Chasm Lake Hike - RMNP

Jill and I did a big hike (by our standards) up to Chasm Lake at the base of Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday. Its about a 9 mile route, starting at about 9500ft and climbing up to 11,800ft at Chasm Lake. We got there early, but the parking lot was already jammed with people who were climbing Long's Peak, and had been there since 3 or 4 a.m.

We started about 8, and climbed steadily on the way up stopping to take pics at various places. It wasn't too long before we got above the tree line and were presented with some great views of Long's and Mt. Meeker. We reached Chasm Lake, sat down and had a splendid lunch while taking it all in. After some more photos, we headed back down to the car to call it a day.

Words do this place no justice, and even the pictures don't come close to conveying the incredibly massive, rugged beauty of this place. RMNP's beauty cannot be appreciated by simply driving through in your car, its a park where you must give penance to be rewarded with its true beauty.

On to the pics (Click for more pics on pbase):

Columbine Falls

Columbine (CO State Flower) in front of a waterfall

Looking back towards Peacock Pool

Final approach to Chasm Lake

Chasm Lake & Long's Peak

Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls