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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2015 9:28:12 GMT -8
Hello everyone,
Me and a couple friends are planning a trip out to Colorado, somewhere in the Rocky Mountains near Boulder, Denver, Breckenridge, etc. We are looking to do three days. We are relatively new to the backpacking world, as the hardest we've done is the Black Hills in South Dakota. It would be greatly appreciated for some help/guidance with finding a fun trail.
thank you!
Tate Martin
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desert dweller
Trail Wise!
Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
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Post by desert dweller on Dec 1, 2015 11:02:23 GMT -8
Welcome to the forums, Tate.
What time of the year were you planning on coming to Colorado?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2015 11:18:34 GMT -8
Thanks for the reply!
I was planning on coming out in mid June. Maybe early June depending on the weather!
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Post by Lamebeaver on Dec 1, 2015 12:34:37 GMT -8
Mid-June is a bit early for the high country. It's too early for predictions, but quite often, there is quite a bit of snow until early July. The Sangre de Cristos are often doable then, but you're looking at about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Denver. It's well worth the drive IMHO.
Another option would be the Lost Creek Wilderness, which is closer and usually has passable trails earlier in the year.
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desert dweller
Trail Wise!
Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
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Post by desert dweller on Dec 1, 2015 14:18:53 GMT -8
lamebeaver, are all Colorado trails high mountainous trails?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2015 9:04:21 GMT -8
Okay July it is!
We are looking to do a 3-4 day loop, somewhere relatively close to the Boulder/Denver area. (Within two hours). A lake would be very nice. If anyone has suggestions that would be great!!
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Post by Lamebeaver on Dec 2, 2015 11:29:04 GMT -8
lamebeaver, are all Colorado trails high mountainous trails? A significant number of the ones capable of providing a 3-4 day loop are. That's also where most of the public land is located, and most of the destinations many would be interested in. I provided a couple of alternatives, and there's also the canyon lands bordering Utah, which I'm not very familiar with, but when most people think of backpacking in Colorado, I think the vision they have in their mind is the high country. |
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Post by jhaveman on Jan 28, 2016 5:12:58 GMT -8
I did a trail last year in RMNP. It was an awesome trip. 4 days/3 nights, but you could skip one of the nights and go for a 3 day/2 night. We did the North Inlet/Tonohutu loop on the West side of the park. Great trail and awesome views.
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Post by melsdad on Apr 15, 2016 14:47:36 GMT -8
I did a backpack Elk hunt last fall in the LaGaritta Wilderness area. Beautiful country up there. If you did a loop around Machin and Benito lakes and checked out Twin Peaks near half moon pass you could spend a few days in there for sure.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 15, 2016 15:34:18 GMT -8
LaGaritta Wilderness area. Beautiful country up there. I agree. One of my favorite areas. June might be a bit early, especially this year. If you do make it up to Half Moon Pass, dropping down to check out the Wheeler Geologic Area is well worth it. |
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Post by absarokanaut on Apr 17, 2016 17:40:29 GMT -8
We've seen it said and shown persuasively that the Indian Peaks or Comanche Peaks Wildernesses are better choices than Rocky Mt. NP for backpacking in that area. Hopefully Swims With Trout or someone else more familiar with that slice of the state will chime in. AS NOTED/IMPLIED keep track of the snowpack as your time comes close. IF you have to do Lost Creek Wilderness it's pretty cool however different.
You could be at the Comanche-Venable Trailhead outside of Westcliffe, CO in less than 3 hours from REI in Denver. Screw the loop, get a shuttle and in July snow should permit you to go over the crest to Crestone. I have a natural bias becasue they were so close for me but over 30 years the Sangres remain the best of Colorado for me. Therre is however some relly awesome stuff up in that area including the Rawahs that like the Sangres and Winds have nice fishing lakes.
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