Jewel Lake is a small alpine lake tucked into the Glacier Gorge area of Rocky Mountain National Park in Larimer County, sitting just above the much more popular Mills Lake. At roughly 9,940 feet in elevation, Jewel Lake rewards hikers with a quieter, less crowded alternative to its famous neighbor while delivering open views of Pagoda Mountain, Chiefs Head Peak, and the surrounding glacial cirque. The hike from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Jewel Lake covers about 5.5 miles round trip with around 1,100 feet of elevation gain, and the final push beyond Mills Lake takes only about nine additional minutes.
The trail to Jewel Lake follows the same well-maintained path used to reach Mills Lake and Black Lake, two of Rocky Mountain National Park's most visited backcountry destinations. From the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, hikers pass Alberta Falls at roughly one mile, then continue through subalpine forest along Glacier Creek before reaching the open granite slabs above Mills Lake. A short spur trail branches left toward Jewel Lake, crossing the inlet stream that feeds down into Mills Lake below. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow, though some sections near Jewel Lake involve rock hopping and uneven terrain.
Jewel Lake is shallow and marshy compared to the deep blue of Mills Lake, but its setting is striking. The surrounding peaks tower overhead, and the lack of crowds makes it feel genuinely remote despite being minutes from one of the park's busiest trails. Elk are frequently spotted near the lake, grazing in the meadow areas around the inlet. The brook trout population in the inlet stream draws fly fishers willing to carry a rod on the hike, though the lake itself is too shallow for productive fishing.
Visitors should plan to arrive early during summer months. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead parking lot fills by 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. on weekends, and the park's timed entry reservation system is in effect from late May through mid-October. A Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee or valid America the Beautiful pass is required. The trail is generally accessible from late June through early October, depending on snowpack. Early season hikers may encounter snow and ice on shaded sections above Mills Lake.
Jewel Lake works best as an add-on to a Mills Lake hike rather than a standalone destination. If you are already making the trek to Mills Lake, the short detour to Jewel Lake is absolutely worth the extra effort for the solitude, the mountain views, and the chance to see elk up close in a dramatic alpine setting.