Bettie Hike: Mills Lake

This hike is a great opportunity to meet other women who are looking to get outside too!

The hike will take you past Alberta Falls to the beautiful setting of Mills Lake. Hike past waterfalls, along streambeds, and above a glacially carved gorge. This hike ends at a crystal clear alpine lake named after a founder of the national park, Enos Mills.

Distance and Elevation Gain: This hike is about 5.2 miles with 826 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Please note these hikes are meant to be an inclusive and fun way to get outside! We will be hiking at a pace that is comfortable for a large group. Everyone should feel like they can chat on the trail! This typically means a 1-1.5 mile per hour pace on the way up and a 1.5-2 mile per hour pace on the way down. The focus of these hikes is community building and connection and we intentionally move at a moderate pace.

The Conservancy provides transportation to and from the trailhead. Registration includes all Park fees and permits.

Who: This Bettie Course is offered to women ages 16 and up. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Wednesday, August 12th from 9:00am - 2:30pm. Ending time is approximate depending on traffic in the park and pace of the group. Please do not schedule afternoon activities right after the hike.

Where: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center at 500 Big Thompson Ave in downtown Estes Park, and travel together to the trailhead in Conservancy vehicles. Look for a white van with Rocky Mountain Conservancy Logos on the east side of the building.

What to Bring:

• Backpack large enough to fit the following items
• Bag lunch
• Warm layers (weather depending)
• Waterproof layer(s)
• Water (2 liters recommended)
• Sunscreen/ sunglasses
• Sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots

Weather:

Rocky Mountain Conservancy reserves the right to change the program location due to trail and weather conditions at any time.

Our programs proceed rain or shine. However, if weather or road conditions become unsafe, Rocky Mountain Conservancy will cancel the program. Participants will be notified by email and full refunds will be issued automatically for all participants.

Cancellations:

If your plans change and you are no longer able to join us, please send an email to [email protected] to let us know or cancel your registration through Eventbrite. We often have a waitlist, and your cancellation allows someone else to join.

Refunds will be automatically issued for cancellations made at least 7 days in advance. Cancellations made fewer than 7 days in advance are not eligible for refunds.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. Her research on alpine tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy all throughout the state of Colorado has left a legacy for all women who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women and those that identify as women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

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Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team