30 replies to this topic

[bpv_UW]

After getting rained out our first day and then hitting the Odessa Loop on our 2nd, my Dad and I decided to use the final day of our brief trip to the park to hike to Black Lake in upper Glacier Gorge. I'd been to Shelf/Solitude and part of the way up Thatchtop last summer, and was excited to further explore Glacier Gorge based on what I'd seen on that hike. We got a relatively late start from the GG trailhead, hitting the trail just after 7am on a beautiful morning. We made quick time up the trail and didn't stop at Alberta Falls as we'd been there 2 days prior. As we ascended above the falls and around the Glacier Knobs, a nice view of Thatchtop Mountain revealed itself.



We didn't take any breaks prior to Mills Lake, maintaining a steady pace and enjoying the periods of shade on what was shaping up to be a warm summer day. We arrived at Mills, which already had a fair numbers of visitors around 8am on this midsummer morning. The lake was beautiful and serene, just as I remembered.

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[bpv_UW]

We rested for about 10 minutes at Mills, spending most of the time taking pictures of various scenes. Here's an unconventional view, looking north over Mills' outlet stream, with Glacier Knobs and part of Flattop Mountain in the distance.

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[bpv_UW]

From Mills we made our way quickly through the cool forest to Jewel. Being smaller, the water at Jewel was a bit more calm, which made for some nice reflections.

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[bpv_UW]

The trail now wound its way upward, mostly in the trees, along Glacier Creek. Views along this stretch of the trail are sporadic until one gets past the point where Shelf Creek enters Glacier Creek. From here upward (the last mile or so to Black Lake), views of the peaks surrounding upper GG begin to emerge. Here's a shot of the Arrowhead over Glacier Creek with McHenrys Peak peeking out in the background.

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[bpv_UW]

Just below Black Lake, we reached Ribbon Falls, a beautiful set of cascades with McHenrys Peak and the Arrowhead as a backdrop.

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[bpv_UW]

Another shot at Ribbon Falls.

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[bpv_UW]

A final steep climb next to the falls brought us to Black's outlet stream, where we picked our way over some rocks along and across the stream, to the NE shore of Black Lake. This is the view looking back down GG, with the Mummy Range in the distance.



We made our way around to the east shore of the lake, where a breathtaking view of McHenrys Peak can be seen.

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[bpv_UW]

The Arrowhead (which doesn't look quite like an arrowhead from this perspective) was also nicely visible from Black's shores.

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[bpv_UW]

My Dad was pretty tired and decided to take break at the lake, while I accompanied another hiker we had met on the ascent above Black Lake. The climb away from Black (along its inlet stream) is steep, but views improve almost exponentially by the step.

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[bpv_UW]

And improve...

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[bpv_UW]

Here's me taking a break during the climb.

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[bpv_UW]

I spent the better part of an hour exploring above the lake. The trail peters out after a while, and I didn't attempt to reach any of the other lakes (Green, Blue, Frozen, etc) due to time, but wow is it a fantastic area. I'll definitely be back. Here's a view of McHenrys over the stream that eventually flows into Black Lake.

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[bpv_UW]

I snapped pictures in every direction. This is one of them. I was pretty much mesmerized by the views, and just stood enjoying them for a few minutes before heading back down. It's so hard to leave a place like that.



Regretfully I headed back down to the lake, where I reunited with my Dad and began the return trip to the TH. We made good time on the way down and didn't take many pictures. We did manage to get this one of some columbines along the trail.



We arrived back at the TH between 1pm and 2pm, very content with our choice to hike to Black Lake (which had been made at the last minute that morning). Unfortunately, this marked the end of our brief trip to RMNP. I'm already planning for next time (whenever that may be)!

Hope you enjoy the pics.

-Brandon

[Weasel]

Great report and pics! I'm really beginning to regret not making more of an effort to hike up in this area.

[Jo]

Great report (& pics) Brandon! You've made up my mind for me: Black Lake is now next on my list!

Jo