![]() The trail leads you back up in elevation to the top of Columbine Falls. The snow is usually gone by the end of August and returns in late September or October. Watch your footing and use a stick, walking pole or your hands for balance on the snow. Depending on the time of year, you may have to cross two snowfields along the trail. The trail now descends for 0.8 km leading you to views of the Diamond Face of Longs Peak straight ahead, Mt Meeker to the left and Mount Lady Washington on your right. Continue straight for 1.2 km to Chasm Lake. To the left is a bathroom and the right trail would take you to the hiker’s summit of Longs Peak through the boulder field and Keyhole route. The trail to Chasm Lake is straight ahead. Stay on the main trail, following the signs for Chasm Lake and Longs Peak.Īt a large juncture, approximately 5.5 km into the hike, you can rest for a bit before continuing on. You’ll see Battle Mountain to the right and a trail leading to the Battle Mountain campground. The trees become shorter and the trail gets rockier and steeper. Shortly after, you’ll pop out of the woods into the alpine tundra. Most of the year, this creek crossing is dry, however after rain or during snow-melt you’ll see the stream.Īt 3.2 km, you’ll arrive at a longer bridge over a year-round river and small water cascade. At 2.7 km, you’ll get to the first footbridge. You’ll stay in the woods for over 3.2 km, catching short, quick glimpses of Longs Peak through the trees. At 0.8 km into the hike, you’ll stay left, on the main trail, following the signs to Longs Peak at the intersection. The Chasm Lake trail starts off gradually and gets more and more steep as you hike. This is also where you would start for the hiker’s summit of Longs Peak. Start the Chasm Lake hike by following the trail west from the Ranger Station. Weather can change fast while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, so make sure you’re prepared. The challenge is worth it, with beautiful views of the Diamond Face of Longs Peak towering over Chasm Lake, millions of columbine flowers in the spring and summer, and a view of Columbine Falls into Peacock Pond.įrom the trailhead, find the Longs Peak information board and trailhead and check the day’s weather report. This post is really just so I can share some of my favorite photos from the day.Don’t let the mileage deceive you – the Chasm Lake hike is a challenging trail that begins at 2,743 m in elevation and is harder than it looks. I’ve written about this hike before, so rather than re-share this information, I’ll direct you to my previous post for directions, trail info, etc. The water on the lake was still and clear, and the reflection of Longs Peak was absolutely unbelievable. The sun was warm, the sky was blue, and the wind was completely calm. This was Chasm Lake as I’d never seen it before. He absolutely loved Chasm Lake!Īnd even I was blown away. When Pat pulls out his phone and starts snapping photos of something, you know he’s really impressed. I was a little worried that since I’d been talking it up so much, it might not live up to his expectations. It was Pat’s first, though, and I was excited for him to finally experience one of my favorite hikes of all time. This past August was actually my third time hiking to Chasm Lake. I’ve hiked a lot of trails in the park over the past four years, and I keep waiting for another hike to come along and dethrone this one, but that has yet to happen. Chasm Lake is, hands down, the best hike in Rocky.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |