The world famous Rocky Mountains are very close to the city of Denver and were our first stop during our western USA road trip. For our visit we had to buy a ticket to pass the bear corridor during a time frame of 2 hours. Luckily we were in shoulder season and could have the slot early mornings like we desired. After a short check by a ranger we could continue to the Bear Lake Trailhead. Rangers and signs advise to park at the larger parkings and take the shuttle bus, however, if you are early you can also easily drive to the main parking lot. It saved us quite some time. We targetted to hike to Sky Pond.
We checked this hike with a ranger who said it was challenging but doable. He also mentioned it was a out and back hike, which is less interesting. He was right about the fact the hike was challenging, but we could have made it a kind of a loop if we followed the signs to Lake Haiyaha. Without too much extra distance we would also have made it back to the car park. Missed opportunity according to us. The first hike of the trip for Marie-Claire, the day after arrival on this altitude was very intensive. The last part to Sky Pound is really dangerous. First we had to pass a frozen area and then we had to overcome a few metres climbing up some rocks. It’s doable, but with the water floating over de rocks it was slippery. When you are cautious you’ll be fine.
After the intensive hike we moved further via Highway 34 (closed in winters) to Grand Lake. Underway we stopped at Forest Canyon overlook where you can see the treeline. Quite impressive to look down over the trees, but difficult to put on picture.
Strava track (15 km)