While in Rocky Mountain National Park this summer, we really only did one big hike for our little family of four, and that was Mills Lake. This hike was unbelievably memorable and made me fall so hard for Rocky Mountain National Park. I am such a mountain lover, and getting to spend so much of the time surrounded by peaks ending up on the banks of an incredible alpine lake meant that this trail quickly became one of my very favorite national park hikes!
Quick Info For Mills Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Distance and Difficulty: 5.3 miles total, out and back.
What to Expect Along This Trail: This trail, starting from the Glacier Gorge parking area, goes by Alberta Falls, up some switchbacks alongside a pretty steep drop off with incredible mountain views, with several bridged stream crossings, and eventually up to a small pond just before getting to Mills Lake, which is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
Best Time to Hike This Trail: Most trails up in the mountains in RMNP should be done early because of the popup thunderstorms that frequently roll in. That said, we did this in the afternoon and while we did get a little drizzle, we checked the weather and made it up and back with no storms, but we were prepared to go back.
Remember, Timed Entry is Required for RMNP: Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed entry. In fact, this park has two different timed entries: one for general entry and one for Bear Lake entry, which you will need to do this hike. It’s required from 5am – 6pm. The Bear Lake passes go fast. So be sure to get them as soon as you can.
Would We Let Our Kids Hike It? We carried Liam in the Deuter on this trail as there were river crossings and drop offs, plus it was 5+ miles long, but Charleigh (at 4.5 years old) did it and rocked it. I maybe carried her for 1/4 of a mile. She is, however, very used to hiking – so keep that in mind when deciding if your kids is ready for this hike. Read our full review of the Deuter Kid Comfort HERE.
Our Experience on the Mills Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
We hiked the Mills Lake Trail from the Glacier Gorge Parking area, which does have fairly limited parking, but both times we parked here, we found a spot. Just know that might not always be the case and you may end up needing to take the Bear Lake shuttle. There are restrooms here at the trailhead and they’re the last ones you’re going to see before coming back.
This trail in itself is really beautiful. You’ll pass through aspens, groves of ferns and, if you’re there at the right time, wildflowers too! The trail crosses over the stream multiple times. All of those crossings have bridges and most have handrails. The closer to the top you get, though, the stronger the water flow is. So be mindful of that if you’re hiking with little ones.
The trail takes you right past Alberta Falls, which we had hike to as the destination earlier in the week. From here, the trail starts to switchback a bit up into the mountains. There’s one section that takes you on the edge of the mountain and it opens up to have some truly incredible mountain views. The kind that make you catch your breath a bit.
From here, you go back into the woods a bit, with some more stream crossings and going up yet again, until you crest a hard, rocky section of the trail. You’re continuing up over different massive boulders. Up here, you will come upon a small pond, that honestly is one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. From here, it’s a small trek onward to Mills Lake. This alpine lake gives very mini-Banff vibes. There are several little pull offs of the trail onto rocky little peninsulas where you can sit, take in the beauty and have a little snack if you want. Just note, there were tons of little biting gnats up on the lake in June.
Gear I’d Recommend for the Mills Lake Trail
Things We Use for Safety – I have a Garmin InReach Mini 2 that helps me feel so safe one trails. I think it’s especially important for any solo adventures. Just know that you do have to pay for a subscription for this. We do it monthly so that it is less expensive, and you’re not obligated to sign up for a certain amount of months. A first aid kit is especially important for tackling remote, backcountry hiking. I always like to have a basic first aid kit, but even on something small I like to bring basics like bandaids – I think these cloth ones stay on the best, Neosporin, and alcohol wipes. I also like to keep some moleskin in my pack in case I get a blister.
My Latest Gear Obsession – My Garmin Instinct 3 watch. I’m not a “techy” girl, but I’m obsessed with my Garmin watch. I love stats, I love tracking my health and activity, and nothing beats this wactch. This watch feels like it’s activity and adventure first, and smartwatch second, which is exactly what I wanted. Plus, the battery life is up to 18 days, and it tracks so much in real-time including weather, altitude and more.
Footwear – Matt and I both love our Merrell hiking boots. In fact just this year, I found my all-time-favorite hiking boots – they’re still mids – which I love, they’re lightweight, and they’re waterproof. Regardless of which brand works best or fits your foot, though, we both recommend a boot with ankle support. A lot of people recommend trail runners, but for me, nothing beats a hiking boot. These Merrell socks are perfect for my hiking adventures. I love that they’re cushioned slightly and are the perfect height for ankle boots.
Daypack – I’m obsessed with my Osprey Daylite. It’s the perfect size to cram water and snacks for the hike. Plus, if I have a light layer, it fits in the pack as well.
What’s in My Pack? – Water is always the very first thing that goes into my daypack and I love using these Nalgene water bottles because the wide mouth on the bottle makes it really easy to clean. Some snacks that you can almost always find in my backpack are beef jerky tender bites, peanut butter & honey crackers, peanut m&ms, trail mix and dehydrated fruit strips.
Do You Want to Track Your National Park Adventures? – I actually authored this National Park Journal and I’m really proud of it! This is the perfect guided journal with fun facts and simple tips to help you make the most of your trip and, most importantly, curate your memories in each park! I’d be honored to be part of your national park adventures in this way!
While we haven’t had the privilege of doing a lot of the longer trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, we have done a handful now, and Mills Lake is just one of the most unforgettable things I’ve ever seen! I hope that this trail guide helps you and has you feeling inspired and prepared to take on this trail on your next visit to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado!
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