Ypsilon Lake

About

Ypsilon Lake is a long, steep day hike for people who want a real alpine lake and don't mind earning it. It sits under the big shoulder of Mount Ypsilon, and most people never make it this far. Pack food and start early.

The route starts at the Lawn Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, at about 8,540 feet. The park's trail list puts Ypsilon Lake 4.5 miles one way with around 2,180 feet of climbing. Do the math and that's roughly nine miles round trip. Call it hard, a full day for most people, and not a trail to start at noon.

My advice is to go early and watch the sky. Summer afternoons bring storms, and you'll be exposed higher up. Bring more water and food than you think you need, plus layers. Snow can hang on late in the season and returns early, so check trail conditions with the park before you commit. Dogs aren't allowed on Park trails. You'll need a park entrance pass and, in summer, timed entry may apply, so check the NPS site first. If a nine mile day sounds like too much, Alberta Falls is a lovely consolation prize on the other side of the Park. But if you're up for it, this is a good one.