Chasm Junction

About

Chasm Junction is a fork in the Longs Peak trail at about 11,500 feet, just above treeline. One way goes toward the Keyhole Route, the other to Chasm Lake. It's a decision point, and plenty of days should end with the right choice being the lake.

Chasm Junction sits on the Longs Peak Trail inside Rocky Mountain National Park, a little over three miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead (guides range from 3.2 to 3.6) at roughly 11,500 feet. The trailhead is off Highway 7 south of Estes Park, next to the Longs Peak Ranger Station. The whole Chasm Lake hike runs about 8.5 to 8.8 miles round trip with around 2,500 feet of gain, and the junction is where you leave the main trail for the lake. The lot fills very early in summer, and cars end up lined along the access road.

Start before dawn. I mean it. Afternoon thunderstorms above treeline are real, and you want to be off the exposed ground by midday. The Park says plainly that the Keyhole Route is a climb, not a hike, so don't treat this junction as a casual stop. Between here and Chasm Meadow, conditions can run from windblown talus to bullet ice to deep snow into early summer, and crampons and an ice axe may be needed. No dogs on Park trails. Check nps.gov/romo for conditions and any reservation rules before you go.