Chasm Lake is one of the most beautiful lake hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Be prepared to turn around early. To the right is Lady Washington and to the left is Mt. The hike to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead. The lake shadows the base of the Diamond face of Longs Peak, which towers 2,456 feet above Chasm Lake. This is a tough hike. After one final short and strenuous climb you will be standing at Chasm Lake. The well traveled trail rises steadily to the lake, but the views are worth the difficulty. Trail junctions are well marked with signs throughout the hike. Now, you get to enjoy a brief downhill walk and enjoy this awesome view. If you are unsure where to go, follow the rock cairns. At about the 2-mile point, you emerge from the forest and begin hiking in the subalpine tundra. Trail Description: This hike to Chasm Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Endovalley Picnic Area in Horseshoe Park, located just west of Estes Park. The highest elevation point is 11,823 feet. There’s a good chance you will hike through snow, even in the summer. Chasm Lake - 8.4 Miles Round-Trip Chasm Lake is located 4.2 miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are toilets here. Allow 2–4 hours to reach Chasm Meadow. Chasm Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. We spoke to a park ranger who stated that the lot can be completely full by 2 am!! You have covered most of the elevation gain by this point and what lies in front of you are some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park. Difficulty: Strenuous for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Chasm Lake is a 8.4 mile round trip hike that has an elevation gain of almost 2,500 feet. Be prepared for all weather conditions, even snow in the summer months. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Chasm Lake (Boulder - Front Range) TH: Long's Peak TH off of highway 7. The 8.5 mile roundtrip takes you through the pines up into the rugged terrain of Longs Peak. From the turnoff drive another mile to the ranger station. Camera. This is the point where the hike really gets good. But don’t depend on your phone to call for help, talk to friends, or send photos to friends and family. Hiking shoes. There will be a few spots where you will do some rock scrambling, using your hands and feet. If you have not already spent time in Colorado adjusting to the altitude, I recommend that you spend a day or two acclimating to the higher elevation. The hike itself is strenuous and rocky making it a tough hike. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Destination Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. CHASM LAKE – 8.4 miles round trip (via East Longs Peak Trailhead) There are several trails you can take to Chasm Lake, but when you are in the main area of the park and want to follow the North Longs Peak Trail, the hike is long and arduous. It fills a deep cirque carved from the base of Mt Meeker (13,911'), Longs Peak (14,259') and Mount Lady Washington (13,281'). When we arrived in the parking lot, at about 6:30 am, every space was filled and there were many cars on the roadside. Chasm Lake is a high alpine lake in the Rocky Mountains. For the final Even a smartphone will do. The lake itself lies just below the famous “diamond” face of Longs Peak, a Colorado Pack a rain jacket and/or fleece and even another layer of clothing. Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Starting Elevation: 9,400 feet  Which Ones Will Be Your Favorite? Sitting directly beneath the classic 14’er Longs Peak, Chasm Lake is one of Colorado’s most iconic alpine lakes. Those hiking to Longs Peak will go right through the Boulder Field. The trail rapidly gains elevation and you will hike up and over massive boulders and stone steps. The goal was to ascend the Longs Peak Trail to the intersection with the Chasm Lake Behind you are the Twin Sisters. Chasm Lake. So, we split up. Water and snacks. Chasm Lake. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. We pass views of distant peaks and waterfalls before finally arriving at the shores of Chasm Lake. This is one of the trails that particularly requires winter traction and the knowledge on self-arresting with a trekking pole or mountaineering axe as there will undoubtedly be ice and snowfield en route. This is a moderate hike, but suitable for hikers of all levels, including families with older children. Meeker form the backdrop of the scene. There is a narrow path with a steep ledge to cross but as long … If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. This is a tough Rocky Mountain NP Itinerary: Suggestions for 1 Day to 1 Week, Top 10 Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, 15 Great Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond: Sky Pond, One of the Best Hikes in RMNP, How to Hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes, Hiking the Continental Divide Trail to Mt. Chasm Lake is amazing!! Meanwhile, Tim and Tyler hiked Twin Sisters and then picked us up after their hike. 12. From the meadow, follow a trail that heads west, and scramble up a break in the rocks to reach the lake. Approximate Time: 6-8 hours. Hike to Chasm Lake, a beautiful high alpine lake at the base of the East Face of Longs Peak - The Diamond. The melting of Mills Glacier fills Chasm Lake, which feeds Columbine Falls and Roaring Fork, and ultimately fills Peacock Pond. For most of this hike we had zero cellular service. For more than half of this hike you will be exposed to the sun, with very little shade. Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours. Your safety is more important than making it to the lake. At least the view is great, as you get closer to Longs Peak. Turn right onto Chasm Lake Trail. For the first 2 miles you will hike through a fir and pine forest. This trail contours gently along the south face of Mills Moraine providing excellent views below of Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls along the Roaring Fork river. You’ll stay in the woods for over 3.2km, catching short, quick glimpses of Longs Peak through the trees. The four of us had no desire to arrive by 2 am to get a space. The Chasm Lake Trail is a high alpine gem of a hike within Rocky Mountain National Park. Overflow parking tends to line the road as you approach the parking lot. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Option to summit Longs Peak (14255') if you've got the energy. At least 3 liters of water in the summer. From there, the stream flows into Peacock Pool, visible below the trail.Â. Sitting directly beneath the classic 14’er Longs Peak, Chasm Lake is one of Colorado’s most iconic alpine lakes. Nestled against the granite wall that forms the Eastern face of Longs Peak, pristine Chasm Lake is a truly spectacular sight to behold. If you are not acclimated to the altitude, this is not a good first hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Your email address will not be published. We saw numerous rock climbers on Longs Peak the day we did this. The long distance, elevation gain, and altitude make this a tough hike. Take your pick from 50 of the world's best travel adventures. The 4.5 mile trail climbs around 2500ft from the Longs Peak trailhead, and starts by winding through dense forest. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our. All guided hiking tours are led by a professional guide. Go left to continue on to Chasm Lake. It’s chilly at Chasm Lake. Distance: 8.2 miles Until mid-July, a steep snowfield also covers the trail before the meadow. The feeling of returning home is irreplaceable. Fishing for cutthroat trout To view more pictures of … Ce la vie! When snow lingers, ascend and descend carefully – do not slide. Ida, 8 Amazing Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Best Things to do in Grand Teton National Park, Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim: Planning Guide & Checklist. When snow lingers, ascend and … It is a steady, uphill hike the entire way. Then, enjoy the views of Chasm Lake. Longs Peak Ranger Station - Jims Grove Trail. Once the trail splits, the hike gets a little easier and you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, and Peacock Pond. Due to the distance of the Longs Peak hike, most hikers arrive between 3 and 5 am to start their hike. Longs Peak is on the opposite side of the lake. Chasm Lake by Gordon S. Novak Jr. Chasm Lake is my favorite moderate hike in the Park. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Hike to Chasm Lake and see the amphitheatre built of rock in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Summary: Chasm Lake is a beautiful high alpine lake sitting directly underneath Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a great and moderately challenging 9-mile hike with an elevation gain of … Chasm Lake(ロッキーマウンテン国立公園)に行くならトリップアドバイザーで口コミ(13件）、写真（36枚）、地図をチェック！Chasm Lakeはロッキーマウンテン国立公園で51位(95件中)の観光名所です。 Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Gem Lake are good warm-up hikes. This intermediate level hike is highly trafficked, and is a common detour for those hiking Longs Peak. Gem Lake Hike, Rocky Mountain National Park, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to Hike Deer Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a steady, uphill hike the entire way. Happy hiking!! Here it is, and it's a doozie. This elevation is all the more impressive considering the lake already sits at 11,803 feet. From the meadow, follow a trail that heads west, and scramble up a break in the rocks to reach the lake. Highest Elevation (Chasm Lake): 11,800 feet At the end of this road is a parking lot that can hold approximately 20 cars. You cannot see Chasm Lake until you complete a relatively easy rock scramble to reach it. To get up to Chasm Lake, you will have to climb up a rock fall. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Chasm Lake sits below the towering east face (the Diamond) of Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. There were a few spots in clearings or at higher elevations where we got a few bars of LTE or 3G, just enough to send a text message. Hiking to Chasm Lake For the first 2 miles you will hike through a fir and pine forest. Chasm Lake – 8.6mi / 13.8km Nestled below the awe-inspiring east face of the famed Longs Peak is the gorgeous Chasm Lake. Back to the Adventure — The feeling of returning home is irreplaceable. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chasm Lake Chasm Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Required fields are marked *. Chasm Lake is a 9.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. If you have plans to spend several days in Rocky Mountain National Park and you are a hiker, this is one of the best trails to put on your to-do list. Continue on Longs Peak Trail for another 0.8 miles to the Chasm Lake Trail. Don’t do this hike in anything other than hiking shoes or hiking boots. So, Tim dropped me and Kara off, and just the two of us hiked to Chasm Lake. The hike to Chasm Lake takes us through dense spruce-fir forests into subalpine stands and finally the big views, stunted trees and scree fields of Colorado’s famous alpine mountains. A fantastic (relatively) short hike with sublime views. For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the park. Chasm Lake is at N40 15.520' Latitude and W105 36.208' Longitude with an elevation of 11,760 ft. Chasm Lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lake in Colorado. It’s a great and moderately challenging 9-mile hike with an elevation gain of … Nestled at the foot of Longs Peak's famous east face, Chasm Lake is a favorite destination for many hikers. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Hiking poles take the stress off of your legs and help to ease leg pain and fatigue. The trail to Chasm Lake/Longs Peak is of course broad, well trodden and easy to follow. The challenge, however, is worth it as you get beautiful views of Longs’ Peak Diamond Face as it towers over Chasm Lake with a view of Columbine Falls frozen above Peacock Pool. You cannot see Chasm Lake until you complete a relatively easy rock scramble to reach it. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. In the late spring and early summer, you may have to hike across lingering patches of snow. Meeker. The massive peaks of Longs Peak and Mt. In fact, there are very few flat sections or downhill sections as you hike to Chasm Lake. This hike took place on July 16, 2009, a beautiful day. If you have any questions about hiking to Chasm Lake, let us know in the comment section below. Do not expect your cell phone to work. Pass it on your way to climb Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route. Hikers that are attempting to summit Longs Peak start at the same trailhead and park in the same parking lot. You cannot see Chasm Lake until you complete a relatively easy rock scramble to reach it. What to Bring Required Gear Rain coat, backpack, capacity to carry at However, Chasm Lake itself is in Boulder County, but the trailhead lies in Larimer County. We started at 7:00AM and finished about 3:00PM with a lunch break at Chasm Lake. The Chasm Lake trail starts off gradually and gets more and more steep as you hike. 10 Great Hikes in Zion National Park. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Nick Sangetta and Barb Sangetta hike to Chasm Lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on Barb's birthday, July 11, 2019. The stretch of trail from the edge of the forest to the trail junction for the Keyhole Route is one of the most strenuous of the hike. Kara and I definitely did the better hike. Julie Last updated: December 17, 2020 United States Leave a Comment. Your email address will not be published. Hiking poles. Horses are also able to use this trail. It’s an easy walk along Roaring Fork before the final climb to Chasm Lake. The hike starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead. Total Ascent: 2,700 feet For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as the hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the hike. During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are common, typically occurring by 2 pm. You need to be back in the tree line by 2 pm. Our website uses cookies. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. The most direct trail is … Once out of the trees, you get panoramic views of the mountains surrounding trail. To reach the trailhead from Estes Park drive 8.9 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 to the turnoff for the Longs Peak Ranger Station. This includes packing out what you bring into the park, be considerate of other hikers, stay on the trail, and do not remove anything from the park. If weather conditions change and you see approaching thunderstorms, be prepared to end your hike before you reach Chasm Lake. In fact, there are very few flat sections or downhill sections as you hike to Chasm Lake. 9 mile roundtrip hike with 2500' elevation gain. 3.3 miles into the hike you reach the trail junction. The Chasm Lake trail crosses steep, rocky slopes that can be treacherous when snow-covered — save this hike for summer when the trail is dry! At 0.8km into the hike, you’ll stay left, on the main trail, following the signs to Longs Peak at the intersection. Chasm Lake is a great place to use the panorama feature. We probably would have gotten away with also parking on the road but didn’t want to take the chance of getting a ticket. It’s a great and moderately challenging 9-mile hike with an elevation gain of … This moderate hike is heavily trafficked but offers beautiful views of Longs Peak in a picturesque setting. Start the hike early, ideally by 7 am. Rain jacket or fleece. All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. It first has a moderate climb of half a mile through medium density pine woods to a junction, where the main path is signed to Chasm Lake and Longs Peak; the other, less used branch is … Leave No Trace. When you are in the park, practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. From the Longs Peak Ranger Station, the trail steadily climbs through a lodgepole forest, interrupted occasionally by Alpine Brook. 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