21 replies to this topic

[bpv_UW]

After doing Thunder Lake our first day in the park, our plan was to hit Chasm on this morning and then drive TRR. We arrived at the Longs Peak TH by 630 or so and were on the trail by 7. We were blessed with another beautiful morning, and were comfortable hiking in t-shirts and shorts for much of the way, even at the beginning. After climbing through the forest for a bit, we arrived at this creek crossing and noted the warning about the fragila tundra.

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[bpv_UW]

Beyond the creek crossing forest steadily gave way to tundra. Views of Longs began to emerge.

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[bpv_UW]

The wildflowers along the trail were also out in force, and added to the lovely scenery surrounding us.

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[bpv_UW]

We continued climbing and reached the junction with the trail to the Battle Mountain backcountry sites. Only 1.7 miles left to Chasm Lake...

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[bpv_UW]

In another 0.8 miles we reached Chasm Junction, where the Longs Peak and Chasm Lake trails part ways. This was an absolutely spectacular setting.

We continued on up the trail, and it became increasingly hard to pay attention to where we were walking due to the scenery. A couple sizeable snowfields still remained on the trail...here's my brother between them.

[bpv_UW]

A couple more views from this portion of the trail... Here's Meeker over Peacock Pool.

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[bpv_UW]

And here's one of Columbine Falls with Longs in the background.

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[bpv_UW]

After the few tenths of a mile traversing the slope below Mt. Lady Washington, the trail crosses through a damp meadowy area. Almost there...

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[bpv_UW]

From here it's just a quick final scramble up to the bowl containing Chasm Lake. This was a fun little ending to the hike.

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[bpv_UW]

After the brief scramble we paused to look back east down the valley toward Twin Sisters in the distance.

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[bpv_UW]

Finally, we picked our way over a few more boulders and were there...Chasm Lake. Wow!



This is a truly breathtaking location, probably my favorite place in the park so far. We hung around at the lake for over 30 minutes eating, taking photos, and marveling at the view. Reluctantly, we finally headed down and arrived back at the trailhead a little after noon. This was an awesome hike...one I would recommend to anyone who visits the park.

-Brandon

[Aaron]

Awesome Brandon! Thanks for the report!

--Aaron

[Allie]

Great pics Brandon. That one of your brother between the snowfields just goes to show the size of the area - awesome.

Allie

[mwilson]

Thanks for the memories. This is one of our favorite hikes too!

Marsha

[Rhonda]

Thanks for the beautiful pictures and the report.

This hike is on my Must-do list. I wanted to do it last year in mid-July but I got sick with an upper respiratory infection my first day, and after doing Black Lake I was pretty wiped out for the remainder of the week. The only hike I did after Black Lake was Ouzel Falls and it took everything I had, I was coughing really hard and was feverish. I spent my last two days just driving around and taking it easy instead of doing Gem Lake and Chasm Lake as I'd originally planned. But next time I go I hope to do this one as my "big hike." The pictures are awesome and I know that pictures don't even do it justice.

In the picture where you are looking back toward Twin Sisters, what is the lake that is farthest away?

Rhonda