Best Hikes in RMNP: #1 Sky Pond

The nice thing about this hike is that you can make it more of a circular route instead of an out and back hike.   By doing this you are able to see a large portion of the area in only one hike, seeing a total of 5 lakes and 2 waterfalls!  With the bus system in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) at the Bear Lake end, it doesn't matter which trailhead you come out at because the buses will bring you back to your car.  I start at the Bear Lake Trailhead and begin hiking towards Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake.  Both Dream and Emerald Lake are worth stopping at along the way.  Emerald Lake will be a little bit further out of your way, adding distance to the hike though.



 At Dream Lake take a left towards Lake Haiyaha.  Go straight at the turn off for Lake Haiyaha however, and then a right at the second fork towards The Loch.  Between the Loch and Sky Pond is my favorite part of this hike. 

 The Loch is a beautiful, clean glacier lake.  You hike around the lake and hike straight ahead between those peaks.

After The Loch you start inclining towards Timberline Falls. 

             

Headed up towards Timberline Falls on the far left.

You are able to hike right to the falls for a great picture, and then the trail continues to climb up right alongside it.  This is where you get a little scrambling in as you climb up the rocks to above the falls.  But don't let the scrambling scare you.  I have seen all ages on this hike- from old to really young kids with their parents trekking the whole thing.

Path climbing up towards Lake of Glass.  When the water level is high, some of the waterfall will even overflow over the path.  You do have to be a little careful here if the rocks are wet since they can get slippery.

Once on top of the Timberline Falls, they have rock and wood log paths leading to Lake of Glass and Sky Pond.

Lake of Glass

A few more rocks to climb and you will then reach the beautiful Sky Pond.  If you look really closely while you are there you may see rock climbers on the ridges.  Its a crazy site to see!



On your way back, take the first fork to the right after The Loch towards Alberta Falls.

You will pass Alberta Falls, and then follow signs towards Glacier Gorge Trailhead.

The bus will then take you back to your car at the park n ride.



So if you are planning a trip to Colorado for next summer, make sure you add this hike to your list!  Hope you get a chance to enjoy the hike to Sky Pond!