Lake of Glass: A Reflective Jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning reflections and breathtaking mountain views.
Lake of Glass, nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, is a stunning subalpine lake renowned for its crystal-clear reflections of the surrounding peaks. This rewarding destination is reached via a challenging hike past waterfalls and through scenic valleys, offering a quintessential Rocky Mountain experience.
A brief summary to Lake Of Glass
- Glass, Lake of, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517, US
Local tips
- Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking at the trailhead.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike to Lake of Glass is strenuous.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially if you plan to scramble up to Timberline Falls and continue to Sky Pond.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Consider visiting during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Getting There
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Driving
From Estes Park, drive west on Highway 36 and enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Continue past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and turn left onto Bear Lake Road. Follow Bear Lake Road to either the Bear Lake Trailhead or the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Parking at these trailheads is limited, especially during peak season. Consider using the park's shuttle system from the Park & Ride to avoid parking hassles.
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Public Transport
From the Estes Park Visitor Center, take the Hiker Shuttle to the Park & Ride transit hub on Bear Lake Road. From there, transfer to the free Bear Lake or Moraine Park shuttle to reach the Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge Trailheads. The Hiker Shuttle requires reservations, which can be made on Recreation.gov for a small fee. A park pass is also required. The Hiker Shuttle operates from late May to mid-October. Bear Lake and Moraine Park shuttles are free and operate from late May to mid-October. They run frequently, with the Bear Lake Shuttle running every 10-15 minutes and the Moraine Park Shuttle running every 30-60 minutes. Hiker Shuttle reservation: $2.00. Park entry fee (if not possessing a park pass): $30 per vehicle for a 1-day pass, $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
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Walking
From the Bear Lake Trailhead, follow the signs to Alberta Falls and then continue onto the Loch Vale Trail. From the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, follow the signs to Alberta Falls and then continue onto the Loch Vale Trail. The trail is well-marked, but be prepared for a steep scramble just before reaching Lake of Glass.
Discover more about Lake Of Glass
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rainbow Curve Overlook
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Rocky Mountain National Park Sign
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Grand Lake
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Forest Canyon Overlook
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Kauffman House Museum
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Horseshoe Park
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Tour Estes Park
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Aspen Winds on Fall River
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The Wapiti Colorado Pub
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Red Rose Rock Shop
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Estes Park Aerial Tramway Top Terminal
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Open Air Adventure Park
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Estes Park Brewery
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Fun City
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Mrs. Walsh's Garden
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Lake Haiyaha
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Dream Lake
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Emerald Lake
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Alberta Falls
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Bear Lake Trailhead
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Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead
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Bear Lake Trail
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Chasm View
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Keyhole Route
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Fern Lake
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Chasm Junction
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Essential places to dine
Twin Owls Steakhouse
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The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
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Bird & Jim
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Boss Burgers and Gyros
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Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
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Trailhead Restaurant
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Coffee on the Rocks
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Rivers Edge BBQ
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The View Restaurant
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Sweet Basilico Cafe
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Big Horn Restaurant
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Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
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The Grubsteak Restaurant
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CAFE DE PHO THAI
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MollyB Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Mad Moose
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The Village Store of Estes Park
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Wild Horse Gift Shop
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Rocky Mountain Gateway
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
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Lizzie's Boutique
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Omnibus
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Over The Edge
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The Whispering Wood
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Country West City East Gifts
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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
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
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217 Wine Bar
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Randi's Grill & Pub
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Gravity Haus Winter Park
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Pits & Stems
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West End Tavern
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The Bitter Bar
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