Mount Chapin via Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

June 23, 2015
Elevation: 12,454 feet
Elevation gain from Endovalley Picnic Area: ~3,900 vertical feet
Roundtrip distance:  ~14 miles ​

The Fir, Spruce, and Aspen-lined Old Fall River Road is an ambitious launch point for Mount Chapin. The 6.9 miles you will walk on the historic Old Fall River Road to Chapin Pass is worth the distance, as it passes the Endovalley overlook (amongst others) and follows Chasm Falls in delightfully close proximity. 

You may drive this 6.9 miles while the road is open to vehicles (~July 4 through late Fall).  ​

The Chapin Pass trailhead sits modestly on the right side of the road and points you onto the Chapin Creek Trail. You are steered East toward Mount Chapin, then to the saddle between Mount Chapin and Mount Chiquita, and finally to the Mount Chapin summit; an easily followed trail up a rocky mountain and a characteristically rocky summit. ​

​From atop, the views of Mt Chiquita and Ypsilon Mountain to the North and Estes Park to the East are superb. Old-man-of-the Mountain, Alpine forget-me-not, Dwarf clover, Fairy primrose, and Moss Campion decorated this alpine zone.

When you reach your reluctant (and it will be!) departure time, consider descending the East Ridge instead of back-tracking. Is it a steep and narrow slow-go? Yep. Is it a bush-whack? Yes. Will it give you the opportunity to descend a unique area through beautiful shrubbery while butt-scrambling over rock and past draining water? You bet! ​

So…summiting Mount Chapin, in a nutshell far too small to truly capture its intrigue, is experiencing the airy alpine zone, wandering elk, energetic swallows, diverse collections of wildflowers, and the oh-so-vibrant, almost magical, scent of the conifers lining Fall River Road. This hike is lengthy enough to challenge you and “out there” enough to let your mind so peacefully wander.  ​

​Happy Trails!!

Jamie M. and Adam A.

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