Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park

Amazing Hike, great any season! Gorgeous views. Hiked this trail in the beginning of February. Prepare for extreme wind at the top. It would definitely be beneficial to have ski goggles. We packed snowshoes but the trail was packed down enough to not need them. Step off the trail without them, and you can sink 3-6ft. Snow or ice spikes would be in your best interest for traction. Easier to hike from the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. If you hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead you have to incline the last 0.4 miles of the trail.

Sky Pond is one of my favorite adventures in all of Colorado! It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, it is always an epic experience! The hike is long and tiring at 9.5 miles and 1,750 feet of elevation gain, especially in the winter. However, as long as you’re prepared and know what you’re in for, it’s not that bad. You should be in good shape to make this trek as it can get daunting as you get closer to Sky Pond. The journey to the Loch, lake of glass, and finally sky pond to see the cathedral spires makes it all worth it at the end of the day. Bring plenty of sunscreen since you are completely exposed once you get to the base of lake of glass. It can get very windy up there and I have been chased off from storms a number of times! If you have the time and energy definitely do Sky Pond, it’s on the top of my list for best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!