Completed in 1907, the 4.5-mile Ypsilon Lake Trail predates the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915. Length 9.2 miElevation gain 2496 ftRoute type Out & back At the eastern end of the Buchanan PassTrail, Middle St. … Spectacle Lakes via Ypsilon Lake Trail [CLOSED] is a 10.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. A few down trees along the way but nothing that cannot be stepped over or crawled under. After descending a short distance you'll reach a very beautiful pond known as Chipmunk Lake (see photo below, on left), which I found to be far more scenic than Ypsilon Lake. This is the origin of a large flood on July 15, 1982, when the Lawn Lake Dam failed and released a wall of water that, literally, ripped away the river banks, and washed tons of debris into the town of Estes Park, leaving it buried in up to six feet of mud. This trail spurs off of the Lawn Lake Trail about a mile and a half north of the Lawn Lake Trailhead. Ypsilon Lake is less spectacular but still pretty, and the path also passes a smaller, photogenic pond (Chipmunk Lake). Aspen and other fauna have quickly recolonized the canyon floor. There is a stark change in the terrain where massive flooding in 2013 tore through the canyon, cutting into the canyon walls and depositing tons of sediment and rock and timber into Horseshoe Park, leaving behind bare walls and a completely new canyon. In 1903 a 26-foot high earthen dam was The two lakes fill a cirque basin just beneath Ypsilon Mountain. The best views are found by following the lake shore to the southeastern edge of the lake, where Ypsilon Mountain can be seen towering high above the lake’s waters. Upon reaching the lake, which is framed by Ypsilon Mountain and the cloud-scraping Mummy Range to the north, use a network of social trails to explore its pine-walled, boulder-strewn shorelines. At about 4.7 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain from the Lawn Lake Trailhead, it is a reasonably strenuous ascent. Trail Map | … From its shore you'll have outstanding views of Ypsilon Mountain, including the snow-filled Y-looking couloir from which the mountain derives its name. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. However, these sections were repaired by crews in 2016 and 2017, including the footbridge that spanned the Roaring River. Download the free Trail Ridge topo map. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. Don't Threaten. The trail will continue ascending another mile before the trail levels sharply at a small but conspicuous clearing. Ypsilon Lake sits at the base of 13,514-foot Ypsilon Mountain and 13,069-foot Mt. Rated 5.0 /5 based on 1 customer reviews 5.0 9 miles 2000 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail Save Add ... Overview Moraine Park Campground (8,160 feet) is located in Colorado's awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain National Park, near the Beaver Meadow... Larimer County, Colorado. Colorado › Rocky Mountain National Park ... Ypsilon lake trail to the boulder field. Trail Description Trail Photos Print this Trail Trip Reports. If starting from this trailhead and running to Ypsilon Lake, be ready for around 4 miles of ascent from 8,600 ft to 10,700 ft. Cross the Roaring River on a wooden bridge and start ascending the trail. All rights reserved. After passing Chipmunk Lake the trail begins descending again, including a fairly steep decent just before reaching Ypsilon Lake. Continue ascending for another 1.5 miles to Chipmunk Lake, a small, quiet pond no more than a half-mile from Ypsilon. The first mile of the hike is relatively flat, winding a few switch backs to the junction of Lawn Lake and Ypsilon Lake trails, along the creek. Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail metrics. Standing at an elevation of 13,069 feet you'll have outstanding views of Longs Peak towards the southeast, while Ypsilon Mountain rises towards the northeast. The 4.5 mile hike to this secluded waterfall follows the Ypsilon Lake trail, a demanding trek through the thick woods of the Mummy Range. It’s about protecting what sustains us. Portions of this stretch of trail were heavily damaged during the September 2013 Flood. After killing three campers the water rushed down Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park before stopping at Lake Estes. Nestled at the base of Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ypsilon Lake is a rugged alpine lake flanked by a sheer cliff face to the northwest and views of Bighorn Mountain and the Roaring River Valley to the southeast. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. From the junction, you turn left and follow the rocky trail uphill through a pine forest. All rights reserved. The lake is not on Ypsilon Mountain per se but is so named because of its proximity. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); RockyMountainHikingTrails.com. Cross the canyon floor and a small footbridge over Roaring River and begin ascending again for another half mile. The raw power of the 2013 floods destroyed housing and infrastructure in Estes Park, and it has taken years to recover. Threats … Ypsilon Lake, Trail Map, Lawn Lake Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Follow the well established trail for 6.2 miles to Lawn Lake. Trail Description: The hike to Ypsilon Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Lawn Lake Trailhead in the Horseshoe Park area, located just west of Estes Park. Don't be disappointed if you arrive at the lake to see no fish cruising. Hike the Ypsilon Lake Trail. Like many lakes above 10,000 feet, Ypsilon Lake is an on/off proposition. Beginning at the Lawn Lake Trailhead, Ypsilon Lake is 4.5 miles of forested uphill trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. To reach the trailhead drive 2.1 miles past the Fall River Entrance Station on Highway 34 and turn right onto Old Fall River Road. Canyon overlook. National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for RMNP. Up to 19 inches now possible in Colorado's Tuesday snowstorm Fort Collins-area fire explodes, prompting Rocky Mountain National Park closures including iconic road +4 Copyright An easily followed trail takes you through pine and aspen to a picturesque lake (and past another one, … Technically this lake is called Lower Chipmunk Lake, and there is an Upper Chipmunk Lake a bit further along the trail, but Upper Chipmunk Lake is completely dried out. skills - it's possible to continue along a social trail that leads west from the inlet creek, to a couple of alpine lakes known as Spectacle Lakes. The incline is gradual the entire hike, really manageable with a pack. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Even today sections of the Roaring River's high gully walls remain unstable and prone to sudden collapse. Some witnesses said the failure created a wall of water 25 to 30 feet high. The main trail continues towards Lawn Lake. It lies in a confined, heavily wooded basin on the east slope of Ypsilon Mountain (13,514') and Mount Chiquita (13,069') in the Mummy Range. Start at the Lawn Lake Trailhead, but make sure to turn left onto the Ypsilon Lake Trail approximately 1.2 miles in. Backcountry camping is available nearby at Chipmunk Campground. If starting from this trailhead and hiking to Ypsilon Lake, be ready for around 4 miles of ascent from 8,600 ft to 10,700 ft. Cross the Roaring River on a wooden bridge and start ascending the trail. Access 650K+ miles of trail data, offline maps, GPS tracking + waypoint functionality, Outdoor Project adventures, and more, using onX Backcountry. Ypsilon Lake sits in a wooded basin along the eastern slopes of Ypsilon Mountain and Mount Chiquita. After the half-mile mark, the trail will open on the Roaring River. To be sure, this is destination hike. Rocky Mountain National Park At the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. ... Ypsilon Lake and Creek* * Greenback Cutthroat Trout ** Colorado River Cutthroat stevenjoelbrey 2 years, 3 months ago Track (8/26/18, 8:42:08AM) AngelaO 2 years, 4 months ago Track (8/11/18, 7:19:01AM) kapners 2 years, 6 months ago Ypsilon Lake. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. Both camping and bivy sites require permits that are obtained from RMNP's Backcountry Office which can be reached at 970-586-1242. This perch will provide a birds-eye view of the snow-filled couloirs that form the Y from which the name of the mountain is derived (Ypsilon is the Greek word for the letter "Y"). Find a quiet rock to cast a line, or enjoy the view with lunch and a friend before the trek back to the trailhead. These are finicky fish that expect the right conditions. It’s about nourishment and learning. At 4.2 miles hikers will pass the Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campground, and at 4.5 miles, will finally arrive along the western shore of Ypsilon Lake. In all, damages to the area totaled roughly $31 million. Upper Chipmunk Lake is the only feasible camping area … Keep it Clean. GPS Coordinates :: Download Coordinates. After a brief ascent past Chipmunk Lake, the trail will descend to Ypsilon Lake for no more than a half mile. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? The dam failure led to the removal of three other man-made dams within the park, including Pear Lake, Sandbeach Lake and Bluebird Lake. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. It is your responsibility to know and obey them. Fishing. It's nominally 9 miles out and back, with 2200 feet of elevation change. Horses are also able to use this trail. Camping related to Ypsilon Mountain is only allowed in the Ypsilon Lake area. On July 15, 1982, the dam failed and released more than 300 million gallons of water down the Roaring River valley. Follow the ridge overlooking the canyon for another half-mile or so to a junction; take the left spur to Ypsilon Lake. 11/25/2020 Lawn Lake Trail I went about 3 miles up the Lawn Lake trail beyond the wilderness campsites. Nestled at the base of Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ypsilon Lake is a rugged alpine lake flanked by a sheer cliff face to the northwest and views of Bighorn Mountain and the Roaring River Valley to the southeast. The lake is brimming with rainbow cutthroat trout, and fishing is especially fruitful in the lake’s shallow, southern section. From the beginning the trail climbs steadily through a fairly dense pine forest. © 2020 Outdoor Project. Hikers should turn left here to continue towards Ypsilon Lake. The hike to Ypsilon Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Lawn Lake Trailhead in the Horseshoe Park area, located just west of Estes Park. Cross a dilapidated footbridge to find the lake shore and its emerald waters. A waterfall is just a short trek to the northwest. Ypsilon Falls is a tiered waterfall hidden along the northern shore of Ypsilon Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ypsilon Mountain, elevation 13,520 ft (4,121 m), is in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado. Chiquita in the heart of the Mummy Range, and is fed by a waterfall near the point where the trail intersects with the lake. Ypsilon Lake is the least visited of the two because there is no (official) continuation path, though a steep off-trail scramble reaches the two Spectacle Lakes, set amidst stark granite scenery at the foot of Ypsilon Mountain. This small lake is a hidden gem with a gorgeous backdrop of Ypsilon Mountain (13,520′), Mt. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. The trailhead is located one-tenth of a mile from this junction along the north side of the road. Length 10.8 miElevation gain 3198 ftRoute type Out … The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September. Frankly, much of the trail won’t reward hikers for their effort, but Ypsilon Lake and its smaller companion, Chipmunk Lake, are two of many beautiful alpine destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park and worth the hike on their own merit, and anglers will find a cool and quiet place to drop a line. Ypsilon Lake - 8.75 Miles Round-Trip Ypsilon Lake (10,632') is located 4.4 miles from Lawn Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach the shore of Ypsilon Lake and the nearby falls, it’s a 4.2 miles slog uphill through dense forest. The Estes Park Protective and Improvement Association likely established the current alignment to reach Ypsilon Lake. Pass the Roaring River before heading into the woods towards Ypsilon. 2-4" of snow after trail goes off to Ypsilon Lake. To reach the trailhead drive 2.1 miles past the Fall River Entrance Station on Highway 34 … Ypsilon Lake - 8.75 Miles Rocky Mountain National Park. At just over a mile from the trailhead hikers will reach the steep banks of the Roaring River where you'll witness some of the destruction from the infamous Lawn Lake Flood. Rocky Mountain National Park: Ypsilon Lake Loop On this 8.4-miler, you'll climb well-marked trails to the tentacle-like flanks of Ypsilon Mountain and its namesake lake, then return off-trail by following a mountain stream past unnamed waterfalls. For the adventurous - those with basic scrambling and route-finding Rocky Mountain National Park is an American national park located approximately 76 mi (122 km) northwest of Denver International Airport in north-central Colorado, within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.The park is situated between the towns of Estes Park to the east and Grand Lake to the west. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. For the best views of the surrounding mountains hikers should take the social trail that leads east towards the opposite end of the lake. Ypsilon Lake Trail is a 9.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Timberline Falls (at Camp Dick) Boulder. Towards the beginning of this hike, you will pass by the dramatic flood-ridden landscape left behind from when Lawn Lake Dam broke in 1982. The Ypsilon Lake Trail is located 8.8 miles from Estes Park, Colorado (CO) in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. The hike to Ypsilon Lake is a 9-mile round-trip journey along a heavily forested trail in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. At just over 3.5 miles the trail finally flattens out, while also reaching its highest elevation of roughly 10,760 feet. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy before using any information on this site. At roughly 1.4 miles from the trailhead hikers will arrive at the Ypsilon Lake Trail junction. Grand Lake is a statutory town in Grand County, Colorado, United States.The population was 471 at the 2010 census.. This is a good place to pause before the push to Ypsilon Lake. I used spikes just to have a little more traction but they are not really essential. 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