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Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:14 am
by jyeary
Can 2 novice (never done it) mountain climbers reach Ypsilon summit by staying at Ypsilon Lake and headed up through Donner Ridge in late June?

If so, does anyone have a detailed map and/or description

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:52 am
by Enkidu

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 5:36 am
by Kiefer
jyeary wrote:Can 2 novice (never done it) mountain climbers reach Ypsilon summit by staying at Ypsilon Lake and headed up through Donner Ridge in late June?

If so, does anyone have a detailed map and/or description


Donner Ridge for a 'class-2 novice' will probably push your comfort level beyond what you're willing to deal with.
Not so much the scrambling per se, but the exposure will prolly be the deciding factor.
If your intent on Ypislon, try instead approaching from Chapin Pass.

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:11 pm
by jyeary
Is there a place to backcountry camp near the trail using the Chapin Pass approach?

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:51 pm
by Bill Reed
Don't think there are any backcountry campsites on that approach though you might be able to get a bivy permit. Fall River Road could/probably be open by late June, otherwise a long approach would be called for.

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 2:06 pm
by jyeary
Can you recommend a summit that a novice can complete that has backcountry camping along the way?

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 3:34 pm
by Bill Reed
Quite a few options that would fit without knowing how far you want to hike and how many nights you want to spend in the backcountry.

I would suggest that you purchase the Trails Illustrated map (or any map that shows the backcountry campsites) of RMNP and go from there. You can also see the backcountry site locations at: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/site_details.htm

A few peaks that come to mind in the Mummy Range:
Mummy Mtn, Hagues and Fairchild would be accessible from Lawn Lake area. Mummy, Dunraven and Hagues are also approachable from the Lost Lake area, NNE of Lawn Lake but the approach is longer.

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 5:49 pm
by Kiefer
Here's a trip report from Ypislon (Trip Report).
-Lots of pictures

Here's a snippet that SP Member, Andy posted over at 14ers.com specifically on 'Donner Ridge'.
He has a link in this one to his photo stash. Take a look. You'll have a better, informed decision.
...And of course, Andy's page on Donner Ridge here on SP. (Andy's Page)

Bill, I believe has a solidly good idea of a back-up plan by way of Mummy, Fairchild & Hagues Peak.
There's good camping at Lawn Lake, actual sites (and fishing!) and it's a fair ways backcountry. The sites are basically right underneath Mummy Mountain.
Mummy and Fairchild are both class-2 and Hagues Peak from this side is good, class-3. A little spicy possibly, due to some exposure but it's a good, short introduction.
And you'll never be far from your campsites. A trail exists all the way from the campsites up to the saddle between Fairchild and Hagues. From Hagues, you can strike out east on
easy class-2 terrain and up Mummy's western slopes. The views ARE killer up there.

Image
Lawn Lake (Last summer)

Mummy Mountain
Hagues Peak
Mt. Fairchild

Lawn Lake Trailhead

http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/upload/023-Lawn-Lake.pdf
There will be temporary closures in some backcountry campsites. Please contact the backcountry office at (970) 586-1242 for updated information on the status of backcountry campsites.There are two Backcountry Offices within Rocky Mountain National Park. Permits and information are available at both offices. Backcountry Offices are open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone 970-586-1242.

On the east side of the park the Backcountry Office is located next to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

Re: Ypsilon Mtn.

PostPosted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 2:06 am
by Yeti
jyeary: I was in your shoes 10 years ago and I've got a trip for you.

Go to the West side of the park, Grand Lake area, take the North Inlet Trail up to the Continental Divide, and take the Tonahutu Trail back to your parking lot.

This is a big loop that immerses you in the park. 3 days, 2 nights. Up on the divide you'll be in close proximity to Flattop and Hallet summits. There are a couple places to swim... just be prepared for cold water!

As for day-hike summits, Hallet from the Flattop trail is a good intro to the alpine experience. Twin sisters gives good views on the East and of Longs Peak. Longs Peak's keyhole route requires no skill at all, apart from good judgement and planning. Just know that it will kid your arse like a Marathon.