Hiking Guide to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ve come to the right place! Sky Pond, almost dead center of the park’s boundaries, offers hikers gorgeous views, waterfalls, multiple lakes, jagged peaks, and views across the Rocky Mountain range.
While it’s not a difficult hike by any means, it’s challenging due to an elevation that tops out at around 10,800 feet.
Inside, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to tackle the Sky Pond hike, epic photos, and more to make this an excellent adventure day in the mountains.
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Sky Pond Trail Guide in Rocky Mountain National Park
My first hike as a Colorado resident! I hope you enjoy the hike and the beautiful views from this trail.
1-minute Sky Pond breakdown
- Distance: 8.5 miles | AllTrails Route
- Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
- Time on Trail: 5-8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (due to altitude)
- Time Permit Required: Bear Lake Entry
- Drive time from Denver: 2 hours
- Trailhead Location
My Trail Report from a sunset hike to Sky Pond
For my first hike since moving to Denver, I figured I’d do a classic. I knew it was pretty popular and for good reason. It’s beautiful, and it’s also not too challenging (besides being at high elevation).
I got a couple of friends together and snagged a timed entry permit for the 4-6pm slot the evening before. The drive from Denver was pretty easy, encountering a small rain shower as we headed into the mountains.
Once on the trail, it’s straightforward and in great shape during the summer months. By early July, it’ll be snow-free.
At the quarter-mile mark, you’ll reach a junction. Go left towards Alberta Falls. It’s a steady uphill, but nothing overly steep. Once you get to the falls, take a moment to enjoy the views. Thanks to snowmelt, it was gushing!
This is honestly where a lot of people stop. We kept going, seeing hardly anyone the rest of the way on our sunset hike to Sky Pond.
At the two-mile mark, you’ll pass the Lake Haiyahah Trail and Black Lake Trail (or Mills Lake) Junction. This is around the halfway point of the Sky Pond hike. You’ll keep going straight.
The Loch
Fifteen minutes later, you’ll reach The Loch. Here, you’ll start to get a better view of the rocky peaks above and around you. The Loch is also a nice-looking lake. As you pass that lake, your uphill will start to ramp up, getting you out of the trees and giving you an epic view of the valley below.
Timberline Falls
The hardest point of the hike is Timberline Falls, in my opinion. And this may only be due to hiking in early July. However, the trail goes up and over wet and slippery rocks, posing a significant slip hazard to those who do not take their time.
But before going up, soak up the gorgeous views of Timberline Falls and catch your breath. Just above the rocky/slippery section is The Lake of Glass. This is where we stopped. The sunset colors you see in the images in the article were behind us, and we didn’t need to hike another half mile round trip to reach Sky Pond.
We enjoyed the views of the Rocky Mountains, the waterfall, and the gorgeous wildflowers in the area. As the light began to fade, we turned on our headlamps and started the four-mile stroll back to the car. We flew down it, probably making it in 90-100 minutes.
Photos from the Sky Pond Hike
What you need to know before hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
Timed Entry Permits from May 23 to October 13
This is the MOST CRUCIAL thing to remember about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and hiking Sky Pond or any trail. You must get a timed entry permit to visit the park.
For Sky Pond specifically, you need the Timed Entry + for Bear Lake Road. If you wish to explore other areas of the park, you only need the normal Timed Entry.
Distance From Denver
From Denver, it’s a pretty easy drive to get to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s around 90 minutes to reach Estes Park, the gateway to RMNP. From here, you’ll have maybe 20-25 minutes to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
This doesn’t account for lines forming to enter the park or potential road congestion caused by animals.
Be Aware of the Weather
Mountains create their own weather, even when there’s nothing forecasted. It’s almost important to not only check the weather before hiking, but to be prepared for a fast-moving storm.
While this trail does not have you on a ridgeline, you are above the treeline for the last mile of the hike. This is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm, as there are no trees to shelter under. If you do notice dark clouds starting to build, take a moment to discuss what to do with your group.
(Here’s the Rocky Mountain National Park page on lightning.)
It’s also important to have gear in anticipation of a potential shower. Hiking with your rain jacket is a must during the summer in Colorado.
Altitude Problems? Take it slow.
This trail starts at around 9,000 feet in elevation, significantly higher than most visitors are accustomed to hiking. Due to this, you will surely be out of breath much faster than you are at home. Start slowly and make sure to drink plenty of water, consume electrolytes, and eat nutritious food.
Taking breaks throughout the hike will also help you feel better and keep your heart rate at a more manageable level.
What skill level should do this hike?
Honestly, most people can do this hike, but not all should do the Sky Pond hike. It’s on the longer end of day hikes and meant for fitter hikers who can trek at elevation and handle over an eight-mile day. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, Gem or Emerald Lake is a good alternative in the area.
What lens to bring on the hike?
For the photographers, I brought my 24-105 and my 16-35 lens along with a tripod. The first is my standard hiking lens, but I knew with flowers and lakes, I would want something wider. And boy was I right. Having the wide lens helped grasp the magnitude of the Rockies, while also getting up close to the flowers.
Curious what is in my camera bag? See it all here.
Trailhead has bathrooms
There are bathrooms at the trailhead, and none are available until you return from the hike.
Lodging and Food in Estes Park
Estes Park is the Gateway to RMNP on the east side. It’s got everything you’ll need for a weekend adventure or to grab a bite to eat on your way in or out.
Lodging Options
- Silver Moon Inn – $$$
- Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn – $$
- Appenzell Inn – $$
- Boulder Brook on Fall River – $$$
- Wildwood Inn – $$
- Nicky’s Resort – $
- Estes Mountain Inn – $$
- Expedition Lodge Estes Park – $$
- Stonebrook Resort – Adults Only – $$$$
Good Food Spots
Below are the places I have visited. There are plenty of breweries and excellent places to grab a bite. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
- The Barrel (beer garden)
- Snowy Peaks Winery
- Himalayan Curry and Kebab
Summer Hiking Gear
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun shirt or sun hoodie
- Hiking Shoes or Trail Runners
- Hiking Shorts or Hiking Pants
- 25L+ Hiking Pack
- 2L hiking bladder or water bottles
- Garmin inReach 2
- Garmin Fenix hiking watch
- Light jacket for mornings
- Hiking Poles
Wrapping up the Sky Pond Hike in Colorado
What a fantastic way to start life in Colorado! This trail was awesome and everything I had anticipated it would be. I think most people would consider this a nearly full-day hike, but be sure to enjoy the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park while you’re there.
I hope you enjoyed my Sky Pond trail review and look forward to sharing more of this beautiful state with you. Please subscribe to everything below, as it directly supports my work at no cost.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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