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). She'd rather be dirty than done up. Sky Pond sits in a cirque of mountains. I camped at Moraine Park so got an early start and a parking spot from the Glacier Gorge trailhead. It is up to you to decide what you want to put up with. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore virtually every hiking area in the State. 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! The end of the trail leading up to Sky Pond is often impassible from November through early June. Local tip: Hiking is popular this year, expect to see a full parking lot on weekends by 5:30 am. Sky Pond is a 9.5-mile hike that gains 1,837 feet in elevation. The good news is that all trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are well maintained and marked. If the lot is full, there are other nearby lots where you can park and start your hike from or snag a shuttle from. Here are a few tips from the hike I want to share that will make your day more enjoyable! Either way, don’t forget to turn around and look behind you. I’m so grateful that he did! It is a somewhat famous, classic, technical rock climb. A little ways past The Loch (about a mile or so) you’ll start trending uphill. Note that most trails are not named, but there are signs at intersections - keep heading to Sky Pond. Make your way back the way you came to complete this bucket list Colorado hike. Therefore, the best time to do the Sky Pond hike is between mid-June through mid-October. The round-trip hike to Sky Pond is 10 miles and it begins at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Now you're ready to travel like a local, not a tourist. Fall here is stunning. Notice how clear the water is in the picture below. Keep going for Sky Pond is not much further and is the final destination. 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 kicker- you have to climb it! It has a little bit of everything- scrambling up the side of a waterfall, epic Colorado glacial lakes, and fresh mountain air. For more, see the Fox in the Forest Privacy Policy. Included are The Loch and Glass Lake. Scramble to the top, the steepness and wetness making it a challenge. I’m adding this to my bucket list! As one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado, it’s well worth a visit. Head toward the Bear Lake Trailhead and pull out at the Glacier Gorge Parking Lot. Pass the Loch on the north (don’t forget to stop for photos). The lake has an elevation gain of 1,765 feet and its total distance is 8.1 miles. Get the FREE Colorado trip planning checklist and get the inside scoop on hiking, camping, climbing, and more in the great Centennial State. Sky Pond is about 4.5 miles from the trailhead and sits surrounded by cliffs at about 10,900 feet. I will pin this just in case I ever decide to tear myself away from beach destinations to do a hike! The hike to Sky Pond will satisfy your wanderlust for the mountains all in one day. Fill out your email below for your exclusive hiking freebie, access to bonus hiking tips, and insider knowledge on the best hiking destination around the world. I can tell just from your pictures that this hike is scenic! So pretty! The rocks are extraordinarily slick from water and hikers so take your time. Iâm just another 26 year old solo traveler here living life on her own terms. That means if you click on some of the links and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you. You’ll be wowed by the amazing scenery along this world-class hiking trail. Sky Pond Colorado is certainly a noteworthy destination. 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 hike to Sky Pond will satisfy your wanderlust for the mountains all in one day. The best trail to hike between June to September is Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail that offers many activities. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are amazing pictures! There is a lot of uphill climbing and an elevation gain of over 1,800 feet. We immediately noticed how windy it was. Turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead and parking lot or set up camp at one of the three lakes. I sure hope you get to make it to the US and explore this park! It has a little bit of everything- scrambling up the side of a waterfall, epic Colorado glacial lakes, and fresh mountain air. Overview This is a difficult out and back trail to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. With lush, green grass and large rocks surrounding you, this is the perfect spot to kick back & relax a while before hiking back down. It’s a long slow uphill hike so be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and of course layers. To get to the trailhead, drive west on Hwy 34 out of Loveland for 30 … 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. I work from my laptop and travel all across the U.S. with my German Shepard, Monty. From here, the trail gets steep and travels through Timberline Falls. This is worth stopping for and exploring around! In this guide we’ll cover: Before you hit the trail, it’s important to be prepared. Check your inbox for instructions on your FREE hiking checklist. Of the seemingly infinite hikes to do in Colorado, Sky Pond stands out as one of the best. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. You can take one of two trailheads to reach Sky Pond. 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. Plus get bonus local travel tips, gear deals, and more to your inbox once a month! Come early or expect to wait. It’s not uncommon to see climbers using this trail (I used it when I climbed the Petit Grepon). Lake of Glass was the most impressive lake in my opinion. 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'm Kara and I travel the U.S. solo with my fury companion, Monty. It’s less than a half mile to Sky Pond and it’s pretty incredible too. Good, let’s begin. If you only have time for one hike within the Rocky Mountain National Park, I HIGHLY suggest hiking to Sky Pond. Dare I say more?! Most people hike to just see the falls then turn around. 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until September. Well, the side of it any ways. 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. Sky Pond: One of the Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain NP; Best Things to do in Canyonlands: Island in the Sky District; Hike the Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop, Landmannalaugar, Iceland; Kjeragbolten: Our Favorite Hike in Norway At 4.6 miles into the trail, THIS is Sky Pond. 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. 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