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Post by ohiohiker84 on Mar 19, 2016 14:21:29 GMT -8
I'll be in Denver for a conference the first week of April and a co-worker and I are taking some extra days to play tourist and I told her we HAVE to do a couple of hikes while in CO (she's never been).
Any recommendations for a short hike around 3 miles or so, without regular hiking gear, but with the 10 essentials. I can't fit my regular hiking gear in my carry-on, so we're limited to a couple of short day hikes.
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null
Trail Wise!
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Post by null on Mar 20, 2016 3:05:20 GMT -8
How about starting at the Park n Ride near Glacier Basin. Cross the Street and head up and around Bierstadt Lake? I don't know that it's an iconic hike like up to Emerald Lake, but it fits your criteria.
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Post by swimswithtrout on Mar 20, 2016 10:36:13 GMT -8
Except for Deer Mountain and Gem Lk, expect most trails to still be snowed over. Popular trails around Bear Lk get enough traffic that you'll probably be OK without snowshoes. Dream Lk or Mills Lk "might" be destinations in that category, but as of today, there's still 57" of snow at Bear Lk, with two more storms coming this week.   |
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Hungry Jack
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Living and dying in 3/4 time...
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Post by Hungry Jack on Mar 20, 2016 10:39:53 GMT -8
FoCo got 6" snow on Friday. Probably more fell up high.
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Post by swimswithtrout on Mar 20, 2016 10:56:51 GMT -8
FoCo got 6" snow on Friday. Probably more fell up high. Yup, still 4" in my yard ! 12-20" fresh snow up higher. If the Bear Lk trails aren't packed down enough, you could always rent snowshoes in Estes. Mill's Lk is as "iconic" as it gets for a short hike. |
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Woodsie
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Colorado
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Post by Woodsie on Mar 20, 2016 12:51:23 GMT -8
Dream Lake is a good option. It's a mile in, and one of the most scenic lakes in the park. Usually the trail is packed down enough that snowshoes aren't needed.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Mar 21, 2016 7:04:48 GMT -8
Since you're going to be starting in Denver, I'd suggest something a bit closer. Here are a few options: Maxwell Falls - popular on weekends. The falls should be quite impressive in April Elk Meadows/Bergen Peak - great views. It's a long walk to the top, but you're going to save at least 3 hours getting there, as opposed to RMNP. Matthews/Winters (Red Rocks) - this one makes a nice loop Dinosaur Ridge - dinosaur tracks are cool Note, the last two are very close to each other. You don't need to do the guided touristy thing to see Dinosaur ridge. Just park at the base of the hill on the west side and walk up the road. There are plenty of interpretive signs. The trail starts just before you get to the main dinosaur track viewing area, and is an easy hike up along the crest of the ridge. There are many other options: Jeffco Open Space ParksDenver Mountain Parks |
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Hungry Jack
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Living and dying in 3/4 time...
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Post by Hungry Jack on Mar 21, 2016 13:24:45 GMT -8
What about Roxborough State Park? The pics I have seen look amazing.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Mar 21, 2016 19:09:06 GMT -8
Roxborough or Golden Gate Canyon would both be good options. There is a usage fee for both of these.
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Post by swimswithtrout on Mar 27, 2016 10:01:35 GMT -8
FoCo got 6" snow on Friday. Probably more fell up high. And we got 13.4" more snow here in town on Wednesday, with a lot more up higher. This is what Horsetooth looked like yesterday afternoon.  |
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Post by ohiohiker84 on Apr 3, 2016 9:19:12 GMT -8
Thanks everyone for the great tips!!
I did get a RMNP book: The Complete Hiking Guide by Lisa Foster so I'm checking out all of your suggestions. The weather is supposed to be in the mid-70's while we're there next week through the 12th, so I'm thinking it'll be good hiking weather.
I'm so looking forward to seeing those fabulous mountains again.
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