Hiking to the Stunning Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park: Everything You Need to Know
Do you want to experience nature at its best? Take a hike from the trailheads along Bear Lake Road to Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park! This breathtaking trail is full of stunning views, majestic waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes.
The Mills Lake Trailhead starts at either Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake and takes you on an adventure through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Colorado. Along the way, you will also encounter Alberta Falls.
Continue reading to learn more about this incredible journey and get insider hints for making your trip even more memorable!
Trail Specs: Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible 45.6-mile out-and-back hike with stunning views, majestic waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes.
Starting at either Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake, the trailhead takes you to the eastern shore of Mills Lake where you can take a break before continuing along the trail.
Along the way, you will pass Alberta Falls and other scenic wonders. The entire hike should take around three hours, including stops for pictures and refreshment breaks.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out visiting Rocky Mountain National Park on a road trip from Denver, the Mills Lake Trail is a must-do adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Trailhead & Parking: Mills Lake Rocky Mountain National Park
The trailhead to reach Mills Lake, located at either Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake, is also the starting point for your stunning 5.6-mile out-and-back hike.
This side of the park is much easier to access from Estes Park than Grand Lake because of the distance.
Parking can be found near both trailheads, but keep in mind that lots tend to fill up quickly during peak times and on weekends so plan accordingly.
Once you’ve parked your car, the adventure begins! Along with the breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes, the hike leads to a beautiful, serene lake destination.
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is the perfect starting point for your Mills Lake adventure. The 5.6-mile hike offers a plethora of stunning views and is ideal for hikers of many skill levels. The elevation gain is also a little bit less from this trailhead than from Bear Lake trailhead.
The parking lot at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead is definitely small. It often fills up by 5 am on summer weekends. We got the last parking spot on a Sunday in late July, and we arrived around 4:45 am!
From the trailhead, the route is extremely well marked heading past Alberta Falls to the junction where you will decide to either head to Mills Lake or the Loch and Sky Pond.
Bear Lake Trailhead
The Bear Lake Trailhead is the perfect alternative starting point for your Mills Lake adventure. This route only adds two-tenths of a mile, to end in a 5.8-mile hike.
At 800 feet of elevation gain, it’s just a little more than the route from Glacier Gorge, but going at your own pace makes this hike very doable.
From the trailhead, you can follow signs to Alberta Falls and onward to the Mills Junction, where you’ll take the trail to the left.
After passing through some thick forests and past rocky creeks, you’ll reach the beautiful, crystal-clear Mills Lake.
The Route to Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
The route to Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is an absolute must for any outdoor enthusiast. With its lush, green landscape and unforgettable views, it’s no wonder why this popular trail is one of the most highly sought-after hikes in the area.
The trailhead we’re going to use begins at Glacier Gorge Trailhead, located just off the end of Bear Lake Road.
From there, you’ll pass by some of the park’s most beautiful creeks and woodland views.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an intense hike, The Route to Mills Lake has something for everyone. So don your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Alberta Falls at 0.8 miles
Alberta Falls is one of the first must-see sights you’ll come across on your journey to Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located just 0.8 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, this gorgeous 25-foot waterfall leaps and crashes into boulders below, creating a magical setting for hikers and photographers alike.
During autumn, glowing aspens line the trail and creek, making Alberta Falls even more breathtaking during this time of year. Make sure to bring your camera along so you can capture the sights!
Along with its scenic beauty, Alberta Falls also has some history behind it—the falls were named after Abner Sprague’s wife, an early local resident.
This is the first of the beautiful sites along this trail, and it does get busy during the day. We’d recommend setting out early or waiting until evening to enjoy Alberta Falls.
Mills Lake at 2.8 miles
You’ll reach Mills Lake 2.8 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trail. It is a sight you don’t want to miss on your journey through Rocky Mountain National Park!
This stunning lake provides visitors with peaceful and picturesque views. As you walk the trail, look out for the log bridges that cross Glacier Creek and rocky overlooks with sweeping vistas of Longs Peak and tiny alpine lakes in the distance.
When you arrive at Mills Lake, be sure to take in its majestic beauty—the lake’s long shoreline is dotted with flat rocks that seem to float above the water. Pack a picnic lunch (or breakfast, if you started early) and find a spot along the shore or on one of these flat rocks; enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the breathtaking scenery!
As if that weren’t enough, Mills Lake was even featured on Colorado’s state quarter – how cool is that?
The trail to Mills Lake continues along the shore on the left side of the lake for a stunning stretch of views.
Jewel Lake at 3.2 miles
If you haven’t seen enough stunning scenery at Mills Lake, Jewel Lake at 3.2 miles is a stunning gem in Rocky Mountain National Park! Just a hop and a skip from Mills Lake, Jewel Lake is the perfect place to continue exploring.
The lake’s crystal-clear waters are surrounded by lush greenery and more towering peaks – what more could you ask for? If you didn’t have your packed lunch at Mills Lake, find a spot along this shoreline where you can admire the breathtaking views while enjoying a bite to eat.
Want to Go Even Further?
Ready to explore even more of Rocky Mountain National Park? If so, the trail from Mills Lake continues for nearly 2 more miles to Ribbon Falls and Black Lake. Black Lake is 5.0 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
Alternatively, you can start tracking back from Mills Lake, and at the trail junction, decide to head up to the Loch and even Sky Pond. This would be a difficult hike with a lot of elevation gain. It’s not for the faint of heart.
You could also head over to Lake Haiyaha for an easier route and to create part of a loop. It’s another stunning alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, and one you should certainly visit at some point during your visit to the park.
Insider Hints for Mills Lake
If you’re planning a visit to Mills Lake, there are a few insider hints that can help make your trip even more enjoyable. Firstly, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks with you – there’s nothing worse than being unprepared on the trail!
Secondly, make sure you get an early start; not only will it be cooler in the morning, but the views will be much better before the crowds arrive.
There is also a good chance of afternoon rain and thunderstorms in RMNP during the summer months when hiking is the best, so you’ll want to be well below the tree lines before mid-afternoon.
Lastly, don’t forget to take breaks along the way to take in all of the stunning scenery that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready for your adventure to Mills Lake!
Where to go After Hiking to Mills Lake
After hiking to Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are a few other destinations worth exploring in the area. You’re already in the Bear Lake Corridor, so check out other stunning lakes nearby!
One of the most popular options is to hike Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. This hike offers so much alpine scenery in a few short miles.
Continue around Bear Lake at the trailhead, which is a fairly flat and easy stroll around the lake. There are many benches along the route to stop and take in the views for even longer.
Sprague Lake is another beautiful and easy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can take a short stroll around the lake. You might have the chance to see some wildlife nearby!
No matter which destination you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear for the conditions. The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for changing conditions.
Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see destination that is a little more under the radar than some of the other beautiful lakes nearby. The breathtaking views, serene atmosphere, and diverse wildlife make it a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful picnic spot, Mills Lake is a perfect destination.
