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Chasm Lake via Longs Peak Trailhead

Estes Park, Colorado

4.7/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

8.02 miles

Elevation Gain

2500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kyle Frost

Get the classic sunrise shot on Longs Peak. A fantastic hike with sublime views in Rocky Mountain National Park and an option to summit Longs Peak (14255') if you've got the energy.

The 4.5 mile trail climbs around 2500ft from the Longs Peak trailhead, and starts by winding through dense forest. In the morning darkness, trudging through thick trees isn’t the most exciting, but when you finally climb out above treeline, the massive profile of Longs and the slowly growing light on the horizon is a welcome sight.

Make sure you know your hiking speed and leave early enough to arrive at the lake for the classic 'Sunrise hitting Longs Peak' shot! If you've got energy to spare after taking in the sunrise, backtrack a little back to East Longs Peak Trail and head up to the peak through the Keyhole route. This will tack on another 5.5 miles and add an additional 2500' in elevation, so make sure you're ready!

For the winter, be prepared with microspikes or snowshoes depending on the conditions. 

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Scenic

Chasm Lake via Longs Peak Trailhead Reviews

Hiked this on 9/30/17. We started on the trail around 8am and made it to the lake around 10:30am or so. The hike itself is gorgeous with lots of viewpoints. The last bit of the hike takes you through a path of shale... the path is good, however there is definitely ice/ light snow over parts of it. The view at the lake is gorgeous and definitely worth it. Bring layers b/c there is little protection from wind if you go on a breezy day (which we did). Enjoy the hike, it's amazing :)

One of the best day hikes near Boulder area. The Chasm meadow leading up to the lake is absolutely wonderful. It is really awesome to hike in the winter too when the lake is frozen over.

After hearing about how amazing this hike was, I decided to see for my own eyes the wonderful view. Unfortunately, me and the weather weren't on the same page on the way there. I couldn't see anything more than a couple feet in front of me because of the fog, and it even started to rain during the third mile (luckily I brought a poncho)! However as I stopped to turn back on the last mile (there was an icy patch that wasn't safe to cross), the fog cleared up and I had the most incredible view from the mountain side. So, to anyone who is worried about the weather, just keep going and I promise it will be worth it!

Honestly, this is the only hike that I have done inside of RMNP, but it was AMAZING. It is a perfect balance of hiking through forests, alpine tundra, (we had some snowfields near the lake), and a phenomenal view of Chasm Lake at the top! Take a plunge if you are truly daring... IT'S WORTH IT.

This is one of my favorite hikes I've ever done. Just wanted to add that if anyone wants to shorten their morning hike there is a backcountry campsite along the Longs Peak trail. Goblin's Forest is located 1.1 miles from the trailhead. Although shaving off only a mile from the hike doesn't seem like much it was also convenient to not have to worry about driving in and finding a parking spot in the overflowing parking lot. All in all I would highly recommend this adventure!

The view was worth it, but 11,000 ft and a 2500 ft climb from the trailhead made this quite the challenge for me and my wife. We aren't in GREAT shape, but we do enjoy hiking in and around Atlanta. Over hydrate before this hike if you live in the flatlands like me!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Sunrise Hike to the Peacock Pool

Summit Longs Peak

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Paddle Lily Lake

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