It's hard to beat a beautiful day at Chasm Lake, nestled at the base of Longs Peak. The hike is worth every foot in altitude that you gain on the way up the trail. The clouds were down on the plains again today, but the high country was clear.

On the way up to Chasm Lake, we passed by the gorgeous Columbine Falls. At this time of year, there is no doubt why the name was chosen. Columbine were growing in every rock crevice near the falls.

 I'll spare you the other 20 photos of columbines, but they were spectacular. And for my third time in three hikes, we spotted dwarf columbine. So much for never having seen them before.

Our group at Chasm Lake - Glen, John, Susan, and me (and muneca is hiding on John's shoulder)