Yesterday I met up with one of my girlfriends to catch up over a quick hike. We originally had our sight set on Mount Morrison, but we got there too late to find parking. Red Rocks is such a cool park near Denver, and has several trails that loop together. Whether you are killing time before a concert or want to explore the beautiful scenery near Denver, I would recommend this as a classic Colorado hike. Prepare with plenty of water as these trails offer little to no shade. Watch out for rattle snakes!
With threatening storm clouds on the horizon, we opt to hike something short and easy out of the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead of Rocky Mountain NP. Lumpy Ridge is east of the majority of the park, very accessible to town and does not require a park pass. We got to the trailhead around 8am and there was plenty of parking— however, the lot was completely packed when we finished.
This area of Rocky Mountain is so unique— mostly a dry, rocky landscape. The trail quickly climbs up elevation, through aspen trees. There is a beautiful view of Longs Peak. The trail is a little narrow, with really steep steps the last half mile. The lake was beautiful!
Great view of Longs within first half mileWhat most of the trail looks likeWeird rock formationsGem LakeScampering around
We have had this hike on our bucket list for so long! I’m so happy we finally crossed it off. We started around 7:45 AM and the trailhead was already filling up. The turn off is right after the RMNP Lily Lake TH. This hike is partially in Rocky Mountain and US Forest Service territory. It does not require a pass or fee. Full disclosure, I only summitted the North Sister, so my metrics only reflect the first peak.
The trail evenly spread out elevation gain throughout the whole hike— only a few sections felt steep. The first 2.8 miles switchbacks through pine forest, easy to find with no junctions. There is a stair section the first mile in, through part of the trail that was washed out in the flood a few years ago. Other than that, the trail pretty much looks the same and snakes up the backside of Twin Sisters. The last half mile is a completely exposed through a scree field, but it well marked. At the top, you will see a trail sign in between the turn off for both sister peaks. The north peak has a well beat in path and a beautiful view of Longs, Meeker and the Estes Cone.
The majority of the hike looks like this— rocky path lined with pine treesStair section where there is flood damageLast half mile— rocky, exposed Looking towards Estes park At the summit of the North Sister
We added this on as a day hike during our Ypsilon Lake backpacking trip this week. The trail up to Spectacle Lakes is not marked on the RMNP maps, but there is an old trail you can still follow to the boulder field that is pretty well beat in. Although the hike is not on AllTrails, you can find the continuation of the trail on the AllTrails Ypsilon Lake Trail (see below).
From Ypsilon lake, following the main water stream up to the small waterfall. The trail gains elevation quickly along the stream, taking you above the falls and to the bottom of a granite boulder field. From the boulder field, you climb uphill following the stream. The trail did require significant hand and feet climbing throughout the boulder field, with multiple paths highlighted with cairns.
When we got to the top of the water fall, the climbing got too strenuous and we bailed before getting to the lake. Travis said that there were many sections of the boulder field that would be considered class 3 or 4. The marked trail on AllTrails right now is covered in water, too dangerous and slick to climb up without gear. We plan to come back and tackle it another time!
Our path— you can see how difficult route finding was! Take the social trail from Ypsilon Lake above the falls One of the many water falls you pass along the trail Beginning of the boulder field Shot of the boulder field Looking south from the boulder field, Longs Peak visible Aaaand this is where I gave up— there was too much water to go up the designated route. Too many climbing moves I do not have experience in! Hike back down, looking towards the west
We took a few days off this week for the Fourth of July, and did a two night backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park. Our site was called Upper Chipmunk, about .2 miles from Ypsilon Lake. This trail is a great moderate hike / backpacking trip away from the congested areas of the park.
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. From the junction, you turn left and follow the rocky trail uphill through a pine forest. The incline is gradual the entire hike, really manageable with a pack.
The trail tops out of elevation around 3.6 miles, when you begin to descend to the lake. You pass a pond on your right, followed by Chipmunk Lake immediately after. Our campsite turnoff was after the lake, so we quickly took our packs off before heading down to Ypsilon. From our site, the trail winds downhill sharply. This was the only area we encountered snow on the trail. Other sections were very muddy. All of it was easy to navigate around. The itself was very pretty! We hiked around to the right to relax on our hammock and take in the views. Highly recommend!
First mile in, gradual uphill along creekMost of the trail looks like this- uphill through pine forests, rocky trail and many down treesChipmunk Lake, 4 miles inTurn off for our campsite site, about .2 from Ypsilon LakeSo many little streams running off into the lakeYpsilon LakeBack to the trailhead!
Annie Hikes 500 Miles 