The article features a hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Timberline Falls, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond, showcasing the scenic beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park through stunning photography.
This Photo Essay: Timberline Falls, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park provides an immersive visual journey through some of the most scenic spots in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. This photo essay captures the essence of the hike from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, detailing the natural beauty encountered along the way to Timberline Falls, Glass Lake, and ultimately, Sky Pond.
The trail, starting from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, is described as challenging yet rewarding, with a distance of approximately 4.15 miles to Glass Lake and an additional 0.35 miles to Sky Pond. The narrative begins with a mention of the serene Alberta Falls, one of the initial highlights of the hike, setting the stage for the more rugged and breathtaking sights ahead.
Timberline Falls introduces adventurers to the raw power of nature with its cascading waters, serving as both a visual spectacle and a natural barrier that requires some scrambling to overcome. The article then leads the reader to Glass Lake, often cited as one of the most beautiful lakes in the park, known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding peaks like a mirror.
Sky Pond, the final destination, sits in a dramatic alpine valley, surrounded by towering peaks and the remnants of the Taylor Glacier. The photo essay captures the unique atmosphere of this high-altitude lake, with images showcasing its vibrant reflections and the stark, beautiful landscape around it. The essay emphasizes not just the scenic beauty but also the sense of achievement in reaching Sky Pond, highlighting its otherworldly appearance that contrasts sharply with the rest of the park’s landscapes.
Glass Lake and Sky Pond are located 4.15 and 4.5 miles away from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, which is located in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lakes sit just above Timberline Falls in a deep valley capped by Taylor Glacier, Taylor Peak (13,153′) and Powell Peak (13,208′). The peaks sit along the edge of the famous Sharkstooth Ridge, also known as The Sharkstooth.
Often called the prettiest lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Timberline Falls and Sky Pond are an excellent destination in a beautiful part of the Rockies. The pond sits high in an alpine valley, carved by Taylor Glacier, which still lives on, above the lake. It is the third in a string of alpine lakes you’ll pass en-route. Carve out a significant chunk of time for this hike as it is longer and more difficult than Bear Lake or Emerald Lake. Because of its stunning beauty, the trail is visited all year long. Plan your trip accordingly and bring a camera. Checkout our detailed trail review article.
Here’s my photo essay from my hike on July 12, 2020
