Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead: Gateway to Rocky Mountain Majesty
Explore iconic trails and breathtaking alpine scenery from Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead, nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, serves as a popular starting point for several iconic hikes. At 9,240 feet, the trailhead provides access to Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, and Sky Pond, offering stunning views and diverse trails for all skill levels.
A brief summary to Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
- Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive before sunrise to secure a parking spot, as the lot fills up quickly, especially during peak season.
- Take advantage of the free park shuttle to avoid parking hassles and reduce traffic congestion.
- Bring layers of clothing, as mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks, especially for longer hikes to destinations like Mills Lake or Sky Pond.
- Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, and be prepared for snow even in early summer.
Getting There
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Driving
From Estes Park Visitor Center (500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517), head west on Big Thompson Ave toward Moraine Ave. Continue onto Moraine Ave, which leads into Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow signs for Bear Lake Road and continue for approximately 8 miles to the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead parking area on your left. Parking is limited and fills early. A daily or weekly entrance fee to RMNP is required ($30/$35). From May-Oct, a timed entry permit is required.
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Public Transport
From Estes Park Visitor Center, take the Estes Park Shuttle. Check the shuttle schedule in advance, as it operates seasonally. Request the stop at Bear Lake, a short walk from Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. From the Bear Lake stop, follow Bear Lake Road for about 0.3 miles; the trailhead will be on your right. Shuttle service is free; however, a park pass and timed entry permit may be required.
Discover more about Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rainbow Curve Overlook
10.2 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Rainbow Curve Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot in Rocky Mountain National Park offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.
Aspen Winds on Fall River
11.0 km
Discover tranquility at Aspen Winds on Fall River, a perfect lodge for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Estes Park, Colorado.
Tour Estes Park
11.0 km
Explore the stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming culture of Estes Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock
11.3 km
Explore the spiritual and architectural charm of Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rock amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado.
The Wapiti Colorado Pub
11.3 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at The Wapiti Colorado Pub in Estes Park, where local craft beers and delicious comfort food await.
Forest Canyon Overlook
11.4 km
Discover the breathtaking views and serene beauty at Forest Canyon Overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park, a must-visit for every nature lover.
Red Rose Rock Shop
11.6 km
Explore the Red Rose Rock Shop in Estes Park – a gem of natural wonders showcasing exquisite rocks, minerals, and unique souvenirs.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway Top Terminal
11.8 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a must-visit tourist attraction in Colorado.
Open Air Adventure Park
11.8 km
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Estes Park Brewery
11.8 km
Discover the flavors of Estes Park at Estes Park Brewery, where craft beer meets stunning mountain views and delicious pub fare.
Fun City
11.9 km
Discover endless fun for the whole family at Fun City, Estes Park's ultimate amusement park, featuring go-karts, miniature golf, and more!
Mrs. Walsh's Garden
12.0 km
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Performance Park
12.0 km
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Estes Park Aerial Tramway
12.1 km
Experience breathtaking views and adventure at Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a premier mountain cable car attraction in the heart of Colorado's Rockies.
Snowy Peaks Winery
12.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bear Lake Trailhead
0.5 km
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Bear Lake Trail
0.7 km
Discover stunning alpine scenery on an easy loop trail around picturesque Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Alberta Falls
0.8 km
Hike to a stunning 30-foot waterfall through beautiful forests in Rocky Mountain National Park. An easy and accessible natural wonder near Estes Park.
Lake Haiyaha To Mills/Loch Jct Trl
1.4 km
Discover the turquoise waters and rugged beauty of Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Dream Lake
1.6 km
Hike to a fairytale: Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views and an easy escape into alpine beauty.
Lake Haiyaha
1.9 km
Discover Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park: A moderate hike to stunning alpine views and unique turquoise waters.
Emerald Lake
2.2 km
Hike to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery and emerald-green waters.
Sprague Lake
3.3 km
Enjoy an easy, scenic hike around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, with stunning mountain views and accessible trails.
Lake Of Glass
3.8 km
Hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning reflections and breathtaking mountain views.
Fern Lake
4.2 km
Hike to a pristine alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by stunning views and natural beauty.
Hollowell Park
4.6 km
Find serenity at Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, with stunning views, picnic spots, and easy hiking trails.
Fern Lake Trailhead
5.0 km
Hike to a serene alpine lake through diverse landscapes in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park
5.1 km
Discover the majestic beauty of the Rockies: hiking, scenic drives & wildlife await in this iconic Colorado National Park.
Keyhole Route
5.5 km
Experience the thrill of summiting Longs Peak via the iconic Keyhole Route, a challenging mountaineering adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Moraine Park
6.0 km
Discover Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park: A glacier-carved valley offering hiking, wildlife, and stunning mountain views year-round.
Essential places to dine
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
9.3 km
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Twin Owls Steakhouse
9.7 km
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Bird & Jim
10.1 km
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Boss Burgers and Gyros
10.4 km
Indulge in mouth-watering burgers and authentic gyros at Boss Burgers and Gyros – your go-to spot in scenic Estes Park.
Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
10.6 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Smokin' Dave's BBQ in Estes Park - where smoky flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Trailhead Restaurant
11.1 km
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Coffee on the Rocks
11.5 km
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Rivers Edge BBQ
11.6 km
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The View Restaurant
12.0 km
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Sweet Basilico Cafe
12.0 km
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Big Horn Restaurant
12.0 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Big Horn Restaurant in Estes Park with delicious American cuisine perfect for all tastes and budgets.
Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
12.2 km
Discover authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Twisted Griffin in Estes Park—your perfect dining destination in Colorado.
The Grubsteak Restaurant
12.2 km
Discover The Grubsteak Restaurant in Estes Park – where exceptional steaks meet warm hospitality amidst stunning mountain views.
The Wild Rose Restaurant
12.2 km
Experience the best of American and European cuisine at The Wild Rose Restaurant in Estes Park—where unique flavors meet stunning mountain views.
CAFE DE PHO THAI
12.2 km
Experience authentic Vietnamese and Thai flavors at Café de Pho Thai in Estes Park – where culinary delight meets scenic beauty.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Mad Moose
10.2 km
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The Village Store of Estes Park
10.2 km
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Wild Horse Gift Shop
10.7 km
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Rocky Mountain Gateway
11.1 km
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
11.6 km
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Lizzie's Boutique
11.9 km
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Omnibus
12.2 km
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Over The Edge
12.2 km
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Favorite Things
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The Whispering Wood
12.2 km
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Country West City East Gifts
12.2 km
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Cabin Fever of Estes Park Co
12.2 km
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Rocky Mountain Souvenirs
12.2 km
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Annie's
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Estes Park Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rock Cut Brewing Company
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
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Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
12.3 km
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Wheel Bar
12.4 km
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
13.0 km
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217 Wine Bar
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Avant Garde Aleworks
13.2 km
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
13.2 km
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
13.2 km
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Pits & Stems
43.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pits & Stems, Boulder’s premier cocktail bar known for its innovative drinks and welcoming ambiance.
West End Tavern
44.5 km
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Press Play Bar LP
44.5 km
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The Bitter Bar
44.6 km
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License No. 1
44.6 km
Discover the heart of Boulder's nightlife at License No. 1, where live music meets delicious dining in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Corner Bar
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious grilled dishes at The Corner Bar in Boulder, a perfect stop for food lovers and socializers alike.
