life is short.. do something: Chasm Lake

Distance: 4.2 miles one-way
Lake Elevation: 11,760 feet
Trailhead elevation: 9,400 feet
Net Elevation gain: 2,360 feet
Longs Peak Trailhead
Rocky Mountain National Park
Junction of Chasm Lake and Longs Peak Trails (3.5 miles one-way from trailhead)

We began our hike at the Longs Peak trailhead. The air already seemed thin compared to our normal 900 feet above sea level air. The trail heads into the Goblin Forest which is covered in pines and aspens. The trail climbs very quickly in elevation for seven consecutive swithbacks.

Goblin Forest

View right before leaving the Goblin Forest

One of the many waterfalls

After the switchbacks, you will cross a beautiful waterfall and head above the tree line. Also...apparently if you see a horse, run from it because you will get struck by lightning.

The landscape will quickly change from your dirt path to a rocky path with alpine plants and underdeveloped pines. The trail is still very visible and easy to follow. At 3.5 miles from the trailhead, the Chasm Lake Trail splits left from the Longs Peak Trail. The Longs Peak Trail is yet another 3.5 miles after this split. At this point you will be able to see the infamous East Face of Longs Peak. The views up there are incredible and are very rewarding. The hardest part of this trek is now over. The trail continues along the side of a very large gorge in which lies Peacock Pond. The steep ledges that fall to Peacock Pond were some of my favorite views of the trip. Unfortunately, the weather decided to give us thick fog while we there as you will see in the pictures.

And no one thought we would catch fish...

Peacock Lake

Almost to Chasm Lake

The trail

Chasm Lake

Chef Zach

There's just something so good about Chef Boyardee and Ramen wrapped in tortilla in the mountains. Actually the tortilla's were the worst Ive ever had. Never get discounted tortillas!