Rocky Mountain National Park's Ypsilon Lake Trail

Ypsilon Lake Trail

Description:
The Ypsilon Lake Trail leaves the Lawn Lake Trail at an elevation of 9,208 feet and climbs 1,424 feet to Ypsilon Lake at 10,632 feet. An additional 630 feet must be climbed over the first 1.4 miles of the Lawn Lake Trail before beginning the Ypsilon Lake Trail.

The trail leaves the Lawn Lake Trail and crosses the Roaring River over a log bridge. It then heads south and climbs the east face of the ridge. As the trail turns northwest, it makes a fairly steep climb through dense lodgepole pine offering little in the way of scenic views. It continues to climb up a narrow ridge about 30 to 40 feet wide. After making some steep switchbacks, the trail levels off in some open areas where you can begin to see some peaks. It then continues its climb toward Ypsilon Lake.

The trail gets more rocky as you climb higher. It has been eroded here, exposing tree roots. The hike becomes more strenuous as you have to step up on rocks and tree roots. After a short descent, you arrive at Chipmunk Lake, a small shallow pond. Here you get a great view of Ypsilon Mountain posing with its reflection in the still water of Chipmunk Lake. It is a good place to stop and rest and reflect on its beauty.

From Chipmunk Lake the trail continues through a large boulder field. You'll reach the horse hitch rack in about a half mile. Horses are not permitted beyond this point. From here it is a short descent to Ypsilon Lake. You can hear the roar of a cascading stream as it flows down the steep rock face at the west end of the lake. The lake is bordered on three sides by spruce forest and rock on the other. Most of the lake is fishable from the shore. The south end is shallow allowing you to see brilliantly colored cutthroat trout from the shore. Overall, this trail is of moderate difficulty.

Features:

Length:	3.1 miles (4.9 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,209' - 10,758'
Elevation change:	1,695 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Trail Ridge
Trailheads:	Lawn Lake
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Ypsilon Lake Trail can be accessed via the Lawn Lake Trailhead on the Fall River Road. Take Highway 34 north from the Fall River Entrance to the Endovalley turnoff. The trailhead is immediately on the right. Parking for horse trailers is a little farther on the left. The paved parking area has room for about 40 vehicles. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Take the Lawn Lake Trail for about 1.4 miles to the Ypsilon Lake Trail.

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