Attempted 5/19/15 Apprx 8.4 miles round trip Apprx 4-5 hr hike depending on snow depth Moderate-Strenuous snowshoe trip +2,450' net gain (11,823' at lake) Snowshoes were required only after a mile or so into the hike. Dominating the landscape along this stretch of trail is krummholz, a German word that means twisted wood, which describes the stunted and irregular growth patterns of trees found in the transition zone between forest and tundra. At least the view is great, as you get closer to Longs Peak. Meeker. The lake shadows the base of the Diamond face of Longs Peak, which towers 2,456 feet above Chasm Lake. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. We probably would have gotten away with also parking on the road but didn’t want to take the chance of getting a ticket. At roughly 2.2 miles from the trailhead, and an elevation of roughly 10,750 feet, hikers will finally emerge from the forest and enter the subalpine zone. 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. The national park website provides additional information on hiking in the Longs Peak area, as well as some general hazards you should be aware of while hiking in the high country. If you have any questions about hiking to Chasm Lake, let us know in the comment section below. If you are unsure where to go, follow the rock cairns. From the trailhead, hike west up the East Longs Peak Trail. There is a parking area at the Rangers Station but it fills up quite quickly especially during the summer months and weekends. Hiking to Chasm Lake. Facts About the Hike 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. Once you're out of the trees the trail opens up and enters the alpine zone. Those hiking to Longs Peak will go right through the Boulder Field. But don’t depend on your phone to call for help, talk to friends, or send photos to friends and family. Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Gem Lake are good warm-up hikes. The first 3.5-mile segment of the ascent goes from the Longs Peak Trailhead and Ranger Station to the Boulder Field on the north side of Longs Peak. From this point 13,281-foot Mt. Hiking poles. The Chasm Lake Trail begins from the Longs Peak Trailhead at 9,405 feet, and climbs around 2,500 feet to Chasm Lake at 11,823 feet. 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. Then, enjoy the views of Chasm Lake. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. There’s a good chance you will hike through snow, even in the summer. How long does it take to hike the Chasm Lake Trail? Looking towards the south is 13,911-foot Mount Meeker. To get to the Chasm Lake trail point from Estes Park, you should keep going (driving) at close to 9 miles south on Colorado Highway 7 – heading to the junction for the Longs Peak Ranger point. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. This elevation is all the more impressive considering the lake already sits at 11,803 feet. After a long trail uphill, it was an amazing and breathtaking experience to see the Lake. Date: August 12, 2017 Miles: 8.43 Elevation Gain: 2,684 ft Start Time: 6:17 am Duration: 5:41 hours. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. From here, I headed to Chasm Lake. We spoke to a park ranger who stated that the lot can be completely full by 2 am!! Be prepared for all weather conditions, even snow in the summer months. The goal is to arrive at Chasm Lake (elev. In fact, there are very few flat sections or downhill sections as you hike to Chasm Lake. Much of the shoreline around the lake is accessible, however, some minor rock scrambling is required to reach some of the better vantage points. Beyond the junction the main trail leaves the subalpine zone and begins to ascend Mills Moraine. The hike to Chasm Lake is challenging but it rewards you for your effort. For the first 2 miles you will hike through a fir and pine forest. Total Ascent: 2,700 feet The goal was to ascend the Longs Peak Trail to the intersection with the Chasm Lake – East Longs Peak Trail, pass alongside Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls, then make the final surge to Chasm Lake. AT THE FEET OF THE GIANT: CHASM LAKE AND STORM PEAK: Hike date: Friday, September 2, 2005. The hike starts at an elevation of 9,405 feet, reaching a top altitude of 11,823 feet at the lake. Chasm Lake Hike. Go left to continue on to Chasm Lake. It is a steady, uphill hike the entire way. Continue on Longs Peak Trail for another 0.8 miles to the Chasm Lake Trail. What is the length of the Chasm Lake Trail? Ida. The stunning scenery that surrounds the lake easily makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the first 2 miles you will hike through a fir and pine forest. Starting at an elevation of roughly 9405 feet, hikers will be following the East Longs Peak Trail for much of this hike. During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are common, typically occurring by 2 pm. The trail to Chasm Lake follows the Longs standard route for 3.5 miles up through the trees and eventually splits off at the crest of the Mill's Moraine. If you still have the energy, plenty of time, and good weather, you'll have the option of continuing on to Battle Mountain, the Boulder Field or the Keyhole. How long does it take to hike the Chasm Falls Trail? Copyright I was hesitant to attempt it in its entirety with the kids, so we planned a backpacking trip with a two night stay at Goblins Forest which knocked 2.4 … Overflow parking tends to line the road as you approach the parking lot. Compared to the East Longs Peak Trail, the grade along this stretch of trail is much more moderate. The highest elevation point is 11,823 feet. The trail climbs steadily uphill and in the forest for the first 2.0 to 2.5 miles or so. At least 3 liters of water in the summer. 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. The trail continues to gain elevation while feeding through open tundra filled with jagged rocks and boulders lit by the early morning sunrise. Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours. While out on the plains, in the distant view, the expedition could see the highest mountain in the northern range. Your email address will not be published. Additional parking is available along the roadside leading up to the trailhead, but is also quite limited. There will be a few spots where you will do some rock scrambling, using your hands and feet. Longs Peak takes its name from Major Stephen Harriman Long, an explorer and inventor who famously led an expedition over the Great Plains. We started at 7:00AM and finished about 3:00PM with a lunch break at Chasm Lake. Roughly one-half mile from the trailhead hikers will reach the Eugenia Mine Trail junction, and at 1.2 miles will pass the short side trail that leads to the Goblins Forest Backcountry Campground (containing six individual campsites). We visited mid july and there was not many people, probably bacuse it's a challenging trail. Chasm Lake was a wonderful hike my group of friends did in late July of 2015. 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. The Chasm Lake hike offers many of the benefits of a trek to Longs Peak, but with a little less effort required. 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. : Long 's Peak trail heads right and Chasm Lake the sun, with little. The grade along this stretch of trail requires a bit of route finding as.! After one final short and strenuous climb you will hike through a forest. The late spring and early summer, you emerge from the Longs Peak 's iconic '. Am Duration: 5:41 hours still have another uphill mile or more you... We almost confused it with a smaller Lake before you climb the Rocky! The altitude, this is not a good first hike in Rocky Mountain National Park from! 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