Hike to 2 Waterfalls, 3 Lakes, and Beyond in Rocky Mountain National Park

The hike to Sky Pond is a 9.0 mile round trip that passes two stunning waterfalls, and three alpine lakes surrounded by wildflowers and unique geological features. The trail is located at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, about 8 miles down the road from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. This trailhead has extremely limited parking, and during the high traffic months alternative parking is advised (unless of course you're a super early bird like me and can arrive well before 5am). You can take the park and ride shuttle to this trailhead, or you can try continuing up the road to the Bear Lake Trailhead. From there, take the connecting trail leading to "Alberta Falls". There is a good chance however that on a weekend, this parking lot will also be full by about 9am. Arrive early!

Beginning from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, you will cross a small creek and at about .25 miles into the trip, will arrive at the intersection that connects to the Bear Lake TH. At this point, you will want to head left, and hikers coming from the Bear Lake TH will continue straight.

At just under 1 mile, you will reach Alberta Falls, one of the more popular hiking destinations of RMNP. This scenic 30ft waterfall cascades into a small gorge to the left of the trail, and is often extremely busy during the mid afternoon. Hikers that arrive early however will be treated to a typically empty view!

At a little under halfway, you will reach the Mills Junction. The left trail will take hikers to Mills and Black lakes, while the side trail leads to Lake Haiyaha. To continue towards Sky Pond, head straight on the Loch Vale Trail.

Shortly after the junction, the route becomes steeper with a few very short switchbacks (the third of which ends with a spectacular view of a thin waterfall cascading down the gorge below). Please remember NOT to make shortcuts! Stay on the trail to avoid damage and erosion!

At approximately 2.8 miles, you will have reached the Loch Vale, one of the most studied watersheds in the park. This beautiful lake offers camping for backcountry hikers and fishing with a permit. From here, you will be able to see Taylor Peak (13,153'), Thatchtop Mountain (12,668'), The Sharkstooth (12,829'), and Powell Peak (13.209'). To continue to Sky Pond, head right along the shore of the Loch.

At just over 4 miles from the trailhead, you will have arrived at the base of Timblerline Falls. This is, by far the hardest section of the trail as it requires the use of both hands and feet to scramble 100ft up the side of the waterfall. This would absolutely not be recommended in the winter without sufficient ice climbing gear! The first 30 feet are so are the most challenging, and after that it's a relatively easy scramble to the top. Keep in mind that the falls will be wet, slippery, and even icy at times. Climbing up is optional, but climbing back down is mandatory! Keep this in mind :o)

At the top of Timberline Falls you will have reached the Lake of Glass. This lake is actually smaller than Sky Pond, but boasts a fantastic turquoise hue and is framed by creeks and wildflowers as far as you can see. The trail towards Sky Pond becomes a little rugged and hard to spot at this point, but if you pay attention and keep to the western shore you shouldn't have a problem. The short .4 mile stretch between the Lake of Glass and Sky Pond is ridiculously scenic, and full of small waterfalls and streams of melted glacier run off.

At 4.5 miles, you will have completed approx ~1,680' of elevation gain and arrived at Sky Pond. To the right you will see The Sharkstooth - my favourite geological feature in the park! For a better view of the lake and Sharktooth, the creek to your left is relatively easy to cross. Head up towards the ridge line for a view of all three lakes!