Rocky Mountain Alpine Lake｜Chasm Lake

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, less than 2 hours from Denver. 🏔️🚗 📍 Chasm Lake A stunning alpine lake at 11,800 ft, with an elevation gain of 2,552 ft. The trail requires endurance but is manageable with a steady climb. The final 15 minutes are steeper but non-technical. The scenery changes beautifully along the way — you’ll pass through forests 🌲 and cross small streams, then emerge above the treeline into open meadows 🌾. The second half winds along rocky slopes with mini waterfalls and tranquil ponds. After crossing an alpine tundra section with zigzag switchbacks, you’ll reach Chasm Lake, cradled dramatically by steep cliffs. The lake itself is small but incredibly clear. Its color shifts with the weather — shimmering turquoise in the sun 🌞, and reflecting misty gray-brown tones under clouds ☁️. 📏 Stats: 5 hours, 18km, 23,000 steps ✅ A timed entry permit is required, though we didn’t see a checkpoint. 🅿️ Park at Longs Peak Trailhead. If full, roadside parking is available. We started at sunrise in pouring rain 🌧️, but it stopped just as we arrived — and we snagged the last parking spot! The climb began under cloudy skies, but above the treeline, the fog lifted and sunlight broke through ☀️, revealing sharp peaks and clouds so close you could almost touch them. On the descent, we got soaked in rain and hail 🌨️, but brought full changes of clothes and finished strong! Another day embracing Colorado’s unpredictable weather — and feeling lucky 🍀. #Colorado #Denver #Hiking #ExploreTheOutdoors #AlpineLake #RockyMountainNP