Hike to Ypsilon Lake

This trail wastes no time getting interesting. Within the first mile, you're walking along the edge of a dramatic ravine carved when the Lawn Lake Dam failed in 1982 — a raw scar in the landscape that makes most trail scenery feel tame by comparison. From there, the path climbs steadily through dense subalpine forest, gaining serious elevation over its 4.5-mile length. The route eventually splits from the Lawn Lake Trail, and the final push to Ypsilon Lake drops you at a pristine alpine basin tucked beneath the sheer face of Ypsilon Mountain, with its signature Y-shaped couloirs towering overhead. The lake itself sits in a glacial cirque that feels like a hidden amphitheater. This one rewards hikers who appreciate geological drama over manicured scenery — if you want a trail that tells a story, this is it.