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Sunrise Hike to the Peacock Pool

Estes Park, Colorado

Details

Distance

8 miles

Elevation Gain

2100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Schuette

Catch a sunrise from a very unique location in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views of Long's Peak, Mt. Meeker, and Mt. Lady Washington are all amazing from the pool. In the winter, the peacock pool has very unique ice formations in winter months.

The peacock pool is a cool little tarn below the outlet to Chasm Lake. Please note that this adventure is best done in the winter/spring when snow is present to prevent erosion in the sensitive area. That is how the description will be written, assuming winter conditions.

The approach is the same as to Chasm except for the last ~.5 miles. Begin the hike at the Long's Peak trailhead just outside Estes Park off Highway 7. From the trailhead follow the well worn/marked trail (even in the winter except right after a big snow) through the forest as it climbs steadily for several miles before breaking treeline.

Above treeline the trail can be hard to follow when the snow drifts in places but a keen eye should be able to pick up the tracks of others. Most of the area above treeline is wind scoured making it easier, especially as you approach Chasm Junction. It is a couple miles from when you break treeline to when you reach Chasm Junction on a moraine at the base of Mt. Lady Washington.

From chasm junction follow the chasm lake trail to the left (you will be walking straight towards Long's Peak). After a couple tenths of a mile there are several steep but often very safe snow slopes down towards peacock pool, which will be on your right. Before leaving the trail check the avalanche forecast and the snow itself to ensure its safety. From the trail its a couple tenths of a mile down to the peacock pool itself.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Photography
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall

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Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Camp at Boulder Field in Rocky Mountain National Park

Summit Storm Peak and Mount Lady Washington

Summit Longs Peak

Chasm Lake via Longs Peak Trailhead

Twin Sisters Peaks

Paddle Lily Lake