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.
Lawn Lake (Last summer) Mummy MountainHagues PeakMt. FairchildLawn Lake Trailheadhttp://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/upload/023-Lawn-Lake.pdfThere 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.