Andrews Tarn Trail

Andrews Tarn Trail is a 9.1-mile out-and-back from Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead, climbing through Glacier Gorge and Loch Vale to a high tarn beneath Andrews Glacier. Allow about seven hours. The first miles use a clear, popular trail; above Andrews Creek the route gets steep, loose and faint. Save it for a long day and for hikers comfortable finding their way across rough talus. A separate 2.9-mile “The Loch to Andrews Tarn” listing starts at The Loch; reaching that point from the road already takes a substantial hike, so this record includes the full Glacier Gorge approach.

Cross Chaos Creek and turn left where the Glacier Creek Trail splits away. Alberta Falls arrives just over 0.8 mile in. Keep going at the North Longs Peak and Mills junctions, then climb the short switchbacks beside Icy Brook. A waterfall comes into view from the third switchback. The Loch is about 2.8 miles from the trailhead, at 10,190 feet, with Taylor Peak and Taylor Glacier across the water. This lower section is a worthwhile walk on its own, but it is only the approach to Andrews Tarn.

Continue along the north side of The Loch. At about 3.6 miles from the trailhead, take the right-hand branch at the Sky Pond–Andrews Glacier split; the left branch climbs toward Timberline Falls and Sky Pond. The trail passes Andrews Creek Campground and a confusing patch of social paths through downed trees. After crossing Andrews Creek, the walking changes quickly: the tread grows faint and the route climbs over loose scree and talus, with cairns marking the way.

The tarn sits around 11,380 feet beneath Andrews Glacier. From much of the upper canyon, the tarn and glacier are hidden behind a flank of Otis Peak, so don’t use the ice as a navigation landmark. Expect steep, exposed sections and difficult route-finding near the end. Stop on safe ground at the tarn; travel on the glacier is dangerous. For the defining view, frame the water with the pale glacier and the dark rock walls together.

Andrews Tarn and Andrews Glacier were named for Edwin B. Andrews, who climbed here with early Estes Park resident Abner Sprague in 1897. Sprague named the glacier for Andrews.