Epic Chasm Lake Hike: What You Need to Know Before You Go.

[@Matt.e_Black]

Just did this hike yesterday for the first time and the only other hike I’ve ever done was Emerald Lake (I’m a newbie and just moved to CO a month ago) I’m 45 and athletic but this was tough! Just going through the forest I realized how much better shape I’m going to need to get into to attempt summiting Longs next summer! Also I found that vertical rock climb right before Chasm Lake pretty sketchy and I was quite nervous to go back down it. Thankfully all went well!

[@ErikStensland]

If you plan to do Longs Peak next summer, be aware that it is not only many times more difficult but it is also much more dangerous. You'll be climbing on narrow ledges with hundreds of feet of air below you. You may want to practice scrambling more rocks like you did on that short stretch up to Chasm Lake, before you try to climb Longs Peak.

[@Travelwithtanaree]

Wonderful video! ❤

[@ErikStensland]

Glad you liked it!

[@JohnHall-z2y]

Erik, this is a wonderful guide to an amazing hike! And for all watching - yes, his comments about the snowfield are 100% accurate! That sunrise glow bit of video of the area with a huge snowfield looks like we found it July 1, 2023...his comment to me "the consequences of falling can be quite severe" was all I needed for us to plan beforehand to pause along the trail and enjoy the sunrise safely. And the up front advice about being acclimated before going is sound...I only had one day before our attempt and while fit I still had to work hard to make the last slog up to Chasm Junction. I will never forget watching the light grow and the Diamond glow...and someday I'll do that standing by the lake. But for now this video will have to do!

[@ErikStensland]

John, I hope we can get you to the lake on your next visit.

[@TalesFromAbroad-SJ]

Chasm Lake looks absolutely epic! 🏞 Thanks for sharing such valuable tips on how to prepare for this hike - it's easy to see how people could underestimate the challenges. The dramatic views make it so tempting, but it's great to be reminded of the importance of safety and preparation, especially at high elevation. Definitely bookmarking this video for when I plan my own hike in Rocky Mountain National Park 🙌

[@ErikStensland]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I do hope that it is helpful for you for your trip!

[@TomLeaverton]

Thanks Eric. I did this hike last October (early in the month) with my niece and her boyfriend and it was challenging yet so worthwhile. Chasm Lake itself had a beautiful greenish hue and was a spectacular reward for making it to the top. Bring lots of water and several layers of clothing!

[@ErikStensland]

Good advice Tom!

[@robertjaycox8488]

Nice video! Yes, this is THE best hike (that most people can do) in RMNP. Just recently I dragged my girlfriend on this, and she couldn't believe it.

[@ErikStensland]

That is awesome! It is an amazing hike.

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Great video! I climbed Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route a long time ago, in the mid-90's, but never made it back to just go to Chasm Lake! I am thinking I need to start planning a trip for this one. (And I was going to ask, I presumed it was a great sunrise spot, and you answered that in the video just as the thought was forming!)

[@ErikStensland]

It's well worth it, even if you've climbed Longs. It's a very different experience to be below the Diamond looking up.

[@wendytobiska4465]

So great to see this hike. Did it once when my husband and I were young. Nice to see all the great work on the trail!! Thank you so much for taking us along and for all the awesome info!!

[@ErikStensland]

Glad you enjoyed it Wendy!

[@earache70]

I'm 53 and discovered my love of hiking only about four years ago. I visited the Rockies in 2021 with a friend then in '23 with my son. I don't know how else to put it, but I think my soul will always be there. Time away feels like a waiting room until I can get there again. Your videos are breathtakingly shot, expertly edited, and full of helpful information and your passion for the area shines through, as well. Next time I'm there I will definitely visit your gallery. I want to try this hike, but still feel very inadequate physically. The last time I went, just the hike up to the Loch was pretty challenging, mostly for my feet! Wishing you continued success, Erik. My name is Erik, also and have started learning photography. I'm sure any nature-loving photographer could pick your brain for days! Thank You!

[@ErikStensland]

Another Erik with a K. 😀 Glad you have fallen in love with this amazing place. It really does work its way into your soul. Thanks for the kind words. Keep hiking and walking and your ability to get back further will continue to expand. Best wishes!

[@earache70]

@@ErikStensland BTW, I just checked out your website and I am also from Minneapolis, MN. Can't wait to see your gallery. See ya soon.

[@rosedotco]

What a beautiful hike! I hope I can do it someday! Thank you for the awesome videos.

[@ErikStensland]

So happy you enjoyed it!

[@stacya8000]

I’m planning on sunrise photography at Chasm for my birthday next Wednesday. Thanks for the great idea. Been to Chasm often so getting there during the blue hour will be a nice change.

[@ErikStensland]

That's a great idea! What a way to celebrate!

[@SheepdogPreparedness]

This video has perfect time for me! I'm arriving in less than two weeks and this hike has been on my bucket list. I have fibromyalgia, so I deal with chronic pain. I plan to pace myself and not get in any hurry. Looks like it will level out and get more enjoyable after the Chasm Lake Junction, which will be nice. Thank you for your videos! I'm so excited to be back home in the mountains!

[@sugarbushequinemarketing]

That last scramble up to the lake can be slippery. I was there at about the same time years ago and it had snowed the night before.

[@ErikStensland]

I hope the hike up is not too painful. Take it slow as this is the best way to see everything. Since you are heading up later in the season, you are less likely to encounter the afternoon thunderstorms, giving you some extra time for the hike.

[@BIGTIMBERFILMS]

Without a doubt Chasm Lake is my favorite hike. A 2:00 a.m. push in early September yields that epic sunrise. Love your videos.

[@ErikStensland]

Glad you have been able to get up there for sunrise.

[@robiness6019]

Wow!

[@ErikStensland]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@worldwithouttime]

I Agree, and my favorite time to hike it is when it first freezes--so, soon! ;)

[@ErikStensland]

It won’t be long now

[@sugarbushequinemarketing]

Some years ago, I did the Keyhole hike in the dark (in August) and Chasm Lake after daylight a couple years later. Both were epic hikes. They Keyhole hike happened to be during full moon, so I barely needed a headlamp after reaching tree line. That time, there were tons of people on the trail. I hiked Chasm Lake in early-mid September and the crowds were much less at that point. Had the lake all to myself and it is pretty amazing and intimidating to see it all in complete silence. Another great video, Erik!

[@ErikStensland]

Hiking by moonlight is one of my favorite things to do, especially above tree line. So glad you made the trip to Chasm and had it all to yourself. That's always a wonderful experience!

[@losemindfindsoul]

One of my must-do hikes at least once a year - it's my favorite for columbines! - and sunrise is on my list before this season ends. I'd love to see Chasm in winter sometime too, but I crossed that snowfield once before in early summer and not sure I ever wanna try it again. Thanks for such an informative video (and for your reminders to stay on the trail and off the tundra).

[@ErikStensland]

Sounds great! It is definitely one of those “must do” hikes each year.

[@art_only]

It's not for the inexperienced or faint of heart but I did this hole in the Winter. I watched the sunrise as I was traversing that sketchy snowy slope above Peacock pool. The patterns in the ice at Chasm Lake were magical.

[@ErikStensland]

It is incredible in the winter, but you do need crampons, ice axe, and enough experience that you know how to self-arrest if you slip. So glad you were able to experienc it!

[@BackwoodPhotographer]

Is Camping allowed near the Chasm lake?

[@ErikStensland]

No, there is no camping nearby.

[@cwoodaus1]

To catch the sunrise at Chasm Lake, what time should I start?

[@ErikStensland]

Charlie, it really depends on how fast you hike. It takes me about 1:15 to get up there, but some people take three or four hours.

[@cwoodaus1]

@@ErikStensland I’d guess I’m half as fast as you. :) I’ll ask J how long it took us the last time we did it. Chasm is my favorite hike in the park. Sam just did it in the dense fog. The views were hidden but the photos were otherworldly.

[@ErikStensland]

I'm so jealous of Sam. I'd love to be up there in those conditions. We only get fog a couple of times a year and unfortunately, I missed this last opportunity.