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. 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. You can easily add on in extension to this hike to see Mills Lake or Andrews Glacier. This complete guide will highlight all you need to know for the Sky Pond Hike, where to stay, how long, how hard and difficult it is, what to bring, when to go, where to start the hike, where to park and much more.
Stats
Length: 9.5 miles
Time: 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 2,125 feet
Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
When To Go
We went in mid July and some parts of the this trail had minor snow coverings. Easy and short to cross over. But unless prepared with proper gear, plan for summer. There is a small uphill climb on this route which I could see getting very slippery and dangerous if there is ice.
Where To Stay
There are two main sides to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake and Estes Park. For this hike you will want to be on the Estes Park side. If you are not just prepare for a long drive in the morning from Grand Lake. Estes Park has lots of restaurants and shops, plenty to do and only about 10 minutes from the park entrance.
Camping
We were camping with our KuKuCampers campervan, so we stayed at the Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake. Even though this campground was very close to the park entrance we would have loved to stay inside of the park. This was a last minute trip, so plan ahead if wanting to score a spot by checking recreation.gov.
Non-Camping
There are plenty of hotels, cabins and AirBnBs in the area. I would check them out here:
*Check out this post listing the best cabins and scenic stays near Rocky Mountain National Park.
How Hard Is The Hike?
This hike is rated difficult for a few different reasons. It is a lengthy hike, but with an early start it is very possible to complete, even with lots of breaks within the route. The hardest part of the trail is towards the end. You will need to climb up a slippery waterfall area to reach part of the trail. Most people, taking turns, were able to easily maneuver this area. But we did see a few people struggle.
This is also a high elevation gain hike. If you are not used to high elevation make sure to acclimate. This means spend a few days on smaller hikes or simply stay in the area to acclimate. We did this hike the second day in Colorado (from Ohio) and I did struggle with the altitude. It definitely made me more tired, leading to more breaks in the trail. Still doable but listen to your body and be prepared to turn around.
Parking
This trail officially starts at the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead, located right off of the Glacier Gorge Parking Lot. This park lot is VERY small, only about 25 cars can park here. If you cannot get to this lot before 7:00am I would not count on a spot.
We went during COVID-19 restrictions, meaning we had to use the Rocky Mountain National Park reservation system. They were operating at 60% capacity with online ticket reservations only. We had a 10:00am reservation, so we know getting a parking spot was out of question.
If you cannot get a parking spot, like us, you can still get to this trailhead by using their bus system. Their bus system starts with you parking at their Park and Ride lot. Here you can leave your car and hop on the bus towards Bear Lake. The line seemed long when we got there, but went very quickly (even during COVID times where they were not letting as many people on the buses). Glacier Gorge is the second to last stop on the route. It is a pretty short trip though.
The Route
Start
The trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Junction parking lot/ bus stop. But you can start this hike from the Bear Lake Parking Lot, this will add 0.2 miles one way or 0.4 miles round trip to your hike.
Alberta Falls
You will pass by a few streams at the start of this trail. The first major stop will be at Alberta Falls. This will be about 0.4 miles into your hike.
Loch Vale
Since we didn’t start this hike until 10:00am in July it was very hot! The sun came straight down on us. Bring plenty of water.
The first trail split in the trail you will head right, also towards Mills Lake.
Later you will come upon another split. The signs from here on out will start to have Sky Pond labeled on them. Here you will take another right towards Sky Pond and Loch Lake.
A few waterfalls will be seen along the way.
Loch Lake
The second major stop on this hike will be Loch Lakes. This stop will be about 2.5 miles into the hike. This is another stunning lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Many people stop here and turn around.
We saw lots of people jumping in the lake, setting up a picnic and some that even brought hammocks to enjoy their day here lakeside.
The walk from here got much easier. We walked through some forest areas (thank you for the shade) and over some streams, crossing by bridges.
Timberline Falls
After the jot through the woods we walked slightly uphill to the Timberline Falls. This area did get congested. Many people stopped to view the falls. But to continue to Sky Pond you actually have to climb up 100 feet on the side of the falls. Here many people took turns as it was difficult for climbers to be going both up and down at the same time.
The rocks are wet and you will need some sturdy shoes. We saw a few people struggle and needed some extra time but everyone we were by seemed to have made it.
Lake of Glass
Right after the climb up Timberline Falls is the Lake of Glass. We actually made the mistake of thinking this was Sky Pond, it seemed like a lot of others did as well. Luckily we realize this when we overheard a duo mentioning how Sky Pond was another 0.5 mile away.
We still ate a few snacks here, watched hikers jump into the freezing cold waters and rested our feet before taking off for the real Sky Pond.
Sky Pond
The hike has a quick incline then flattens out. Hiding the view of Sky Pond from Glass Lake. I can see why many people miss it. It was much more peaceful here.
The hike back is the same going in. But you can hike some more by adding an extension or take a different scenic route back if wanting to.
Hike Extensions
Mills Lake Extension
We took the extension of going to Mills Lakes on our way back. To get here you will need to turn right on your way back at the Loch & Mills Junction. It is just a short 1.2 mile walk round trip to add this on. I would highly suggest it if you have the time and energy.
Andrews Glacier
Another extension will be to the Andrews Glacier. This will add 2 miles round trip to your hike.
Lake Tour
If feeling really ambitious you could take a left at the Loch & Mills Junction to visit some of the lakes around the Bear Lake Trailhead. You can add on Lake Haiyaha, Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, Nymph Lake and or Bear Lake, if you visit them all it would add a little less than 5 miles on to your round trip.
Tips For The Hike
Go Early
Not only will this help you beat the crowds but also the heat. If we were not restricted to the reservation system we probably would have tried to start this hike before 8:00am.
Bring Lots Of Water
I brought 2 liters and ran out on the way back. This hike can get hot, and it is lengthy. Be prepared, especially if hiking during the day.
Altitude Acclimation
This is a high altitude hike. We did this on our second day in the park and I struggled with tiredness. Drink lots of water, electrolytes, eat protein and maybe stay in town to get used the the altitude before going on the big hike the first day of your vacation.
Get Reservations
If going during COVID-19 restrictions make sure you secure a reservation. You can do this by going to their reservation page. It will cost you $2 to reserve a time slot per day, you do not need a pass or paid ticket yet, you will show your pass or purchase a ticket later for this. But you will need a print out or proof on your cell phone of your reservation when you go through the gate. We planned this trip a few weeks out and didn’t get the time slot that we wanted, plan ahead for this.
Be Prepared For Weather
In Colorado you never know what the weather will do, even in the summer. Some days it might be in the 90s and the next day in the 40s. Bring some layers to be prepared for anything.
What To Bring
Hydration Bladders- we each filled 2 liter water bladders and I also ran out in the hot summer sun.
Good Hiking Shoes- I wore my Vasques Hiking Shoes.
Hiking Poles- I liked my travel hiking poles for this particular hike, I put them away to hike up and down the Timberline Falls sections. But I do believe they help on up and down hills.
Snacks- Bring some trail snacks or a packed lunch to eat along the hike and or when you get to the lake.
Sunscreen
Layers- You never know what the weather will do when you are this high up into the mountains. Layers are key, I love my Columbia shirts for warmth in a morning chill and SPF protection in the heat.
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Mills lake Extension – This is the extension that I mentioned above.
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