Black Lake

Overview

Black Lake is one of Glacier Gorge’s crown jewels: a moody alpine lake tucked beneath dramatic walls and spires, reached by a procession of forests, meadows, and photogenic cascades. Expect about 9.6 miles total out-and-back with roughly 1,480 feet of elevation gain. It’s very approachable to Mills Lake, then turns more demanding as you climb past Ribbon Falls to Black Lake. Crowds thin after Mills, and the scenery only gets better.

Route Highlights

From Glacier Gorge, you’ll pass Alberta Falls, then roll gently to Mills Lake and its quieter neighbor Jewel Lake. Boardwalks and bridged marsh just beyond make great wildlife viewing. Continue through meadows and slabs to Ribbon Falls, then tackle a short, steeper push over rock to reach Black Lake. A common route-finding trap after Jewel Lake: stay on the same side of the creek rather than crossing and scrambling up obvious boulders. Above Black Lake, faint social paths continue toward Frozen Lake; that extension is steep, poorly marked, and only for strong navigators.

Difficulty, Timing, and Logistics

Plan 5–7 hours for the round trip to Black Lake, more with photo or picnic stops. The trailhead sits around 9,240 feet—acclimatization matters. Parking at Glacier Gorge and nearby Bear Lake fills very early; start at sunrise or use the free shuttle from the Park & Ride. A seasonal timed-entry system can apply on Bear Lake Road; secure entry early.

Conditions and Safety

Weather turns quickly in this basin. Afternoon thunderstorms are common—aim to be back below treeline by early afternoon. Snow and ice can linger near and above Jewel Lake into shoulder seasons; traction and trekking poles help. The path grows less defined as you approach and pass Black Lake; download an offline map and don’t blindly follow cairns. In winter, the upper basin becomes a mountaineering objective with avalanche and snow hazards.

What You’ll See

A classic Glacier Gorge sampler: Alberta Falls → Mills Lake → Jewel Lake → Ribbon Falls → Black Lake set in a glacial cirque. Peaks framing the basin include Arrowhead, McHenrys Peak, Chiefs Head, Pagoda, and the Longs Peak massif. Keep an eye out for pika and marmots among the talus, elk in the meadows, and the occasional moose in marshy sections. The dark tone of Black Lake often comes from shadowed cliffs and darker bedrock beneath.

Tips

• Start early for parking, solitude, and better lighting on the water features.
• Bring layers and a shell—it’s windier and colder at the lake. In summer, carry bug spray; mosquitoes can bite near the marsh.
• Carry 2–3 liters of water plus treatment; services are nonexistent. Pack out all waste—use a portable waste bag.
• On the return, confident hikers sometimes take the less-signed “Fire Trail” to bypass Alberta Falls crowds.
• No pets on trails. Overnighting requires a designated backcountry site reservation.