Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead: Gateway to Rocky Mountain Majesty
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park's stunning trails from Glacier Gorge Junction, a hiker's paradise with alpine lakes and waterfalls.
Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead, nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, is a prime starting point for exploring iconic trails. Offering access to Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, and Sky Pond, it's a haven for hikers of all levels seeking stunning alpine scenery and diverse ecosystems.
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, especially during peak season.
- Take advantage of the free park shuttle to avoid parking hassles.
- Obtain a timed entry permit in advance to access the Bear Lake Road corridor during the summer months.
- Bring layers of clothing, as weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations.
- Stay on marked trails and be mindful of wildlife.
Getting There
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Driving
From Estes Park Visitor Center (500 Big Thompson Ave), head west on Big Thompson Ave/US-36. Continue straight onto Moraine Ave, which leads into Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow signs for Bear Lake Road and continue for approximately 6 miles to the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead parking area on your left. Be aware that parking is limited and fills up early. A daily or weekly entrance fee is required for RMNP. From May through October, a timed entry permit is also required.
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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 Shuttle, which stops at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Check the shuttle schedule in advance as it operates seasonally. The Hiker Shuttle from Estes Park costs $2, but that fee covers up to four passengers. A timed-entry reservation is not required if you have a shuttle reservation.
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
Experience the thrill of outdoor adventures at Open Air Adventure Park, where excitement meets breathtaking natural beauty in Estes Park, Colorado.
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
Discover the tranquil beauty of Mrs. Walsh's Garden in Estes Park, a serene retreat filled with vibrant flora and enchanting sculptures.
Performance Park
12.0 km
Discover the stunning Performance Park in Estes Park, Colorado - where breathtaking nature meets captivating performances in an enchanting amphitheater.
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
Experience the perfect blend of exquisite local wines and breathtaking Rocky Mountain views at Snowy Peaks Winery in Estes Park, Colorado.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bear Lake Trailhead
0.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, an outdoor haven for hiking and nature enthusiasts alike.
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
Experience the best of American cuisine and craft brews at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern in Estes Park – your cozy retreat after exploring nature's wonders.
Twin Owls Steakhouse
9.7 km
Experience exceptional steaks and American cuisine at Twin Owls Steakhouse in Estes Park – where quality meets stunning mountain views.
Bird & Jim
10.1 km
Discover Bird & Jim: An exceptional dining experience featuring local American cuisine and stunning views in Estes Park.
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
Discover the flavors of Colorado at Trailhead Restaurant—where eclectic cuisine meets stunning mountain views in Estes Park.
Coffee on the Rocks
11.5 km
Discover Coffee on the Rocks in Estes Park – where quality brews meet breathtaking mountain views for an unforgettable experience.
Rivers Edge BBQ
11.6 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Rivers Edge BBQ in Estes Park – where flavor meets nature's beauty.
The View Restaurant
12.0 km
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Sweet Basilico Cafe
12.0 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors amidst stunning mountain views at Sweet Basilico Cafe in Estes Park.
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
Explore The Mad Moose for top outdoor gear and unique souvenirs in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Village Store of Estes Park
10.2 km
Discover the charm of The Village Store in Estes Park, a perfect blend of clothing, gifts, and souvenirs for every traveler.
Wild Horse Gift Shop
10.7 km
Explore the Wild Horse Gift Shop for unique souvenirs and local crafts in the heart of Estes Park, Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Gateway
11.1 km
Explore the treasures of Rocky Mountain Gateway, your one-stop shop for unique gifts, camping gear, and authentic Native American crafts in Estes Park, Colorado.
The Trading Post of the Rockies
11.6 km
Explore a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and local crafts at The Trading Post of the Rockies in scenic Estes Park.
Lizzie's Boutique
11.9 km
Explore Lizzie's Boutique in Estes Park for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the essence of Colorado's natural beauty.
Omnibus
12.2 km
Explore Omnibus in Estes Park, where exquisite handcrafted jewelry meets local artistry and charm.
Over The Edge
12.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures in Estes Park at Over The Edge, where Colorado's spirit comes alive through stunning artisan creations.
Favorite Things
12.2 km
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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
12.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Annie's, a charming gift shop in Estes Park, CO, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Rockies.
Estes Park Souvenirs
12.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rock Cut Brewing Company
12.1 km
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
12.2 km
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Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
12.3 km
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Wheel Bar
12.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and innovative cocktails at The Wheel Bar, Estes Park's favorite cocktail destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
13.0 km
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217 Wine Bar
13.1 km
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Avant Garde Aleworks
13.2 km
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
13.2 km
Experience fun and excitement at The Bull Pin in Estes Park, featuring bowling, billiards, and arcade games for all ages.
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
13.2 km
Experience the best of Colorado's craft brewery scene at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co., where unique flavors and stunning mountain views await.
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
Discover the West End Tavern in Boulder, Colorado – a lively bar with stunning rooftop views, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Press Play Bar LP
44.5 km
Discover the joy of retro gaming and craft beverages at Press Play Bar in Boulder, where every visit promises fun and unforgettable memories.
The Bitter Bar
44.6 km
Discover The Bitter Bar, Boulder’s premier cocktail destination, offering unique drinks and a vibrant ambiance for a perfect night out.
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
44.6 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious grilled dishes at The Corner Bar in Boulder, a perfect stop for food lovers and socializers alike.
