Hiking and Photographing Sky Pond In Rocky Mountain National Park For Sunrise
What is Sky Pond?
Sky Pond is ban epic alpine lake hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike offers amazing views along the way and at the end. You will see a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks, along the way you will pass waterfalls, lakes, and amazing mountains views. Of all the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park this is easily my favorite!
Trail Overview
Distance: 9.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,780 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Starting Elevation: 9,240 feet (Glacier Gorge Trailhead)
Peak Elevation: 10,900 feet (Sky Pond)
Best Time of Year to Hike: June to September
The Trailhead: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
My day started early at around 3:30am, arriving at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead in the dark. There were about 3 other cars in the parking lot at this time. In summer months and weekend days the parking can fill up very quickly so I would arrive as soon as you can. The alternative is parking at the Bear Lake lot, which adds about 0.5 miles to the hike.
First Stop: Alberta Falls
About 0.8 miles into the hike, you'll reach the impressive Alberta Falls. Even in the early morning light, the cascading water creates a mesmerizing scene. It's a popular spot since it is not as far up the trail. A lot of people will just do a short hike here and head back. If you aren’t here early in the morning it can be super crowded.
The Loch: A Taste of Alpine Beauty
The Loch is a bit up the trail at around 2.8 miles. This subalpine lake offers a preview of the scenery to come, with Thatchtop Mountain and Taylor Peak reflected in its calm waters. There are a ton of awesome little trails off of the main one that you can go get a nice and secluded view of the Loch at.
The Scramble: Timberline Falls
The most challenging part of this hike is at Timberline Falls. You'll need to scramble up the side of the waterfall. I did this in the dark and will admit it was quite sketchy, I found the easiest route was to go straight up the fall. Thankfully I brought extra socks for the hike back down and had waterproof boots. Getting back down the waterfall is also very difficult and while it is tempting to reach Sky Pond make sure to be safe!
Lake of Glass: Don't Be Fooled
After conquering Timberline Falls, you'll reach the aptly named Lake of Glass. This lake gets its name for a reason, it offers some beautiful still water and reflections of the mountains. Many hikers mistake this for Sky Pond, but press on - the best is yet to come! You will know your at Sky Pond when it looks like the pictures.
The Final Push: Reaching Sky Pond
The last stretch to Sky Pond is just beyond the Lake of Glass and super easy compared to what you've just accomplished. As you round the final bend, the view will take your breath away. The jagged spires of the Sharkstooth formation loom over the crystal-clear alpine lake, creating a scene straight out of a fantasy novel. I reached Sky Pond about 15 minutes for sunrise and was a little rushed to scramble around the lake for a photo spot. Overall it took me about 2.5 hours to reach it, if I were to hike this again I would budget an extra 15 minutes to find a composition at the top before sunrise. The alpine glow off of the peaks lasts less than 10 minutes so it is important to be ready and in place when it happens!
Tips for Hikers and Photographers
Start early to avoid crowds and catch the best light.
Bring layers - weather can change quickly at high altitudes.
Pack plenty of water and snacks - you'll need the energy.
Use trekking poles, especially for the scramble up Timberline Falls.
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive mountain views.
Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the deep blues of the alpine lakes.
Conclusion
The hike to Sky Pond is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. Whether you're a photographer chasing the perfect shot or a hiker seeking alpine solitude, this trail offers an experience you won't soon forget. As I sat by the shore of Sky Pond, watching the light play across the water and mountain peaks, I was reminded of why I do this - to capture and share these present moments of natural beauty.
