Chasm Lake Hike

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a snack break at the lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

RMNP FEE: Even though we don’t pass through a RMNP entrance station, a pass is required for each vehicle. I will coordinate with those going as we get closer to the hike date to ensure we have enough America the Beautiful passes.

DIFFICULTY: about 8 to 9 miles with about 2,500+ feet elevation gain. Highest elevation at the lake is 11,800 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Chasm Lake offers spectacular views just below the famous Long’s Peak, the highest peak in the park. We start this trail at Longs Peak Trailhead at 9,400 feet and steadily climb through a subalpine forest up to the alpine tundra where the views are incredibly stunning. Views of Mount Lady Washington, Mount Meeker and Longs Peak are incredible. Here, we cross a vast tundra meadow of rocks & fragile plants…and we will keep an eye out for marmots and pikas. At the Chasm Junction there is an outhouse available. From there, we hike into a deep gorge that offers views of Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls. At the end, the trail turns to rock and will require some rock scrambling (there will be a few spots where you will be using your hands and feet) up the cirque to where Chasm Lake is located. We will do the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chasm-lake

DOGS: 🚫 not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: Because the Longs Peak Trailhead parking may be super busy and there is a good possibility we will be parking along the road and walking a ways to get to the trailhead, we will meet at the Meeker Park Picnic Area and carpool to the trailhead from there. To get there, if you use Google maps, you can type in “Meeker Park Picnic Area” for directions. Or here is the picnic area website which includes directions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/picnickinginfo/recarea/?recid=28296&actid=70
Look for my blue Subaru Outback.
We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the meeting spot.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential. We may be walking a short bit before sunrise, so a headlamp or flashlight may be helpful.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.59159953418262&lat=40.265859627769856

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.