This is Mount Chapin, Rocky Mountain National Park, as it looked yesterday morning. Luckily, Estes Park, Colo., photographer Erik Stensland was there to capture the scene. He posted this on his Facebook page, but you can also find his work at his gallery, Images of RMNP.
Chapin is the southernmost of three peaks often hiked in one trip. The route across Mt. Chapin, Mt. Chiquita, and Ypsilon Mountain is commonly referred to as “CCY.”
From left to right, Chapin (12,454 ft), Chiquita (13,069 ft), and Ypsilon (13,514 ft):
Will you or have you taken that one trip?
My “one trip” was Longs Peak, and I did that in 1979. If you’re talking about the CCY hike, I’ve no plans for that. The best I could do at the moment might be 2 miles on level ground. Of course, Trail Ridge Road affords vistas that even a lot of hikes and peaks can’t provide. Haven’t done that drive recently, but try to do it at least once a year.
Your images are just breathtaking, love them both.
Stensland is an amazing photographer, but then RMNP is an amazing subject — any season or time of day.
You make me sorry I spent so much time in the cities of the US, except for a Yosemite NP visit I saw little of your beautiful country.
If you saw Yosemite, you saw one of the most spectacular places in the country. Can’t say for sure, because I’ve never been there. Given a choice though, I’ll always head for natural wonders, not cities.
You’d better hurry and make that drive up Trail Ridge – closing early this year?
gorgeous pix – (making me so sad in this heat)
I think I heard that Trail Ridge is closing for the season today or tomorrow. It’s been closed intermittently for several weeks due to early snows, and they need to ready the Visitor Center for winter. Old Fall River Road closed about a week ago to auto traffic; bikes and leashed pets will be allowed until November 30.
They let dogs on leashes on Old Fall River at the end of season? Great news – we’ll have to plan for that time frame – does it vary with season’s weather or do you just have to check and keep up? Cool is great for hiking and heavy coated malamutes
I’d certainly check with the park before coming up, but I just pulled this info off their page this morning. I think after Nov. 30 it will be open only to skiers and snowshoers.
Sigh not this year – but definitely will remember to keep an eye out for next year. Thanks
At least you’re far enough away to have an excuse. My only excuse is procrastination. I afraid I may have become like a native, taking the park for granted because it’s always there just 90 minutes away.
But atleast you look on line – bet many there don’t and miss it all.
Would hate to count the times each day I check the webcams.