of Glacier Creek for 20 yards to the base of the tiny cascade."

I wonder if that could be the falls. It is the only other one Lisa Foster mentions in Glacier Gorge besides Ribbon Falls and Alberta Falls. I am one of the people who has never gone off trail the short distance to find it. ...

Although, the pictures I find of Glacier Falls don't look like the ones in your image. I'm still thinking a different angle.. maybe offtrail... of Ribbon Falls.

Edited by Lynette, 08 October 2010 - 12:01 AM.

[Veik]

I don't recognize it either. Here is what I have for Glacier Falls and Ribbon Falls.

[bubbatrout]

It IS Ribbon Falls. I could see where the water would have been flowing had there been more of it.

The hike was nice. I was the first one to the falls and Black Lake this morning. There was a light dusting of snow up there and it was beautiful! Got back to the Loch/Mills Lake junction and it started snowing like crazy. If it wasn't for the lightning and me carrying a tripod I would've walked a little slower down the fire trail (thank you) and enjoyed it more.

What a great week weatherwise in Rocky! Sun, rain, snow, fog, everything I wanted.

Thanks to all of you for your help.