10/07/2026
CHASM LAKE HIKE
Towering beneath the legendary east face of Longs Peak, Chasm Lake is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beginning at the Longs Peak Trailhead at 9,405 feet, the trail winds through fragrant pine forests before climbing above treeline into a dramatic alpine landscape of windswept tundra, rugged moraine, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain vistas. As you gain elevation, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Mt. Lady Washington dominate the skyline. After a short stretch of easy rock scrambling, hikers are greeted by the crystal-clear waters of Chasm Lake, nestled in a glacial cirque beneath The Diamond—Longs Peak's iconic 2,400-foot vertical granite wall that rises dramatically above the shoreline.
The combination of towering peaks, pristine alpine water, and unforgettable scenery makes this one of Colorado's most spectacular hikes. This 8.5 mile hike is an unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience that showcases some of the most dramatic scenery in the American West.
