Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 14, 2016 12:15:17 GMT -8
I will be staying in Golden late in June. looking for great dayhikes to include Golden Canyon, Boulder (Flatirons), RMNP and other areas within a few hours. I live a few hundred feet above sea level, so the first few days will be spent between 5-7K feet elevation and build up from there. Looking for big views, waterfalls and lakes and avoiding crowds. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on May 16, 2016 10:20:33 GMT -8
At the end of June, you may still find some snow in the high country, but things start to open up a bit. If you can go during the week, crowds are greatly diminished.
For RMNP, Ouzel falls is accessible via the south, less frequently visited Wild Basin entrance. Late June it should be running strong.
For an easy start, look at Betasso Preserve near Boulder, or White Ranch Open Space (Jefferson County). There are lots of options, these are just a couple.
For great views, you want to get up above tree line. Once again, lots of choices. Trail Ridge road in RMNP is certainly an option, but fewer people. and less traffic, if you feel up to it, after a few days, I'd try one of the easier 14ers like Quandary Peak. Note: climbing even a gradual grade above 13,000ft will leave you breathing hard, but you should be find if you keep hydrated. Make sure you start out early to avoid the risk of afternoon thunderstorms. You do not want to get caught above tree line with lightning in the area.
If you go anywhere on a weekend, expect lots of company.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 16, 2016 10:30:35 GMT -8
I appreciate the info and tips very much. I will be there for 8 days so ideally I hope to do exactly what you described. Gradually work up to one of the 13 or 14ers.
Afternoon lightning-Is there a certain time of day to be back below treeline? Or top out by a certain time or turn around?
Thanks again!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on May 16, 2016 12:48:57 GMT -8
The general rule is to watch the weather forecast and summit by noon.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2016 13:40:27 GMT -8
I had a great time in the foothills and front range. Thanks for the word on Ouzel Falls and White Ranch. The falls & creek were roaring and the ranch was a nice low elevation hike. Also hit the Green Mt. Trail in RMNP for low hike. Hiked in Golden Canyon State Park, Apex Trail in Golden and Chicago Lakes Trail at Mt. Evans. Beautiful state and can't wait to return! Indian Peaks next time! Then hammered home 17 hours of interstate bliss. Good hiking!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on Jul 17, 2016 11:13:50 GMT -8
Glad you had a good time.
|
|
|
|
Post by absarokanaut on Jul 17, 2016 18:45:47 GMT -8
Is that you Venom?
|
|
