The mighty peaks emerge, with Longs huddled in the middle. Behind you are the Twin Sisters, blue in the distance. Yellow-bellied marmots are plentiful and almost tame.
At 3.3 miles you come to a well marked junction, complete with a privy. (Bring your own toilet paper.) Chasm Lake is to the left, Longs Peak and Granite Pass to the right. Now the crowd thins and the trail levels out.
Coming into the shadow of Mount Lady Washington you’ll notice Peacock Pool down below, glowing blue or green like the eye in a Peacock‘s tail feather, receiving the rushing waters of Columbine Falls.
In the spring and summer a snowfield covers the trail but it will be small or non-existent by fall. If you do take this trip in the summer remember that hundreds of boots have made their mark in this snow and by placing yours carefully in their impressions, one after another, you’ll make your way across too. Just don’t look down.
After the snow you cross Columbine Creek, tumbling down below, and enter Columbine Meadow, well named for the abundance of large, sapphire blue blossoms. A new rock hut stores rescue gear, and if needed, rescuers, to aid troubled rock climbers. (The old hut, which lasted 70 years, was swept away by an avalanche in 2003.) There is a second privy with a fine view. (Walls are just neck high.)
covers the trail but it will be small or non-existent by fall. If you do take this trip in the summer remember that hundreds of boots have made their mark in this snow and by placing yours carefully in their impressions, one after another, you’ll make your way across too. Just don’t look down.
After the snow you cross Columbine Creek, tumbling down below, and enter Columbine Meadow, well named for the abundance of large, sapphire blue blossoms. A new rock hut stores rescue gear, and if needed, rescuers, to aid troubled rock climbers. (The old hut, which lasted 70 years, was swept away by an avalanche in 2003.) There is a second privy with a fine view. (Walls are just neck high.)
Chasm lake is demurely hiding, saving the best for last. It’s up on the shelf above you. Here is where the route gets interesting. The trail gives out. It’s time to follow the rock cairns up and around the final two tenths of a mile. A few hand holds are necessary.
Coming over the top, eureka!, Chasm Lake spreads below, a dark crystal. The 2,400 hundred foot east face of Longs Peak, known as the diamond, towers above. The sharp angle of Ships Prow is to the left. Mills Glacier, the snowfield just above the lake, is named for Enos Mills who championed the creation of the park for years prior to Woodrow Wilson’s 1915 proclamation.
Pick a place amidst the flowers to rest awhile. Your packed peanut butter and jelly bagel never tasted so good. This might just hook her friend on wilderness.
Now it’s 4.2 miles down hill. You deserve a celebration supper at one of Estes Parks notable eateries.
When you go…
From Cheyenne, WY, take I-25 south to US 34 west at Loveland. Follow US 34 through Big Thompson Canyon toward the town of Estes Park. Just as you enter Estes valley turn left on Mall road across from Olympus Lodge, then right on Colorado 66. This will allow you to miss the downtown traffic. At the junction of Colorado 7 turn left and continue 8.9 miles. Turn right on well marked Longs Peak Road, taking it to the end.
The parking lot is often full. If needed join the other cars parked along the road. There is a bathroom with running water at the trailhead.
Don’t forget sunscreen and plenty of trail snacks. Eating every hour will keep your friend’s energy up, preventing that nasty “bonk”.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail. To inquire about trail conditions call Rocky Mountain National Park information at (970) 586-1206 between 8 and 4:30 daily.