Trail Description

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Chasm Lake fills a deep cirque basin enclosed by the steep flanks of Mt Meeker (13,911’), Longs Peak (14,259’) and Mount Lady Washington (13,281’). Longs Peak’s iconic, northeast-facing ‘Diamond’ (pictured above) rises dramatically some 2,456' above this stunning alpine lake. With more than half the trail running above treeline, visitors will enjoy miles of open tundra and sensational views throughout.

The trail climbs in earnest above the Longs Peak Ranger Station through lodgepole, spruce and fir. Alpine Brook, largely concealed by dense timber, is the only feature of note before crossing the top of an unnamed cascade and reaching treeline (1.85 miles : 10,615’). Here the landscape changes dramatically as the enveloping spruce forest is quickly reduced to thinning bunches of krummholz. Krummholz – a German word meaning twisted wood - is a term used to describe the stunted, irregular growth patterns of spruce trees located in the ecological transition zone between subalpine forests and the alpine tundra.

The poor soil conditions, strong winds, extreme weather, short growing seasons and thinner air of these higher elevations create a unique environment in which only the hardiest and most adaptable life forms can exist. Still, life thrives: look for marmot, pika, ptarmigan, elk and a surprisingly colorful mélange of grasses, lichens and wildflowers along the way.

While the grade can generally be characterized as ‘steep’, the trail itself is consistent, manageable and easy to follow. An unapologetic climb is mitigated by unforgettable views of Longs Peak and the rolling tundra.

Snow coverage is possible year round, but well placed cairns ensure you stay on course. If disoriented, follow the landscape’s natural contours toward Longs Peak – intuitive routing will reconnect you with the trail.

The trail reaches the Battle Mountain Backcountry Campsite spur at 2.45 miles (10,956’) and makes a decisive turn toward the Longs Peak diamond. It reaches the Chasm Lake - East Longs Peak Trail junction at 3.25 miles (11,518’). No stock is permitted on the Chasm Lake Trail beyond this point.

From this junction the trail bears southwest and gradually rises up the west side of a glacier-carved gorge at the base of Longs Peak, at the top of which lies Chasm Lake.

You’ll enjoy a birds-eye view of Peacock Pool before dropping down to an exceptionally attractive ‘bench’ that spans the narrowing valley and separates upper and lower Columbine Falls (3.8 miles : 11,580’).

The trail crosses the valley on this notably scenic bench, reaching a Patrol Cabin and privy at 4.0 miles (11,638’). From here the trail – more of a scrambling route chiseled from the rock – climbs .2 miles up the steep basin to Chasm Lake.

Large boulders and uneven talus ring the lake, and may require some additional scrambling to find a preferred rest spot. An unimproved route circles Chasm Lake’s talus-strewn northern encasement to the base of Mills Glacier, a shrinking remnant of the area’s active glacial and geologic past.

Worth Noting

• The hike to Chasm Lake is very exposed. Get an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and manage travel time wisely. Anticipate changing weather conditions throughout the day and carry versatile layers, sun, wind and rain protection.



• Because the first 3.25 miles of this trail is shared by Longs Peak hikers, you're very likely to encounter heavy crowds, no matter what time you start out. Crowds thin considerably beyond the Chasm Lake - East Longs Peak Trail junction.



• Parking is very limited at the Longs Peak Ranger Station. Additional parking is available along the roadside leading up to the trailhead, but is also quite limited.

Directions to Trailhead

Chasm Lake is accessible from the Longs Peak Ranger Station and Trailhead along the west side of Highway 7 between Allenspark and Estes Park. The trailhead is located .95 miles from turnoff from Highway 7 (7.5 miles south of Estes Park). There is no fee for this entrance to the park. Parking is very limited and the lot fills up early in the summer season.