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Sunrise Hike to Chasm Lake / Camping at Goblin Forest

Estes Park, Colorado

Details

Distance

9 miles

Elevation Gain

2800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Stephen Weinstein

If you are a fan of absolutely stunning, photogenic views, this hike is for you! Camping at Goblin Forest provides with you the ability to get an early start and guarantee you an amazing sunrise that will stick with you the rest of your life.

First and foremost make sure you grab a camping permit! Permits are available at the Backcountry office for 26$ per night, and they usually sell out on weekends as there are only 6 sites. Also, it is required to have a hard-sided bear box with you, if you already have one that's great, but if not you can rent one in the town of Estes Park for 7$. Now that we have a permit and bear box, you are going to want to begin the adventure! Park at the Longs Peak Trailhead (don't forget to leave car permit on the dash of your vehicle!) and begin the 1.1 mile all uphill trek to the campsite. The trail is a series of switchbacks eventually leading to a small wooden sign with a picture of a tent. Take a left and make your way down a small hill and over a small bridge across a creek. Available here are 6 campsites, and depending on how many people are already here you will have to make your choice between a few. I've found that the first spot on the left is the best due to the size of the spot and a large tree with a low hanging branch, useable for drying clothes etc. You'll want to begin the hike around 3-3 1/2 hours before sunrise the following morning so make sure you hit the sack as early as possible! The following morning you'll want to pack up your backpack and hit the trail. Because you have a permit you can leave your tent and whatever gear you won't need at your campsite. 

The hike from your campsite is completely uphill, which is where your boots with good ankle support and trekking poles come into play. You will continue on the same series of switchbacks another 1.5 miles until you break the tree line. After you break the tree line, you will find yourself at another wooden sign at which you will take a left towards the ridge line. Chasm Lake is only another 1.2 miles! Make sure you turn around and look back when you reach this ridge! The view is absolutely amazing! Once you break the ridge you will follow a narrow path along a very steep hill down towards the base of Long's Peak. Depending on the time of year you are hiking, you might run across several ice patches on this trail, so be careful! They are even there in the early summer, so use caution. As you are hiking this ridge you will notice a snowmelt waterfall leading down into a small lake. This is not Chasm Lake! Keep Walking! At the end of this narrow trail you will end up at marshy type area, and you will see rocky hill. Scramble over this and you have arrived at your destination! Hopefully at Sunrise!

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Features

Camping
Photography
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

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