"Longs Peak from Chasm Lake ~ Rocky Mountain National Park" by Dusty J is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Photo: Dustin Gaffke dustyj@gmail.com
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The Chasm Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park shares a trailhead with the park’s only fourteener, Long’s Peak. The hike is renowned for its impressive views of Long Peak’s 1,000-foot Diamond Face towering above the glacial waters of Chasm Lake. Be prepared for a challenging Class II scramble as you near the lake and high-elevation hiking.
The Chasm Lake Trail starts at the Longs Peak trailhead and follows a challenging yet beautiful route to the shores of Chasm Lake.
Let the hike begin. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]From the Longs Peak trailhead, follow a wide path that climbs steadily through ponderosa pine. This trailhead is more remote than others in the national park, but as the gateway to the park’s only fourteener, it can be a veritable highway for hikers in July and August.
Longs Peak’s Diamond Face looms in the distance. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Switchback upward, occasionally edging mountain streams, until you reach treeline just past mile two. From here, the trail heads across a wide, rocky basin toward Longs Peak, which is now in view. Crest a small ridge at mile 3.2—this is a great place to drop your pack for a quick snack, photo op, and use the privy, if necessary. (Why not? It has no roof and a great view of Longs’ 1,000-foot Diamond Face.)
From here, edge left down into the valley that leads up to the Diamond. In early to mid-summer, cross a patch of snow on the descent to Columbine-lined stream crossings in front of a patrol cabin.
Impressive views from the shores of Chasm Lake. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]South of the cabin, scout out cairns on the rock above marking the path. In five or ten minutes, summit the class II scramble to impressive views of the Diamond and icy Chasm Lake at its base. Shoo away aggressive marmots and chipmunks as you search for climbers on the Diamond and Ship’s Prow, to the left.
When you’ve taken in your fill of scenery, turn back and head to the trailhead the same way you came.
Additional Photos of the Chasm Lake Trail
There are many beautiful little spots along the trail, like this creek. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Checking out gorgeous views of the valley. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Diverse terrain along the trail goes from scrub to lush valley. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Views of Longs Peak and Lady Washington are consistent along this trail. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Straight to Chasm Lake and right for the Longs Peak summit. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Great views even from the privy! [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Peacock Pool is another beauty along the Chasm Lake hike. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Patches of snow become more prevalent along Columbine Falls and up to Longs Peak. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]Columbines! [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]The Ship’s Prow stands boldly above the patrol cabin. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]This class II scramble earns you amazing views of Diamond Face and Chasm Lake. [Photos by Jenn Fields and Chris Hood]
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