Can't help watching this video again, I am just mesmerized by the striations and folds in the rock of the peak and cirque it forms. The smooth white rocks: probably the creation of years of weathering of a softer limestone rock, itself formed millions of years ago due to the sea that was here before the land got uplifted and then an avalanche caused by a minor earthquake a few hundred years after the last glaciation in this area!! The rock fall at Hallett peak this year comes to mind. So fortunate to be around when these things happen in real time.
Yeppers! I remember that we got up as far as that awful slab......when you almost took me out while you were sliding down. That was a very painful hike back for you, I remember. Great video! So beautiful up there!
What you are seeing there at 1:30 and 2:40 is the carnage from the 9/13/13 flood. What an awesome weather event that was. Interesting to see your perspective on what sketchy is. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! The one I've been waiting for! This was the last hike I did with my dad before he passed, it brought me to tears watching. One of my favorite places for sure! I think the waterfall way looks super scary. The slab you can come down on your butt and when you get close to the bottom just turn around and your done. The waterfall way just to sketchy and too slippery for me! Glad you made it up there, its beyond words!:)
It only took me 2 years but I finally did it! Jamey tried to get me to go last year but I chickened out. Im glad he talked me into it this year. I generally dont like risking injury.. especially for a lake, but these lakes were unbelievable! They completely blew my expectations away. Some of the most epic ones ever. Totally worth the hike!
@@nicksangetta8874 Thats why I kept asking you to do a Spectacle lake video:), I knew you wouldn't be disappointed!! It's mind blowing!:) Hoping the fire didn't wreck anything up there!
Man, GREAT video buddy and one of my absolute favorite trips this year. Glad we got up there. Seeing this vid reminds me of how INCREDIBLE those lakes are and how "interesting" that crux was. Awesome man!👌👌
Thx! Brings back memories; back in the '70s spent two nights in the grass between the two lakes, right where you turned around. Climbed the skinny "Y Couloir" up to Mt. Ypsilon, came down the Chiquita/Ypsilon cirque and circled back to Spectacle. Long day. Spectacle Lake should be called Spectacular Lake. Thanks for posting. Cheers.
Just a gorgeous area. That glacial cirque at the top of the Upper Spectacle lake and panning shot were so enjoyable. The "Y" in Ypsilon mountain/peak has melted on is not clearly visible from this angle. I've never made it up there. Thanks for the video, just like being up there! Just the intense smell of the pines is missing!
Thanks for the video, we haven't been up either of those trails. We would be able to make it to Chipmunk Lake an probably Ypsilon lake. Jamie gets the Mountain goat feet award today! That slab was real sketchy! lol...
Absolutely beautiful! I know exactly where that TH spot is, I've been to it a few times, most recently was back in mid-Sept so I hit it probably a week or two after you guys were there. I unfortunately can't do that kind of climb but always love to see these videos because it's the only way many of us see parts of RMNP we'll never see otherwise haha. Thanks for share, such amazing, colorful scenery all the way around :)
The only thing dangerous about class three is loose rock and having anxiety issues. Just relaxing, staying calm, calculating and thoughtful will keep you safe, it has gotten me through much much worse.
@@KarlDeckerPresents Haha iam easy, ill go with anyone that's willing to have me along! Have had some good long slogs with Nick over the last couple years! Haha
Found this in the Kent & Donna Dannen guide - ""An alternative route that avoids the rock work begins by ascending a gully above the treelines northern edge of Ypsilon Lake. You can see starting point from the trail at the western shorn line. The gully leads up to a ridge line, where you turn left and climb above the trees. From this area, angle left again around to the west of the ridge and descend to the lower Spectacle Lake. This alternative route involves a greater total expenditure of energy than does the first [waterfall route]. It also leas you to an inconveniently cliffy spot on the lower lake, from which it is difficult to reach the best vantage point, a the outlet. On the other hand, this is the route for hikers who absolutely will not climb the slabs below Spectacle Lakes. "" After two failed attempts, I'll probably try this route for the third.
Wow! Thats cool to know! I never considered even trying to go that way but I can see how it would work. I might have to give the alternate route a try sometime. Sounds awesome!
the crux isn't too bad as long as you time things correctly. There is a two week to six week window, depending on spring wetness,, where that spot is at worst class 3+/4. bone dry, it's solidluy 3+, and only one or two moves. the most challenging part is the route finding between Ypsilon lake and the gully.
Yo just wanted to say thanks for this. I tried Spectacle lakes a few years ago, got to the slab/waterfall area and didn't know how to get up it. There were storm clouds and thunder on the horizon, so I turned back. It was my white whale ever since, but armed with the knowledge from this vid, I went back last weekend and knocked it out. Now I'm wondering if one can go up/around the ridge on the east side of the lakes and over to the Fay lakes and avoid the waterfall (and see more lakes) that way.
Awesome trails.. beautiful views to the mountain tops which seem so close from the Spectacle lakes! We were just a few miles from you guys on September 2 when you were there.. We got to know the Lawn lake trail head when we took the drive up Old Fall River Road on August 31 and we both said we hadn't been on those trails of the RMNP. I remember seeing the washed out section right before you get on Old Fall Rive Road.. You guys did some impressive climbing up there.. When I saw you going up, I was wondering: How are you going to get down? Very beautiful! Thank you always for sharing your hikes. The #1 TN Fans!!! T & S
Hey man my brother and I are big fans of your rad hiking videos. We're in Estes right now and thinking about doing this hike in a few days. Do you think snow will be an issue? Also can you settle a question for us? What's the guys name that did Pagoda Mtn with you? I think he had snakeskin boots. Love the videos man!
Thanks Jason! Snow could still be an issue. On the Chipmunk Lake vid I put out last we really couldnt keep going to Ypsilon Lake because of the snow. But that was a few weeks ago so it should be clear. But there may be more. It just hard to tell. We did Chasm Lake just yeaterday and had huge snowfields to deal with. But that was Chris who was with me on Pagoda. He wore those heavy Lacrosse boots.
Let us know if you decide to try Spectacle Lakes by the other route. ( Read in comments) I don't think I could make it up the slab, or maybe down. Looks so beautiful there. Going to do Ypsilon Friday, if the government doesn't shut down......... Did Shelf and Solitude last Friday. I don't think any hike can beat that for me. Loved it!!!
Shelf and Solitude are great ones! I bet you didnt see many people (if any) up there. I think last time the government shut down they left the park open, but no one staffed it. Good luck on Ypsilon! I hope you get favorable weather up there.
@@nicksangetta8874 We were full of exhilaration after our hike to Shelf and Solitude! We played music that was so fitting. Even "The Come Back Kid" Heard that song in one of your videos. Really like it!
@@TrekkingTheRockies I love that song so much! I can't believe the artist didnt strike me for the use. I thought it was really fitting for Cameron Peak. It will come back too.. I also do want to try that alt route up to Spectacle Lakes. Thats a good idea actually.. hmm. I wonder if I can still squeeze it in this year. If not, it will be on the list for next year.
Can you fish those lakes? Yes I am a hiker but also a avid fishermen. Great video by the way. I've hiked a bit in Rocky Mountain National Park, but its been a few years.
@@nicksangetta8874 I don't remember exactly but I went to the north side of Ypsilon lake and climbed up from there, then went west to Spectacle. On the way down, I went further west over the ridge. avoiding the gully makes it a casual class 2
@@alquinn8576 Did you climb up north from Ypsilon Lake and then descend down onto the Lower Spectacle Lake? Someone else commented they did it that way. Said its a bigger gain, but bypasses waterfall. I think I may try it this summer. Either that or just do Chiquita Lake.
@@nicksangetta8874 that sounds about right. I went up to just 11,500' (estimating looking at a topo map) so the extra gain is only 100-150'. I would probably swing out to the Fay lakes if I am out that way again while I'm at it.
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Can't help watching this video again, I am just mesmerized by the striations and folds in the rock of the peak and cirque it forms. The smooth white rocks: probably the creation of years of weathering of a softer limestone rock, itself formed millions of years ago due to the sea that was here before the land got uplifted and then an avalanche caused by a minor earthquake a few hundred years after the last glaciation in this area!! The rock fall at Hallett peak this year comes to mind. So fortunate to be around when these things happen in real time.
As always, nice work! This is a must do and your video has given some great perspective. Thank you.
Yeppers! I remember that we got up as far as that awful slab......when you almost took me out while you were sliding down. That was a very painful hike back for you, I remember. Great video! So beautiful up there!
What you are seeing there at 1:30 and 2:40 is the carnage from the 9/13/13 flood. What an awesome weather event that was. Interesting to see your perspective on what sketchy is. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! The one I've been waiting for! This was the last hike I did with my dad before he passed, it brought me to tears watching. One of my favorite places for sure! I think the waterfall way looks super scary. The slab you can come down on your butt and when you get close to the bottom just turn around and your done. The waterfall way just to sketchy and too slippery for me! Glad you made it up there, its beyond words!:)
It only took me 2 years but I finally did it! Jamey tried to get me to go last year but I chickened out. Im glad he talked me into it this year. I generally dont like risking injury.. especially for a lake, but these lakes were unbelievable! They completely blew my expectations away. Some of the most epic ones ever. Totally worth the hike!
@@nicksangetta8874 Thats why I kept asking you to do a Spectacle lake video:), I knew you wouldn't be disappointed!! It's mind blowing!:) Hoping the fire didn't wreck anything up there!
Man, GREAT video buddy and one of my absolute favorite trips this year. Glad we got up there. Seeing this vid reminds me of how INCREDIBLE those lakes are and how "interesting" that crux was. Awesome man!👌👌
Thx! Brings back memories; back in the '70s spent two nights in the grass between the two lakes, right where you turned around. Climbed the skinny "Y Couloir" up to Mt. Ypsilon, came down the Chiquita/Ypsilon cirque and circled back to Spectacle. Long day. Spectacle Lake should be called Spectacular Lake. Thanks for posting. Cheers.
It’s good you had a trail blazing buddy on those upper slabs heading down to lower Spectacle. That looked pretty sketchy😬
Just a gorgeous area. That glacial cirque at the top of the Upper Spectacle lake and panning shot were so enjoyable. The "Y" in Ypsilon mountain/peak has melted on is not clearly visible from this angle. I've never made it up there. Thanks for the video, just like being up there! Just the intense smell of the pines is missing!
That cirque is Blitzen ridge, class 5 route to Mt Ypsilon. Looking totally insane from the bottom
Thanks for the video, we haven't been up either of those trails. We would be able to make it to Chipmunk Lake an probably Ypsilon lake. Jamie gets the Mountain goat feet award today! That slab was real sketchy! lol...
Wow awesome! Great video
Absolutely beautiful! I know exactly where that TH spot is, I've been to it a few times, most recently was back in mid-Sept so I hit it probably a week or two after you guys were there. I unfortunately can't do that kind of climb but always love to see these videos because it's the only way many of us see parts of RMNP we'll never see otherwise haha. Thanks for share, such amazing, colorful scenery all the way around :)
Wow! Looks so beautiful. I hope I can go see it!
The only thing dangerous about class three is loose rock and having anxiety issues. Just relaxing, staying calm, calculating and thoughtful will keep you safe, it has gotten me through much much worse.
Ha, crazy seeing you here Karl!
And I thought we had a committed relationship. Are you cheating on me with Nick, lol!
@@KarlDeckerPresents Haha iam easy, ill go with anyone that's willing to have me along! Have had some good long slogs with Nick over the last couple years! Haha
Found this in the Kent & Donna Dannen guide - ""An alternative route that avoids the rock work begins by ascending a gully above the treelines northern edge of Ypsilon Lake. You can see starting point from the trail at the western shorn line. The gully leads up to a ridge line, where you turn left and climb above the trees. From this area, angle left again around to the west of the ridge and descend to the lower Spectacle Lake. This alternative route involves a greater total expenditure of energy than does the first [waterfall route]. It also leas you to an inconveniently cliffy spot on the lower lake, from which it is difficult to reach the best vantage point, a the outlet. On the other hand, this is the route for hikers who absolutely will not climb the slabs below Spectacle Lakes. ""
After two failed attempts, I'll probably try this route for the third.
Wow! Thats cool to know! I never considered even trying to go that way but I can see how it would work. I might have to give the alternate route a try sometime. Sounds awesome!
the crux isn't too bad as long as you time things correctly. There is a two week to six week window, depending on spring wetness,, where that spot is at worst class 3+/4. bone dry, it's solidluy 3+, and only one or two moves.
the most challenging part is the route finding between Ypsilon lake and the gully.
Yo just wanted to say thanks for this. I tried Spectacle lakes a few years ago, got to the slab/waterfall area and didn't know how to get up it. There were storm clouds and thunder on the horizon, so I turned back. It was my white whale ever since, but armed with the knowledge from this vid, I went back last weekend and knocked it out. Now I'm wondering if one can go up/around the ridge on the east side of the lakes and over to the Fay lakes and avoid the waterfall (and see more lakes) that way.
Been up there 2x. Been 20 years though. Amazing area!
so cool
Awesome trails.. beautiful views to the mountain tops which seem so close from the Spectacle lakes! We were just a few miles from you guys on September 2 when you were there.. We got to know the Lawn lake trail head when we took the drive up Old Fall River Road on August 31 and we both said we hadn't been on those trails of the RMNP. I remember seeing the washed out section right before you get on Old Fall Rive Road.. You guys did some impressive climbing up there.. When I saw you going up, I was wondering: How are you going to get down? Very beautiful! Thank you always for sharing your hikes. The #1 TN Fans!!! T & S
Hey man my brother and I are big fans of your rad hiking videos. We're in Estes right now and thinking about doing this hike in a few days. Do you think snow will be an issue? Also can you settle a question for us? What's the guys name that did Pagoda Mtn with you? I think he had snakeskin boots. Love the videos man!
Thanks Jason! Snow could still be an issue. On the Chipmunk Lake vid I put out last we really couldnt keep going to Ypsilon Lake because of the snow. But that was a few weeks ago so it should be clear. But there may be more. It just hard to tell. We did Chasm Lake just yeaterday and had huge snowfields to deal with. But that was Chris who was with me on Pagoda. He wore those heavy Lacrosse boots.
Let us know if you decide to try Spectacle Lakes by the other route. ( Read in comments) I don't think I could make it up the slab, or maybe down. Looks so beautiful there. Going to do Ypsilon Friday, if the government doesn't shut down......... Did Shelf and Solitude last Friday. I don't think any hike can beat that for me. Loved it!!!
Shelf and Solitude are great ones! I bet you didnt see many people (if any) up there. I think last time the government shut down they left the park open, but no one staffed it. Good luck on Ypsilon! I hope you get favorable weather up there.
@@nicksangetta8874 We were full of exhilaration after our hike to Shelf and Solitude! We played music that was so fitting. Even "The Come Back Kid" Heard that song in one of your videos. Really like it!
@@TrekkingTheRockies I love that song so much! I can't believe the artist didnt strike me for the use. I thought it was really fitting for Cameron Peak. It will come back too.. I also do want to try that alt route up to Spectacle Lakes. Thats a good idea actually.. hmm. I wonder if I can still squeeze it in this year. If not, it will be on the list for next year.
@@nicksangetta8874 That would be fantastic! One thing I know. Hiking the Rockies will never let me down.
Can you fish those lakes? Yes I am a hiker but also a avid fishermen. Great video by the way. I've hiked a bit in Rocky Mountain National Park, but its been a few years.
I think so. I dont know much about fishing. I think Bear Lake may be the only one you can't fish.
James Hart, according to Kent Dannens book "Hiking rocky mountain national park" both spectacle lakes are fishless.
hmmm..i went up there and didn't take the slab or waterfall on the way up or down
I dont see how. Just past slab it drops off. I mean I guess its possible but way out of my league.
@@nicksangetta8874 I don't remember exactly but I went to the north side of Ypsilon lake and climbed up from there, then went west to Spectacle. On the way down, I went further west over the ridge. avoiding the gully makes it a casual class 2
@@alquinn8576 Did you climb up north from Ypsilon Lake and then descend down onto the Lower Spectacle Lake? Someone else commented they did it that way. Said its a bigger gain, but bypasses waterfall. I think I may try it this summer. Either that or just do Chiquita Lake.
@@nicksangetta8874 that sounds about right. I went up to just 11,500' (estimating looking at a topo map) so the extra gain is only 100-150'. I would probably swing out to the Fay lakes if I am out that way again while I'm at it.