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.