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Hike to Scenic Waterfalls and Sky Pond

Larimer County, Colorado

4.5/5
based on 1 reviews

Description

Added by Jeff Richards

Check out three alpine lakes and two impressive waterfallsYou'll follow the easy, well-marked trail right to the base of Timberline FallsSee plenty of wildlife along the way9-mile roundtrip hike with 1,780' elevation gain

Starting at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead just before Bear Lake, follow the very easy—and, most likely, very crowded—trail up to Alberta Falls. Never fear; after a mile, you'll come to the falls and the crowds will start to thin out—the tourists from sea-level states won't have enough oxygen to continue any farther.

Past Alberta Falls, the trail starts to climb more seriously. About two miles in, there will be a fork in the trail. To get to Sky Pond, follow the trail to the right toward the Loch. After this point in the hike the trail actually does take you into some intense, but not too difficult, climbs. It's a good workout but nothing to worry about.

Follow this trail up through a little canyon to the Loch, a huge lake that might just be the best part of the hike. Follow the trail around the west bank of the Loch before eventually heading south toward Timberline Falls. Though the trail past the Loch is straightforward and well marked, it does get more difficult before Timberline Falls—the ascent up to the falls is the steepest part of the hike so far and takes you up some steep rock stairs.

Once you arrive at the falls, the trail doesn't appear to continue past where the water pours over a rock face. At this point, look for a sign reading "Sky Pond" that will be pointing toward the rock face. Follow, and when you reach the top you'll be right at the tip of Lake of Glass. To get to Sky Pond from this point, stick to the right side of the lake. The trail might not be obvious at first, but keep an eye out for little cairns on a giant boulder; walk across these and you'll be heading in the right direction. After a half a mile or so, you'll arrive at Sky Pond—a very pretty lake with an impressive Sharktooth rock behind it.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Reviews

Incredible hike, highly recommend!

One of the best hikes in RMNP!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Winter Hike to Loch Vale

Hike to Jewel Lake

Black Lake Trail

Alberta Falls Trail

The Loch Vale Hike