Are dogs allowed on Chasm Lake Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Chasm Lake Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Chasm Lake Trail?

No, Chasm Lake Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Chasm Lake Trail?

Chasm Lake Trail is rated difficult. It is 8.4 miles long with 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Chasm Lake Trail?

Chasm Lake Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

DifficultOut and Back

Rocky Mountain National Park/Colorado

Chasm Lake Trail

Estes Park, Colorado

8.4 mi

Distance

2,500 ft

Elev. Gain

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

Branches off the Longs Peak Trail to climb through subalpine forest and open tundra to Chasm Lake, a glacial tarn cradled beneath the 1,000-foot sheer East Face (the Diamond) of 14,259-foot Longs Peak. The route passes Columbine Falls and Peacock Pool before a short rock scramble over the lip of the cirque to the lakeshore. Most of the hike is above treeline and fully exposed.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

High altitude (~11,800 ft) — afternoon thunderstorms and lightning above treelineSnow and ice lingering into JulyShort exposed rock scramble at the cirque rimSudden cold and weather exposure

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Rock

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:970-586-1206
Address:1000 US Hwy 36 · Estes Park, CO · 80517

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

Chasm Lake beneath the Diamond / East Face of Longs PeakColumbine FallsPeacock PoolAbove-treeline alpine tundra and wildflowersViews of Mount Meeker and the Longs Peak cirque

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CO Unit 20

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Chasm Lake Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Longs Peak via Keyhole Route

Lily Lake

Lily Mountain Trail

Bierstadt Lake Trail

Lion Head, Pierson Mountain, Point 9455

Johnny Park OHV Trail

Other trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sky Pond Trail

Emerald Lake Trail

Flattop Mountain Trail

Bear Lake Loop

Longs Peak via Keyhole Route

Emerald Lake Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Meeker Park Overflow Campground

Over the Hill

Beaver Mill

Glacier Basin Campground

Olive Ridge

East Portal Campground at Estes Park

Similar trails in Colorado

Sky Pond Trail

Flattop Mountain Trail

Chavez and Beaver Brook Trail Loop

Mount Bierstadt Trail

Maxwell Falls Lower Trail

Quandary Peak Trail