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A very long day trip route over the Mummy Range in Rocky Mountain National Park.


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Map Key

17.4

Miles

28.0

KM

Point to Point

13,429' 4,093 m

High

8,576' 2,614 m

Low

4,920' 1,499 m

Up

7,488' 2,282 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (8°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

Also known as the "Mummy Marathon," this route traverses six peaks in the Mummy Range. To do this hike, you'll need two vehicles. Leave one at the Lawn Lake Trail parking lot and drive the other up Fall River Road to the Chapin Pass Trail trailhead.

Assuming you get an early start, (as you should - this hike is long and you'll be spending the majority of the time above timberline. I recommend a 3 AM or earlier start, depending on your fitness level) you'll be able to park on the side of the road. Keep in mind that Fall River Road is a one-way dirt road and is only open from July to September or October most years.

Description

To start, hike along Chapin Creek Trail to Chapin Pass Trail staying right at the fork for the summits of Chapin, Chiquita, and Ypsilon. The first three peaks are easy. There is a well-traveled trail up until you get to Mt. Chiquita, but be careful not to bypass Mt. Chapin - its trail splits off from the main trail and is easy to miss in the dark. It should take you about 3 hours to get to Ypsilon Summit.

From the summit of Mt. Ypsilon, head north toward Mt. Fairchild. There is no marked trail here but you should be able to find a place to traverse the ridge and descend into the saddle. What comes next is what I consider the toughest part of the hike; steep class 3 scrambling up the southwest side of Mt. Fairchild. Once you get past this tough section, the summit is a few hundred feet to the east.

From the top of Mt. Fairchild, continue on to Hagues Peak down across the saddle. Scramble up the south side of Hagues Peak, which is again class 3. There is a summit register somewhere at the top. Be sure to sign!

From here, you can either head north and try to bag Rowe Peak for extra credit, or go southeast along the ridge to Mummy Mountain (as mapped) and complete the Mummy Kill Route, Mummy Marathon - whatever you want to call it.

From the top of Mummy Mountain, head down the southeast side of the mountain until you find a path heading west to the Black Canyon Trail briefly heading west/southwest before the Lawn Lake Trail, and then follow that trail south for around 5.5 miles all the way to the finish.

Keep in mind that this hike is very long and will keep you above timberline for most of the trip. There are multiple sections of steep class 3 scrambling and bad weather is not uncommon. This is not a hike for the inexperienced, and hikers should be familiar with route finding. Plan to be out for over 12 hours unless you're in really good shape.

Flora & Fauna

Alpine flowers and marmots.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ethan Reed

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 4 votes

#811

Overall
  5.0 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#163

in Colorado

#811

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16,337 Since Nov 28, 2017
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Photos

Start of Big Thompson with permission from dreamer 200
Jan 11, 2015 near Estes Park, CO
On top of Mt Chiquita looking toward Ypsilon on the left, Lake Ypsilon center, and Estes Park in the distance.
Aug 16, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
On Mt Chiquita looking northwest toward Flatiron Mt and Chapin Creek.
Aug 16, 2016 near Estes Park, CO
Mt Chapin Trail off Old Fall River Road, R.M.N.P.
Jul 9, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Bull elk.
Jul 9, 2022 near Estes Park, CO
Mt Chapin Trail off Old Fall River Road, R.M.N.P.
Jul 9, 2022 near Estes Park, CO

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