driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Aug 25, 2015 9:47:43 GMT -8
I will likely visit Mesa Verde NP in southwest CO the last day of Sept, then I have a few days for backpacking before driving back home to Chicagoland via I-70/76/80.
I've been reading about areas like West Elk, Weminuche, and Maroon Bells. I'm looking for up to 3 nights in the backcountry, with mountain scenery in mind. However, I won't have time to acclimate so I'm looking for trails and campsites below 10k elevation the first day or two. No doubt there are many other destinations in addtion to the ones I mentioned, but besides RMNP the only other place I've backpacked is Lost Creek Wilderness from the west TH and that proved too high too soon for this flatlander.
Any suggestions?
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Post by topshot on Aug 25, 2015 13:07:17 GMT -8
Mesa Verde is about 7000 so that will help you some, but heading into Oct things can get quickly get sketchy in the mtns, of course. Can't really help with what may be down low. I'm 3 hours south of you and flew into Aspen for a week in the MB wilderness a few years ago. Camped at 10200' the first night which is about the lowest you can get if going in at West Maroon TH (about 9400') and went over Buckskin Pass the next morning. I was in OK shape that year, having worked hard at gutting and renovating my house, but I could feel it heading uphill over 11,000. Still had a nice trip.
Was going to do train loop in the Weminuche this summer (after Mesa Verde in fact) but too high water levels for my son at the time so we went to South San Juan instead. We also stopped at Great Sand Dunes, which was pretty neat but the skeeters were horrendous because of all the rain (relatively) they'd had.
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swmtnbackpacker
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Aug 25, 2015 19:52:17 GMT -8
Just finished the Weminuche earlier this month by coming in from the north (Silverton) but no lower TH .. felt it (think my days of sleeping in a car next to the TH to acclimate in just 1 night are over). On top of Mesa verde, you might try Vallecito reservoir area or going along the road to the TH to Florida Lake .. car camp nearby before starting up.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Aug 25, 2015 20:13:17 GMT -8
... you might try Vallecito reservoir area ... I haven't been there since 2004 (quite a few changes since then), but that was a nice place to hang out for a couple days before tackling the Vallecito/Flint Creek/Rock Creek/Pine River almost-loop. I hired a cowboy from the lodge to shuttle me from Pine River TH to Vallecito TH. (He picked me up at 5:00 am, which was worth a huge tip).
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speacock
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Post by speacock on Aug 31, 2015 9:48:52 GMT -8
September is when the aspens all turn 'gold'. Some spectacular hikes. I took family (kids 6 and 8) over a trail head on Snowmass Creek to Snowmass Lake then over Buckskin, Willow and another pass that connects to east Snowmass Creek back to the car. Three days and the trees should be terrific. mapper.acme.com/?ll=39.11075,-107.00315&z Another long walk through aspen is Conundrum Hot Springs south following the creek. It is a 'natural' spring. Meaning clothing optional. mapper.acme.com/?ll=39.00998,-106.88388&z Most people who come from out of state to hike in Colorado aren't acclimated. The Snowmass trip stays close to 10,000 with quick trips over higher passes.
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speacock
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Post by speacock on Aug 31, 2015 10:04:45 GMT -8
Going more South, there are things near Leadville and Buena Vista. But most of these trails lead to or are associated with 14,000' summits - but the approaches are pretty. Follow Pine Creek up from US 24 over Elkhead Pass (there are Harvard, Missouri, Belford, Oxford 14rs) or just hang out in the Missouri Basin and look up. mapper.acme.com/?ll=38.94922,-106.31346 From Cortez, Colorado up towards Telluride and then over to Ouray and back over Silverton and to Durango are several scenic hikes. Lizard Head comes to mind. mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.83664,-107.92539& You can take the narrow gauge rail a few miles to the trail head. Its a loop and can catch the train back to Durango. mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.72820,-107.65164&z=15&t=T
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Sept 1, 2015 13:42:50 GMT -8
Thanks speacock, I'll check those out. I've been reading up on the Four Passes Loop in Maroon Bells and would dearly love to do it, but acclimation is my biggest concern. I'm contemplating a change of plans to skip Mesa Verde and visit Great Basin NP instead (I'm coming from Vegas). The car campsites at Great Basin are above 7,000, and I could hike higher to get some altitude. From there I'll drive to a hotel near the trailhead. Aspen CO is above 7,000, but I'd like to sleep a little higher the night before starting Maroon Bells.
Not sure if 2 nights over 7,000 are enough to acclimate for the Four Passes Loop, which we'd do in 4 days/3 nights (one hiking buddy with me). Looks like the backcountry campsites are 10-11k. Doing the loop clockwise, the first night we'd hike past Crater Lake and camp somewhere in the valley along Maroon Creek. If not acclimated we could bail by backtracking, but that would be a big disappointment.
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speacock
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Post by speacock on Sept 1, 2015 15:20:07 GMT -8
If you haven't had a problem with altitude in the past, you probably won't the next time. But then Mother Nature is rolling the dice on this one.
The trick to altitude is to take it slowly all the time and slower over the high stuff and get down lower quickly. From sea level to about 9,000' is usually doable with minor affects - over 10,000 sleeping might be a bit more of a problem. Most people don't have any more than a slight head ache, less interest in eating and a problem getting and staying asleep. You won't fully acclimate in two days to any altitude. Most people especially in the Sierra and for the most part in Colorado come from near sea level or midwest. So nobody is really fully adapted to altitude - and they keep coming back. You will know if you have a problem if you are more than just being slowed down and Ibuprofen doesn't help the aches and pains.
Leadville is 10,000'. Aspen is about 8,000'. If you are concerned about altitude affects, spend the night in Leadville and see how alive you are the next morning. Spending a night at altitude usually shows the affects. Lots to do and see, don't miss the Brass Ass in town. If in the morning you are hungry and you only have a headache when you bend over and shake your head, then that is what you will be when you do the 4 passes. Thousands of 'flat landers' drive through Leadville daily and are surprised when they get out to fill the car with gas. Drink more water than you think you should, stay away from greasy, salty food and alcohol. Don't miss going over 12,000' Independence Pass anyway (between Aspen and Leadville).
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Sept 1, 2015 15:47:51 GMT -8
I live in Chicagoland, flat and low. The last time we tried a multiday trek at high altitude we had to bail. Drove from Chi to a hotel @9800 feet, didn't get much sleep. Next day started the trek from west side of Lost Creek Wilderness and camped at 10.8k, not much sleep. Next day hike to 12+ was very difficult. My symptoms were fatigue and light headedness, but my buddy lost his lunch on Bison Peak. Too far from the car, we camped in the same 10.8k spot that night and slept a little better. Next day we did a dayhike in Lost Creek (all about 10k) and felt pretty good. Two days later we did a long dayhike in RMNP up to Sky Pond, no problems.
That was about 5 years ago. We'll be 56 & 58 this time, in decent shape but not compared to mountain junkies. I'd like more time to acclimate but it just doesn't fit our schedule. We're in Vegas for the World Masters slowpitch softball championships which ends the last Sunday in September, and we will likely be a bit legsore from playing a lot of games over the 3 day tourney. Monday night we'll be in Great Basin, and Tuesday night Aspen (or Leadville) if we're shooting for Maroon Bells. Weather forecast may play a factor. We're good down to upper teens overnight, but aren't bringing snowshoes.
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Post by swimswithtrout on Sept 1, 2015 19:03:27 GMT -8
If you're driving back from Vegas, then you have multiple choices in Utah, and it will be prime time !
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Sept 2, 2015 2:54:33 GMT -8
If you're driving back from Vegas, then you have multiple choices in Utah, and it will be prime time ! Last year for this tournament we took 2 weeks vacation, and hiked in Utah the week before and the week after the tourney. Visited all 5 NP's in southern Utah plus the North Rim of the GC. Haven't ruled out Utah again, though I also did a full week there in 2012. It's been much longer since I've hiked the Rockies, which I feel like doing this trip.
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Post by topshot on Sept 2, 2015 4:25:28 GMT -8
Sounds like 2 days in Leadville with some easy day hikes might be in order for your pal. Could do out and back on the CDT from Tenn Pass. Drink lots of water.
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speacock
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Post by speacock on Sept 2, 2015 16:05:08 GMT -8
I live at 600' above sea level. My play ground is from the east side of the Sierra. Trail heads start around 9500'+ after a 4 hour drive. I have a problem with high altitude - at times. Its called Cheyne-Stokes syndrome and is essentially sleep apnea which I don't have below 7,000'. I keep 250mg Diamox (prescription drug - check with your MD) tablets handy and take one in the evening during dinner and before I go to bed. Without it, I get portions of sleep - that is for as long as I can hold my breath after I drift off. It is especially troublesome if I lay on my back. Laying on my side seems to be better. Otherwise I have the usual minor symptoms of altitude adaptation. Usually by end of first day I forget about the altitude - except when powering uphill. That just doesn't happen. My wife brought it to my attention when she first noticed it. She thought I had died and was checking for a pulse. She mentioned that I snore at altitude - not so much at home. You will still loose some sleep. It is a diuretic, so after all the extra water you will need to replace what it uses, you will be seeing a few nice starry late nights. It causes some interesting affects by reducing the amount of dissolved CO2 and changes the pH of your blood. That causes you to breath faster and increase uptake of oxygen. Minor problems for others include tingling lips and carbonated beverages are really just crap. I take a half pill in the afternoon, during lunch, if I want to drift off for a snooze reading a book. It's a sulfa drug used for treatment of epilepsy. For me it is a 2 or 3 nighter usually. It is really the pits when you don't sleep for 3 nights and you have to hustle up a pass the next day. If you get some significant symptoms back off. Do check weather forecasts and current conditions. It really is a pain to have to remember where the trail is that you went up the day before which is now covered in almost knee high snow. Take along short gaiters. They keep trail debris out the top of your boots too. If you go to Leadville and surrounds, check out as much of the mining history as you can. A trip down a mine will give you extra needed oxygen. If still a little woosie in the morning, keep your explorations to eating carbohydrates, hydrating, driving and going WOW! a lot, rather than walking. The highest peak in Colorado is just a few miles south on Hiway 24 from Leadville. If you feel like 20 yo's, that is a nice quick up and back.
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Sept 2, 2015 18:26:09 GMT -8
Thanks again for the good advice and your personal experience. What we're looking for is 2 or 3 nights in the mountains. Doesn't have to be Maroon Bells, or even a loop (out & back with dayhikes from basecamp under 10k would be good). Also would consider driving from Vegas via southern route thru New Mexico mountains, which might have lesser chance of snow.
Many possibilities but not familiar with the region, which is why I'm seeking suggestions. Not a peak bagger, just want some beautiful alpine scenery while avoiding altitude sickness if possible. Don't need big miles, but willing to make an effort for a worthwhile trek. The Maroon Bells Four Passes loop in 4 days/3 nights is at the high end of what we can do.
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Post by topshot on Sept 3, 2015 4:27:01 GMT -8
My 8 yo and I did Wheeler Peak (highest in NM at 13161) this summer after dropping off his brother at Philmont. 3 main routes you can take. It's a long day hike to 2 nights. We were going to do 2 nights going in from Red River side but just made it one. Saw sheep going up and goats coming down.
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