Sky Pond

Be sure to click on these thumbnail photos for larger versions.

1. Shortly after beginning the hike there are a couple places where you can look back toward the Bear Lake area. This shot shows fall colors coming out nicely.

2. A little farther, again looking back toward Glacier Basin.

3. The Loch. Timberline Falls is visible far off in the distance in this photo. Can you see it?

4. Still hiking along The Loch. I've zoomed in a little and timberline falls is a little easier to see now.

5. One of many small waterfalls along Icy Brook.

6. There, now Timberline Falls is coming into view nicely. The trail proceeds up along the right side of the falls. Close enough that you get a little wet as you climb.

7. There she is, Timberline Falls. The falls is so named because it's altitude is right at timberline.

8. Just above Timberline Falls is Glass Lake.

9. This waterfall is just below Sky Pond.

10. Sky Pond, my destination. Taylor Glacier can be seen over the lake.

11. Looking to the West at Sky Pond, with Taylor Peak at far left. This scene is too large to capture with one 28mm shot. This photo is three shots connected together.

12. On the way back down, I noticed that you can see Andrews Glacier from the East side of The Loch. Some people do a loop hike climbing Flattop Mountain, and then follow the Continental Divide on to Hallett Peak and Otis Peak and then descend by sliding down Andrews Glacier. Those who heed the warning of the park rangers come down the southern edge of the glacier.

13. About a mile or so from completion of the hike, I began to notice helicopter sounds. I was high enough that I could see the helicopter flying into Tyndall Gorge. He was carrying something at the end of a long cable. My first thought was Oh No, a rescue. It soon became apparent that he was making not one, but several passes up into Tyndall Gorge. Then I thought; fire? I don't see any smoke.

14. This little guy was begging for a handout. Sorry Bud, I can't help you. It's for your own good.