Glass Lake and Sky Pond are accessible from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The lakes are located above treeline, .35 miles apart in a deep valley carved by Taylor Glacier, and capped by Taylor Peak (13,153'), Powell Peak (13,208'), and The Sharkstooth (12,630').

Visitors will enjoy a stop at The Loch, Timberline Falls and dramatic alpine landscapes on the hike to Glass Lake and Sky Pond:

The Loch Vale Trail rises over Glacier Creek through young aspen and mixed pine to Alberta Falls (.85 miles : 9,423'). A moderate climb continues to the North Longs Peak Trail split (1.6 miles : 9,768'), where it banks southwest and levels through a gap between Thatchtop Mountain (12,668') and the Glacier Knobs.

The trail drops to Glacier Junction (2.1 miles : 9,804'), a point marking the convergence of two glacial valleys with access to some of Rocky Mountain's most renowned destinations.

Follow signs to The Loch. Travel eases over Icy Brook, then steepens away on switchbacks in a thick forest (2.5 miles : 9,985'). The valley opens upon reaching The Loch (2.95 miles : 10,192'), where the main trail veers right up its north shore.

The trail hugs the shore before re-entering a dark, stream-crossed forest on the Loch's west side (3.3 miles : 10,215'). Fishing is notably good on slow moving sections of the inlet.

Travel moderates to a pair of footbridges spanning Andrews Creek at the Sky Pond Trail - Andrews Glacier Trail split (3.65 miles : 10,379').

It steepens considerably in a thinning forest to the base of Timberline Falls (4.0 miles : 10,642'), a misty cascade that drops sharply from the edge of Glass Lake.

Here you'll begin a short but demanding climb up the north side of the falls. Though not technical, only confident hikers should attempt this.

The trail is not marked but the path is quite intuitive (there's essentially only one way to go). Heavy run-off and lingering moisture can make the climb treacherous - exercise caution and good judgment at all times. Groups should allow space between individuals.

The trail abruptly crests atop the falls and levels in open alpine to Glass Lake (4.15 miles : 10,808'). Glass Lake features an emerald green hue and large, populous trout. Views back down valley are exceptional from the lake's north shore.

The trail - rugged and indistinguishable at times - continues up the west side of Glass Lake through krummholz and talus to Sky Pond (4.5 miles : 10,887').

The space between the lakes is dotted with ponds, meadows and cascading streams, and worth exploring if time permits.

Sky Pond, which is actually quite larger than Glass Lake, fills a rocky bowl encased by Taylor Glacier, Taylor Peak, the Sharkstooth, and the Gash. Sky Pond's outlet can be safely crossed to find some of the best views over the two lakes.