Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2016 8:34:09 GMT -8
I would like to plan a trip with my children (15&12 years old) from Estes park to grand lake. I used to live in Fraser so i'm pretty familiar with Grand lake area. This would be a first for me in planning this sort of trip, so I am looking for help in - Planning
- Suggested routes
- Gear suggestions
- Required permits and aquisition
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 14, 2016 12:13:32 GMT -8
Hi, Finch. Have your kids done much hiking? or camping? If not, I'd suggest you make sure they know what they are getting into--15, especially, is too old to just tell "because I said so"  So that would be part of your planning. If they are pretty sedentary, get them out, and make sure they have good shoes that fit well. They don't have to be hiking boots--my boys hiked in running shoes until they were about that age--but something decent, with good socks, either synthetic or (my preference) wool. For gear: Same as you need, but: kids can handle thin sleeping pads better than we can. They are lighter At this point, if you don't have sleeping bags for them, obviously you invest in adult-sized bags, even if the 12-y.o. is still small. Campmor.com is a good source of cheap techy clothes--I always made sure my kids had synthetic everything, and shirts that offered protection from the sun (in the end, one has chosen the tee-shirt kind, the other sticks with the "dress shirt" style I use). You might consider renting packs for them from REI if you don't own them. Kids that age can change size fast. What other gear were you wondering about in particular? Permits: contact RMNP, since I think any route will go through the Park. Plan days with not too much mileage. If you are in camp by 2 p.m., kids have time to play, and energy to enjoy themselves. That is just as true of teens as little kids. You can enjoy a nap. Toss out more specific questions and we'll try to answer! Some gear questions might do better in the gear forum; we're a little short on active parents in the group right now (I'm trying to keep an eye on this, but my kids are actually pretty much grown). |
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Jan 19, 2016 9:29:02 GMT -8
Finch, Have spent some time in RMNP. RMNP Backcountry LinkEstes park to grand lake. There is only one maintained trail that provides an east to west or west to east access point. That would be the Flattop Mountain Trail that connects with either the Tonahutu or North Inlet Trails coming from Grand Lake. Be aware that the point-to-point hike from Tonahutu, to Flattop (Grand Lake to Estes Park) is a super popular long day hike with buses from Estes Park dropping hikers off at Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Recommend procuring a copy of National Geographic Trails Illustrated RMNP #200. For Estes Park Lodging - Alpine Trail Ridge Inn |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 19, 2016 22:22:02 GMT -8
It occurs to me that another, maybe somewhat less crowded option, is a traverse via Pawnee Pass. That's in Indian Peaks Wilderness, not RMNP, and we did it when Eldest Son was 8 months old or so, taking 2 nights (a short first day, as we did the long drive, and a key exchange at our second camp, still on the west side). That was the first packtrip we took the baby on, IIRC.
ETA: That hike has its eastern end at Brainard Lake, which is about the most popular spot in the region. So parking there is an issue except very early in the morning. Starting from that side might still be best, but only if the kids can go clear over the summit in one day, as I don't think there's much if any camping on the way up from the east.
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So that would be part of your planning. If they are pretty sedentary, get them out, and make sure they have good shoes that fit well. They don't have to be hiking boots--my boys hiked in running shoes until they were about that age--but something decent, with good socks, either synthetic or (my preference) wool.
