Chasm Lake?

Anyone know when Chasm Lake thaws out and when the hike up there is not too snowpacked? I really want to make it up there this summer, but a new baby due in three weeks probably means I'd need to do it in June.

I haven't been up there myself, but I was told two weeks ago that the ice was already melting around the edges then and that there wasn't much snow on the way up. With the warm weather I imagine that things have improved considerably since then.

The snow lasts longest in the trees on the approach and on the snowfield that builds up just after the split in the trail where you go to Chasm or up to the boulder field. That snowfield (if it is still there) has some pretty good exposure. You wouldn't want to make a slip there.

But this trail is so popular, the rangers keep pretty good info on the conditions. I'd call the backcountry ranger office and ask about the conditions before heading out.

I was reading a trip report of nearby Storm Peak on fourteenerworld.com last night that indicated no snow on the trail all the way to the Boulderfield. That doesn't count conditions from the Granite Pass/Chasm Lake trail junction, but it sounds like no worries below the trees, where you'd most likely encounter snow in a normal year.

Guys - thanks for the tips. I called the backcountry office and they they said there a spot above the treeline with some snow but that it was fairly easy to stomp your way through. I'm going to pack my yaktrax and give it a go some day (night) next week

I'm hoping to be up at Chasm Overlook for sunrise on Tuesday. If you are up there then as well, give me a holler.

Erik,

At this point the weather Tuesday morning looks like it will be decent, so I'll plan on giving it a go. How long does it take to walk up Chasm Lake at a decent pace? 2 1/2 hours or so?

Erik/Tony,
I may also try to make it up there Tuesday morning. I think it is about 4 miles from the trailhead with about 2400' elevation gain. I am not the fastest hiker therefore I am thinking of allowing about 3 1/2 hours. Sunrise is about 5:30 and I hope to be there by 5:00 or so. That means I would need to start hiking about 2:00.

Jim

Erik,
Just noticed you mentioned being at the Chasm Overlook. Is that different than being at the lake itself???

Jim

Yep, that is up above Chasm Lake. We should be able to see each other and yoddle to each other. Perhaps we can meet up after the morning shoot. I'll also probably see you both on the trail that morning unless I decide to go in the back way via Glacier Gorge.

Isn't Glacier Gorge a much longer hike??? Perhaps more scenic .

I usually like it because it is just so calm and peaceful. I don't usually find anyone else on the trail and so can just enjoy seeing the stars, listening to the streams and enjoying the cool morning air. For me, photography is just an excuse to be alone in the woods.

Am planning on driving up to RMNP today and stay there until Tuesday. Can anyone recommend a few evening and morning shots up there, especially some reflection shots?

Thanks,

Jim

For a reflection shot, anything in the Bear Lake area is great. My favorite is Dream Lake. Nymph Lake is nice, but I like it better a little later when the lilly pads come out. You can also try Bierstadt Lake, Bear Lake, or Lake Haiyaha (although the trail to Haiyaha may still be snowy). These are all fairly short hikes from the Bear Lake trailhead (I usually plan on 30 minutes to Dream Lake). Sprague Lake is on the Bear Lake road. These are all normally sunrise shots.

Erik, Did you make it up there today?

Jody, I went up to Chasm Overlook for sunrise but didn't manage to get the photo I wanted. On the way down I met Tony who shot at Chasm Lake. It sounds like he had more success. The wildflowers are out across the tundra. Things are happening very early this year. Also, Longs Peak is now rated non-technical.

Longs Peak is non technical?!!! Wow. Thanks for the info.

I did do pretty well at Chasm lake, and was glad I had the chance to meet up with Erik on the way down.

The trail is virtually snow free up until a snowfiled right before Columbine falls. When I got there at 4:20, the snowfield was frozen solid and I couldn't dig into it with my boots at all. I was about the hike down to the bottom of Columbine falls around the snowfield until Erik's friend Alan showed up with a pick axe and hacked out some reliable footholds. When I re-crossed to snowfield at 7:20 it was much softer and quite easy to negotiate. The lake itself was about 95% covered in ice, but the ice appears to be very thin and it was cracking and breaking up as I was there.