Sky Pond and Glacier Knobs.

I'd been wanting to go for something big this week, but when the suggestion of Sky Pond came up, a shorter day felt ok.  Plus I had two attempts and two failures at this body of water over the winter, and wanted to get to it quite badly.  

On my most recent attempt in early April, I encountered quite slushy snow conditions on the way back, and I remembered thinking, "This will be good to go in a week or two.  Unless it snows again."  And then we went on to have one the snowiest Aprils on record. 

Alberta Falls now melted out and spectacular. 

We encountered this guy and later a female around East Glacier Knob.  No calves were seen, but just keep your eyes open.  He did not want to give up the trail, but I found my deer removal technique (which is to skitter a rock along the ground in front of them) worked well here, despite my bad aim. 

Looking up to Loch Vale- similar view here in winter.

At The Loch.  The predominate rock face in the middle separates the way to Sky Pond (left) and the way to Andrews Glacier (right).

Here is Dan ascending the standard route, which had previously been buried in snow and had corniced snow atop it.  There is still some lingering snow and ice, and the waterfall has wet some of the rock as well, making things a bit slippery.  Use caution!
You circle around Glass Lake, hop a little talus, and then....

Powell Peak as seen from Sky Pond.  It was nice to finally be here after several attempts!

And I sighted the first Marmot of the year, and witnessed it apparently eating lichen off of some of the rocks in the area.  Either that, or they eat rocks.

Dan remarked that Powell Peak is the only peak on this region of the divide which he has not done yet.  Which means we will probably be on top of it soon.

Taylor Peak.

From looking at the zero feet of snow right next to it, this snowfield appeared to be about 12 feet deep. 

Glass Lake was quite pretty as well.

Back down to The Loch and beyond.
Dan had a big day on Sunday, ascending McHenrys Peak, one of the hardest in the park.  I had earlier suggested adding on Glacier Knobs since we go right by them and had talked about doing them at some point.  It was only now that he said yes.

Timberline Falls.
I have described how to find West Glacier Knob here.  It can be a bit tricky, as there are two high points in this area, and the western one of those looks like it is higher.  But West Glacier Knob is actually the eastern high point here.

Hopefully that explains it a little better.

A little guy came out to look at us longingly as we snacked. 

Back up to Loch Vale.

And into Glacier Gorge, Half Mountain and Storm Peak visible on the ridge line extending from Longs.
We got back down to the trail and continued down.  Shortly after reaching the fire trail, we started our ascent of East Glacier Knob. 

We ran into this cow Elk pretty close to where we saw the male.  We took cover behind a rock in case there was a baby around, but all she did was look at us.  We made our way through the forest opposite her direction.
While there is a class two way up, we decided to tackle a more direct route that was in the fourth class, which added some fun adventurous scrambling to the day. 

Krumholtz looking like a large Bonzai with Glacier Gorge in the background.

This is a great shorter but still somewhat challenging ascent, which offers very rewarding views of the surrounding locale.

Don't slip!  We headed north to find the second class ramps that head up the mountain.  Easier going, but just as exposed.
I didn't pay attention to the time when we got back to the car, but it was early afternoon.  A refreshing beverage was had before we started to make our way down.  Every week we can see an increase in the amount of cars in the parking lots, more people on the trails, and many more people in Estes Park.
It was great to get to Sky Pond after several attempts.  It does offer a very pretty place to have a bite to eat and relax for awhile.  There is still snow covering the trail once you pass The Loch, but the way is pretty well beat in and relatively posthole free.  Glacier Knobs are fun and really do not add that much more difficultly and do offer a great view and sense of reward (particularly the East one).  Consider checking those out next time you are up this way!
Sky Pond and Glacier Knobs:
Sky Pond: 4.4 miles one way, 1720 foot gain.  Moderate +.
Glass Lake: 4.2 miles one way, 1640 foot gain.  Moderate +.
Timberline Falls: 3.9 miles one way, 1300 foot gain. Moderate.
The Loch: 2.9 miles one way, 1000 foot gain.  Moderate.
West Glacier Knob: 2.6 miles one way, 1100 foot gain.  Moderate.
East Glacier Knob: 2.3 miles one way, 1045 foot gain.  Moderate.  Second class at least.

Another attempt at Sky Pond.

Again this week I went for Sky Pond.  While I didn't make it, again due to snow conditions, this day stands in my mind as the single most beautiful day I've ever had in the park.  This was mostly helped by the three to eight inches of powder that had fallen the night before.  Everywhere I looked was like a postcard.  This was helped along by the crystal clear blue skies and almost no wind. 

 Alberta Falls, now covered in snow, soon to be roaring.

At the Loch looking up.  I noticed on the way back it was getting a little slushy here and there.  Might be wise to start going around soon.

I got to a clearing below the standard route, and could see from there things did not look good.  I could see the footprints of someone who had been up recently and turned back.  The slope on the right had actually avalanched, covering their tracks in places. 

I decided to try to take the gentle looking snow ramp up the north face of Thatchtop.  It looked like the slope flattened out at a height that was just above where you'd top out the standard route.  Going up was ok- the snow was firm, and I stuck to areas where rocks were visible, and there was less snow.

Looking across the gorge to the hillside which had avalanched in several places.  I even heard something fall while I was up there.

This area of snow on Thachtop looked like it was ready to go at any second.

So this is what I saw from my high point.  The way across looked bad, crossing several small couloirs with deep snow in them.  Also on my mind was that as soon as the sun hit this slope, the snow conditions would start to change quite rapidly.  I traded my snowshoes for crampons and one of my hiking poles for an ice axe and headed down

However, while I was up here I did managed to find Embryo Lake, a small pool that lies above the Loch and below Sky Pond.  I am told there is an unofficial trail to this which joins the main trail at the split for Andrews Glacier.  Of course, I cannot confirm this!  But I'd say you want to go about ten to fifteen minutes past the Loch and then turn left when you cross Andrews Creek.

Looking back up.

Embryo Lake.

I took the higher trail on my way back down.  Got this cool view.
At the split for Mills Lake and Loch Vale, I remembered seeing a sign for Lake Haiyaha.  With plenty of time left in the day, I decided I would go for that.  Apparently, this also serves as the winter trail to access Loch Vale and Glacier Gorge, and there is a turnoff somewhere for Lake Haiyaha.  I didn't know this, and by the time I found this out from another hiker, I was pretty far down and just decided to call it a day.  

Back at the parking lot. 

Well, no big write up this time, this is essentially the same hike as the last attempt.  But a pretty fun day in spectacular scenery was had.  The spring meltdown is definitely on in full force, and though we will certainly get some more snow, things should be clearing up soon.
Also if you haven't seen it, the full report on the fatal avalanche involving Lisa Foster has been released on CAIC.  Read it here.
Embryo Lake via Glacier Gorge TH:
3.7 miles one way, 1200 foot gain.  Moderate+.

Loch Vale in the winter.

I met up with Dan in Lyons again this past Tuesday.  The drive up to Estes was pretty mellow.  Our plan was to attack the entire Loch Vale drainage, ending up at Sky Pond.  

Some of our talk on the way up centered around the avalanche last weekend that killed one person and left author Lisa Foster injured.  Of course, always a reminder that even the most experienced persons can get into trouble.  We decided to proceed and keep an eye on the slopes around us with avalanche conditions listed as considerable.  My condolences to the family of Mr. Laurienti and wishes for a speedy recovery to Ms. Foster.

Also weighing somewhat heavily on my mind was the passing of a friend and someone who has been a major inspiration in my life last Saturday, the 15th.  After a long fight with an incurable genetic illness, he ended his own life.

Alberta Falls, not falling.

Views await....

Fortunately at our lower and more sheltered elevation, we were not exposed to the full force of the wind.  Looking at the snow blown off these peaks makes me feel chilly!

This is the final part of the hike to The Loch.  Shortly after, you'll reach the lake.

At the lake the wind was ripping, and we quickly made our way around it to find some shelter in the trees for a snack.  Up until now, there had been just a few inches of new or blown snow over an obvious packed trail.  We were just in boots the whole way up.  But the packed trail was less defined on the other side of the lake, with more snow on top.  Postholing ensued.  Soon we stopped and put on our snowshoes.

Last week I didn't feel great, but this week my legs were ready, and I was happy to take a turn in the front and break trail.

Saw this frozen boot print standing at a 90 degree angle to the snow surface.

Looking back down the gorge.
We got to the part of the trail that would normally require a short scramble up some rocky stuff to continue on.  The standard route here was looking worse and worse the closer we got.

In the end, we identified 3 possible routes up.  The standard in blue had corniced snow and scrambling, the red and green both crossed steep snow fields.  We talked and both agreed Sky Pond would have to wait for another day.  It's disappointing to not be able to obtain a goal, but of course it'll be there next time, and it's better to err on the side of caution.

The Loch from above.

Back at The Loch we started to see a few people.  The wind had calmed down a bit and I was able to get a few photos.

Water, water, everywhere,
Nor any drop to drink.

The surface of the lake was mindbending.  Frozen, cracked, melted, refrozen.
At this point we decided to take a trip over to Mills Lake.

Shortly after, at Mills Lake, aka "Sexy Lake".  Seriously, search Google Images for the phrase sexy lake.  This is one of the few actual sexy lakes that comes up!

But all jest aside, this really is one of the most beautiful and accessible lakes in the park.
Traffic picked up on the way back to the parking lot.  I love seeing families out, little kids with snowshoes strapped to their feet.

This cool looking tree was along the trail on the way back.
We got back to the parking lot, which was now almost full!  I guess that will only get worse as the season goes on.  But, not really a concern for me since I am usually there by dawn.
Despite not obtaining our ultimate goal for the day, it was still a fun day in the park, as I'd say pretty much any day in the park is.
In loving memory of Shannon Larratt.
The Loch via Glacier Gorge TH:
2.9 miles one way, 1000 foot gain.  Moderate.