Trails · Rocky Mountain National Park · Loch Vale
Andrews Glacier Trail
A steep, wild climb out of Loch Vale to Andrews Tarn beneath Andrews Glacier — one of the small permanent ice fields still clinging to the Continental Divide.
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Andrews Glacier is a rugged objective off the Sky Pond / Loch Vale corridor in Glacier Gorge. From the junction above The Loch, the Andrews Creek trail climbs steeply through krummholz and talus to Andrews Tarn, a cold pool at the foot of Andrews Glacier — one of the handful of small, permanent snow-and-ice fields that survive along the high Continental Divide here, and historically a route mountaineers used to cross the Divide.
It's a demanding, high, exposed day best left for mid-to-late summer when the snow has firmed and the weather is settled. National Park land: no dogs, timed-entry usually required in summer, and this is serious alpine terrain — skills, footing, and an early start all matter.
Trail Facts
Difficulty
Difficult (steep, alpine)
Objective
Andrews Tarn & Andrews Glacier
Access
Via Loch Vale / the Sky Pond corridor
Bikes
Not allowed (National Park)
Dogs
Not allowed (National Park)
Season
Mid–late summer
Surface
Dirt, talus, snow
Manager
Rocky Mountain National Park
Getting There
Reach Andrews Glacier from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead via the Loch Vale / Sky Pond corridor; above The Loch, take the Andrews Creek trail junction and climb steeply to Andrews Tarn. Timed-entry + Bear Lake Road permit usually required in summer.
| — | From Glacier Gorge TH via The Loch (Loch Vale) |
| Junction | Andrews Creek trail leaves the Sky Pond route |
| Top | Andrews Tarn beneath Andrews Glacier |
Know Before You Go
- Serious alpine. Steep, high, and exposed with lingering snow — for fit, experienced hikers only.
- National Park rules. No dogs; timed-entry usually required in summer.
- Timing matters. Best mid-to-late summer on firm snow and settled weather; start very early.
- Carry water & the ten essentials.
Built by Many Hands — Give a Little Back
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- Poudre Wilderness Volunteers — trail patrols & the official trail description Donate →
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- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest (USFS) — the public land itself Support →
- OpenStreetMap contributors — the Street basemap Donate →
- Google & USGS — trailhead location, ratings & topographic maps
Trail details compiled by the Red Feather Lakes Travel Guide from the sources above. Photography by us — more of our own trail images coming as we hike them.