Follow the Lawn Lake Trail for 1.3 miles to the junction with the Ypsilon Lake Trail. Take the Ypsilon Lake Trail across a bridge over Roaring River, and continue for nearly three miles to tiny Chipmunk Lake. Beyond Chipmunk, follow the Ypsilon Lake Trail for about a quarter mile to the point where the trail heads sharply downhill toward Ypsilon Lake. At this point, leave the trail and look for a small path on the north side of Ypsilon Lake's inlet creek. Follow this path as it leads west along the creek, then follow cairns as the route heads north up a very steep ridge. Near the top of the ridge, follow the creek to the lower of the two lakes. There are some rocks near the top of the ridge that require scrambling to ascend and this section of the route may be too difficult for hikers unaccustomed to basic climbing moves.

Sample photographs of the hike to Spectacle Lakes

Off-trail route to Spectacle Lakes

Cascade at outlet of Spectacle Lakes

Lower Spectacle Lake

Lake outlet and view toward Longs Peak

GPS DATA USGS Quad Map: Trail Ridge (CO) - Latitude: 40.449 deg. N - Longitude: 105.674 deg. W

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