In an attempt to get the kids in skiing shape, we went for a hike up in RMNP. The Loch proved to be a beautiful lake and a relatively easy hike. We stopped at the Donut Haus (very tasty and great service) in Loveland for the breakfast of champions. After an hour-ish drive up the curvy Big Thompson Canyon and another curvy road into the park to the Glacier Gorge Trail head my little girl (who read most of the drive) was feeling queasy. Luckily, we got her out of the car in the nick of time but not quite quick enough to save her shoes from a splash of the sick. She's quite the trooper...within five minutes she was ready to get going and joking around with everyone.
The trail winds through some nice Aspen. It was snow packed and not necessary to wear snowshoes if you stayed on the trail. Yak Traks and poles would have been helpful on the steeper sections of this trail.
The trail splits after a bridge early on and there are no signs to tell you which way to go. We went right and bypassed (unknowingly) Alberta Falls. I believe this was a more direct route to the Loch. On the way back we took the path towards the Falls. We essentially did a loop. The right we took merged with the other trail right before this sign.
On one of our breaks we saw what we assumed to be ice climbers. They were still in the same position on the way down so we don't know if they were actually going to do it or were just checking out the ice.
The camp robber was just waiting for us to drop some goodies.
The Loch was impressive. Taylor Peak & Glacier rise from the background along with Thatchtop Mountain and The Sharkstooth. Judging by the ice and snow on the lake this area can get pretty windy but we had no wind that day. The kids had fun walking on the ice and trying to break through.
We had a great lunch spot with views of all the peaks and many Camp Robbers (at least six) stopping by to see if they could pick up some loot.
On the way back down we went by Alberta Falls. I thought they would have frozen cool but was disappointed with how they looked. We didn't miss anything by taking the other way on the way up!
At the steep sections the kids got on their butts and sledded down the hill. After starting this hike off with one star the kids were giving it four stars by the end raving "We should definitely do this hike again!" Funny how their attitudes can change so quickly...
The only casualty of the trip was the puffer. It got torn by a tree branch!
Hike: Loch Vale
Trails Used: Glacier Gorge Trail Head to Albert Falls to Loch Vale
Distance: 6.05 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Overall average: 1.7 mph
Overall Time: 3 hr, 32 min
Total Ascent: 1286 ft.
