Loch Lomond
Type … Hike, Drive-up
Highlights … Creek, Waterfall, Alpine Lake, Wildflowers
Seasons … Summer + Fall
Difficulty with Kids … Easy to Moderate
Map Details … Follow AllTrails map to trailhead and then drive until you hit the loch! (AllTrails)
Closest Town … Idaho Springs
Shade … Some
Parking Situation … Limited
Potty Situation … No Potty!
I adore Loch Lomond as an alternative to the very crowded St. Mary’s Glacier and added bonus in the warmer months (Mid July - Septemberish) you can drive right up to it! If your fam is into off-roading, this adventure will definitely be a hit! Like with most OHV routes, high clearance and AWD/4WD are going to help you tremendously but it’s not a super gnarly ride. I’ve seen all kinds of cars do this drive-up.
Once you get to the loch, there is SO much to do including exploring/hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, camping, etc. Camping is first come, first serve.
On weekends in the summer, it will get busy with car and foot traffic, so I would plan to get there earlier or later in the day if you’re looking for some solitude!
TRAIL TIPS
Parking areas. During peak summer months (Mid July - Sept) you can drive all the way to the lake with a high clearance vehicle. I recommend checking AllTrails comments on if this road is open or closed. There are also a handful of places to park along the trail about ¼ and ½ way up if you want to hike a bit of the trail but not all of it. We like to park a bit before the loch to stretch our legs and get some kid energy out!
Go early. It’s not as crowded as St. Mary’s but will get crowded on the weekends during the summer so I recommend going early if you don’t want to dodge a bunch of other cars and hikers. It’s also high alpine so afternoons will bring the storms.
Wind! Bugs! It gets windy and buggy up at the loch so bring layers and bug spray!
Be prepared to get wet! There is the loch of course but also a feeder stream that I bet your littles ones will want to explore.
Moose sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for moose. While they are cool to see, if you live in CO, you know they aren’t too friendly so just make sure to prep your family in advance on what to do if you spot one.
Bonus lake. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there is a smaller alpine lake above the loch. There is a trail to the left of the waterfall if you’re facing it. It is short but STRAIGHT UP so be prepared to help your littles if they join you.
Fishing a small stream on our way up to the Loch
When the trail opens up to alpine tundra
Straight for the water
Stream that is fed by the loch (no shoes naturally!)
Drove right up! Check the water color <3
Trail along the loch
Checking out the waterfall
Fishing at the loch is supposed to excellent!