RMNP in March?

I'll be in Denver on business next week and I'm going a day early to hit RMNP with a buddy who lives out there (never been). We'll get there around noon and are looking for a good 5-6 hour hike/run that's doable with current snow levels. We're good with anything - lots of vert, easy class 5, moderate amounts of post-holing, but we'd just like to cover as much ground as possible and see as much as we can in 6 hours in March (which might not be very much). Any suggestions?

Head up to Chasm Lake - it is about a 4-5 hour round trip and the views are stunning. If you want to do more from there you can either go around the lake to the base of the Diamond or Lamb's Slide or you can head up the Loft for awhile. Just be sure and check the avy forecast if you go above the lake, wet slides are becoming a concern on warmer days.

I'd bring some sort of floatation if you're headed up to chasm, if its warm, you'll be postholing for days

Fern Canyon is pretty dry - ran up there last night

Chasm Lake is one of the most spectacular spots in the state. If you want something lower though, without all the snow, the loop around Lumpy Ridge is a good jaunt. It will you take you by Gem Lake as well as give you a good overview of the entire ridge with excellent views of the high peaks in the distance. There is also a short side trail to Bridalveil Falls on the backside and bouldering options right off the trail in several places. Hope you have a good visit.

Typically floatation is not needed on popular RMNP hikes in the winter, unless they have just received a big dump. Most trails are well packed down. Micro-spikes might be more handy.

How's moraine looking?

mustardtiger wrote:How's moraine looking?

WadeM wrote:Fern Canyon is pretty dry - ran up there last night

Thanks guys. Looks like we'll be shooting for Chasm!