Black Lake

Overview

Black Lake is a high-alpine, glacially carved cirque lake reached via a rewarding, all-day hike from the Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake trailheads. Expect roughly 9.5–10 miles round trip and 1,400–1,600 feet of gain depending on where you start. The approach strings together classics—Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Jewel Lake, and Ribbon Falls—before a short, steep climb lands you at a stark, darker-toned basin ringed by dramatic walls.

What You'll See

The scenery escalates as you go: polished granite slabs, cascades, and the thundering Ribbon Falls just below the lake. At Black Lake, cliffs hem in a dark, moody pool with a steep inlet above. Continue a bit higher beside the waterfall for an excellent look back across the lake and surrounding cirque. Wildlife sightings are common—think pika, marmots, and elk—and summer brings lush alpine plants around the basin.

Route and Wayfinding

Follow signs from Glacier Gorge (or connect from Bear Lake) past Alberta Falls to Mills Lake and Jewel Lake. After Jewel, stay on the same side of the creek; an early boulder crossing many attempt isn’t necessary and wastes time. The maintained trail grows rugged and the last stretch to Black can be slow, especially when snow lingers. Beyond Black Lake, paths toward Blue, Green, and Frozen Lakes become steep, ill-defined, and cairns can mislead—download an offline map and set a firm turnaround time.

Season and Conditions

Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common near and above treeline; if you’re venturing past Black Lake, aim to be descending by midday. Expect lingering snow/ice on the final scramble into early July some years, and icy mornings in early October. Summer mosquitoes can be thick—bring repellent. In winter it transforms into a strenuous, roughly ten‑mile snowshoe with far fewer people and sublime, snowbound scenery.

Geology Snapshot

This whole corridor showcases Rocky Mountain glaciation: U‑shaped valleys, hanging benches, waterfalls, and a cirque neatly cupping Black Lake. Ancient metamorphic rock sculpted by Pleistocene ice created the sharp relief you’ll feel in your legs and see in those cliffy walls.

Logistics

Trailheads: Glacier Gorge is the classic start; Bear Lake is a common fallback when parking is tight and adds a bit of distance and a final uphill to finish. A free shuttle serves the corridor in peak season. There are restrooms at the trailheads, but none along the route. Carry and treat water from streams if needed. The park often requires a pass and timed-entry reservation for the Bear Lake Road corridor—plan ahead.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning is best for parking, calmer conditions, and a quieter hike up to Mills Lake before the day-hiker rush. Summer offers open trails and wildflowers but also bugs and storms; shoulder seasons can be gorgeous with fewer people but expect ice and pack traction. Winter appeals to experienced snowshoers seeking solitude and big scenery.

Tips for a Better Day

• Stay on the creek’s east side after Jewel Lake; don’t take the early boulder hop.
• For the best vista, hike a short way above Black beside the falls.
• Bring sturdy footwear, layers, rain gear, and bug spray; poles and traction help in shoulder seasons.
• If heading beyond Black, download an offline map and be below treeline by midday.
• Use the shuttle or arrive at sunrise; Bear Lake is a good backup start when Glacier Gorge fills.