29 July, Moraine, Rocky Mountain National Park

Today was a BIG hike day: 11 miles, 2,000’ elevation gain, maximum elevation 10,860’

An early start to hike Sky Pond let us realize we weren’t early enough. The lower and upper parking lots were full, and the Park and Ride was also quite full.  We were able to sneak in with Motorcycle Parking (thank you KTM) at the Bear Lake parking lot.  After a quick detour to Bear Lake, we headed on to Sky Pond.  This was a spectacular hike!  Traveling along Glacier Creek with continual waterfalls, Aspen trees, and many bridges, we came upon Alberta Falls, a popular tourist attraction at less than a mile from the parking areas.  After passing many more falls and bridges, we came to The Lock, a beautiful mirror lake.  Continuing on, we eventually came to Timberline Falls.  These falls were quite impressive.  To continue on to Glass Lake, we had to climb up a 30’ water fall at the side of the big falls - it was quite challenging, and left Dave with a knee scrape and me with intrepidation for the return climb down.  We came up to Glass Lake which we initially thought was Sky Pond (surely we must be high enough).  It was a cold lake to chill our feet and a refreshing place to relax and enjoy quick nourishment.  Once we got our shoes back on, we continued on to Sky Pond.  Sky Pond was a beautiful glacier lake with the snow dropping into the water in several places, but few trees.  

The hike was filled with so many amazing large rocks with beautiful strata, swirled and striped.  Climbing back down the challenging waterfall left me with confidence

Sky Pond Trail

Timberline Falls

Bear Lake

Glass Lake

and wanting to try more rock climbing - probably best that there were no other opportunities.  We also encountered several elk alongside the trail. One particular cow with her calf got a little protective and strode on the path, directly in front of the hikers close behind us.  

View through the saddle to Glass Lake

Sky Pond 

We also saw elk bedding down in the abundant lush green grass alongside the trail. The last half mile was the hardest and we strolled back up to Bear Lake, for a last look, then hopped on the KTM back to camp for a well deserved G.T. and hors d’oeuvres followed by fillets and a bottle of Decoy Cabernet, Ahh…..