Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park is an alpine lake at 10,900 feet in Colorado.

Ever since I fell in love with hiking, I felt called to explore the state of Colorado. In June 2023, I finally made the trip out to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s safe to say, this state did not disappoint. From the exotic wildlife in Estes Park to epic wilderness areas in the Rockies, it’s no wonder why Colorado is such a popular place for hikers to explore. While there, I decided to climb to Sky Pond, which is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike offers views of waterfalls, high-elevation lakes, and unique rock formations. Here is everything you need to know about a Sky Pond hike in the Rockies.

I remember the feeling of entering Rocky Mountain National Park for the first time. It was around 5:50 a.m., so the sun was still rising and therefore reflecting colors of pink and orange off of Bear Lake Road. The gentle tune of “Everywhere, Everything,” by Noah Kahan was playing on the radio. When looking to the left, I spotted an elk standing within the tall trees, which wasn’t surprising since elk are very active right before sunrise. I couldn’t be any more excited for the day ahead of me.

Know Before You Go

To get into Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors must have an entrance pass. From May to October, visitors must have either a Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., which includes Bear Lake Road, or a Park Access Timed Entry Permit between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can obtain these passes at Recreation.gov or by calling the Reservation Call Center at 1-877-444-6777. Timed entry permits are available in two-hour blocks, meaning you must enter the park within that two-hour window or you won’t be able to get in until after 2 p.m. Check Recreation.gov for release dates and be ready to purchase a pass as soon as they’re available for the dates you plan on visiting because they sell out fast.

What to Bring to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park

To hike Sky Pond, you’ll need a reliable pair of hiking boots, hiking backpack, windproof and insulated jacket, and the ten essentials. In Colorado, thunder and lightning storms are common in the afternoon, so you should also pack rain gear to be safe. In the warmer months, it isn’t uncommon for Rocky Mountain National Park to still have snow present at higher elevations, so I recommend carrying traction as well. For most of the hike up to Sky Pond, I was wearing spikes, and it was mid-June.

The Hike to Sky Pond in Colorado

Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Alberta Falls

Bear Lake Road

Driving to Glacier Gorge Trailhead right after sunrise.

I was glad to have chosen an early entrance pass to get into the park since parking for Glacier Gorge Trailhead can fill up fast. Luckily, there were plenty of spots available upon arrival. I arrived to the trailhead around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14. If your timed entry permit is for later in the morning, this parking lot may be full, but you can park at Bear Lake Trailhead instead, which adds about 0.4 miles to the hike overall. There is also a shuttle bus available to the trailhead, which you can reserve in advance at Recreation.gov.

Even though it was nearly summer, the air was still chilly, but that’s what happens when you start a hike above 9,000 feet. The beginning of the trail was fairly gradual and offered easy-to-climb steps for the first 0.8 miles to Alberta Falls, which is a 30-foot waterfall that’s a popular attraction for many visitors. For those looking for a more remote experience, they push on to Sky Pond.

Alberta Falls to Loch Vale

For the next hour, I hiked over switchbacks, by rocky ledges, and underneath hovering trees. The terrain out here is like nothing I had ever experienced—the smells, sounds, and scenery were similar to those back home in New Hampshire, but everything just felt bigger, and I felt a deeper connection to the elements of earth surrounding me.

Loch Vale

Looking at this majestic mountain lake.

At around 1.4 miles, you’ll come up to a junction and continue right to Loch Vale. At the next junction, keep following the signs to Loch Vale and you’ll eventually reach this subalpine lake at around 10,190 feet. At this point, snow was present on the ground, so I put on my spikes for the rest of the trek up. Wrapping around the lake, hiking through the trees, and climbing over mushy snow was a fun, but technical part of the day. Eventually, you’ll hit the junction for Andrews Glacier where you stay left to continue to Sky Pond. This is where you really began to gain elevation, hit treeline, and truly experience the feeling of being alive.

Timberline Falls and Lake of Glass

Looking up at the rock walls that towered above me, I was reminded of how strong and resilient nature can be. The sharp, rugged walls hovered over Timberline Falls, a cascade that runs hundreds of feet down into the valley. With it being mid-June, this exposed area was slick and mushy. This section included a slope that I had to cross over in order to get to Sky Pond. It angled down into the falls, so I moved over the snow with caution, and even though I was a bit anxious, the open views of the valley allowed my nerves to sweep away with the wind.

Snow in June

The slope that leads to the chute above Timberline Falls.

Perhaps you’ve already heard of the chute that you climb over on this hike. If not, be prepared for using all fours to get over this short, but steep section that often has water running down it. It’s definitely an area where you want to take your time, especially if snow or rain are present. If you’re familiar with the White Mountains, this spot is pretty similar to steep sections in the Presidential Range. Personally, I found it to be fun, especially because it brought me a sense of home. Right after climbing the chute, you’ll approach Lake of Glass, a glistening alpine lake that will make you think, wow, that section was worth the climb.

Lake of Glass

You’ll be rewarded with this view of Lake of Glass right after climbing the chute.

Reaching Sky Pond in Colorado

Sky Pond Wildlife

A marmot watching in curiosity.

At around 4.7 miles, you’ll have finally made it to Sky Pond at 10,900 feet. Lined with snow-covered rock walls and filled with deep blue, clear water, being in front of this off-the-grid pond feels like standing in front of ‘The Wall’ in Game of Thrones. When looking up, you’ll see the Sharkstooth, a set of spiky rocks that dominate the landscape. Going back down the chute and across the slope required a bit more caution, but after that, the hike was pretty much a breeze. I was looking forward to putting my feet up at the campsite, cooking up dinner, and relaxing for the rest of the night—it was well earned.

Other Lake Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has 147 lakes total. If hiking to Sky Pond is too long of a journey for you, there are several other lakes in the park that are easier to get to. One of the most popular hikes in the park, Emerald Lake, is a 3.2-mile hike that’s rated moderate. The lake’s emerald blue water and mountainous landscape in the background makes it a must-see spot while visiting. In addition, you can easily get to Dream Lake or Gem Lake, or even walk to the family-friendly Lily Lake.

Where to Camp

When I was in Colorado, I stayed right outside of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station at Mary’s Lake Campground in Estes Park, which is one of the towns that provide access to Rocky Mountain National Park. I love this campground because even though it was in a town, the sites were remote and quiet, yet you weren’t far from gas station and grocery stores. There were even herds of mule deer roaming around and a few deer hopping over the fence at the sites. Plus, when you wake up, you get an amazing view of the Rockies.

More Campgrounds on the East Side of the Park/Near Bear Lake Road

Aspenglen Campground (open year-round)
Longs Peak Campground (seasonal)
Glacier Basin Campground (seasonal)
Moraine Park Campground (open year-round but is currently closed until June 2024 for a rehabilitation project)

Campgrounds on the West Side of RMNP

Timber Creek Campground (seasonal)

Hiking to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park

Know Before You Go

What to Bring to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park