The hike to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park passes incredible lakes, stunning mountains, and multiple waterfalls. Each view seems to open up to the next incredible view as soon as you turn the corner until you reach the final incredible view at Sky Pond.
Rocky Mountain National Park is full of incredible hiking trails, but this was our favorite during our last visit to the park.
Hiking Details
Distance: 9.4 Miles (5 hours)
Difficulty: moderate/challenging
Elevation Gain: 1,750 ft
The first part of the Glacier Gorge Trail on the Sky Pond hike winds through some beautiful forest until you will reach Alberta Falls. This is a breathtaking waterfall and one of the best in the park. Some people just hike to Alberta Falls for a pretty and short hike.
The trail continues up from here and is generally easy to follow alongside Icy Brook and another small waterfall.
The first lake you will reach is Loch Vale. This is a beautiful lake and the trail makes its way around the lake until you reach the other side and begin to ascend again. The hiking is beautiful and follows another spring with several small bridges to cross over the water.
This is the steepest part of the hike that goes up to Timberline Falls and above. The trail to Timberline Falls is steep through a boulder field. Timberline Falls is an exposed waterfall and you will need to scramble up part of this waterfall to get to the two lakes above. I say scramble, but there are a few parts that feel like you are almost rock climbing (although you are never that high off the ground).
Once you are above the falls, you will see the Lake of Glass in front of you and if you continue straight you will reach Sky Pond. Plan some time here for a snack and to take in the view.
7 Things to Know About Hiking to Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail
The Glacier Gorge Trail has a moderate elevation gain for the first portion. Towards the end, there is a steep section to get up to Sky Pond that involves climbing some steep rock
Rocky Mountain National Park has an entry system so make sure to book your entry time in advance. Timed entry is from late May-early Oct and runs daily 5am to 6pm
The best time of year to hike to Sky Pond is mid-June-Sept
Sky Pond is also a climbing destination and you will often see climbers on the cliffs
As a popular hike, the parking lot to Sky Pond often fills up, so start early or use the shuttle
Thunderstorms are almost daily occurances in the summer months. These start in the mid-late afternoon, so go early and be prepared
Sky Pond is at an elevation of 10,900 ft this means you are hiking at altitude. Plan to drink extra water and avoid this hike after coming directly from sea level.
Have fun out there!
Gretchen