Chiquita Lake (11,356') is located in a steep-walled cirque under Mount Chiquita (13,069') in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. A challenging cross-country route follows a social trail up Ypsilon Lake's inlet stream to Chiquita Lake's outlet stream, which it loosely follows on a steep climb through treeline to its source at the lake.

On July 15, 1982 the Lawn Lake dam failed and released 674 acre-feet of water at an estimated peak discharge rate of 18,000 cubic feet per second down the Roaring River valley

Ypsilon Mountain (13,514'), seen here reflecting in Chipmunk Lake, was named for the 'Y' shaped couloir on its east face (Ypsilon is the Greek letter for Y)

The main trail drops to the inlet area of Ypsilon Lake, where you'll find a good social trail running up the south (left) side of the creek

There are several waterfalls along Ypsilon Lake's steep inlet, which is fed by Chiquita Lake and the Spectacle Lakes

After a steep climb and some tricky navigation, travel briefly moderates into a big meadow with useful perspective on the route and location of the Chiquita cirque

Looking down valley from the rim of Chiquita Lake

A cirque is defined as a bowl-shaped depression with steep sides that forms at the head of a valley or glacier

Mount Chiquita (13,069') is accessible by a well-traveled cross-country route from Fall River Road, and one of three summits on the venerable CCY route

Cascades along Chiquita Lake's outlet stream near the confluence with Spectacle Lakes' outlet

Though off-trail distance is modest between Ypsilon and Chiquita, rugged and variable terrain slow travel and force numerous navigational decisions (typically between the lesser of terrestrial evils!)

A waterfall and pool along the Spectacle Lakes outlet stream, just above the (navigationally important) confluence with Chiquita's outlet stream

Even if not aiming for Chiquita or the Spectacle Lakes, it's worth following the social trail above Ypsilon to see the waterfalls - especially during peak runoff

The social trail above Ypsilon Lake is steep but well-formed and easy to follow to the confluence

Ypsilon Lake in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park