3-Day Backpacking Trip w/in 2-3 Hours of Denver?

[Jimmy]

Going to make a quick jaunt to CO the week after Labor Day. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good 3-day/2-night trip? Don't have much time for more than that, but want to get some bag nights in while I'm in CO. I could probably buy another day for the right trip.

 

[Outdoor_Fool]

It's difficult to not suggest a trip in Rocky Mountain NP. There's a lot of short trips (2-night) there. Lots of altitude but awesome scenery almost everywhere.

 

[mike_offerman]

You could try checking out something in the Gores or Rawah wilderness.

 

[Jimmy]

It's difficult to not suggest a trip in Rocky Mountain NP. There's a lot of short trips (2-night) there. Lots of altitude but awesome scenery almost everywhere.

I've done some day hiking / car camping there a couple of times, and agree that it's great. Will start digging into RMNP and the two wilderness areas mentioned above. Thanks!

 

[Outdoor_Fool]

Check out the west side of the park, in the Never Summer Range. Awesome stuff and not a lot of trails.

 

[leatherman]

Just to the south of RMNP is the Indian Peaks Wilderness, permits required. Good access to the high country and close to Denver.

 

[Absarokanaut]

2.5 hours traffic permitting is the Comanche-Venable Trailhead of the Sangre de Cristo. The best of Colorado is south of Highway 50

 

[Jimmy]

We settled on the North Inlet / Tonahutu Loop in Western RMNP and got our permits last night. Have never been to that side, and this looks like a good 3-day introduction to it. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Outdoor_Fool]

That's a great area, especially above treeline along the divide. Outstanding views!