I have a friend coming to visit in mid October and don't have a good feel for how conditions are in a lot of the high country this time of year. I'm trying to impress this person and sell them on Colorado so I want to take them on a beautiful, challenging hike that is still within a beginner's reach. Of all the hikes I've done I think one of the most scenic spots was where the Long's Peak trail splits right to head up to the boulder field while to the left is the trail down to Chasm Lake (there is a stunning view of the diamond at the intersection), however I've never actually gone down there. I'm completely aware that the weather is extremely fickle on Long's and we'll need to check reports before we go but is a mid-October trip even feasible for a beginner?

Thanks very much