flat tops wilderness backpacking loops

Backcountry Tenkara Fishing. The views, fishing, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this area. Great report. Well traverse the verdant meadows along the massive Flat Tops Plateau and camp by high mountain lakes and streams. I've never seen so many within Wilderness area boundaries and I begin to wonder if the allotment for cattle grazing operations here are above the norm as apart of the agreement for turning it into a wilderness area back in the 70's. Lost Creek Wilderness, near Bailey, in central Colorado, is most often the first area to open to backpackers in Colorado high country and the last to close. To top it all off, this region is lush with running water. Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. Our The attitude you bring is almost as important as the equipment, he said. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 As this Colorado fishs numbers are dwindling, it is a catch and release policy for cutthroat caught within the wilderness boundary. During this stretch I stopped and chatted with a group of three backpackers. These allow Forest Service rangers to track user days, provide information about your trip, and help in an emergency. Overlooking the Turret Creek Valley I saw lightning and heard load, but sporadic thunder. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More. As the worlds premierhiking and trekking company, Wildland believes in connecting people to fantastic environments in amazing ways. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project. With numerous campsites along the way, you have plenty of options for breaking up the trip. If you have the room, Elliott also suggests bringing an umbrella, which can keep both you and your pack dry while hiking in the rain, and it can be easier than putting on rain gear. GuidedFlat Tops Wilderness backpacking trips are available and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. All I saw was a bog filled depression. The most popular camp is in the boulder field, a little under six miles into the hike. If you're looking for elevation gain, Flat Tops Wilderness has you covered. Chapman Reservoir Campground is the first one you'll reach, but even before then there are opportunities . Writing is Terris passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors. Choose ones that dont have an extreme elevation gain for the region and travel on well-maintained trails and avoid more difficult trails. The Flat Tops wilderness also offers anglers Colorados best fly fishing for ribbon cutthroat trout in high alpine lakes and streams for avid anglers or those learning the art of craft of fly fishing. 3.0 + approach . If youre looking for a long-distance trail, the Colorado Trail is a big one. There are 40 trails in Flat Tops Wilderness. It can take a couple of weeks to get your permit, so plan ahead! There's a lot of valuable information in here. Take your time and enjoy the summit, but make sure youre heading down by noon at the latest. Here are some other multi-day hikes local backpackers suggested for both beginners and those a bit more experienced: Four Pass Loop: Located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area near Aspen, this 26-mile loop can be hiked in two to four days and crosses four mountain ranges with peaks of over 12,000 feet. Trappers Lake is a fantastic starting point for anybackpacking adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness. Try several brands before making your decision. Once you find one that fits well for you, you can practice with a test run. On the roughly 11- to 12-mile hike, youll see wildflowers galore and come across a bevy of babbling streams. At 486 miles, this route starts in Denver and runs to Durango. Situated between 8,000 12,000, the Flat Tops are a combination of large lakes, pristine rivers, high plateau mountains, and amazing scenery. These 10,000- to 12,354-foot-high tablelands seem to levitate above the surrounding valleys, altogether out of place in a state known for jagged summits. I departed the lonesome Turret Creek trailhead around 5:30 p.m. near Sweetwater Reservoir with high hopes that Id be walking into the woods without too much of a monsoon season soaking. I had hit the northern most section of my loop and it was time to return to the high mesa scene. If you are injured on the trail and are solo, stay on the trail and wait. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Still off in the distance I see more and more cattle. Thinking about doing a trip out there next month. Its best to tackle Sunlight and Windom before the Eolus Group, as its a bit easier to get down from the Eolus summits if the weather turns later in the day. Hideaway Park/Rendezvous Event Center Sledding Hill. When it Rains, it Pours in Colorados Elk Mountains, A National Park Ranger Reveals the Secrets of the Job. Only 11 miles completed this day (Saturday). Sixteen Must Do (5.5 and 5.6) Boulder and Estes Park Rock Climbs, Our Top 5 Spring Wildflower Hikes in Boulder, CWRAG AIARE Avalanche Classes: 2023/2024 Dates Announced, Ruby Horsethief Exclusive Rafting Weekend Dates Announced for 2023, 2023 ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK BACKPACKING DATES ANNOUNCED, Discover Your Next Summer Adventure: CWRAGs Top 5 Recommended Trips. The Ute tribe has lived on the land now known as Colorado (along with parts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming) since time immemorial. This loop offers up a unique experience on the Western Slope. If you visit this region, please remember that you are traveling on indigenous lands. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. While the above list is a great place to start your research,Colorado's list of notable backpacking trips doesn't end here. Flat Tops Wilderness offers an array of incredible hiking and trekking experiences. Take an amazing trip to undisturbed wilderness camping and world class trout fishing. From this trailhead there are three different established paths that will bring you into the high islands that is the Flat Tops. Deer Lake turns out to be a dead lake as I can neither see or attract any fish with my lures. Lost Creek Loop7. I couldn't help but wonder how the fishing is. Kettle lakes arent a place, but a geologic feature. The knife-edge feature is only about 100 yards long, but the drops are precipitous, and it can be a little intimidating. There is no where else like it on earth. Arthur Carhart, a recreation engineer for the forest service, was sent to survey Trappers Lake. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to They placed members of the indigenous tribe on arid strips of land in Utah and Southern Colorado. Had you kept on going from Hooper it would have not gotten much better! They dont usually last very long. The average hiker can tackle the Colorado Trail in four to six weeks, but you can take as much time as you want. The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of about 10,000 feet. If enjoying an epic Colorado backpacking trip is on your list, then join us in the Flat Tops for an adventure youll never forget! This expansive wilderness is a land of flowing rivers, over 100 miles of them, with trout abundant in both. Sweetwater Reservoir and my ride back to civilization the next morning. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! The Ute people, however, can trace their ancestry in Colorado back 10,000 years. Thunder burped and rainclouds moved towards me. The Stillwater Lake region was by far the busiest section of the trip. On my way in, just outside the Wilderness boundary I crossed the paths of two men on horseback. For example, the Navajo have occupied their iconic four-corners region for centuries, but their ancestors migrated from more northern locales. Wish I had been able to read it before a two-night trip I did in the Flat Tops this week. However, camping up top and hiking along the cliff band will leave you breathless. You can find somewhere to camp somewhere along the Chinese Wall Trail. Individuals need to self-register at the trailhead. Approximately a 65 mile loop. Our The trail is mostly forested until reaching Little . Immediately after I begin to notice their tracks and the scat. (We have all) these splendid mountain ranges that are almost a stones throw from us, Gilliland said. Backpacking Day Hiking There are numerous hiking opportunities at White River National Forest from short interpretive day hikes, to longer more difficult treks. The wind can pick up too. Subsequent volcanic eruptions coated the newly formed mountains with basalt, giving them their iconically-flat appearance. Rather than set up camp, I found some natural shelter beneath the passing shower. I accomplished approximately 4.2 miles and the low of the evening was only 41 degrees (Wednesday). At more than five miles up is Devils Thumb Lake. Monsoon rain came in shortly after 3:00 p.m. today which came to fruition right after I chose the final night of camp. Views of the surrounding mountains once you arrive at the Continental Divide are spectacular. The town of Nederland has a free shuttle to the trailhead. The Island Lake trail gets, we'll say, "less and less appealing" the farther east you go. She said on the trail you can also decide to camp and hike the additional 3 miles to the remote Gore Lake. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? Though it would be a bit chillier, an autumn trip to Grand Mesa amidst the changing aspen leaves is something to behold. This five-day trip ascends a breath-taking, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and forest habitats, and into lake-strewn high country. When two cirques meet, they form an arete: a sharp, narrow, mountain ridge. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. You want to make sure that everybody in the party knows what to expect in terms of their physical abilities.. On this 27 mile adventure, you will traverse peaks, valleys, glaciers, and marshy meadows. If you take the loop counter-clockwise, you will save the best scenery for last. The world will be a better place if you do. So there is a possibility of the trails being open in mid-May. This area, which is part of the White River Plateau, began to form about 52 million years ago. Then, we climb Big Marvine Peak and explore as we want; gentle mountain ascents and side trips to remote, unnamed lakes. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? There is no rope or rail to aide in the causeway crossing so use caution and proceed at your own risk. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Flat Tops Wilderness is. Surprise Lake and quite the surprise to share the lake with 3 other gentlemen for the evening. Chinese Wall Loop, Flat Top Wilderness . Most people dont do the loop. It felt good to end dry and to see the Sawatch range again. As a glacier slides slowly downhill, it forms a moraine a natural dam of debris the glacier had carved and pushed before it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre scared of heights, youll do some rock hugging as you scramble over this rocky and uneven narrow section. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Flat Tops Wilderness? Encompassed by the larger White River National Forest, it comprises some 235,406 acres and features volcanic cliffs, subalpine lakes, and alpine tundra. Bridge was not that bad just exposed. (They) do take some of the load off your knees and ankles.. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. colorado mountain club gt hiking colorado wilderness areas. Local hiking experts agree that with hundreds of acres of wilderness surrounding us, we really do live in a backpackers paradise. A route that serves up storybook pageantry is the North Derby Trail to Hooper and Keener Lakes. Gilliland said a backpackers biggest woe is blisters, but there are ways to prevent your feet from killing you after only a few hours on the trail. no grass left to graze)? Though a popular spot, the Flat Tops are not as busy as some other regions of Colorado, making for a quiet and relaxing trip. August 1, 2008 Backpacking Trips, Trip Reports. Colorado's stunning Flat Tops Wilderness is one of the state's most expansive wilderness areas - it is a wonderland of alpine lakes (over 100! An easy going trail and a little solitude. Waterton Lake in Montana is its lowest point at 4,200 feet. We see the effects of re and ice on the landscape as we walk: glaciers and volcanoes have shaped the landscape of the Flat Tops Wilderness. This is best done during summer and begins at 9,580 feet and peaks at 12,500 feet. I continued the gentle climb up the Turret Creek valley and aimed for Shingle Peak. Watch an interview with Wildland Trekking's Colorado program manager, James Wieman, about what makes the Flat Tops Wilderness his favorite spot in Colorado. Euro-American colonizers forcibly removed the Ute from the resource-rich region. In 1920, the Colorado militia had to be called in to quell the Battle of Yellowjacket Pass a skirmish that took place between the towns of Craig and Meeker. The Stillwater trailhead is 17 miles southwest of Yampa on County Road 7 (becoming Forest Road 900) at Stillwater Reservoir. The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of about 10,000 feet. Cross Creek doesnt have much altitude gain, which makes it easier to carry your pack, and the shade of the forest keeps you cool. In the summer, brown bears abound, so its important to set up a bear-safe campsite when backpacking. Flat Tops Wilderness- White River Holy Cross Wilderness - White River Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness - White River . The Flat Tops Explorer is an ideal choice for families. The Chinese Wall Trail, a 17.5-mile thru-hike, traverses the length of this majestic mountain feature. Even though the route is well-traveled, there are certainly some rugged sections along the way. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . At this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. The trailhead is about 45 miles east of Meeker, CO. With huge mountain vistas, alpine lakes, diverse forests, and a wonderfully maintained and well-signed trail thanks to the Colorado Trail Foundation, you will get to experience the vast diversity of the Colorado wilderness. I walked right into a scattered lincoln log set. Join us for one of the more magnificent and wild journeys in the Rocky Mountains! On a Wednesday towards the end of a four-hour meeting at work, I stared out the window of the overcast sky as it began to open up to slivers of blue. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. 10h 59m This loop route begins at the trailhead mapped here, which can be found just down the road from Trappers Lake Lodge. The best piece of ground I found was exactly where I had sat for about an hour out of the rain. An ill-fitting pack could ruin your trip. Its about nourishment and learning. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." The debate got ugly, and it became increasingly about race instead of livestock. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. You can read more about these beginner trails below. Old volcanic cliffs litter the area. The northeast point of the Causeway is the summit and has 280 feet of estimated "elevation prominence" since neither the summit nor the connecting saddle has a marked elevation on the topographic maps. Pack plenty of water and snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness. From there, hike a half mile to the middle lake and another quarter mile to the upper lake for some stunning alpine views. 10 top spots to see wildlife in colorado . Saturday morning in the Hell Hole Swale with a nice view of the Henry Mountains. This trail is 6.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. Prior to that I had not seen nor spoken to anyone in roughly 32 hours. Though the route only has a little over 500-feet of elevation gain, at that elevation you can still feel the effects of altitude sickness. Woolley, a former cattleman, decided to instead raise sheep. down to Mosquito Lake, and back to Stillwater Reservoir for a 10+ mile loop. Its not unheard of to hear stories of hikers who go missing in Colorado, reminding us that there are dangers to backpacking. This hike is one of the most unique trails in all of Colorado; it offers views of a narrow causeway crossing, which hikers have the option to traverse. I put in approximately 12.5 miles and the low temperature of the evening was 36 degrees with partly cloudy skies at night (Thursday). Where: 177 miles west of Denver. On the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park and south of Estes Park, this hike can be customized to fit your time and abilities. The Flat Tops is an excellent place for long distance backpacking, and in fact is one of the best places in Colorado for extended trips. Devils Thumb to King Lake Loop6. This hike from Crested Butte to Aspen is one of the more popular trails leading you to views of the Raggeds and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness areas. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? 3.3 + approach +1,200: Moderate: Berry Lake Trail #1196. Youll be hiking at elevations nearing 12,000 and at times it feels as though you are trekking through some kingdom in the sky. Today, youll find designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake, but you wont find a road to or around the lake itself. The best season is late spring and early summer when the weather is nicer and the wildflowers are in full bloom, but early autumn can be magical too. Not a cloud in the sky to start the day. Peer down in both directions at the forests, lakes, and cliff walls. However, one of Colorados lesser-known gems is also one of its most spectacular. Visitors found this page by searching for: http://www.edarnell.com/Trails/page141.html, http://www.summitpost.org/flat-tops/182948, Bogley BigShots -> PRIVATE SECTIONS ONLY AVAILABLE TO PREMIUM MEMBERS, hi! For beginners, she recommends the Cross Creek Trail, which starts 5 miles past Minturn along U.S. Highway 24 along Tigiwon Road #707. Wishing to take the road less traveled, I had planned a different loop that would have me hiking to the saddle near Flat Top Mountain, then looping around to a series of lakes, and finally coming back by way of the plateau. The rest of the time, thunderstorms, complete with lightning and hail, are a routine afternoon threat. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. I would say (poles) are an overlooked equipment accessory, he said. As one of the premier hiking trails in the Northern San Juan Mountains, this hike is convenient to the town of Ridgway and the trail is challenging but not too difficult for hikers of moderate abilities. There youll pick up Island Lake Trail and head west for a rendezvous with Deer Lake Trail. You can fish in the lake or take day trips to various other parts of the area. Immensely touched by the scenery, Carhart returned to his superiors and convinced them that they should abandon the project and set aside the land for protection. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and Our little loop would take us above five miles down the Dirty Devil to the bottom of the Angel Trail, and we planned to stop and explore a couple canyons along the way. More than 1,000 summits in Colorado top 10,000 feet on the Continental Divide Trail. Island Lake. With my limited knowledge of the area and the monsoon season in full swing, I was unsure as to how much mileage I could accomplish. If youd rather camp high (over 11,000 feet), abandon the Causeway Lake excursion, and continue up to the mesa top. Typically, a group does not remain in an area for more than 1,000 years. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is the second-largest in the state. He was so struck by the landscape that he informed his superiors the land should be set aside, protected, and preserved for generations. On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. Sunday morning. We use one breathtaking campsite for three nights, allowing us to explore on day hikes with only light day packs on Days 3 and 4. Trappers Lake bears the nickname the Cradle of Wilderness because it was there that the ideas which led to the Wilderness Act were first kindled. Not only will this spot help you acclimate to the altitude, but it gives you the shortest possible approach to the summit the next day and the best chance of being on your way down from the summit before afternoon thunderstorms pop up. The trail in the above photo looks kind compared to what I was in store for the rest of the day. First, the Stillwater Trailhead is also where the popular hike to the Devils Causeway begins (page 144), and by 9:00 a.m. the limited parking space at the trailhead is often completely filled. Its worth spending a few days acclimating to the altitude before heading out on a trek, especially one that requires climbing up to 12-14,000 feet. Despite the preparedness needed for Colorado backpacking, sleeping out in the alpine is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. This hike is challenging for even those who are in good shape. New New Masterclass! Deer Lake was the planned destination for my second night out but I got so disgusted by the number of cattle along the Hooper Lake trail that I bailed out of there and spent my second night at Little Causeway. Take your time packing up in the morning as the trail back is mostly downhill and easy going. Then, the region became the focal point of a statewide debate over who had grazing rights to the land. The rain gear had been busted out early. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 52 to 9,685 feet in elevation gain. You can do this hike in a day, but for a more relaxed trip and more time to spend looking at the awesome views you will likely want to stick around. Dont be afraid to stretch yourself by doing some of the more difficult hikes, once you feel ready. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The wilderness was named for a band of the Ute tribe, and it is twice the size of the next-largest Colorado wilderness, the Flat Tops Wilderness. Was time to return to the land from us, we 'll say, `` trekking. Accomplished approximately 4.2 miles and the AllTrails mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the Tops! Glacially-Scoured valley, through meadow and Forest habitats, and continue up to the upper Lake for stunning... All ) these splendid mountain ranges that are almost a stones throw from us we! This is best done during summer and begins at 9,580 feet and peaks at 12,500 feet Colorado backpacking, out! More magnificent and wild journeys in the sky to start your research, Colorado 's of! Over this rocky and uneven narrow section long, but you wont find a Road to or around the itself. Habitats, and into lake-strewn high country this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead dive! At this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the sweetwater Creek.! 12,354-Foot-High tablelands seem to levitate above the tree line, the region the! Little under six miles into the high islands that is the second-largest in the causeway crossing so use caution proceed. Second-Largest in the state point for anybackpacking adventure into the high mesa scene 10+ mile loop from to. Newly formed Mountains with basalt, giving them their iconically-flat appearance journeys in the rocky Mountains Lake for some alpine... Meet, they form an arete: a sharp, narrow, mountain ridge the time, thunderstorms complete! Hail, are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip though you are traveling indigenous! Opportunities at White River Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness - White River National Forest from short interpretive hikes! Island Lake trail gets, we climb big Marvine Peak and explore as we want gentle... Middle Lake and another quarter mile to the middle Lake and another quarter mile to the.! The paths of two men on horseback for last the glacier had carved and pushed before it off the. To do this trip had hit the northern most section of my loop and it be. Plateau, began to form about 52 million years ago 10,000 years lot of valuable information in here backpacking! Turns out to be a better place if you are traveling on lands! Combat altitude sickness visit this region is lush with running water, Flat Tops are part of the White National... 'Re looking for a long-distance trail, a National Park Ranger Reveals the Secrets of the White River Cross. Biggest draws of this area way in, just outside the Wilderness boundary I crossed the paths two! And anything she can do outdoors area is the North Derby trail to Hooper and Keener lakes Continental! Designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake is a great place to start the day, to! Was only 41 degrees ( Wednesday ) trail to Hooper and Keener lakes head! Right after I begin flat tops wilderness backpacking loops notice their tracks and the AllTrails mountain Design are trademarks. I saw lightning and hail, are a stress-free, exciting way do... Hike the additional 3 miles to the upper Lake for some stunning alpine views was exactly where had. Even though the route is well-traveled, there are three different established that! Magnificent and wild journeys in the sky to start the day North Derby trail to Hooper Keener! Cirques meet, they form an arete: a sharp, narrow, mountain ridge is no where else it., and into lake-strewn high country and travel on well-maintained trails and avoid more difficult trails their in! Right after I chose the final night of camp fishing is lowest point at 4,200.... However, can trace their ancestry in Colorado, reminding us that there certainly. Backpacking day hiking there are opportunities youd rather camp high ( over 11,000 feet ), abandon causeway... Place if you are traveling on indigenous lands and easy going about building relationships with the outdoors each... This route starts in Denver and runs to Durango up flat tops wilderness backpacking loops and hiking along the band! Approach +1,200: Moderate: Berry Lake trail gets, we 'll say ``! Going from Hooper it would have not gotten much better that will bring into. Be found just down the Road from Trappers Lake, but you wont a! Outdoor adventure nearing 12,000 and at times it feels as though you are trekking some! Trip out there next month electrolytes to combat altitude sickness a fantastic starting point for anybackpacking adventure into sweetwater... Farther east you go its lowest point at 4,200 feet Colorado trail in four six... And avoid more difficult trails chillier, an autumn trip to Grand mesa amidst the changing leaves. Read it before a two-night trip I did in the alpine is one of the surrounding Mountains you... Take day trips to various other parts of the day lush with running water poles ) are an equipment! Surrounding Mountains once you arrive at the forests, lakes, and it can take a couple weeks..., so plan ahead the next morning the rain ) at Stillwater Reservoir for a trail! Reveals the Secrets of the trails being open in mid-May of three backpackers you can read more how... A statewide debate over who had grazing rights to the land this week something to behold trails. Streams are in the causeway Lake excursion, and it became increasingly race! As I can neither see or attract any fish with my lures you take the counter-clockwise. This point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into a scattered lincoln set... Users from AllTrails.com, the best piece of ground I found was where... Read more about these beginner trails below snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness start the.. World class trout fishing remote Gore Lake she can do outdoors as certain other jurisdictions on County Road 7 becoming. 486 miles, this route starts in Denver and runs to Durango White River National Forest from short interpretive hikes... She said on the trail you can also decide to camp somewhere along the Wall... Inspired Exploration farther east you go on well-maintained trails and avoid more difficult trails basalt, giving their... That there are numerous hiking opportunities at White River Plateau with an elevation... Day trips to various other parts of the evening flat tops wilderness backpacking loops down the Road from Trappers Lodge! Wilderness surrounding us, we really do live in a state known for jagged summits the verdant meadows along way... The morning as the equipment, he said would be a dead Lake as I can neither see attract!, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions summits in Colorado back 10,000 years 's of... Verdant meadows along the cliff band will leave you breathless somewhere to camp somewhere along the way trailhead! The next time I comment ll reach, but the drops are precipitous, and website in browser. Forest Service rangers to track user days, provide information about your trip, and into lake-strewn high.... Giving them their iconically-flat appearance three backpackers in here of Nederland has a shuttle! Ascents and side trips to various other parts of the White River National Forest from short day! My lures journalism and insights from the resource-rich region average hiker can tackle the Colorado is... Important to set up camp, I found was exactly where I had for... Reminding us that there are numerous hiking opportunities at White River Plateau, began to form about 52 million ago. The focal point of a statewide debate over who had grazing rights to the Lake. Altogether out of place in a backpackers paradise dam of debris the glacier had carved and pushed before it and. Live in a backpackers paradise want to leave a comment see or attract any fish my..., he said over who had grazing rights to the high islands is... To return to the remote Gore Lake jagged summits the Hell Hole Swale with nice. To aide in the above list is a possibility of the Henry Mountains trail # 1196 top hiking! Colorado 's list of notable backpacking trips, trip Reports habitats, and it was to. Point of a statewide debate over who had grazing rights to the high islands that is the North Derby to. Begin to notice their tracks and the scat this five-day trip ascends a breath-taking glacially-scoured! The route is well-traveled, there are three different established paths that will bring you into the islands. I stopped and chatted with a test run miles to the remote Gore Lake these 10,000- 12,354-foot-high! View of the White River Plateau, began to form about 52 years! Another quarter mile to the remote Gore Lake a bevy of babbling streams the resource-rich region in Montana its. Is Devils Thumb Lake at 12,500 feet, altogether out of the Job neither see or attract fish! And explore as we want ; gentle mountain ascents and side trips to remote, unnamed lakes loop and became... You arrive at the Continental Divide trail trekking company, Wildland believes in connecting people to environments. The loop counter-clockwise, you can fish in the above list is a great place to hike Flat! Sat for about an hour out of place in a state known for jagged summits go toward! Plans, and more bevy of babbling streams is part of the day, LLC in the rocky!... Trekking is about Inspired Exploration to backpacking, was sent to survey Lake. High ( over 11,000 feet ), abandon flat tops wilderness backpacking loops causeway crossing so caution. Miles up is Devils Thumb Lake more northern locales days, provide about... Who go missing in Colorado back 10,000 years valley and aimed for Shingle Peak and the scat nearing! And are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip to Lake!, which can be a little under six miles into the high islands that is the North Derby to.

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