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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
771 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
17.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-7.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Frozen Lake Hike

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Frozen Lake Hike will guide adventurers through Colorado’s high-country and past several crystalline alpine lakes. This demanding hike requires endurance, but the views along the way will motivate even the most discouraged hikers. This is one of our favorite hikes in the park, and we know it could be yours too.

Route Description for Frozen Lake Hike

Lace up those hiking boots and pack your micro spikes because we are climbing high to a mountain cirque. The Frozen Lake Trail will test your limits as you ascend high altitude to the shimmering alpine lake nestled between snow-capped Colorado 13ers and 14ers. Make sure you are acclimated to the altitude of the area before attempting this hike and pack plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled. We suggest also checking the forecast prior to setting out as the exposed lake sits between looming peaks, which are subject to afternoon storms. Keep your eyes on the sky too because the weather can turn on a dim and you will want to be below tree coverage! Additionally, hikers will have to purchase a park pass to access the trails.

Begin your adventure up to Frozen Lake from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Track the Glacial Gorge Trail over Chaos Creek and at the second intersection, turn left. Keep left at the next junction and hike through the aspen grove up to Alberta Falls. Enjoy the cascades and continue along the path to the next intersection. Here, stay right and trek along the base of the Glacier Knobs. At the next intersection, maintain along the Glacier Gorge Trail and hike up to the Glacier Falls. Ascend the path past Mills Lake and Jewel Lake.

As you climb the trail, you will be rewarded with stunning mountain views. Hike past the lakes and past the dispersed campsites and small cascades up to Black Lake. Black Lake is a good place to rest before your final push to Frozen Lake. Once you summit Frozen Lake, revel in the grandeur of the flanking snow-capped craggy peaks. Explore the glacier and the alpine lake before retracing your steps down the path back to the trailhead.

Getting to the Frozen Lake Hike Trailhead

The Frozen Lake Hike departs from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead off Bear Lake Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    Glacier Gorge Dispersed Campsites

  • When to do:

    May-October

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Frozen Lake Hike Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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