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Ypsilon Mountain (13,514’), though not the highest peak of the range, stands out because of its
high visibility from the east and its great southeast cirque, which spans more than 180 degrees and
rises 2,000 vertical feet above Spectacle Lakes, two deep tarns in the floor of the cirque. Most technical
routes are associated with this amphitheater: The two most famous are the Y Couloir, which
splits the middle of the headwall, and Blitzen Ridge, which forms the right margin of the cirque. A
popular hike ascends the southwest shoulder of Ypsilon Mountain from Chapin Pass.
Approach all east side routes via the Ypsilon Lake Trail (p408).
Descent: The easiest descent from the summit is to hike down the Southwest Ridge to Chapin
Pass, but this requires a car shuttle for east side climbs. The easiest return to Ypsilon Lake is to
descend the South Slope into the cirque between Mount Chiquita and Ypsilon Mountain. Under the
right snow conditions, one may glissade the entire slope (1,200 feet) in about two minutes. Some
travel on rock and scree is required in late season. One also may scramble down Donner Ridge
(p413; this takes more than two minutes).