Hiking to Alberta Falls and Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
After warming up with an easy walk around Sprague Lake that morning, we decided to head for Alberta Falls. Originally, that was where we planned to turn around. A late spring storm had left many of the higher trails covered in snow and ice, and we weren't sure what conditions would be like deeper into the park.
We caught the park shuttle from the Park & Ride across from Glacier Basin Campground, packed a few snacks, water, and our hiking essentials, and left the rental car behind. Before boarding, we asked a ranger about trail conditions. She warned us the trails were still snowy and slushy and recommended trekking poles, so we made one last trip back to the car to grab them.
The shuttle dropped us at Glacier Gorge Trailhead, where another ranger gave us some unexpected encouragement. He told us we would likely have no trouble getting beyond Alberta Falls and highly recommended continuing to Mills Lake, calling it one of his favorite hikes in the park.
I was still recovering from a knee injury that had limited much of our first Rocky Mountain trip, and the thought of hiking nearly six miles through snow and mud was a little intimidating. Still, we wanted to give it a try.
The trail begins beneath a canopy of beautiful aspens before climbing steadily through the forest. Small footbridges cross rushing creeks, and the scenery gets better with every step. If you've never stopped to smell an aspen grove, it's worth taking a moment.
Before long, we could hear Alberta Falls echoing through the trees. The waterfall isn't the largest in the park, but it's a beautiful stop, and the sound of rushing water makes it a hard place to leave.
Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea. The viewing area was packed, so after a quick look, we continued up the trail. Within minutes, the crowds disappeared, and we found ourselves hiking in peaceful solitude.
Beyond Alberta Falls, the trail becomes much steeper. Much of our route wasn't dirt at all, but a narrow path packed into the snow. Rocky overlooks, log bridges, and rushing streams made every section feel different from the last.
One obstacle almost ended the hike for me. After crossing a narrow log bridge, the trail climbed a steep, snow-covered slope with a rushing river below one side. It was slick, shaded, and just intimidating enough to make me stop in my tracks.
With a little encouragement from Kim, I took a deep breath and kept going. It turned out to be one of my favorite moments of the trip.
The weather certainly kept things interesting. Every few minutes it seemed to change from sunshine to rain, sleet, or snow before switching back again. We spent much of the hike wearing rain jackets with the covers pulled over our Osprey packs, looking a bit like soggy turtles climbing through the mountains.
Coming from Southern California, hiking through snow and sleet was a crazy adventure.
Eventually we rounded a bend, left the storm behind, and found ourselves under blue skies. Not long after, we reached what we thought was Mills Lake...only to realize we'd stopped too soon.
The trail became difficult to follow where snow covered the rocks, and we wandered a bit before spotting the hikers we'd met earlier from Ohio. Once we reached the actual lake, we understood exactly why both rangers had recommended the hike.
Snow-covered peaks surrounded crystal-clear water, with lingering snow lining the shoreline. It was every bit as beautiful as we'd been promised.
Just as we settled in to enjoy the view, thunder echoed across the mountains. We decided it was a good time to leave our rocky perch and begin the hike back.
The return trip brought drier skies but much muddier trails as the snow softened in the afternoon sun. By the time we reached the shuttle, our boots had certainly earned the day off. More than anything, this hike meant a lot to me personally.
After spending nearly a year recovering from a knee injury, I wasn't sure how my body would handle a longer mountain hike. We covered nearly six miles through snow, mud, and steady elevation, and somewhere along the trail I realized I wasn't thinking about my injury anymore. I was simply enjoying the hike.
That alone made the day unforgettable. Even if you don't have the same personal milestone attached to it, I'd still highly recommend this hike. Alberta Falls is beautiful, Mills Lake is spectacular, and together they make one of my favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
And one last tip: the chipmunks may be adorable, but they're incredibly bold. Keep a close eye on your snacks, and please don't feed the wildlife.
