How to Hike to Sky Pond + Tips & FAQs

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In this article, you will see me hiking with Gravy, my service animal. She is trained to assist me in the case of a panic attack. Unless they are a trained service animal, dogs are not allowed on the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Planning on hiking to Sky Pond on your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park?

With so many great hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s hard to pick a favorite. However, I will fully say that Sky Pond is that hike for me. It is definitely not the easiest, and it’s not the one I would pick if you haven’t hit up a trail or two, but it’s so worth every step–including the scramble at the end.

This is one of the hikes that requires reservations to get to the trailhead, and it is tough–I was definitely tired by the end of it. Not to mention, you also keep the altitude in mind since you are gaining some elevation along the way.

We’ll go over what you need to know before you get to the trailhead, as well as some tips I found helpful on my own hike there. That way you can feel prepared when you head to Rocky Mountain and when you hit up this fantastic trail.

In summary: This guide covers the information you need to know about hiking to Sky Pond, as well as some personal tips from me and common FAQs.

Quick tip: This is a very popular spot for climbers in the park–you might even see them on the mountain faces once you arrive at Sky Pond!

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How to hike to Sky Pond

If you are planning on hiking to Sky Pond between May and October, you’ll need a timed entry permit since this hike starts from the Glacier Gorge trailhead in the Bear Lake Road Corridor. We arrived at 7:30 am on a July morning, and the small parking lot was already full. If you can’t find parking here, head to the Bear Lake lot and take the short connector trail down.

The trail starts with a moderate climb through a beautiful forest. About 0.3 miles in, you’ll reach Alberta Falls. It’s well-worth a quick stop for a photo and for a quick rest. After the falls, you’ll continue climbing via switchbacks until you reach a junction. Take the trail toward Loch Vale and Sky Pond.

At about 2.8 miles, you’ll reach The Loch, your first alpine lake of the day. When we visited, the morning light on the surrounding peaks was absolutely magical. This is a great spot for a quick break, but don’t get too comfortable–the most challenging (and exciting) part of the hike is still to come!

Beyond The Loch, the trail climbs steadily through Loch Vale. You’ll pass through a gorgeous gorge where the walls seem to close in around you. Watch for marmots here–they’re usually pretty active in the morning hours! Also make sure to watch your pack since they will steal it looking for food.

At about 4 miles, you’ll reach Lake of Glass (also called Glass Lake). To reach Sky Pond, you’ll need to scramble up a waterfall section called Timberline Falls. This part can be intimidating, and when we did it, the rocks were pretty wet and slippery. Take your time and don’t be afraid to turn back if conditions aren’t safe.

Once you make it up the scramble, Lake of Glass spreads out before you. Many hikers mistake this for Sky Pond, but keep going! The true Sky Pond lies about 0.3 miles further. Follow the cairns around the right side of Lake of Glass (the trail can be faint here), and you’ll soon get your first glimpse of Sky Pond.

Sky Pond sits at 10,900 feet in elevation, surrounded by sheer cliff walls and spiky peaks known as the Sharkstooth. It’s an absolutely stunning alpine lake that feels like it’s from another world. Daniel and I spent nearly an hour here just taking in the views and looking for climbers on the surrounding peaks.

The return trip follows the same route back, but don’t underestimate it. That scramble down Timberline Falls can be tricky–I actually found going down more challenging than going up in some ways. Take it slow and steady, and watch your footing on the wet rocks.

Remember that afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Rockies, especially during summer months. You definitely want to be below treeline before any storms roll in, which is another great reason for that early start!

Map of the Sky Pond hike

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Tips for hiking to Sky Pond

Here are some tips I found helpful when hiking to Sky Pond.

• Take it nice and slow: If you aren’t used to the altitude, it can really affect you at this height! Don’t feel the need to rush it, and if you are experiencing any sickness, that’s a sign to turn back.
• Good footwear is essential: Because you will be scrambling during the last part, you will need to some solid footwear. Boots aren’t 100% necessary–good trailrunners will do. But I do recommend that they are waterproof!
• Consider the shuttle: If you don’t want to deal with the reservation system, then I highly recommend that you take the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle. This way you also don’t have to worry about finding a post at the Glacier Gorge trailhead.
• Watch yourself during the scramble: That is some slick rock! Watch for others coming up and down, and make sure you have some solid footing and good handholds!

Sky Pond FAQs

Here are some common questions I get about hiking to Sky Pond.

Conclusion

I hope this has answered some of your questions about this fantastic hike. It was absolutely one of the highlights of our most recent trip there, and if you are a hiker, it’s hard to find a better trail in the park. Just make sure to be careful during that scramble, and consider getting a time slot for your reservation as early as possible.

Have any questions about hiking to Sky Pond? Let me know in the comments!