Recommendations for Colorado Backpack?

[Janice]

Our group of 4 was originally planning to backpack the Elk Park-Needleton loop in the Weminuche Wilderness for 5-6 days starting at the end of June. Unfortunately, though, this won't be possible, as the wildfire near Durango has closed the San Juan Forest and we need to choose a different trip. We know people love Maroon Bells, but since this will be the week leading up to July 4 I'm assuming that will be super crowded. Am I assuming correctly? If so, what about Lost Creek Wilderness? Or others??? At this point, I don't think we can get permits for campsites along the CDT loop in RMNP. This is our one backpacking trip for the summer, so we're hoping for beautiful scenery, perhaps 30-35 miles over 5 days or 6 days max. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Wanderlust073]

LCW is nice but (relatively speaking for CO) doesn't really deliver on the views imo.

Rawah Wilderness is worth checking out. Lots of lakes, alpine vistas, large animals.

 

[Janice]

Thanks so much for your reply. Is there a particular route that you like that we should consider?

 

[Rockskipper]

Go into the Big Blue in the Uncompahgre WIlderness.

 

[Wanderlust073]

Thanks so much for your reply. Is there a particular route that you like that we should consider?

You could spend a night each at Island lake, Twin Crater lakes, one of the numbered Rawah lakes, and one of the Camp lakes. That would loop you in/out of the west branch trailhead, but there are a lot of options in there if you check out a map. I have a trip report on here from last fall you can check out. Great place. Lots of moose. It’s on my list of places to return to.

 

[Janice]

I'm checking out the Rawah map and see most of those lakes. Looks great - thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Janice]

Go into the Big Blue in the Uncompahgre WIlderness.

Thanks for the suggestion. Am checking out trails. If you have a specific route that you recommend, I'd love to hear it. Do you think this is too close to the 416 fire?

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Our group of 4 was originally planning to backpack the Elk Park-Needleton loop in the Weminuche Wilderness for 5-6 days starting at the end of June. Unfortunately, though, this won't be possible, as the wildfire near Durango has closed the San Juan Forest and we need to choose a different trip. We know people love Maroon Bells, but since this will be the week leading up to July 4 I'm assuming that will be super crowded. Am I assuming correctly?

The Four Pass Loop is usually pretty crowded, and with the closure of most of the Weminuche, I've heard a lot of people who were planning on going there are now looking at the Four Pass Loop, so I bet it will be even busier than normal. I can't wait for the Forest Service to implement a permit system next year, because then maybe I'll finally go back!

 

[Janice]

I had a feeling that would be the case. Thanks for your reply!

 

[Rockskipper]

After some thought, the Uncompahgre might be very smoky. Have you considered going north, like up into the Winds?

 

[Janice]

After some thought, the Uncompahgre might be very smoky. Have you considered going north, like up into the Winds?

When you say the Winds, do you mean Wind River range in Wyoming? Or something else?

 

[Rockskipper]

Wind Rivers in Wyoming

 

[Janice]

Wind Rivers in Wyoming

Thanks - I appreciate your replies. We're interested in that, but our friends are flying into Albuquerque (which was pretty convenient for Weminuche, right?) and might not be willing to drive that far.

 

[andyjaggy]

https://www.greatoutdoorshop.com/blog/2018/06/05/trailhead-conditions-report-6-3-2018/

This is the only info I have been able to find on current conditions in the Windrivers. It was two weeks ago so I imagine a lot has changed.

 

[Janice]

https://www.greatoutdoorshop.com/blog/2018/06/05/trailhead-conditions-report-6-3-2018/

This is the only info I have been able to find on current conditions in the Windrivers. It was two weeks ago so I imagine a lot has changed.

Thanks - this is great!

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Have you looked into creating a loop in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness along the CDT/Colorado Trail?

 

[Janice]

Have you looked into creating a loop in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness along the CDT/Colorado Trail?

Will look into it. Again, if you have a recommendation for specific trails, perhaps 30 miles (give or take), that would be great!

 

[leatherman]

Couple of other suggestions...circumnavigation loop around Capitol and Snowmass peaks, starting at Capitol Creek trailhead west of Aspen. This loop utilizes part of the same trail as the Four Pass loop. Another might be a loop around Mount of the Holy Cross starting at Halfmoon campground, southwest of Vail. Full disclosure, I've not done either of these routes but they look enticing.

 

[Janice]

Couple of other suggestions...circumnavigation loop around Capitol and Snowmass peaks, starting at Capitol Creek trailhead west of Aspen. This loop utilizes part of the same trail as the Four Pass loop. Another might be a loop around Mount of the Holy Cross starting at Halfmoon campground, southwest of Vail. Full disclosure, I've not done either of these routes but they look enticing.

Thanks so much - I noticed Capitol Creek online but the route I saw showed 40 miles and I don't think we have enough time for that. I'll look further and see if there's a shorter way we can do that. I'll check out the other one as well.

 

[leatherman]

@lostlandscapes has posted an excellent trip report for the Holy Cross Wilderness https://backcountrypost.com/threads/9-5-9-7-15-holy-cross-wilderness-co.5145/