Agreed - Not a beginners hike. Glad to see you brought the climbing helmets. I've tried three times and haven't made it to Spectacle Lakes. First time, could not make it past the crux cause I went in the spring run off season. Second time made it just pass the crux, but still felt uncomfortable with another sketchy move I didn't want to do. Third time, I was going to go the alt route around the right side of the Ypslion Lake, but wasn't feeling it. So I went to Chiquita Lake instead, and that was a pretty good alternative. I hope to attempt it again, but it won't be going solo. IMO, its not out of the reach of a class 2+ hiker, but you need some guidance and confidence from others.
Hey David, thanks for the insight. I find it's always helpful to have a hiking partner especially one to boost confidence. Although we've done way sketchier crap without helmets on, wearing a helmet does give a bit of a confidence boost when climbing up rock. Nice to know you have a little extra layer of protection on 💪
Wow! I'm running out of adjectives to describe how amazing yours and Emily's adventures are. I have been wondering if you two were ever going to climb to Spectacle Lakes. I love the cirque lakes but I know even though I'm a strong hiker this is out of my league. Just did Shelf and Solitude yesterday! The soil going up is so saturated with water. It was definitely a slippery slope coming down. We both "ate it" in two different areas but not injured. Thank God. Can't wait to see where you both take us next!!!
Hey Vickie thank you for the kind words :) I remember Shelf and Solitude being incredibly steep once off the Black Lake trail, that's a tough one ! Take Care !
This is up there with Frigid / Frozen / Chasm / Gorge Lakes as one of the best lakes in the park, I'll definitely be doing this as a sidetrek when I bag the Mummies next month.
Thanks Tristan. Have you been to any of the Gorge Lakes aside from above? I'm reeeeeally looking to do half of them this September but dreading the pain that's gonna be involved
@@Davespates Typed a reply earlier, but it seems to have not gone through. Looking back, the approach from Ida's NE ridge appears to be in the 30-40 degree range. By creating my own switchbacks (aiming for something below me to the left, then aiming for something below me to my right, and taking the most peaceful path etc), it was rough getting down there, but manageable. I only made it to Inkwell & Azure, as I stumbled and became injured while down in the gorge. From what I can remember, the whole thing was Class 2 and the terrain looked like it could remain Class 2 all the way down to Forest Canyon. Wrote a trail review on AllTrails under "Azure Lake and Inkwell Lake Loop," like I said there, I can't recommend it it enough.
That's a tough one! I'd have to say Mt Ida, any lake in the Upper Glacier Gorge, and Sky Pond. There's some other ones here but some routes may be class 3 ua-cam.com/video/PTE_zv5ekiQ/v-deo.html
Incredible adventure. Thank you so much so amazing to see this !!!
Hey Rodney! Thanks for checking it out 😀
Agreed - Not a beginners hike. Glad to see you brought the climbing helmets.
I've tried three times and haven't made it to Spectacle Lakes. First time, could not make it past the crux cause I went in the spring run off season. Second time made it just pass the crux, but still felt uncomfortable with another sketchy move I didn't want to do. Third time, I was going to go the alt route around the right side of the Ypslion Lake, but wasn't feeling it. So I went to Chiquita Lake instead, and that was a pretty good alternative. I hope to attempt it again, but it won't be going solo. IMO, its not out of the reach of a class 2+ hiker, but you need some guidance and confidence from others.
Hey David, thanks for the insight. I find it's always helpful to have a hiking partner especially one to boost confidence. Although we've done way sketchier crap without helmets on, wearing a helmet does give a bit of a confidence boost when climbing up rock. Nice to know you have a little extra layer of protection on 💪
Omg I just happen to come across your channel never knew you hike the views is awesome 👏🏾
Thanks Mr cool Lu good to see you over here :)
Wow, Just wow. Been Ypslion. Never even knew those lakes where there, out of my league though. still so wow.
Wow! I'm running out of adjectives to describe how amazing yours and Emily's adventures are. I have been wondering if you two were ever going to climb to Spectacle Lakes. I love the cirque lakes but I know even though I'm a strong hiker this is out of my league. Just did Shelf and Solitude yesterday! The soil going up is so saturated with water. It was definitely a slippery slope coming down. We both "ate it" in two different areas but not injured. Thank God. Can't wait to see where you both take us next!!!
Hey Vickie thank you for the kind words :) I remember Shelf and Solitude being incredibly steep once off the Black Lake trail, that's a tough one ! Take Care !
Looked at the lakes from top of Ypsilon but never been down there. Beautiful cirque
This cirque is truly one a kind. Still need to get up above 💪
Amazingly beautiful! Thanks for sharing your videos again!
My pleasure! Thanks for watching Lauren 😀
Another great video! That was some stunning scenery, brother. Thanks for keeping the amazing content coming.
Thanks Sheepdog always appreciate the kind words :)
This is up there with Frigid / Frozen / Chasm / Gorge Lakes as one of the best lakes in the park, I'll definitely be doing this as a sidetrek when I bag the Mummies next month.
Thanks Tristan. Have you been to any of the Gorge Lakes aside from above? I'm reeeeeally looking to do half of them this September but dreading the pain that's gonna be involved
@@Davespates
Typed a reply earlier, but it seems to have not gone through. Looking back, the approach from Ida's NE ridge appears to be in the 30-40 degree range. By creating my own switchbacks (aiming for something below me to the left, then aiming for something below me to my right, and taking the most peaceful path etc), it was rough getting down there, but manageable.
I only made it to Inkwell & Azure, as I stumbled and became injured while down in the gorge. From what I can remember, the whole thing was Class 2 and the terrain looked like it could remain Class 2 all the way down to Forest Canyon.
Wrote a trail review on AllTrails under "Azure Lake and Inkwell Lake Loop," like I said there, I can't recommend it it enough.
Also: if you find car keys, let me know, I lost them during the fall.
@@Tristan_Brewer Thanks buddy I will check out that review as well :)
What are your top 3 hikes in RMNP that are less than a class 3?
That's a tough one! I'd have to say Mt Ida, any lake in the Upper Glacier Gorge, and Sky Pond. There's some other ones here but some routes may be class 3 ua-cam.com/video/PTE_zv5ekiQ/v-deo.html