After walking 7 miles around Lake Pueblo Reservoir last weekend, we felt confident that we could handle the 10.6 mile hike up to the top of Taylor Glacier. We weren't naive. We both knew that hiking up the side of a mountain was not going to be quite as easy as our two hour relatively flat stroll around the Reservoir. But, we still underestimated the difference of climbing 2,000 feet and definitely underestimated the difference in altitude!
We woke up early, though not as early as we had originally planned, loaded up on carbs and set off for Estes Park. We ended up getting to the Bear Lake Trailhead about an hour later than we originally intended. Because of this, we were not able to park at the already full Glacier Gorge parking lot, thus adding an additional 1 mile to our overall hike... and, unfortunately, forcing us to finish our hike with a half mile uphill climb.
We set out for Alberta Falls, eager and energetic. Within five minutes, we already realized that even though we had enjoyed our Reservoir hikes, those trails did not compare to the heavily wooded trails we were now on. The morning was perfect. Sunny, but cool. As expected, we saw plenty of folks on the trail. RMNP is a popular spot and that first 1.2 miles to Alberta Falls has plenty of traffic in the morning and even more as the day goes on.
We continued on, with a few less people on the next section of trail, towards The Loch. The next mile was a decent climb, but nothing daunting. Within about a mile of The Loch, the trail gets noticeably steeper with several switchbacks up the side of the mountain. As we neared The Loch, we came around a corner to see our first snowbank. Shortly after, we had arrived at our first of three beautiful lakes, The Loch. Unlike the other two lakes which our both above timberline, The Loch is surrounded by pine trees and is a quiet sanctuary. The number of hikers around us had decreased substantially over the last half hour and the lake was incredibly quiet and peaceful given the number of people we could see. This lake looked like a popular fishing site and the water was so clear that you could watch the trout swimming around from the shore. We stopped there for a high protein lunch and enjoyed every ounce of fuel we put back in our bodies while sitting on a rock near the lake. We were now well over halfway to Sky Pond having traversed 3.4 miles. Only a measly 1.9 miles to go!
The Loch
We ran in to a hiker who told us that the next mile and a half was easier than what we had just come up and that once we hit Timberline Falls we only needed to "scramble" up some rocks to get to Lake of Glass. Well, he lied to us. And, maybe that was a good thing because it was better to not know the difficulty level and the steep climb that was ahead. When we finally reached Timberline Falls, we stopped to take it all in, take some photos, and then debate whether we were going to "scramble" up the next section. Maybe we didn't understand what the term "scramble" means to hikers! This next portion is a climb up a portion of the waterfall that is the only Class 3 section of the trail. If there weren't other people there or if we hadn't talked to Mr. Helpy Helperton, we might not even have known where to go... despite the Sky Pond sign pointing at the rock wall.
Getting up close and personal with Timberline Falls
Celebrating a little too early!
Now I have to be honest with you. I wasn't sure that Lori would be willing to make this climb. I knew that I was even a little nervous... and I rarely get nervous. But, she was determined and she said she thought we could do it. And, it wasn't easy. It is a definitely a hands on the rock climb. But, what awaits you at the end of this climb through a wet portion of the waterfall is truly worth the effort and the risk!
The Sky Pond sign and the "trail"
(and it looks easier in this picture than in real life)
Once you crest the falls, a beautiful turquoise lake opens up before you. Lake of Glass is surrounded by rock and very few trees because you are now above timberline. We sat there for about 15 minutes soaking in the beauty and even soaking our feet, very quickly, in the ice cold water! A couple of hikers, including Mr. Helperton, had suggested turning around at this point and not climbing more rocks and additional trail to Sky Pond.
Then we ran in to two ladies who told us that it was only a "hop, skip and a jump" to Sky Pond. To which I responded, "Good! Because all I have left in me is a hop, skip and a jump!". And, they were right. Maybe it was a little more than a hop, skip and a jump, but the last half mile to Sky Pond was so worth it. As each mile of our hike passed, the number of folks we saw continued to decrease accordingly. By the time we reached Sky Pond, we saw only two people, not counting the rock climbers in the distance. Once those two left, Lori and I found ourselves alone in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been!
Sky Pond
(8 photos stitched together - click to enlarge)
So many words went through my mind to describe what we were seeing at both Lake of Glass and Sky Pond. Beautiful. Serene. Breathtaking. Peaceful. Inspiring. Stunning. In one word... Striking! I couldn't look at it long enough. After many photos we decided to start the long hike back... though I had to turn one more time to soak it all in.
We headed back. While going downhill is not as easy as it sounds, it is still a lot less difficult than the climb up. We no longer felt like we were searching for air and I even practically jogged down the hill at times. We enjoyed the sights going down as much as we did the first time we saw them. We trudged on, tired and sore but so completely content. When we got back to Glacier Gorge, we started the ascent back up to Bear Lake. That was a rough finish to a long day, but it went quickly. And, then we were done. We walked slowly to the car, savoring the moment. Eight hours and 10.6 miles later, we sat in the car with tired grins crossing our face.
I can't wait to do more hiking in RMNP. And, I already am excited for a return trip to Sky Pond one day! For now, this is one of my favorite places I have ever seen or experienced. Six months ago, my knee wouldn't have lasted eight hours. Six months ago, I probably would have had a stroke or a heart attack on that mountain. Six months ago, I would have grasped for air only hiking to Alberta Falls. Six months ago, I couldn't have gotten to Sky Pond and would have never experienced this day. Here's to experiencing opportunities I never even realized I was missing...
Proof that we really did make it!
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