Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail (Winter): A Mid-May Hiking Adventure in Colorado

Jun 18

ABSTRACT

Discover the challenging yet rewarding Sky Pond hike via Glacier Gorge Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Experience a mid-May adventure with snow-packed trails, stunning alpine views, and essential snowshoeing. Plan your trip with our detailed guide on weather, trail conditions, and necessary gear for a memorable Colorado hiking experience.

Keywords

Colorado hikes
Sky Pond hike
Glacier Gorge Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park hikes
Sky Pond trail difficulty
Best hikes in Colorado
Hiking in Colorado in May
Snowshoeing Colorado trails
Glacier Gorge Trail conditions
Sky Pond trail elevation gain
Colorado trail equipment
Sky Pond trail experience

Colorado Hikes: Sky Pond Via Glacier Gorge Trail

Time of Year: Mid-May.

Weather: 41 degrees and partly sunny.

Cover: 70% tree canopy with large exposed.

Time: 8:21 am - 1:28 pm.

Distance: 9.91 miles total.

Cost: Reservation with RMNP and an annual or daily National Park Pass.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Difficulty: Hard level 1 for altitude (10940 feet), elevation gain (2061 feet), and length (9.91 miles). It's class 1-2 technical with a couple of scrambles in the snow. Snowshoes were necessary throughout the trail.

Route: Glacier Gorge Trail to Sky Pond Trail out and back.

Traffic: Moderate.

Parking: 95% full by 8:21 am.

Equipment: Hiking boots, hiking poles, snowshoes (a must), microspikes.

Terrain: A dry dirt path with rocks leads to a snow-packed trail. To avoid wayfinding, many hikers trekked across the icy lakes. Considering May is late in the season, I assume walking on the ice in a week would be unsafe.

Experience: Sky Pond was on my list since the move to Colorado, and it was just as beautiful as I imagined. The winter landscape brought an incredible serenity and a landscape of contrast. While I was eager to test my snowshoes at steeper grades, they were only necessary for some sections at this time of year (although most hikers potholed their way up with spikes). It was mid-May, so the ice was beginning to melt on Loch Lake. Many hikers trekked the shoreline on the ice, and I snowshoed the path on my All-Trails map after seeing several victims drop through the ice and reach their knees.

The final section of the trail was a snowy climb up to Lake of Glass. I identified an avalanche run to the right of the trail, but it appeared safe this late in the spring (a problem in the winter and early spring). The snowshoes handled the steep grade well while my counterparts sludged their way up. Excited to reach the pond, I quickly dropped down for ten minutes. To my surprise, though, Sky Pond was really another climb up. I unsuccessfully tried to follow the true path over deep snow and boulders to avoid walking on an icy Lake of Glass. Once I witnessed a successful ice walk, I followed suit and finally reached the frozen Sky Pond. With clouds rolling in, I traversed back down the snow ramp towards Lock Lake. I, like many others, felt no shame sliding down on my butt with snowshoes on. If you do the same, definitely stay to the left. I believe the frozen waterfall is to the right. The views were remarkable to and from Sky Pond, and I will certainly return in the summer to indulge in a different landscape!

Personal Trainer Notes: Whenever snowshoes and elevation gain intersect on a hike, you’ll always face a greater challenge. Ironically, I passed most hikers on my snowshoes. For an interesting physical challenge, I recommend that my personal training clients take the chance on a winter adventure. I recommend building their technique and stamina on trails with less elevation gain first, though. Otherwise, tackle this hike during the warm summer months. With it comes a cost-more crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park. Either way, it's worth the effort!

**Sky Pond Trail Rocky Mountain National Park**

Lake of Glass Rocky Mountain National Park

**Rocky Mountain National Park Backcountry Skiing**

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!