Alberta Falls
Katherine and I drove up to Rock Mountain National Park. It's only about an hour from our house, so we bought an annual membership. We hiked up to Alberta Falls and on to Mills Lake. The total round trip distance was 5.33 miles, and it was a total elevation gain of 1450ft. It took us just under 3 and a half hours, stopping frequently for photos. Our moving time was actually just over an hour of that 3 and a half hour journey.
Edit July 7, 2018
Katherine and I were looking at the hikes we haven't done and found that we wanted to go to The Loch, a lake that is the opposite direction of Mills Lake once you've hiked about 2 miles in. Turns out, on the hike for these photos, we actually ended up at The Loch Lake instead of Mills Lake like we originally thought. The reason (most likely) is due to the snow when we went in 2017 - the snow was covering some of the trail signs and we had to do some guessing. Anyway, this photo album is of Alberta Falls and The Loch Lake.
5.33 mi
3.5 hrs
10,672 ft
1,450 ft
Flooded
The river was flooded in many areas along the hiking trail.
Flowing
I didn't have to slow down my shutter speed too much to get this photo. This photo was shot at 1/6 shutter speed.
Tree Island
There were a few trees stuck in the center of the river. I could tell that the river didn't usually flood this much.
Happy Hiker
The hike wasn't too strenuous for the most part. There were a few spots that got us huffing and puffing, but it was mostly a pretty relaxing hike.
No Fear
This chipmunk had no fear while I was taking photos of it. He probably thought that I had food.
Forest
Alberta Falls
This was our destination. It was a really short hike, and it was too early to turn back for lunch, so we decided to try and make it to Mills Lake, just 2 more miles and about 500 ft of elevation gain farther. But first, it's photo time!
Raging River
I wouldn't want to get caught up in this river!
Down Stream
The water was flowing pretty fast down stream of the waterfall.
Snowy Peaks
Tree on the Falls
This tree was growing right on the edge of the falls
Single Snowy Peak
I stopped and put my camera down on a rock to take some photos of both of us. It wasn't too busy, so I wasn't worried about someone stealing my camera. I was worried about it falling over into the river though!
Not Too Sweaty to Kiss
Over the Rock
Green
Off the Path
We went off the path to get to this area. There was a stunning view of most of Rocky Mountain National Park (at least the Northern half).
Still Snowy
I was surprised at how much snow there still was on the path. I expected the peaks of the mountains to be snowy, but we were only at 10,000ft. It was in the 70's. What is the snow still doing here?!
Up the Hill
The last mile up to Mills Lake was pretty steep. It doesn't look too bad int he photo, but doing that for a mile really sucks!
The Loch
At about a quarter to noon, we made it to Mills Lake. We had some snacks with us, so that was good.
Time for a Swim
With all that snow, the water was not all that warm. We saw someone hiking around the lake that misstep and put half his leg right into the lake. He disturbed the peace by yelling, but I don't really blame him!
We Made it!
Just Katie
Tree Line
On the Edge
Clear Waters
Fishing
There is a guy in the distance there fishing. I hope the guy has some warm boots on!
Through the Trees
Clear Day
We were lucky that the day was so clear for me to take photos!
Snowy Path In
The path in/out was really snowy. Since it was warm, it was a little slushy, and very slippery. Neither one of us slipped, but it was a challenge getting up and down to the lake.
Tunnel of Aspens
We will have to come back here in the fall when all the leaves are changing.
