Trail to

LOCH VALE - GLASS LAKE - SKY POND
ANDREW'S GLACIER

(click on any of the small pics to see the full size image)

Sky Pond - My Favorite Hike In The Park

Whenever anyone asks what's the one hike in Rocky that shouldn't be missed, this is the one I always pick. It's beautiful. It's tough in parts, but not exhausting. It's beautiful. You leave the crowds behind. It's beautiful. You get to see two waterfalls and climb one. It's beautiful. You get to walk on a glacier. Did I mention that it's beautiful? You don't even have to go past the Loch for it to be a great hike. That's because the Loch is beautiful.

From the junction with the Mills Lake trail it's only about a mile of easy switchback hiking to the Loch. This is one of the truly breathtaking spots in the park with Taylor Glacier providing a distant backdrop. If you look closely you can see Timberline Falls in the distance. That's the one you'll be climbing.

The Loch is usually one of the windier spots in the park, but on our 2002 trip Andy and I got there REALLY early and found it as smooth as glass.

The trail follows the north side of the lake and when the lake ends, you have Icy Brook keeping you company. There are a few steep spots on the trail, but it seems like every one is followed by a long, fairly level section. As you hike west, the views of the falls keep getting better.

As you get close to the falls the trail gets fairly steep for a few hundred yards, and then really gets steep just before you reach them. It's worth it.

The climb up the falls looks a lot worse than it is. Head up the right side, taking your time and making sure of your handholds and where you step. When you top out you're at Glass Lake. One thing before you start up the falls. This is mosquito country, make sure you're armed with a good repellent.

We made it to Glass Lake for the first time in August 1978 but didn't get any farther because it started snowing. We thought it would pass quickly, but when it started piling up we decided to make a quick retreat.

From Glass Lake the trail follows the right (northern) side of the lake to Sky Pond. Trail finding can be a little difficult through this area. There's a section of trail that looks like it dead ends against a rock, but actually goes around the rock and over a ledge about ten feet above the lake. Keep going about a half mile to rugged Sky Pond, the end of the trail.

Andrew's Glacier

This can be a seperate trip, or if you're really ambitious like we were in '92, it can be combined with a trip to Sky Pond in one big day of hiking.

About a half mile past the west end of the Loch is a side trail off to the right leading to Andrew's Tarn and Glacier. (It will be on your left if you're returning from Sky Pond.) It's a long hike if you've already been to Sky Pond but certainly not brutal if you're in shape. There's a lot of loose rock and uncertain footing so you'll need to pay attention as you head up.

		Miles
Destination		From Trailhead		Elevation		Elevation Gain
The Loch		2.7		10,180'		940'
Timberline Falls		4		10,450'		1,210'
Glass Lake		4.2		10,820'		1,580'
Sky Pond		4.6		10,900'		1,660'
Andrew's Tarn		4.7		11,390'		2,150'
Andrew's Glacier		5		11,700'		2,460'