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Published: April 21st 2008
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Distance: 9 miles
Rating: Difficult
For my third (and what proved to be my final) trip to Rocky Mountain National Park this season, I wanted to attempt a long and relatively difficult hike. The trail to Sky Pond takes hikers past three beautiful lakes, two impressive waterfalls, and passes through some of the best scenery that the eastern part of the park has to offer. This was easily one of the best and most rewarding hikes that I’ve been on this entire season. I was particularly proud of myself for making the short but very steep scramble up Timberline Falls to Lake of Glass. I was a bit intimidated by this part of the hike at first, but my curiosity and desire to reach the end eventually overrode my trepidation.
Like my earlier trip to Mills Lake (see entry), this hike starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and offers some great views of Longs Peak to the southeast. The trail passes through dense pine forest before making a dramatic climb past timberline. The trail ends at Sky Pond, situated in an impressive cirque below the 13,153 ft Taylor Peak and Taylor Glacier. Overall, I would consider this to be
a difficult hike due to its distance and a few steep parts, but the terrain is varied and includes several flat sections especially around the lakes. Along the way, hikers will pass by Alberta Falls, Loch Vale (The Loch), Timberline Falls, and Lake of Glass.
From the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, the trail climbs gently to the south on its way to Alberta Falls. Many of the casual tourists don’t go any further than the falls, but the trail beyond is still quite popular. After Alberta Falls, the trail gets a bit steeper before leveling out in a gorge that offers some impressive views of the Continental Divide. At this point, the trail is heading to the southwest and will descend for a brief time before reaching the junctions with the Lake Haiyaha and Glacier Gorge trails. The trail will begin to climb as it continues straight (southwest) toward the Loch. This is a moderate section of the trail that will provide great views of Longs Peak to the southeast. Along the way, look for an interesting narrow canyon that has been carved out by a stream fed by the Loch. Three miles into the hike, the trail finally reaches
the Loch. This lake is on the western side of Thatchtop (12,668 ft), the mountain that creates one of the borders of Glacier Gorge to the east. The trail flattens out around the Loch before climbing again on its way up to the impressive Timberline Falls. The trail gets quite steep during the final 100 feet or so up to the falls. At this point, hikers must scramble up the side of the falls to reach Lake of Glass (hands will need to be free for the climb). After reaching the top of the falls, Lake of Glass quickly comes into view along with Taylor Peak in the background. Be sure to look back to the northeast for a great view of the Loch. From the lake, the trail winds up a small ledge and continues on to Sky Pond, less than half a mile away. At the pond, the Continental Divide practically feels close enough to touch. Note the interesting rock formation up to the right called the Gash (several rock pillars resembling teeth). Sky Pond is a beautiful timberline lake with deep green water. A small copse of gnarled bristle cone pine grows near the lake’s eastern-most shore.
Despite the popularity of this trail, surprisingly few people seem to make it as far as Sky Pond, making it a relatively secluded destination.
The Glacier Gorge Trailhead offers numerous other hiking options including Mills and Black Lake in the actual Glacier Gorge (see my Mills Lake entry). Another popular destination is Lake Haiyaha and Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes to the north. This area can also be reached using the Bear Lake Trailhead.
With the trail ending at 10,800 feet, rain gear should obviously be packed. I strongly recommend using discretion when deciding to make the climb up to Lake of Glass. Even during late summer when the runoff may not be as strong, water from Timberline Falls can make this climb treacherous. Only attempt this climb if you feel confident enough to do it. If you hike with poles, I recommend stowing them so you can have both hands free.
Directions: From Denver, take I-25 north to US 36 (the Boulder Turnpike). Continue on US 36 through Boulder (it becomes 28th St. in town). US 36 comes to a dead-end just south of the town of Lyons. Turn left (west) and follow signs through town
for Rocky Mountain NP. Continue along US 36 through the town of Estes Park. Along the main drag in town, be sure to follow the signs and stay on 36 rather than following US 34 which heads further north and west. Just after passing through the Beaver Meadows entrance station, turn left down Bear Lake Rd and continue on to the Bear Lake shuttle bus parking lot. The shuttle bus comes through about every ten minutes during the peak hours of the day. Check with rangers to find out when the last bus picks up. There is a parking lot at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but it tends to fill up very quickly during the summer months.
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