Upper Chipmunk

For Colorado locals craving an authentic and immersive wilderness experience, Upper Chipmunk is not just a campground; it’s a designated backcountry campsite nestled deep within the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the breathtaking landscape near Estes Park, this site offers a profound sense of solitude and unparalleled access to the park's iconic high-alpine beauty. Unlike front-country campgrounds with easy vehicle access and numerous amenities, Upper Chipmunk demands a commitment to backpacking, rewarding those who make the journey with pristine surroundings, incredible quiet, and the raw, untamed spirit of the Rockies.

As a designated backcountry site, Upper Chipmunk is managed by the National Park Service and operates under strict wilderness regulations designed to preserve the delicate ecosystem and provide a true wilderness experience. This means embracing Leave No Trace principles, carrying in all your necessities, and carrying out all your waste. It's a prime destination for experienced backpackers, ardent hikers, and anyone who yearns to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature on a deeper level. Imagine waking up to the stillness of the mountain air, far from the sounds of roads or crowds, with only the rustling of pines and distant calls of wildlife breaking the silence. This is the promise of Upper Chipmunk – a truly unforgettable Colorado adventure.

Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite is situated within Rocky Mountain National Park, with its address tied to the park's eastern gateway: Estes Park, CO 80517, USA. However, it’s crucial for Coloradans to understand that this is not a drive-up campground. Accessing Upper Chipmunk requires a significant hike, typically beginning from the Lawn Lake Trailhead, which is located off Fall River Road within Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail to Upper Chipmunk is approximately 4.2 miles with a considerable elevation gain of around 2,100 feet, making it a moderately strenuous hike when carrying a full backpack.

For those traveling from the Front Range cities like Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, the drive to Estes Park usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and starting location. Once in Estes Park, you'll need to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, which requires a park entrance fee or pass. During peak season (typically late May through mid-October), Rocky Mountain National Park often implements a timed-entry permit system, which backpackers with a wilderness permit for Upper Chipmunk should be aware of, as their wilderness permit often serves as their timed entry for the duration of their trip.

The hike itself winds through beautiful forests, offering glimpses of stunning mountain scenery. The campsite is located just past Chipmunk Lake. While the hike to the campsite is uphill, the return journey is predominantly downhill, offering a more comfortable trek for tired legs. Water access is not directly at the campsite; as noted by a reviewer, water must be obtained from Ypsilon Lake, which requires a further hike from the campsite. This highlights the self-sufficient nature of backcountry camping at Upper Chipmunk.

As a designated backcountry campsite within a national park wilderness area, Upper Chipmunk offers very limited services, emphasizing self-reliance and minimal impact camping. This aligns with the principles of Leave No Trace, which are paramount in such pristine environments.

• Designated Campsites: Upper Chipmunk consists of two designated individual campsites. These sites provide a relatively flat and clear area for pitching tents, minimizing impact on the surrounding vegetation. Each site is designed for parties of 1 to 7 people.
• Open-Air Toilets (Privies): As noted by a past visitor, there are "odd little open-air toilets" (privies) available. These are typically rustic, non-flush toilets designed to manage human waste in a wilderness setting. Visitors should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• No Potable Water: There is no direct potable water source at the campsite. Campers must carry in all their drinking water or be prepared to filter and treat water from natural sources like Ypsilon Lake, which requires an additional hike to access.
• No Campfires Allowed: Campfires are strictly prohibited at Upper Chipmunk and many other backcountry sites within Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors must use portable stoves for cooking.
• No Trash Service: This is a "pack it in, pack it out" area. All trash, including food scraps, must be packed out of the wilderness.
• Bear Canisters Required: Due to active wildlife, especially bears, bear-resistant food storage canisters are required for all food and scented items from April 1 through October 31. These must be carried in by campers.
• No Picnic Tables or Fire Rings: Unlike front-country campgrounds, backcountry sites do not offer picnic tables or traditional fire rings, reinforcing the minimal impact approach.
• Wilderness Permit System: An overnight wilderness permit is required year-round for camping at Upper Chipmunk. These permits must be obtained in advance through Recreation.gov or in person at a Wilderness Office within RMNP.

• True Wilderness Solitude: One of the foremost highlights is the profound sense of peace and solitude. Being a backcountry site, it offers an escape from the crowds often found in more accessible areas of the park, allowing for a deep connection with nature.
• Stunning High-Alpine Scenery: The campsite is set amidst beautiful high-altitude forests of pine, spruce, and fir, with the rugged peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park towering above. While views directly from the site may be somewhat limited by trees, nearby excursions offer panoramic vistas.
• Proximity to Ypsilon Lake: Upper Chipmunk's location provides excellent access to the stunning Ypsilon Lake, a pristine alpine lake known for its clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. This makes for a fantastic day hike from the campsite.
• Access to Challenging Day Hikes: From Upper Chipmunk, adventurous hikers can push further to the higher Spectacle Lakes, a strenuous hike involving some scrambling and route finding, but offering incredibly rewarding glacial blue water and views of Longs Peak.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being in a less-trafficked wilderness area increases the chances of spotting native wildlife such as elk, deer, various bird species, and smaller forest creatures in their natural habitat.
• Backpacking Challenge and Reward: The hike to Upper Chipmunk, with its significant elevation gain, offers a rewarding challenge for backpackers, culminating in the satisfaction of earning your spot in a truly wild setting.
• Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night skies above Upper Chipmunk are incredibly dark, providing spectacular opportunities for stargazing and observing celestial wonders.
• Leave No Trace Immersion: For those committed to ethical outdoor practices, Upper Chipmunk offers a practical experience in implementing Leave No Trace principles, fostering a deeper respect for fragile wilderness environments.

For Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite, direct contact is primarily through the National Park Service, which manages Rocky Mountain National Park and its wilderness permit system. There is no individual phone number specifically for the Upper Chipmunk campsite itself, as it is an unstaffed backcountry location.

Address: Estes Park, CO 80517, USA (This is the general park address, not a mailing address for the site).

For all inquiries related to Rocky Mountain National Park backcountry permits, conditions, and general park information, the best contacts are:

Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Office:

Phone: (970) 586-1242 (This is the most direct line for wilderness camping inquiries and permits.)

For general park information:

Rocky Mountain National Park Main Information Line: (970) 586-1206

For wilderness permit reservations and availability, Coloradans should utilize the official Recreation.gov website. Wilderness permits for Rocky Mountain National Park are highly sought after and often require reservations well in advance, especially for popular sites like those near major trailheads.

It is always advisable to check the official Rocky Mountain National Park (nps.gov/romo) website for the most up-to-date information on current conditions, trail closures, fire restrictions, and any changes to the timed-entry or permit systems before planning your trip to Upper Chipmunk.

Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park is uniquely suitable for local Coloradans who are experienced in or aspiring to wilderness backpacking. Unlike the more accessible and often bustling front-country campgrounds, Upper Chipmunk offers a profound and undiluted taste of the Colorado wilderness, just a few hours' drive from the Front Range. For residents who regularly enjoy hiking and seek true solitude, this site provides an invaluable opportunity to disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the high country.

The challenge of the hike to Upper Chipmunk and the self-sufficient nature of backcountry camping foster a deep appreciation for preparation, resilience, and the Leave No Trace ethic, skills highly valued by Colorado's outdoor community. The reward for this effort is unparalleled: stunning alpine scenery, the chance to witness abundant wildlife in its natural habitat, and the profound quiet that only a truly wild place can offer. Access to iconic landmarks like Ypsilon Lake and the more strenuous push to Spectacle Lakes further enhances the appeal for those seeking both peaceful reflection and demanding physical activity.

While the lack of modern amenities like running water at the site and the strict no-campfire policy may deter some, for many Coloradans, these very limitations contribute to the authentic wilderness experience they seek. Upper Chipmunk isn't just a place to sleep; it's an adventure, a classroom for wilderness ethics, and a sanctuary where the state's magnificent natural beauty can be experienced in its purest form, making it a truly exceptional and fitting destination for the local outdoor enthusiast.

Upper Chipmunk

Estes Park, CO 80517, USA