Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip - Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Hike

About this event

🏔️ SKY POND — ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Join us for a day of hiking, incredible mountain views, and good company at Rocky Mountain National Park!

We'll take on one of the park's most scenic trails, passing waterfalls, alpine lakes, and towering peaks on our way to Sky Pond.

Come solo or bring friends. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, get outside, and enjoy some of Colorado's best scenery.

🥾 SKY POND VIA GLACIER GORGE TRAIL One of the most impressive hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park! The route takes us past Alberta Falls, The Loch, and Timberline Falls before reaching Sky Pond, surrounded by the dramatic Cathedral Spires.

🥾 ~9.5 mi • ↗️ ~1,800 ft gain • Out & Back • Hard • ~6–8+ hrs

🗺️ ALLTRAILS ROUTE: Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail

🎥 TRAIL PREVIEW: Watch the Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Video

Hike Start: ~9 AM

Park Entrance: $30 per vehicle (1-day pass). No timed-entry reservation required in November. Park Entrance Fees

Dogs: Not allowed on park trails

Restrooms: Trailhead

🕘 ITINERARY 7:00 AM — Depart Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride ~9:00 AM — Arrive at Glacier Gorge Trailhead and begin hiking ~9:45 AM — Alberta Falls ~11:30 AM — The Loch (snack and photo break) ~12:30 PM — Timberline Falls (assess trail conditions) ~1:00 PM — Sky Pond (conditions and daylight permitting) ~1:15 PM — Begin return hike ~4:30–5:30 PM — Return to trailhead Evening — Return to Denver

We'll stop for lunch along the trail, so pack food, snacks, and plenty of water.

Important: November daylight is limited, with sunset around 4:45 PM. Reaching Sky Pond is dependent on trail conditions, hiking pace, and safe passage at Timberline Falls. We'll establish a firm turnaround time and may turn around at The Loch or Timberline Falls if needed.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Microspikes

• Trekking poles

• Warm layers, insulated jacket, gloves, and hat

• Waterproof/windproof outer layer

• Headlamp

• Lunch, snacks, and 2–3 liters of water

This is a challenging, high-altitude hike, especially in November. Come prepared for snow, ice, cold temperatures, and changing mountain weather.

🚗 CARPOOLING & PARKING

It's approximately a 2-hour drive from Denver, so carpooling is encouraged! AWD/4WD also highly encouraged!

Meet : Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride, 18560 US-40, Golden, CO 80401, USA · Golden, CO

Depart: 7:00 AM sharp

Driving separately? Plan to meet us at Glacier Gorge Trailhead at 9 AM.

The Glacier Gorge parking lot is small and may fill early. Since park shuttles aren't operating in November, we'll try the nearby Bear Lake Trailhead if Glacier Gorge is full. This adds roughly 0.5 miles each way to the hike.

Passengers: Please contribute toward gas and the park entrance fee.

🌨️ WEATHER & SAFETY PLAN

November weather in Rocky Mountain National Park is unpredictable, and snow or ice is likely at higher elevations.

Snow or ice? Bring microspikes and appropriate winter gear. Deep snow may require snowshoes.

Timberline Falls unsafe? We'll turn around rather than attempt an icy scramble.

Severe weather, avalanche danger, or unsafe roads? We'll choose a safer alternative or cancel.

Final decision: Friday, November 13, based on the latest weather forecast, trail conditions, and avalanche risk.

Looking forward to a great hike and meeting some new people!

From Denver Fun Young Adults 20s to 40s