Experience this 8.6-mile out-and-back trail near Estes Park, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
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Trail was very well packed down. No issues until frozen water fall just below lake of glass. I used spikes & ice axe. Still sketchy. Only 5 others. None made to sky pond . All turned around after lake of glass. Winds 30+, light snow & cloudy . I likewise turned around after lake glass since weather was not good for pictures
Hiked on Friday and great conditions. Would recommend microspikes and poles. Packed trail until the Loch. Deep snow portions past this point but was doable. We were able to make to Sky Pond but had to take our time.
This trail was absolutely stunning and may have been my favorite hike ever. Trail was mostly packed snow and microspikes, gaiters and waterproof boots were sufficient. A nice little scramble at Timberline Falls and windy on the lakes so bring appropriate layers. Lake of Glass and Sky Pond were completely frozen but The Loch was not. Gorgeous hike but definitely not for beginners!
Phenomenal trail. Great winter hike. Don’t be fooled there is snow up in the Rockies this time a year and if you don’t have the right gear you will have some challenges Sky pond is one of the most beautiful alpine lake in RMNP. Along the trail you will need snow shoes or ice cleats . This hike was hard but not impossible. Remember 100% mental is required for any challenging hike because when you finish there is no better feeling. Lead with love and light happy trails
Trail was packed down right up to the final scramble up to Sky Pond. Spikes recommended. All lakes frozen over, which made for some nice routes otherwise unavailable in the summer. The last 20ft of scrambling to Sky Pond was a mix of ice, snow, and exposed rock ledges. Easy to surmount if you kick in some foot holes and take your time.
Did this trail on Sunday, November 10th. Sunny and in the high 30s/low 40s. I felt comfortable for most of the hike with either no protection or just spikes, but I would have loved snowshoes between Lake of Glass and Sky Pond. I ended up stopping at Lake of Glass, my partner went to Sky Pond and said he post-holed up to his waist a few times. The waterfall up to LoG is mostly frozen and covered with snow, can glissade down slowly/carefully. Pretty windy at The Loch and LoG. Overall really beautiful, just will be nicer when it's more tracked out or if you bring snowshoes for the last quarter mile.
We arrived before 7am on Sunday. Trail conditions started super icy. Once we got past the Loch, it begin to snow and the trail was snowy until we got near lower Alberta Falls. It seemed to have melted away by then. However, with the incoming storm conditions will be much different by tomorrow morning. Be prepared for winter in the mountains.
We did it today and made it to Sky Pond. Got lucky with a slight breeze but no gale force winds like usual reviews. Wore microspikes the whole way. Trail was icy and impossible to scale the ledges without them up to Lake of Glass and Sky Pond. All Lakes are frozen already as well as Timberline Falls and Alberta Falls, which still has a little water over the ice. Lots of people on the trail today. Managed to get parking at Glacier Gorge before 8am with ample spots left. No signal at trailhead and accessible in any car as road is paved, but had to exit the park via Fall River Road instead of Beaver Meadows due to scheduled fire burns.
Hiked this trail on Monday afternoon 10/28 via bear lake and fire trail. Absolutely beautiful all the way up! Started in short sleeves but up at lake of glass and sky pond the wind was whipping so added layers. Some flurries at sky pond around 4 pm. Trail was great and only a little ice around the climb up to lake of glass at the waterfall but nothing too difficult to navigate. Arrived around 11:30…glacier gorge was full up to bear lake and lot was full but only had to wait for about 20 mins to park.
Hiked this trail on Saturday 10-29. We got to the parking lot at 9 and were able to park in of the last remaining spots. Some ice on the scramble towards the top, but microspikes aren’t necessary if you watch where you are stepping. Layers were definitely critical on this hike. The first few miles from the trailhead was mild weather, but the wind was blowing strong starting at Lake of Glass.
Trail is amazing. Phenomenal views along the way. We started around 8:45 AM and went to Bear parking lot because first one was full. Albertas waterfall is right on the beginning and then incredible views of the lakes. Sun and wind comes and goes depending how close or far you are from water. Up past the scramble it’s incredibly windy - view is def worth it. Highly suggest. 10/10. Pay attention for ice along the way. Have fun
Completed on 6/21/22. If you’re visiting for the first time, this hike is quintessential RMNP! Unfortunately, due to its epicness this is a very popular trail so I suggest you start really early to beat the crowds. Still a decent amount of snow pack in June so I’d definitely recommend micro spikes if you intend on making it to Sky Pond, poles would be nice as well. Certainly not a hike for those seeking solitude, but the views make up for the high traffic.
