Sky Pond
A challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike in Rocky Mountain National Park leading to a stunning alpine lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Sky Pond
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike in Rocky Mountain National Park leading to a stunning alpine lake.
"One of my all time favorites in Colorado. It's challenging enough, and the views are incredible."
🚗 Parking is Tough!
Arrive before 6 AM, especially on weekdays, or be prepared to park further away.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water; the high altitude makes everything feel twice as hard.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sky Pond
Rocky Mountain National Park
A breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks, the ultimate reward for a challenging hike.
Timberline Falls
On the Sky Pond Trail
The exhilarating scramble up this waterfall is a unique and memorable part of the hike.
Lake of Glass
On the Sky Pond Trail
A stunning precursor to Sky Pond, this lake offers incredible reflections and a serene atmosphere.
Alberta Falls
On the Sky Pond Trail
A beautiful and accessible waterfall, perfect for a scenic stop along the lower part of the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Alpine Lake
Altitude & Scramble: Be Prepared for a Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Tough!
Arrive before 6 AM, especially on weekdays, or be prepared to park further away.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water; the high altitude makes everything feel twice as hard.
🧗 Scramble with Caution
The Timberline Falls scramble can be wet and slippery. Assess conditions and your ability.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Good hiking boots are essential for the varied terrain and the waterfall scramble.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Tough!
Arrive before 6 AM, especially on weekdays, or be prepared to park further away.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water; the high altitude makes everything feel twice as hard.
🧗 Scramble with Caution
The Timberline Falls scramble can be wet and slippery. Assess conditions and your ability.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Good hiking boots are essential for the varied terrain and the waterfall scramble.
🐻 Bear Spray Recommended
Hiking in the dark or early morning? Carry bear spray for safety.
☀️ Avoid Afternoon Storms
Starting early helps you finish before potential afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sky Pond for its breathtaking alpine scenery and rewarding challenge, calling it one of Colorado's most scenic hikes. The scramble up Timberline Falls is a memorable highlight, though it can be difficult. The main drawbacks are the extreme difficulty in securing parking and the strenuous nature of the hike at high altitude.
"We did this hike from Glacier Gorge our first day, starting around 1030am and reaching Sky Pond by 230pm. It's a 1800 foot ascent at already very high altitude so everything felt 2x harder than a regular hike but it was totally worth. Bring lots of water. We came back down in about 2 hrs. There is a challenging and tricky scramble up by a small waterfall right before the Lake of Glass (which is extraordinary too) but otherwise the hike is pretty straightforward, just hard and long (5 miles up, 5 miles down). Along the way you see Alberta Falls and at the end of September, we saw gorgeous Aspen trees and other beautiful flora everywhere."
Saminda Wijegunawardena
"Worth the GRUELING hike.
Took us 10.3 hours embarrassingly.
Hardest part is the "rock scramble" coming back down, and the long long hike back when finished.
Amazing views and really nice people."
Roo Brew
"One of my all time favorites in Colorado. It's challenging enough, and the views are incredible. Good place to see some wildflowers, listen to rushing water while you hike, see a little wildlife, do a small scramble up the waterfall, and has a 10/10 Sammy spot at the end."
David Heine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sky Pond Trail typically starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also access it from the Bear Lake Trailhead, which adds a bit more distance. Parking at Glacier Gorge fills up extremely early, so consider using the park's shuttle system if available or arriving before sunrise.
Yes, there is parking at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but it is very limited and fills up extremely fast, often by 6 AM or earlier, even on weekdays.
Rocky Mountain National Park operates shuttle buses that can take you to popular trailheads like Glacier Gorge and Bear Lake, which is a great alternative to driving and parking. Check the park's official website for current shuttle routes and schedules.
Sky Pond is approximately a 2-hour drive from Denver, depending on traffic and the specific route you take into Rocky Mountain National Park.
The hike to Sky Pond begins at a high elevation. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead is around 9,240 feet (2800 meters), and the summit of Sky Pond is at 10,880 feet (3316 meters).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rocky Mountain National Park often requires a timed entry permit reservation to enter the park during peak season. Check the official RMNP website for the most up-to-date information on reservation requirements before your visit.
There is an entrance fee for Rocky Mountain National Park, which is typically valid for 7 days. You can purchase passes online or at park entrance stations.
Sky Pond itself is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible whenever the park is open. However, the park's access gates and visitor centers have specific operating hours. It's best to hike during daylight hours for safety.
While the park is generally open year-round, the Sky Pond Trail can be challenging and dangerous in winter due to snow and ice. The best hiking season is typically from late May through October.
Beyond the park entrance fee, there are no additional fees specifically for hiking the Sky Pond trail itself.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Sky Pond hike is approximately 8.6 to 10 miles roundtrip and can take anywhere from 5 to 10 hours, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how much time you spend enjoying the views. +1
The Sky Pond hike is considered hard due to its length, significant elevation gain, and the challenging scramble up Timberline Falls.
Wear layers of moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and bring rain gear. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is also crucial at high altitudes.
The scramble up Timberline Falls can be challenging and slippery, especially when wet. It requires some comfort with heights and basic climbing skills. If you're unsure, it's best to turn back.
The trail offers stunning views of Alberta Falls, Loch Vale, Lake of Glass, and the dramatic peaks surrounding Sky Pond. The entire hike is incredibly scenic.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. You'll need to pack all your food and snacks for the hike. Estés Park, a nearby town, offers various dining options.
Absolutely! Packing plenty of high-energy snacks and a packed lunch is highly recommended for this long and strenuous hike.
After your hike, head to the town of Estés Park for a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and breweries to refuel.
Pack calorie-dense, easy-to-eat foods like trail mix, energy bars, sandwiches, fruit, and jerky. Consider bringing electrolytes to help with hydration.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can find many scenic spots along the trail to stop and enjoy your packed lunch. The area around Lake of Glass or Sky Pond itself are popular choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers dramatic lighting and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photographers. Early morning light also enhances the alpine glow on the surrounding peaks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The reflections in Lake of Glass and Sky Pond are iconic. The scramble up Timberline Falls also offers unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is restricted in Rocky Mountain National Park. Check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Summer offers lush greenery and wildflowers, while late September brings stunning golden aspen colors. Winter offers a stark, snowy beauty but requires advanced winter hiking skills.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do attempt Sky Pond with older kids, start very early, pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared to turn back if needed. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for sunrise to capture the best light and avoid crowds, using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast landscapes. Don't forget to capture the reflections in Lake of Glass and the unique perspective of Timberline Falls. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly for long days on the trail. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Timberline Falls Scramble
For those who proceed, using hands for balance and finding secure footholds is key. Some TikTok creators have shared tips on how to navigate this section, emphasizing the importance of sturdy footwear and a cautious approach.
The Importance of Altitude Acclimatization
Staying well-hydrated is also critical for combating altitude sickness. Drink more water than you think you need, both before and during your hike.
Best Times for Sunrise and Sunset Hikes
Starting your hike in the pre-dawn hours requires a headlamp and bear spray, but the reward of seeing the first light hit the peaks is unparalleled. While sunset hikes are less common due to the need to descend in the dark, they can also offer beautiful lighting. However, for safety reasons and to avoid the scramble in low light, most visitors prefer to hike to Sky Pond during daylight hours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit