Sky Pond
Scramble beside Timberline Falls to a stark alpine lake ringed by the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak.
About Sky Pond
Sky Pond is the high point of Loch Vale, one of Rocky Mountain National Park's finest hikes. From Glacier Gorge Trailhead, the route passes Alberta Falls and The Loch before climbing to Timberline Falls, where a short, steep scramble beside the waterfall leads to Lake of Glass and then Sky Pond at about 10,900 feet.
The round trip is about 9 miles with roughly 1,780 feet of gain. The scramble gains about 100 feet up a wet rock chute and requires hands; it is the crux of the day and best avoided in rain, snow or ice.
At the top, the Sharkstooth's jagged spires rise to the right, Taylor Peak (13,153 ft) towers across the water, and Powell Peak stands to the south.
A 9.4-mile out-and-back near Estes Park and one of the more demanding day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, with the reward being a genuinely dramatic cirque lake. It's open year-round, best June through October, and dogs aren't permitted on the trail — the Sharkstooth spire above the lake is the compositional anchor most people come for, and it holds light well into the morning.
History
Sky Pond sits at the head of Loch Vale, a glacially carved valley beneath the Continental Divide. The Loch Vale watershed has been monitored by scientists for more than 40 years, making it one of the most closely studied mountain watersheds in the world. Alberta Falls, passed early on the hike, is named for Alberta Sprague, wife of early settler Abner Sprague. The area has been part of Rocky Mountain National Park since 1915.
Photographing Sky Pond
Best light: Early morning light hits Taylor Peak and the Sharkstooth while the basin is still calm; most photographers time a pre-dawn start to reach the lakes in golden light. July brings wildflowers and roaring waterfalls, and September offers crisp light and fewer storms.
Shots to look for
- The Sharkstooth reflected in Sky Pond from the outlet end, with lakeside boulders as foreground (14-24mm)
- Timberline Falls with a slow shutter from the base, framed by alpine flowers
- Lake of Glass looking up-valley toward Taylor Peak
- Telephoto details of Taylor Glacier and the rock walls (70-200mm)
Photo tips
- Start in the dark; Glacier Gorge Trailhead parking fills very early in summer
- Pack your camera securely for the scramble; you'll need both hands
- Afternoon storms build fast over the Divide; turn around by early afternoon
- Drones are prohibited in national parks
- The trail grows faint in spots above The Loch; know your route
Know before you go
- Bear Lake Road requires a Timed Entry+ reservation during posted hours in peak season
- The Timberline Falls scramble is wet and exposed; skip it in rain, snow or ice
- Park entrance fee required (America the Beautiful pass accepted)
- Starting from Bear Lake Trailhead instead adds only about 0.2 mi round trip
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Sky Pond hike?
It's about 9 miles round trip with around 1,780 feet of gain, plus a short hands-on scramble beside Timberline Falls. Fit hikers manage it; those afraid of heights may want to stop at The Loch.
Do you need a reservation for Sky Pond?
During peak season, you need a Timed Entry+ permit for Bear Lake Road during posted hours. Check the NPS page for current dates.
Can you hike to Sky Pond in winter?
Experienced winter hikers do, but the Timberline Falls chute ices up and avalanche terrain is nearby. Many people turn around at The Loch.
Featured in: Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado · Colorado Waterfall Hikes
Combine it with
The Loch · Mills Lake · Alberta Falls · Emerald Lake
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: rockymountainhikingtrails.com · rockymountainhikingtrails.com · home.nps.gov. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.