![]() So the views are good most of the way, across the eastern slopes of the Rockies and further east towards the Colorado plains. This trip is 4.2 miles in length, gaining a still significant 2,360 feet, yet is never particularly steep the lake is reached by a short spur that leaves the Longs Peak route after 3.2 miles.Ībout two thirds of the hike is above the treeline I use the Garmin inReach.While the full 8 mile, 4,885 foot climb to the top of Longs Peak is too strenuous for most people, a good appreciation of Rocky Mountain National Park's highest summit can be had by hiking the easier path to Chasm Lake, situated in a glacial bowl beneath the steep east face, surrounded on three sides by precipitous slopes of rock and scree, part of which holds a permanent snowfield ( Mills Glacier). Have an activated GPS safety device in case of a worst case scenario. There are search and rescue missions all of the time in the backcountry. Winter in the alpine takes hiking up a few notches and can be very dangerous. You'll be burning calories and will want fuel, and the lake is a great spot for a snack.īring a GPS safety device. Larabars, chews, waffles, gels, a turkey sandwich, whatever you like. The alpenglow lights up the Diamond Wall on Long's Peak and it is just incredible. It's one of the most beautiful sunrises I've seen in Colorado. Chasm Lake & Long's Peak get lit up by the sunrise. In the winter, you don't need a timed entry permit for this trailhead (at the time of writing this). Make sure everyone in your party has experience in the alpine, and has some winter hikes under their belt. For most, this is a serious day hike not to be taken lightly. An axe wouldn't hurt, but it's unlikely you'd use it. Crampons are probably overkill for this hike. If it's been a few days since a storm and the snow has melted or solidified, microspikes work just fine, that's what we used. If a snow storm just happened, you'll likely need snow shoes if a few feet of snow just came in. Snow safety equipment: If you're doing this in the winter, pack accordingly with protective gear. The sun reflects off of the white snow and can be damaging to our eyes without protection. But it's very important, especially if it's sunny. This is one of those rules I'm recommending but don't always follow myself. Even in the middle of winter you can get scorched. You're in the high alpine, the sun is strong. Definitely pack gloves and some sort of hat or beanie. Based on the temperature, you could need base layers, thermal layers, shell, leggings, snow pants, etc. Colorado can have crazy snow storms but then the next day, amazing blue bird skies with nice temperatures. After checking the weather, next step is to pack accordingly. I wouldn't recommend going if the wind speeds are above 25mph. This is the weather forecast for Long's Peak (the mountain behind Chasm Lake), you can look at temperatures, wind speeds, and wind chill at different altitudes. For Chasm Lake, this is a great link to reference. But then when you're high up in the Rockies, it's important to go a step further. I check the local weather in Estes Park first. Also, it's never a bad idea to be prepared for a worst case scenario, packing something like a lifestraw, a bottle with a built in water filter, or water tablets that purify water.Ĭheck conditions! This one is so crucial. Another option is to just carry a water bottle, 32 ounces should be good for this hike. For day hikes I fill my 2 or 3L water bladder and put it in my backpack. Although this may seem obvious, do not forget this. ![]()
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