This is a redo. Hopefully, the weather will be better this time!

This has been my favorite hike so far in RMNP, which is saying something. The trail starts at Glacier Gorge Trailhead, goes up to Alberta Falls, then to The Loch, then to Timberline Falls, and on to Glass Lake and Sky Pond. Once you pass Alberta Falls, you have fairly open views of the two craggy & lovely ridgelines that edge the trail, plus views of the park on the way back. The trail follows the river that feeds into the Falls and its multiple mini-falls. Each pond is backed by a ridiculously picturesque promontory of craggy rock. You even get a wee bit of tundra up top.

Some of the information below is borrowed from Protrails. Check out the site for a longer description of the hike and more photos.

Views:Stupendous

Round-Trip Length: 9 miles

Start-End Elevation: 9,210' - 10,808' (Glass Lake) : 10,887' (Sky Pond)

Elevation Change:+1,677'

Skill Level: Intermediate. There may be snow on the trail, some downed trees, and there's a bit where you have to climb up the side of a waterfall--a baby waterfall, but not for beginners.

Dogs Allowed: No. Bucky's probably going to daycare at Estes Park Pet Lodge. Maybe we can get a discount if anyone else wants to use their services.

Has Heather been on this trail before?: Up to Glass Lake.

Pass Required? Yup.

Meeting Spot: Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The parking lot is small & filled up by 8:50 last time I was there. There is a restroom at the trailhead.

Meeting Time: Hike starts at 8:45. Seriously. Get there earlier. Bear lake road takes a good 1/2 hour to get down, so figure that into your time.

Contacts:

• Me: I prefer text messages. I’ll email final trip goers my contact info a couple of days before the hike. If you don’t get an email from me, you can let me know on this page, or email me (click on my name).
• Ranger District:
  • Visitor Information: [masked] (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Emergency: [masked]

Things to consider:

• Give yourself extra time to get down Bear Lake Road. It’s about 2 hours from Wheat Ridge. You will be in there before they shut down the road. Once you're in, you can drive back out. "All visitors, in private vehicles or shuttle buses, should expect at least two 20-minute delays both west and eastbound through the construction area. There will be no construction delays between Park & Ride and Bear Lake." (from the RMNP site)
• Wear boots for this one. There are rocky sections that can twist your ankle. Bring a ski hat, gloves, and a warm layer as well.  It could snow at the top or just be crazy windy.  Poles & spikes would also be helpful, if you have them.
• I believe in enjoying those lakes you worked so hard to see. Bring something to eat & have a lunch. I'd like to hang out as long as I can at the top.

Trail Description:

FOLLOW THE SIGNS. And the river.

• Junction 1: Follow signs for ALBERTA FALLS first on the Loch Vale Trail 0.8 miles (9,423’). This is the most crowded section of the trail. The falls are really powerful, so speak up if you want to take a longer gander at them.
• Junction 2: Follow signs for THE LOCH next. It’s 0.9 miles to a junction with the North Longs Peak Trail (9,768'). Take the trail to the right. When in doubt, stay close to the river. There are a series of mini falls and rapids down below and craggy rock walls above.
• Junction 3: Keep following signs for THE LOCH. It’s 0.5 miles to Glacier Junction (9,804'). The other trail goes to Mills Lake, Jewel Lake, & Black Lake.
• Junction 4: Now follow signs for GLASS LAKE & SKY POND. It’s 0.6 miles to the sign. This is where I hit snow in early June.
• Point 5: There’s no sign here. To reach GLASS LAKE (0.8 miles), you need to head for the waterfall. You’ll be climbing up it’s right side. The trail was hard for me to find before, since there was snow covering the slope. Again, stay to the right side of the river. To climb up the waterfall, look for the steps that head into the waterfall instead of trying to skirt along the far edge. It’s an easier path. I found that the rocks weren’t slippery, but you should check your footing as you go. And it wasn’t bad coming down.
• THE END! Hang out at Glass Lake for a bit, then head to SKY POND, which lives just over a wee ridge that divides the two. Walk around the right side of the pond. There are steps and paths through the boulders, so look for them when staring at the chunks of rock. Pat yourself on the back & sit down for some lunch. We’ll be going back the way we came.

Late folks: If the Glacier Gorge lot fills, you can park at the Bear Lake Trailhead & either get on the trail from there or take the shuttle down to the Glacier Gorge lot. My cell doesn't work in that area, so let me know as soon as possible if you're still coming but will be late.

Carpooling: I have a pass. If you want to get into the park for free, then let me know. I can take 4 people...in a Civic...so it'll be squooshed. If you want to carpool with me from Denver, my pooch will be in back on the way up & down & I will be noodling around Estes Park as long as I can that day.

After the hike: There's a Scandinavian Midsummer Fest going on in Estes Park. It's free and at Bond Park until 5ish. You're welcome to join me.