Chasm Lake Trail: A Stunning Spring Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Apr 30

ABSTRACT

Hike the Chasm Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning alpine views and a challenging spring snow-packed trek. Starting at the Longs Peak Trailhead, this 7.55-mile out-and-back trail offers over 2,200 feet of elevation gain with panoramic tundra vistas. Despite not reaching the lake, the journey to the rim is still rewarding for experienced hikers. Discover one of Colorado’s best high-altitude hikes near Estes Park this spring.

Keywords

Chasm Lake Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park hikes
Colorado spring hikes
Longs Peak trailhead
Chasm Lake hike difficulty
Best hikes near Estes Park
High-altitude Colorado trails
Chasm Lake trail conditions
Hiking to Chasm Lake in April
Snow hikes Colorado

Colorado Hikes: Chasm Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

Time of Year: End of April (Spring with Snow).

Weather: 38 degrees and sunny at 9:00 am.

Cover: 90% covered with a tree canopy until you reach the full exposure of the tundra.

Time: 9:03 a.m. - 1:14 p.m.

Distance: 7.55 miles total (Abridged: The complete hike usually is 8 miles with additional elevation gain).

Cost: Daily or annual pass for Rocky Mountain National Park.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Difficulty: Hard level 1 for altitude (11607 feet), elevation gain (2247 feet), and length (7.55 miles).

Route: East Longs Peak Trail to Chasm Lake Trail and then back.

Traffic: Light to Moderate.

Parking: 90% full by 9:03 a.m. and 90% full at 1:14 p.m.

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack, Kahtoola MICROspikes

Terrain: A well-marked snow-packed trail with intermittent spans of dry, gravel-dirt.

Experience: The drive to the Longs Peak Trailhead was just as rewarding as the hike itself. Typically, you take the right towards Estes Park in Lyons to access Rocky Mountain National Park from the east. Longs Peak Trailhead, on the other hand, is located southeast, and you can access the park without the typical check-in station (although I imagine rangers will still check your pass before you head up the trail). Like an explorer discovering a new area, I was quickly enamored by the landscape west of the Twin Sisters Peaks—plenty of stops and campgrounds to keep yourself entertained as you pass through in and around Allenspark.

Once I eventually started on the trail, it was a gradual climb up to the tundra. Until then, you’re checking off over 1000 feet of gradual gain under a tree canopy with glimpses of views. As you approach the treeline, the sky opens up to sweeping views to the north, south, and east. Upon the walk on the tundra, you are then presented with a 360-degree perspective of surrounding peaks, including Longs Peak, Mount Lady Washington, Battle Mountain, and more. I felt like I was at a buffet, and I wanted it all. I will most certainly spend the next two months checking off each. Due to a time restriction, I only hiked to the last half mile of the trail (the rim) and will need to return to reach Chasm Lake officially. I typically don’t share unfinished treks, but I think the effort is still worth it and equally gratifying. A quick note: The last section of the trail to the lake is undoubtedly the most technical and complex. It looked approachable, but microspikes were needed up to my endpoint and beyond.

Personal Trainer Notes: Personal training clients with advanced cardiovascular levels can easily reach my endpoint. Because the grade was so gradual, I was surprised to have gained over 2000 feet of elevation. I don’t want to downplay the challenge of the hike. Less experienced Colorado hikers will find it more difficult than a walk in the foothills.

**Rocky Mountain National Park Chasm Lake**

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!