Pros & cons
PROS
- Jaw-dropping cirque lake with views of Taylor Glacier and jagged peaks
- Rewarding route that strings together Alberta Falls, The Loch, and Lake of Glass
CONS
- Requires a wet, slick scramble up Timberline Falls
- Parking fills before dawn; no facilities at the lake
Overview
Sky Pond is the payoff everyone talks about: a high-alpine cirque lake set beneath serrated cliffs and Taylor Glacier. Getting here is an adventure—think waterfalls, multiple lakes, and one memorable scramble—so the destination feels earned and wonderfully wild.
Route Highlights
- Alberta Falls comes early as a crowd-pleasing warm-up.
- The trail cruises along The Loch (Loch Vale) before climbing toward Timberline Falls.
- Timberline Falls is the crux: you’ll scramble directly up wet rock for roughly 100 feet.
- Immediately above is Lake of Glass—beautiful, but not the end. Continue about a half mile to reach Sky Pond.
- At the pond, wander the shoreline for different perspectives of the cirque and glacier.
Difficulty and Safety
Expect 9–9.5 miles round-trip with roughly 1,600–2,100 feet of gain, depending on start point and measurements. The scramble is slick and can feel exposed; take it slow and only proceed if you’re comfortable. Snow and ice can linger into early summer—traction can be a day-saver. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent.
Logistics and Permits
Start from Glacier Gorge Trailhead (shortest option, tiny lot) or Bear Lake Trailhead (larger lot, adds a bit of distance). Timed-entry for the Bear Lake Road corridor is required in season; the free shuttle is clutch when lots fill. There are no facilities between the trailheads and Sky Pond—use restrooms at the start and pack out all waste.
Geology in a Nutshell
This entire valley is glacier-made: U-shaped walls, stacked lakes, and a classic cirque at the top. The cliffs ringing Sky Pond are ancient crystalline rock sculpted by repeated glaciations, which also left those perfectly perched basins.
Best Time to Visit
June through September is prime, though snow can hang on into July. Start early (aim for pre-7 a.m.) to beat parking crunches and to be descending before routine afternoon thunderstorms. Morning light is best for reflections at Lake of Glass and Sky Pond; winds often pick up by midday.
Wildlife and Etiquette
You may encounter wildlife anywhere along the route. Keep your distance, don’t feed animals, and follow Leave No Trace—this fragile alpine basin needs gentle footsteps.
Where it is
40.2782, -105.6687Tips for Sky Pond
- 01If Glacier Gorge parking is full, start from Bear Lake and connect the same route.
- 02Continue past Lake of Glass—Sky Pond is still about a half mile farther.
- 03Start at dawn to secure parking and be below treeline before afternoon storms.
- 04Bring footwear with great traction; microspikes can be helpful into early summer.
- 05Use the Bear Lake Road shuttle when lots are full; timed-entry is required in season.
Near Sky Pond
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayLake of GlassMirror-like alpine tarn just above Timberline FallsScenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayThe SharkstoothClassic granite tooth for climbers above Sky Pond
0.5 mi awayTimberline FallsWaterfall gateway to Sky Pond with a spicy, wet scrambleScenic Viewpoint
0.9 mi awayAndrews TarnGlacier-fed alpine tarn tucked beneath towering cliffsScenic Viewpoint
2.6 mi awayEmerald Lake TrailThree alpine lakes and dramatic peaks in a short, rewarding climbModerate · 3.6 mi · 1.6 hr
2.6 mi awayFlattop Mountain TrailSteady climb to the Continental Divide with huge alpine viewsChallenging · 8.8 mi · 5.5 hr
2.6 mi awayDream LakeShort, scenic climb to a glassy alpine lake with big payoffEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.1 hr
2.6 mi awayLake Haiyaha TrailMilky‑turquoise alpine lake with a short boulder scramble finaleModerate · 4.2 mi · 0 min
