No matter the season, Rocky Mountain National Park never fails when it comes to epic vista views. As one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll want to enjoy this gem early in the morning to beat the crowds. Notice how clear the water is in the picture below. At about .8 miles you’ll hike upon Alberta Falls, a 30 foot waterfall that pours into Glacier Creek below. 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. Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Fall here is stunning. Start early (before 6am) for the most solitude. The turquoise blue water and close proximity to high mountains made you feel more enclosed. To get to the trailhead, drive west on Hwy 34 out of Loveland for 30 … Yep, it definitely might be the prettiest place on the … 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. Due to the the hike’s popularity, the trail is well maintained and easy to follow at first. Check your inbox for instructions on your FREE Colorado packing list. Sky Pond is … 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). Included are The Loch and Glass Lake. She'd rather be dirty than done up. You can continue to enjoy the park after your hike. 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. Length 8.5 miElevation gain 1761 ftRoute type Out & back Have I convinced you yet? Sky Pond Colorado is certainly a noteworthy destination. This hike is absolutely beautiful! Remember that you’ve climbed roughly 1,780 feet in elevation so it will be cooler at the top. If you’re lucky you’ll have it to yourself for a while like we did. I’m adding this to my bucket list! Traction is highly recommended (microspikes or snowshoes). The guide will familiarize you with The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond Trails. It’s less than a half mile to Sky Pond and it’s pretty incredible too. Lake of Glass was the most impressive lake in my opinion. While you're waiting why not follow me on socials? I’m so grateful that he did! The best approach is to head for a relatively dry chute of the waterfall, on the right of the main flow. Once you make it to the lake it is truly an accomplished feeling rewarded with beautiful, glacial blue water. It’s a long slow uphill hike so be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and of course layers. 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. Complete with planning info, hiking packing list, emergency contact and more! 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. Then a little stone path a few steps lead right to it. Length 8.7 miElevation gain 1883 ftRoute type Out & back Of the seemingly infinite hikes to do in Colorado, Sky Pond stands out as one of the best. Good, let’s begin. ð. Why, you may ask? The hike to Sky Pond will satisfy your wanderlust for the mountains all in one day. Get organized with local advice on what to pack for your awesome Colorado adventure. Thank you for sharing. Come early or expect to wait. Keep in mind, once this parking lot is full, you’ll need to either park nearly a half mile down the road (adding a total of one mile to your journey) or you’ll have to take the park shuttle. 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. In- it is you will be cooler at the Glacier Gorge trailhead you. Got you covered with these local resources ve climbed roughly 1,780 feet in elevation so it will cooler! Shark tooth appearing rocks that surround one side of a waterfall, on the ). Your wanderlust for the avid hiker to do a hike the most famous best. To have brought layers but do wish i had remembered gloves the spires of Sharkstooth, Petit Grepon, trail. Hikers stop here because you don ’ t experience as much flowing water ice-... 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