Andrews Tarn and Andrews Glacier, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Andrews Tarn and Andrews Glacier - 9.3 miles
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 9.3 miles (add an additional .5 miles roundtrip to base of glacier) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 9,240' - 11,390' (11,390' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +2,150' net elevation gain (+2,405' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate-Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Andrews Tarn and Andrews Glacier - 9.3 Miles Round-Trip
Andrews Tarn lies at the base of Andrews Glacier, one of Rocky Mountain National Park's largest, most active and accessible glaciers. The hike to Andrews Tarn leads past Loch Vale and scales a steep ridge into an adjacent valley capped by Andrews Glacier.
Travel is considerably more rugged on the Andrews Glacier Trail, and north-facing sections can be obscured by snow well into July.
Carry a detailed map and have a good understanding of the route before setting out. Hikers will enjoy lighter crowds and postcard-like backdrops on this fun and varied trek through glacially carved terrain.
Note that hiking on the glacier can be hazardous - only experienced and equipped climbers should attempt to ascend or descend the glacier:
The Loch Vale Trail rises over Glacier Creek through young aspen to Alberta Falls (.85 miles : 9,423'). It continues to the North Longs Peak Trail split (1.6 miles : 9,768'), where it banks SW and flattens through a gap between Thatchtop Mountain (12,668') and the Glacier Knobs.
The trail drops to Glacier Junction (2.1 miles : 9,804'), a point marking the convergence of two immense glacial valleys. Follow signs to The Loch. The trail levels over Icy Brook, then steepens away on switchbacks into a thick forest (2.5 miles : 9,985').
The valley opens dramatically upon reaching The Loch (2.95 miles : 10,192'), where the main trail veers right up its north shore.
The trail follows the shore back into the forest (3.3 miles : 10,215'), and the inlet to a pair of footbridges over Andrews Creek at the Sky Pond - Andrews Glacier Trail split (3.65 miles : 10,379').
Though well-marked, the Andrews Glacier Trail is not immediately visible from the signpost itself; to find it, backtrack several steps and look north up a rock slab. The trail picks up just above the rock slab and runs up the west side of Andrews Creek.
The climb intensifies on a rugged, sparingly-defined path obstructed by dead fall and lingering snow. Remain vigilant to the Andrews Creek Campground (3.85 miles : 10,560'), where the trail bends northwest through treeline to a crest overlooking the Andrews Glacier valley.
The trail crosses Andrews Creek (4.0 miles : 10,680') to the valley's north side and begins an arduous trek over scree and talus. Cairns offer guidance, but are fairly anonymous in the rocky landscape. Take your time through this uneven section. The valley narrows as you progress with emerging views of the Sharkstooth and snow fingers within The Gash.
The trail reaches a small glacier in the valley center and crosses back over Andrews Creek to the south side (4.45 miles : 11,137'). This is a critical maneuver, as travel up or north of this glacier requires technical equipment.
Follow cairns over the creek and make one final, steep push to Andrews Tarn (4.65 miles : 11,390'). A social trail wraps the yarn's south side to the base of Andrews Glacier (4.85 miles).
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N40 18.621 W105 38.419 — Glacier Gorge Trailhead
- N40 18.237 W105 38.289 — .85 miles : Alberta Falls
- N40 17.982 W105 38.391 — 1.6 miles : North Longs Peak Trail junction
- N40 17.842 W105 38.757 — 2.1 miles : Glacier Gorge Junction
- N40 17.664 W105 39.049 — 2.5 miles : Begin final switchbacks to reach The Loch
- N40 17.639 W105 39.270 — 2.95 miles : The Loch
- N40 17.278 W105 39.856 — 3.65 miles : Andrews Glacier Trail junction
- N40 17.393 W105 39.938 — 3.85 miles : Andrews Creek Campground spur
- N40 17.376 W105 40.221 — 4.05 miles : Cross Andrews Creek #1
- N40 17.386 W105 40.428 — 4.15 miles : Travel through cairn -marked talus
- N40 17.355 W105 40.613 — 4.45 miles : Cross Andrews Creek #1
- N40 17.315 W105 40.700 — 4.65 miles : Andrews Tarn
Worth Noting
- Arrive early to secure parking, avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Anticipate steep, rugged trail conditions on the last mile, and plan travel time accordingly. Be mindful of changing weather and aim for treeline before storms develop.
- Andrews Glacier is also accessible from an unmaintained route along the Continental Divide. From the Bear Lake Trailhead, summit Flattop Mountain and continue south past Otis Peak along the divide. You may descend Andrews Glacier and return to the Glacier Gorge Lake Trailhead via the trail described above. A .5 mile spur connects the Loch Vale Trail with the Bear Lake Trailhead to complete the loop. Only skilled and equipped hikers should attempt this route.
- The Sharkstooth and The Gash - part of the valley wall separating Andrews Glacier from Sky Pond - are named so for the multiple needle-like rock spires that resemble a row of shark's teeth.
- Andrews Glacier and Tarn are named after Edwin B. Andrews, a relative of Abner Sprague (an early Park settler and advocate). The two men climbed the glacier in 1897, and Sprague named it for Andrews.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Andrews Creek Backcountry Campsite
- There is only one designated site and one privy at the Andrews Creek Campsite. A maximum of two 4-person tents are allowed.
- The site is located at 10,560' in a spruce-fir stand beside avalanche debris on the east side of Andrews Creek, about .2 miles from the Sky Pond - Andrews Glacier split (3.8 miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead).
- Near the site is a large area of trees downed by an avalanche in the winter of 1985-86. A wood sign indicates the path to the site from the Andrews Glacier Trail; the path is marked by red arrowheads on trees. Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as possible, safely away from standing dead trees.
Fishing Information
- A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. It's your responsibility to know and obey them. Due to the dynamic nature of fisheries management, fishing regulations can change at anytime. Special closures may be put in place above and beyond what is listed here. Contact the park before heading out for current information.
- Method of Capture: Each person shall use only one hand-held rod or line. A 'second rod stamp' is not honored in park waters. Only artificial lures or flies with one (single, double, or treble) hook with a common shank may be used. "Artificial flies or lures" means devices made entirely of, or a combination of, materials such as wood, plastic, glass, hair, metal, feathers, or fiber, designed to attract fish.
- This does not include: (a) any hand malleable material designed to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell; (b) any device to which scents or smell attractants have been externally applied; (c) molded plastic devices less than one and one-half inch in length; (d) foods; (e) traditional organic baits such as worms, grubs, crickets, leeches, minnows, and fish eggs; and (f) manufactured baits such as imitation fish eggs, dough baits, or stink baits. Fly fishers may utilize a two hook system, where one hook is used as an attractant.
- While in possession of any fishing equipment, bait for fishing (insects, fish eggs, minnows, or other organic matter) or worms is prohibited. Children 12 years of age or under, however, may use worms or preserved fish eggs in all park waters open to fishing except those designated as catch-and release areas.
- No bait or worms are allowed in catch-and-release waters.
- Use of lead sinkers (or other lead fishing materials) is strongly discouraged.
Rules and Regulations
- A $20 Day Use Fee is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park (or $30 for a 7 Day Pass).
- Dogs are not permitted on hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Directions to Trailhead
Andrews Tarn and Andrews Glacier are accessed from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, 8.4 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station on Bear Lake Road.
Just beyond the Beaver Meadows entrance station, turn left onto Bear Lake Road. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is located on the left side of the road and has limited parking. Additional parking and alternative access can be found at the Bear Lake Trailhead. This will add an additional 1 mile roundtrip to the hike.
Contact Information
Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970.586.1206
Backcountry Office:
970.586.1242
Campground Reservations:
800.365.2267
Emergency Dispatch:
970.586.1203
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