Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is a 9.8 mi trail with 1,780 ft of climbing — about 4h 10m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 12. About 35% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead waterfall scramble to an alpine cirque
9.8 mi and 1,780 ft of climbing work out to 4h 10m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the summer refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Rocky Mountain National Park runs around 78°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
51°F · Chance Rain Showers · wind 6 to 13 mph
NOAA forecast for Rocky Mountain National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyDue to very high fire danger, the extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in the State of Colorado, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. When Stage 2 Fire...
Live NPS alert for Rocky Mountain National Park · sourceDue to some unexpected technical issues that are impacting recent transponder sales and renewals, Rocky Mountain National Park is temporarily pausing the sale and renewal of transponder devices. Updates will be...
Live NPS alert for Rocky Mountain National Park · sourceAbout 4h 10m of moving time for 9.8 mi and 1,780 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 2.1–4.2 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge is closed to dogs. Our Rocky Mountain National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 12. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 35% of the route is shaded, and Rocky Mountain National Park peaks around 78°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.