Hike to Chasm Lake in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park for an Unforgettable Adventure

Colorado is full of adventures! There are literally thousands of hikes you can take in our great state, and every one of them is beautiful and exciting. No matter how many you undertake, there are even more out there to try now, tomorrow, next week, next month, next season, or next year! If you're someone who feels like you have done it all in Colorado - you surely haven't. Keep on going, and you're sure to find more breathtaking vistas every time you lace up your hiking boots and set out on a new-to-you path.

If you're someone who likes a good challenge and who is in search of yet another truly unforgettable hike, then you're going to love the hike to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This 8-mile hike is one of the highest-rated hikes in Colorado on AllTrails.com and with good reason - it's absolutely magnificent.

It's important to come prepared because this trail isn't easy. In fact, it's rated challenging, and due to the fact that the trailhead where you start is already at 9,400 feet above sea level, you'll want to be sure that you are both properly acclimated to the elevation and are familiar with high-elevation hiking before you take it on. There's often no cell phone service in this part of the park, and you'll want to make sure you bring enough water along with you so you can hydrate properly along the way.

Further, the Chasm Lake Trail is of the out-and-back variety. You'll have to go back the way that you came to get back to the Longs Peak Trailhead and your car. It's uphill the entire way to the alpine lake at the top and you'll gain 2,552 feet of elevation along the way. However, that means it's downhill the whole way back, which will be quite a gift for most. Due to the length and challenge level of this hike, many people begin hiking to Chasm Lake as early as 3 a.m. to make sure they'll make it back by the afternoon.

Although this trail is quite challenging, you're sure to find the effort you put forth to reach Chasm Lake to be well worth it. On your way up, you'll pass through subalpine forest and will eventually bypass the tree line. Near the lake, some boulder scrambling is required to reach your final destination. The lake itself sits in the shadow of Longs Peak, the park's highest peak at 14,259' and the 15th tallest peak in the state. When you reach Chasm Lake, which is located at nearly 12,000', you'll also find Ships Prow Tower (13,365') to its left and Mount Lady Washington (13,245') to its right.

This is big mountain country, folks! You'll be overwhelmed by the size of these peaks and you'll be even more blown away by the fact you walked all the way up to this lake near their tops. Due to the fact that this area receives a lot of snow in the winter, this hike should only be attempted from June to October, and even then you'll probably find snow near the lake. You may even need spikes or crampons in the early summer to complete your ascent.

If you're a fit, experienced hiker who loves a good challenge paired with Colorado beauty and the reward of an alpine lake at the climax of your hikes, then you're going to love hiking to Chasm Lake. This is a Colorado hike that should not be missed and is another one that you surely will never, ever forget. Happy trails to you.