Overview
Mount Chiquita is the middle peak of the popular Chapin-Chiquita-Ypsilon hike in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Chapin Pass trailhead on Old Fall River Road, a clear trail skirts Mount Chapin and climbs to Chiquita's rocky top.
It is Class 2, trail most of the way, with rock at the end.
The round trip is about 5.1 miles with about 2,150 feet of gain. Mileage and gain are our estimates. Most people add Ypsilon Mountain and sometimes Mount Chapin.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.; the road opens early in the morning.
Be on the summit by 11 a.m.
Nothing hard.
Easy. Follow signs for All Summits.
None on the route. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Chapin Pass (Rocky Mountain National Park)
From Estes Park, follow Highway 34 into Rocky Mountain National Park at its Fall River entrance. Past the bighorn sheep viewing area, turn right after about 2 miles onto Old Fall River Road.
Old Fall River Road is gravel and one-way uphill, and it usually opens only from early July into fall. Drive 6.9 miles from where it turns to dirt to the signed Chapin Pass trailhead and park in the pullout on the left. When you're done, continue up to the Alpine Visitor Center and return on Trail Ridge Road.
The park charges an entry fee and may require a timed-entry reservation in summer. Dogs aren't allowed on trails. Check the park website.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Chapin Pass (Rocky Mountain National Park). Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →