14 Miles Later
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.
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.
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.
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.