Ypsilon Mountain Hike

Challenge yourself as you adventure the Colorado high-country along the Ypsilon Mountain Trail. Hike across three Front Range peaks where stunning mountainous overlooks await. Adventurers will be climbing high elevations along this trek, so ensure you are acclimated to the area’s altitude prior to your hike. It is also important to check the forecast to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon summit storm which are so common to the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). A journey such as the Ypsilon Mountain Hike requires preparation, so make sure you pack plenty of water, provisions, and wear layers as insurance against inclement conditions at the summit. Note hikers are required to purchase a park pass to utilize the trails.

Embark on your adventure along the Ypsilon Mountain Hike from the Chapin Pass Trailhead. From here, the Chapin Pass Trail tracks north before veering right at the first intersection. Climb up the path and at the next junction, keep right and ascend the technical terrain up to Mount Chapin. Divert off the marked trail up to the summit and revel in the scenery. From here, trek back down to the explicit route and hike along the saddle along the Chapin Pass Trail to the summit of Mount Chiquita. This is a great place to take a break before beginning your final push to the summit of Ypsilon Mountain. Descend the north side of the peak and merge onto Ypsilon Summit Trail to the namesake’s peak. From here, notice the Spectacle Lakes below in the cirque and the neighboring Mummy Range peaks.

Revel in the breath-taking mountainous Colorado landscape that flank the verdant forestlands below. When you are ready, descend the southeast side of the mountain and merge onto the Chiquita Mountain Bypass. Trek along the ridge and retrace your steps along the Chapin Pass Trail. At the next intersection, veer right and take the Chapin Pass Trail- Lower Fork. Soon the path will reconnect with the Chapin Pass Trail. From here, retrace your step back down to the trailhead.