I read about the scramble by sky lake but they didn’t make it sound that bad. I guess we will pass on it. I’m going to look into some of the other hikes you mentioned. I’m going to read up about the times passes again. I believe once you use it if you leave you can not enter again until after 2 unless you have another pass. Thanks

Here are some pictures of the scramble by the waterfall. Most people do it ok, but I have seen people turn around, and have helped people coming down, which is more difficult. Once again, most people do ok.

If you don’t like the looks of it, then you can come down the trail and take the turn off to Andrews.

If you decide on spectacular Black Lake and want extra credit, then walk left around the lake and find the ramp that goes up to the bench above the lake. There should be a well-worn climbers path that can take you back to a number of small lakes that will be shown on a good map.

Any of the above will make for a great day. Be cognizant of thunderstorms building.

Let us know what you find out regarding timed reentry. I’ve never done it, but believe you can. Of course it means waiting in line again at the entrance station. Good luck.

P.S. Here's the link I meant to post above:
https://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/sky-pond.htm

I read up about timed entry again. It seems like if you leave the park you can renter any time except for on the bear road. You can only re-enter there after 2

Black lake hike sounds amazing!! Will probably do that instead of sky lake.
realistically how far is rmnp from Denver international ? We will be in Denver Saturday night but our flight Sunday is not til 8pm. Are there things to do in/ near Denver ? I know there is a chocolate factory your ( not sure if opened on Sunday) if nothing great maybe we will get an early start and go back to Rmnp and do a short hike.
Also I’m hoping the smoke clears up in the are before we get there ( this Sunday ) do you think that’s likely?

On a good day about 90 minutes, ~72 miles.

Smoke seems to be clearing out but who knows what will happen? One of the risks these days.

It's not worth going back to RMNP on your Sunday. There are a lot of good museums in Denver, the big ones like Art and and Nature and Science. A favorite of mine is the Kirkland.
https://www.kirklandmuseum.org/

Lots of others depending on your interests. It will probably still be hot so indoors would be my preference.

Next door to the Kirkland is a fabulous deli
https://eatleven.com/

For quirky fun there is the Church of Cannabis
https://elevationists.org/

If you really need to hike you could look at the Flatirons in Boulder, but then there's the heat.

Thanks for ALL the help. Will report back when we get home

You are welcome. Have a great trip!

Unfortunately we had to cut our trip short and come home Thursday due to a family emergency. We had a great time there due to all those who helped me plan. Day 1-it took much longer to get our car then anticipated due to the fact that all car rentals are off site. We drive straight to garden if the gods which was beyond amazing!!!! I knew it would be hot but the whole time we were in Colorado Springs there was a heat advisory so all planned outdoor activities were modified. We did a few short hikes there and it was time to go to our air b n b. At night we explored the broodmoor hotel ship h us full of old time elegance. We decided to skip the seven falls hike because why pay for it ( shuttle was 20$ a person) when there is plenty of free waterfalls to see.
next day we were up early but our hot air balloon ride was canceled. We got an early start and went to royal gorge bright and early. What an amazing experience!! It was too hot for the seven bridges hike do we took the train ride at the bottom of the gorge. My husband was in heaven !!! He stayed in the opened car almost the whole time snd loved it!!! From inside it was hard to see the bottom of the gorge but maybe an upgraded seat would have seen more. after that we found a cool park snd went wading. Next day pikes peak by shuttle
highlight if the trip!!! Then we went to cliff dwellers
which we really enjoyed! Marimont castle was not as expected. There was a few rooms that are restored to the original state but the rest had artifacts from other places. For example one had things from a judge that presided over the Nuremberg trials. It was a good place for a break on a hot day. We drive towards Estes park early next morning and did ouzel falls hike which was amazing. ( we had no problem getting passes the night before ) on the last morning we got to rmnp early ( before 9) and went to aveil ( sp) fan and drive in ridge trail for about half an hour before having to head to the airport. We got a great taste for the park and hope to be back someday!!!!!

Thanks for reporting back. Sorry to hear about the family emergency but you managed to make good use of your time. Hope you make it back and get to Black Lake next time!

Thanks again for everyone’s help in planning