14 Miles Later
Sky Pond
Colorado, known for its picturesque landscapes and challenging trails, provided the backdrop for one of my most cherished hiking experiences – the Sky Pond trail. Accompanied by my close friend Sarah and her boyfriend Max, our journey unfolded with a sense of anticipation and unexpected scenery.
To seize the tranquility of the early morning, we set our alarms for 4 am. Arriving at the park by 5:45 am, we secured a prime parking spot, positioning us perfectly for the day's adventure. The 8.6-mile trail commenced, and within minutes, we were treated to a spectacular sunrise. The pine trees were bathed in hues of pink, casting a warm, orange glow across the park.
The sunrise as we entered the park - 6:19 am
Our initial plan was clear: reach Sky Pond. However, the trail had surprises in store. A spontaneous detour led us to the captivating blue waters of Lake Haiyaha, followed by the serene setting of Mills Lake. Taking a breather by Mills Lake, we soaked in the peace and beauty of the moment, grateful for the unexpected turns our adventure took.
Sarah and I at Mills Lake
As we approached The Loch, the mountains began to reveal themselves, signaling our proximity to Sky Pond. The trail presented a scrambling section, and we marveled at the sheer size of the surrounding mountains. Climbing numerous stairs, we reached the base of a waterfall, played in its waters, and admired the breathtaking Lake of Glass.
Sarah and Max by the waterfall scramble
The waterfall scramble added a thrilling touch to our hike, and it wasn't long before we reached Sky Pond. The mountains cast a silhouette on the water, creating a picturesque scene. We dipped our toes into the ice-cold water, savoring the moment despite the early hour (10:40 am).
Realizing the need to head back before the crowds, we commenced our descent, passing by an elk sitting in the trees just 20 feet away. The close encounter added a surreal touch to our already incredible day.
As we approached the trailhead, a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment set in. Surprisingly, we had covered 14 miles, visited 6 lakes, took 30,000 steps, all in just 7 hours. Returning to the car around 12:30 pm, we were amazed at how much of the day remained.
Our adventure on the Sky Pond trail turned out to be more than just a hike; it was a day of discovery, spontaneity, and breathtaking beauty. As we reflected on the trail's unexpected turns and our physical achievements, the couch awaited us as a well-deserved resting place. This day of exploration and bonding left us exhausted but proud, reaffirming the magic that Colorado's trails have to offer.