A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 39 minutes in one direction and in 30 minutes in the opposite direction. It is down here that you truly can appreciate the beauty of Ausable Chasm and the river that runs through it as it descends through a series of small waterfalls and rapids. You still have another uphill mile or more until you reach Chasm Junction. Until mid-July, a steep snowfield also covers the trail before the meadow. If needed, an outhouse is located here as well. It is a steady, uphill hike the entire way. Our website uses cookies. At least 3 liters of water in the summer. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our. Take your pick from 50 of the world's best travel adventures. To get here, take Highway 7 and turn onto Longs Peak Road. Chasm Lake (Boulder - Front Range) TH: Long's Peak TH off of highway 7. After 0.5 miles you reach a marked trail junction, keep left on the main 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. Longs Peak is on the opposite side of the lake. Longs Peak takes its name from Major Stephen Harriman Long, an explorer and inventor who famously led an expedition over the Great Plains. You may also want to note that car-camping is not allowed in the parking area. Is there a Chasm Lake trail map? Compared to the East Longs Peak Trail, the grade along this stretch of trail is much more moderate. We started at 7:00AM and finished about 3:00PM with a lunch break at Chasm Lake. How long does it take to hike the Chasm Lake Trail? A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 1 minutes in one direction and in 2 minutes in the opposite direction. Those hiking to Longs Peak will go right through the Boulder Field. Chasm Lake Trail Junction. We visited mid july and there was not many people, probably bacuse it's a challenging trail. Additional parking is available along the roadside leading up to the trailhead, but is also quite limited. The hike starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead. for more inspiration and travel planning tips. In the late spring and early summer, you may have to hike across lingering patches of snow. Meeker. Distance: 8.2 miles Equipment: sunblock (the reflection off the snow will burn you like… The trail climbs steadily uphill and in the forest for the first 2.0 to 2.5 miles or so. The stunning scenery that surrounds the lake easily makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. From the trailhead, hike west up the East Longs Peak Trail. Chasm Lake is perched in a steep-sided cirque (the Chasm, one presumes) at the base of the famous Diamond on Long's east side. The Boulder Field and Long's Peak trail heads right and Chasm Lake heads left. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/the-keyhole-and-longs-peak-trail It is a steady, uphill hike the entire way. Chasm Lake starts from the Longs Peak trailhead about 10 miles south of Estes Park. Chasm Lake - 8.4 Miles Round-Trip Chasm Lake is located 4.2 miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Julie Last updated: December 17, 2020 United States Leave a Comment. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Lumpy Ridge is the trailhead for this 3 and a half mile hike, with an elevation gain of 910 feet. 11,760′) as the alpenglow spreads across the famous east face of Long’s Peak known as the ‘Diamond’. Due to the distance of the Longs Peak hike, most hikers arrive between 3 and 5 am to start their hike. Is there a Chasm Falls trail map? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Starting at an elevation of roughly 9405 feet, hikers will be following the East Longs Peak Trail for much of this hike. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. For the first 2 miles you will hike through a fir and pine forest. At about the 2-mile point, you emerge from the forest and begin hiking in the subalpine tundra. Yes, and it's free! After a brief walk through the basin the trail begins to climb sharply up the headwall that forms Chasm Lake. Turn right onto Chasm Lake Trail. 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. Hiking poles. Photographs 16 views along the trail to Chasm Lake. Goblin's Forest is located 1.1 miles from the trailhead. 10 Great Hikes in Zion National Park. Chasm Lake, tucked into an alpine cirque below the East Face of 14,259-foot Longs Peak, is one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most gorgeous lakes.The lake is reached by a one-way, 4.2-mile hike up East Longs Peak Trail and Chasm Lake Trail. 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. Stay left here and head up toward the ridge line. Lady Washington will also come into view at this point as well. In fact, there are very few flat sections or downhill sections as you hike to Chasm Lake. This elevation is all the more impressive considering the lake already sits at 11,803 feet. At just over 2.5 miles you'll reach the spur trail that leads to the Battle Mountain Backcountry Campsite (contains one group site). The trail rapidly gains elevation and you will hike up and over massive boulders and stone steps. The hike to Chasm Lake is on the way to the top of Longs Peak. Powell, the one-arm Civil War Major, would also become the first person to float the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. At your final destination, Chasm Lake ripples with the spurts of wind and Longs Peaks’ monolithic granite stretches 14,259 feet tall into the sky. Then, enjoy the views of 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. Be prepared for all weather conditions, even snow in the summer months. 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. Facts About the Hike It fills a deep cirque carved from the base of Mt Meeker (13,911'), Longs Peak (14,259') and Mount Lady Washington (13,281'). The Keyboard of the Winds is also visible from this vantage point. So, Tim dropped me and Kara off, and just the two of us hiked to Chasm Lake. 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 Kara and I definitely did the better hike. The photo on the right offers a close-up view from the bottom of the draw: Chasm Lake sits in a deep cirque at the base of Mount Lady Washington towards the north, and Longs Peak towards the west. From the Longs Peak Ranger Station, the trail steadily climbs through a lodgepole forest, interrupted occasionally by Alpine Brook. We spoke to a park ranger who stated that the lot can be completely full by 2 am!! Deer Mountain is also a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Don’t do this hike in anything other than hiking shoes or hiking boots. Chasm Lake lies just on the opposite side of this short but steep and tiring climb. The length of the trail is 0.1 miles (0.1 km) or 130 steps. 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. 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 … Chasm Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park Chasm Lake. The most direct trail is from East Longs Peak Trailhead. If weather conditions change and you see approaching thunderstorms, be prepared to end your hike before you reach Chasm Lake. Meeker form the backdrop of the scene. We probably would have gotten away with also parking on the road but didn’t want to take the chance of getting a ticket. The hike to Chasm Lake is challenging but it rewards you for your effort. Longs Peak's iconic 'Diamond' rises 2456' above this striking alpine lake. Emerald Lake, Deer Mountain, and Gem Lake are good warm-up hikes. 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. John Wesley Powell, along with several others including William Byers, the founder of Rocky Mountain News, would make the first ascent of Longs Peak in 1868. For most of this hike we had zero cellular service. 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. Total Ascent: 2,700 feet Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. The massive peaks of Longs Peak and Mt. Overflow parking tends to line the road as you approach the parking lot. Chasm Lake – 8.6mi / 13.8km Nestled below the awe-inspiring east face of the famed Longs Peak is the gorgeous Chasm Lake. Now, you get to enjoy a brief downhill walk and enjoy this awesome view. For more than half of this hike you will be exposed to the sun, with very little shade. When you are in the park, practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Car camping is not permitted in this lot. So, we split up. 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. The Chasm Lake Trail is a high alpine gem of a hike within Rocky Mountain National Park. Meeker, Longs Peak and Mt. At roughly 3.4 miles, and an elevation of 11,540 feet, hikers will arrive at the Chasm Lake Trail junction. We saw numerous rock climbers on Longs Peak the day we did this. The snow along the trail has mostly melted out with one exception- the very long stretch over Columbine Falls. The famous east-facing wall of Longs Peak, known as the "Diamond", rises more than 2,400 feet above this incredibly stunning and dramatic alpine lake. 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. I made my way around MLW and got back to Chasm Junction in short time. Highest Elevation (Chasm Lake): 11,800 feet 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. Copyright We almost confused it with a smaller lake before you climb the last rocky section. Be prepared to turn around early. Please note that parking is fairly limited, and the lot fills up very early on weekends. Once on the ridge, at about 3.6 miles, you should see a triangle fence marking the split of the East Long's Peak Trail and Chasm Lake Trail. How long does it take to hike the Chasm Falls Trail? Happy hiking!! Looking towards the south is 13,911-foot Mount Meeker. 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. 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. There are toilets here. At Chasm Lake Trail Junction, grab a quick snack and soak in views of Longs 18-acre granite face known as the Diamond. In the valley to your left is Peacock Pond. The hike starts at the rangers station around 9,405 ft and crest at 11,823 ft about sea level. All rights reserved. To get up to Chasm Lake, you will have to climb up a rock fall. 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. It’s chilly at Chasm Lake. After skirting along the wall of the gorge the trail eventually passes over the top of the waterfall before emerging onto a small alpine basin. Although there are cairns that follow different routes up this section, your most efficient route will likely be towards the right, heading almost straight up the draw. This is the point where the hike really gets good. Yes, and it's free! Chasm Lake was a wonderful hike my group of friends did in late July of 2015. The lake shadows the base of the Diamond face of Longs Peak, which towers 2,456 feet above Chasm Lake. If you are unsure where to go, follow the rock cairns. For the first 2 miles you will hike through a fir and pine forest. Trailhead: Longs Peak Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park Starting elevation: 9,400 feet; Highest elevation on the hike: 13,326 feet Route: East Longs Peak Trail past Chasm Junction to Chasm Lake … The goal is to arrive at Chasm Lake (elev. From the turnoff drive another mile to the ranger station. The national park website provides, If you still have the energy, plenty of time, and good weather, you'll have the option of continuing on to, Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Essential Guide, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rain jacket or fleece. The length of the trail is 1.0 miles (1.6 km) or 2,238 steps. Once you're out of the trees the trail opens up and enters the alpine zone. While out on the plains, in the distant view, the expedition could see the highest mountain in the northern range. The two photos below give an indication of where the route travels. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Trailhead to Chasm Lake Trail Junction . Leave No Trace. Maps Rocky Mountain National Park map, Chasm Lake and Longs Peak topographic map. Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, there are very few flat sections or downhill sections as you hike to Chasm Lake. There is a parking area at the Rangers Station but it fills up quite quickly especially during the summer months and weekends. The 14,259-foot peak is named after Major Stephen H. Long, who led an expedition across the Great Plains and along the base of the Rockies in 1820. Chasm Lake: 448702e 4456613n; ... After a long hike spent mostly daydreaming the miles away, I arrive at camp around 9:30 and take a short nap in the tent before packing up at 10. Starting Elevation: 9,400 feet  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. AT THE FEET OF THE GIANT: CHASM LAKE AND STORM PEAK: Hike date: Friday, September 2, 2005. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Your email address will not be published. Chasm Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park destination that gets lots of acclaim, but at 8.4 miles, it is deservedly called a difficult hike. The highest elevation point is 11,823 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 starts at an elevation of 9,405 feet, reaching a top altitude of 11,823 feet at the lake. To reach the trailhead drive 2.1 miles past the Fall River Entrance Station on Highway 34 and turn right onto Endovalley Road. The melting of Mills Glacier fills Chasm Lake, which feeds Columbine Falls and Roaring Fork, and ultimately fills Peacock Pond. Much of the shoreline around the lake is accessible, however, some minor rock scrambling is required to reach some of the better vantage points. This is one of my favorite hikes I've ever done. At the end of this road is a parking lot that can hold approximately 20 cars. This section of trail requires a bit of route finding as well as some easy rock scrambling. 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). 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. Start the hike early, ideally by 7 am. Behind you are the Twin Sisters. Beyond the junction the main trail leaves the subalpine zone and begins to ascend Mills Moraine. 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. Camera. The Chasm Lake hike offers many of the benefits of a trek to Longs Peak, but with a little less effort required. 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. Chasm Lake is amazing!! Even a smartphone will do. Day hikers planning to summit Longs Peak usually arrive between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. From the junction the Chasm Lake Trail travels southwest along the wall of a deep gorge that offers birds-eye views of Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls as you proceed towards the lake. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. 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