Black Lake Trail

Although Black Lake is the ultimate destination of this trail, a crescendo of rivers, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes along the way make the entire hike feel incredibly special. The trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and within the first mile hikers will arrive at Alberta falls. At about a mile and a half into the trail, hikers will turn right at the North Longs Peak Trail junction, and continue on to Glacier Gorge and cross Glacier Creek. Next, hikers will pass Glacier Falls and Mills Lake, and be able to see the towering Pagoda and Thatchtop mountains. The trail continues past Jewel Lake and Ribbon Falls, and not much further past these tumbling falls is Black Lake. The lake is bordered by the 13,000 foot-plus Arrowhead and McHenrys Peaks.