Why, you may ask? I highly recommend exploring out onto the little peninsula for a closer, unobstructed view of the lake. The highest of the two is Sky Pond, and the lower is called The Lake of Glass. Good, let’s begin. The rocks are extraordinarily slick from water and hikers so take your time. For more, see the Fox in the Forest Privacy Policy. Head toward the Bear Lake Trailhead and pull out at the Glacier Gorge Parking Lot. It has a little bit of everything- scrambling up the side of a waterfall, epic Colorado glacial lakes, and fresh mountain air. Turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead and parking lot or set up camp at one of the three lakes. If you only have time for one hike within the Rocky Mountain National Park, I HIGHLY suggest hiking to Sky Pond. Keep going for Sky Pond is not much further and is the final destination. But before you go, keep these quick Colorado hiking tips in mind: There are plenty of awesome things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lake of Glass was the most impressive lake in my opinion. The parking lot for the trailhead is on Bear Lake Road but is small and can fill up fast. There are several distinct destinations along the way that would be good turn around points if you’re short on time, making it the perfect day hike. 2 waterfalls and 3 lakes. Sky Pond takes you to many different sights in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls, Loch Lake, Timberland Falls, Glass Lake and finally Sky Pond. The trailhead is at Glacier Gorge near Bear Lake, one of the most popular so arrive early or use the shuttle. Sky Pond is rated as a difficult hike. Then there isn’t really a set trail to Sky Pond, but just head past Lake of Glass along the right side and you’ll start to see somewhat of a trail. That means if you click on some of the links and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you. Sky Pond is a 9.5-mile hike that gains 1,837 feet in elevation. Once you reach the Glacier Gorge and the Loch junction, head towards the Loch (away from Glacier Falls). Overview This is a difficult out and back trail to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park. You know those adventures that go spectacularly, end up being better than you could have ever expected, and leave you on an adventure high afterwards? Pass the Loch on the north (don’t forget to stop for photos). Hike Profiles for Rocky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas: Sky Pond The hike to Sky Pond passes several lakes and waterfalls as it leads through Loch Vale to a shelf below Taylor Glacier and Taylor Peak. Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail is a 8.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. I’ve listed them in order below! Either way, don’t forget to turn around and look behind you. This hike is absolutely beautiful! It’s a long slow uphill hike so be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and of course layers. Note: This website participates in affiliate marketing. Therefore, the best time to do the Sky Pond hike is between mid-June through mid-October. It might be the most beautiful place on Earth. This hike did that for me. You’ll literally be hiking up a gentle waterfall. Sky Pond Colorado is certainly a noteworthy destination. It is a somewhat famous, classic, technical rock climb. From here, the trail gets steep and travels through Timberline Falls. The best trail to hike between June to September is Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail that offers many activities. A little ways past The Loch (about a mile or so) you’ll start trending uphill. Trail Review: Rating: Moderate Distance (Round trip): 9.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,660 ft. Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Sky Pond is the final stop on the trail which passes Alberta Falls, Loch Vale, Timberline Falls, and Lake of Glass. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore virtually every hiking area in the State. The National Park is absolutely gorgeous and worth visiting. Check your inbox for instructions on your FREE hiking checklist. Headlamp hiking for the first hour of the trail; This hike can be started from two different trail heads in the park, Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. Make your way along the Glacier Gorge Trail for several miles, passing a few marked junctions. The Rocky Mountains and this hike will definitely be on my bucket list now – I’m from the UK and love the US so love finding new places to visit over there ð, Thank you, Cathers! Yep, it definitely might be the prettiest place on the … Note that most trails are not named, but there are signs at intersections - keep heading to Sky Pond. Get the FREE Colorado trip planning checklist and get the inside scoop on hiking, camping, climbing, and more in the great Centennial State. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, advanced reservations to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, The Complete Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Local, 21 Incredible Road Trip Stops in Colorado You Can’t Miss, 10 of the Most Scenic Backpacking Loops in Colorado, Practical information about the Sky Pond Trail, Additional Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning resources, Drive Trail Ridge Road or the Peak-to-Peak Highway, one of the, Spend time shopping and dining in Estes Park, Smokin’ Daves BBQ and Brew (BBQ and beer), Notchtop Bakery and Cafe (brunch, breakfast, coffee). The best approach is to head for a relatively dry chute of the waterfall, on the right of the main flow. I’d say fall and spring are the best times to visit, however winter would be way less crowded and provide a different experience. The hike to Sky Pond begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead within Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiked with my brother and friend to Sky Pond from the Bear Lake Trailhead on September 2, 2017. This is one of the best day hikes in the park, but remember, if you aren’t able to hike the entire trail, there are several destinations along the way that will satisfy you before you turn around. I was glad to have brought layers but do wish I had remembered gloves. Hiking to Sky Pond. Traction is highly recommended (microspikes or snowshoes). Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting a National Park within the U.S. more than 2x a year it would be worth your money to purchase the annual pass. The space between the lakes is dotted with ponds, meadows and cascading streams, and worth exploring if time permits. Due to the extreme popularity of the Bear Lake Road area you may want to consider using the free park shuttle to access the trailhead during peak tourist season. The trail crews did some amazing work on the path to Sky Pond. Included are The Loch and Glass Lake. During this time there is a lot of ice and travel over avalanche territory is required, making it a serious endevour that is often very unsafe. You’re not quite there yet! Most people hike to just see the falls then turn around. The water flow at the waterfalls wasn’t as strong, though. I work from my laptop and travel all across the U.S. with my German Shepard, Monty. I’ve got you covered with these local resources. Sky Pond Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Brad’s favorites and he wanted to share that special spot with me. Cathedral Peaks from Sky Pond The Trail Guide to The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond includes trail descriptions, photographs of the trails, comments from our hikes, mileage data, custom topo map, and the routes tracklog on a geo-pdf map. This is worth stopping for and exploring around! To reach the alpine lakes, Sky Pond and Lake of Glass, you must climb up the side of the falls, which lies at the 4 mile mark. Depending on what time of year it is you will be scrambling in some water. My first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. The kicker- you have to climb it! To the north the spires of Sharkstooth, Petit Grepon, and the Saber dominate the sky. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I'm Kara and I travel the U.S. solo with my fury companion, Monty. In this guide we’ll cover: Before you hit the trail, it’s important to be prepared. Fall here is stunning. Get organized with local advice on what to pack for your awesome Colorado adventure. This trail goes by Alberta Falls, The Loch, Timberline Falls, and Lake of Glass. There are a few things to know about visiting Sky Pond Colorado. The lake has an elevation gain of 1,765 feet and its total distance is 8.1 miles. We knew the parking lot was small from our last trip so we arrived early (at around 9:30am) and were able to snag one of the last remaining spots. The turquoise blue water and close proximity to high mountains made you feel more enclosed. To get to the trailhead, you will drive Bear Lake Road almost to the very end. Check out the following details about the Sky Pond trail that you’ll need to know: Local Tip: For the 2020 year, you need to make advanced reservations to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike to Sky Pond will satisfy your wanderlust for the mountains all in one day. The Sky Pond Trail is a difficult out-and-back trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Well, the side of it any ways. This is a definite must on my list for the next time we plan to travel. If you’re looking for a high-altitude challenge offering everything from lakes, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping peaks, then Sky Pond belongs on your bucket list. Start early (before 6am) for the most solitude. Travel like a local, not a tourist! I sure hope you get to make it to the US and explore this park! Thank you for sharing. The Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead is the ideal place to start this hike, since the distance will be the shortest. It is up to you to decide what you want to put up with. If you manage to get above Timberline Falls, you’ll soon hike upon Lake of Glass which as a matter of fact was named accordingly. The hike to Sky Pond is one of the most famous and best rated hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The outstanding scenery and varied environments along this trail make it a very popular trail for day hikers. Expect to use your hands in a few spots where the rocks are slick. Climbers are often seen (or heard) on Petit. A lot of hikers stop here because you can’t see beyond, but don’t! When we started the trail was quite crowded but really thinned out towards the top. Have I convinced you yet? Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Dare I say more?! Length 8.5 miElevation gain 1761 ftRoute type Out & back At about .8 miles you’ll hike upon Alberta Falls, a 30 foot waterfall that pours into Glacier Creek below. Due to the the hike’s popularity, the trail is well maintained and easy to follow at first. Next you’ll find yourself standing below another waterfall- this one roughly 100 feet high (pictured above on the right). Start early (before 6am) for the most solitude. While you're waiting why not follow me on socials? I hope you get to! This hike is also a great choice because you don’t have to do the entire trail to get jaw dropping views. Complete with planning info, hiking packing list, emergency contact and more! Stay organized with this easy-to-use hiking planner and checklist for your next hike. As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace. Sky Pond was my favorite hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Scramble to the top, the steepness and wetness making it a challenge. Now I get to share them with you! : Distance: 4.9 miles one-way Nestled amongst towering granite spires, Sky Pond, Colorado is an amazing hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here’s everything you need to know to hike the Sky Pond trail. The guide will familiarize you with The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond Trails. Sky Pond is known for its shark tooth appearing rocks that surround one side of it. Far up into the alpine lies a lake so beautiful, it’ll take your breath away. Trail Description: The hike to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, located on Bear Lake Road almost 8 miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. I dream of going back to Rocky Mountain National Park. Check your inbox for instructions on your FREE Colorado packing list. Roughly 2 miles later you’ll find yourself hiking around Loch Vale (photo above on the left), the first lake of three on this hike. Here are a few tips from the hike I want to share that will make your day more enjoyable! Keep in mind, this also coincides with the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, so expect crowds on this trail. Distance: 9.5 milesType: Out and BackDifficulty: Difficult (Strenuous)Elevation Gain: 1708 ft.Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, COTrailhead: Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Let's strap on our boots and hit the trail! Hiking Guide To The Sky Pond Lake Trail In The Rocky Mountain National Park- How to get to the best lake hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll be able to see Loch Vale far off in the distance and the views here are stunning. These spires (mostly on the right) are home to some of Colorado’s most famous rock climbing. This looks like an awesome trip and a wonderful hike. Although the trail is difficult, it’s certainly managable for the avid hiker. The varied views, including of several alpine lakes, and the vistas you see on this trail showcase some of the best that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. Nick Sangetta and Barb Sangetta hike Sky Pond in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on September 12, 2018. Youâll love it âºï¸. To get to the trailhead, drive west on Hwy 34 out of Loveland for 30 … These are amazing pictures! Here are a few notable options: There’s nothing quite like a post-hike meal. It all comes down to what you prefer! Together we embrace the nomad lifestyle for it has allowed us to live our life the way we want by traveling and hiking the places weâve dreamed of! Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. This packing list includes separate checklists for camping, hiking, backpacking, winter travel, and trip details. ;). September offered cooler temperatures, a slight breeze at the lower elevations, and sunny skies. Sitting at 10,900 feet you’ll find Sky Pond! So pretty! Then a little stone path a few steps lead right to it. Denver, CO ItineraryLookout Mountain at Windy Saddle ParkTouring Cities on a Budget- 10 Ways to Save. Charlie’s Bunion- Smoky Mountain National Park, When to Hike Rocky Mountain National Park, Utah Canyoneering Tour Near Zion National Park, Hike to Kendrick Peak Lookout in Flagstaff, AZ, Know the Shuttle times and route beforehand. “The Loch” is the perfect place to post up for a break and hangout while having some snacks. Plus get bonus local travel tips, gear deals, and more to your inbox once a month! There is a lot of uphill climbing and an elevation gain of over 1,800 feet. The avid hikers will continue on to Sky Pond so you’re likely to lose a lot of the crowd after this point. I’m adding this to my bucket list! Working remotely has changed my life and allowed me to experience the places I've been dreaming of. Sky Pond is … You’ll want to stick to the far right of Timberline Falls and scramble up the rocks. Make your way back the way you came to complete this bucket list Colorado hike. Heading north (towards the trail) you’ll see the Petit Grepon, the Saber, and other famous spires. The hike to Sky Pond begins from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which is located on Bear Lake Road. The trail is 9.5 miles long and is an out-and-back type trail, meaning you will hike back out the same way you hike in. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from June until October. Between mid-June through mid-October guide we ’ ll be able to see Loch Vale far off in the and! There ’ s less than a half mile to Sky Pond German,. 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