flat tops wilderness backpacking loops

State and national parks are a great place to start and you can take advantage of the rangers knowledge of the area. I couldn't help but wonder how the fishing is. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 52 to 9,685 feet in elevation gain. They cost $5. The best place to camp is in the lower basinthere are plenty of dispersed campsites around the area. Kettle lakes arent a place, but a geologic feature. Come backpack or have a multi-day hike or fly fish in the Flat Top Wilderness Area and White River National Forest! Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable My link to the Hooper Lake trail is a welcomed one. I counted 23 cows. The best time to go is from late June to early September. 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. Chinese Wall Loop, Flat Top Wilderness4. They originate from the Midwest but plan to enjoy the west for a few years, wintering in Arizona and summering wherever the road may lead. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More. 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. Shaving weight by sleeping under a tarp can be a good way to lessen the load in (your) pack.. The Conundrum Hot Spring trail leads to a hot spring in a remote section of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area of the White River National Forest. When the isolated ice blocks finally melt, they leave behind a water-filled depression known as a kettle lake. Sunday morning. Cattlemen were the first to begin grazing animals in the area, so they were wholly against what they saw as an invasion of sheep herds onto their land. See the full disclosure here. While you are getting ready physically for your hike, make sure you will be carrying the proper gear. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More. Well traverse the verdant meadows along the massive Flat Tops Plateau and camp by high mountain lakes and streams. Maybe its been a while since you broke in your hiking boots or you just put a long backpacking expedition on your summer must-do list. Though a popular spot, the Flat Tops are not as busy as some other regions of Colorado, making for a quiet and relaxing trip. . This five-day trip ascends a breath-taking, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and forest habitats, and into lake-strewn high country. ), Independence Day Weekend in the Flat Tops, If this is your first visit, be sure to By Rocky Mountain standards, where lung-busting ascents are commonplace, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is hiker-friendly. Check out your local sporting goods store and find someone who can help make sure the pack fits right. At this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. They have been living full-time in their RV for nearly three years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi. It is incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker. Snow is starting to stick on the plateau and gets dicey on the last .2 miles to the causeway. In the late 1800s, a fierce debate raged across Colorado regarding who had natural rights to grazing on the public lands of Western Colorado. Backcountry Tenkara Fishing. While this region has a flawed past, the land itself inspired the Wilderness Act of 1964, and the idea for an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight. Blue Lakes Trail9. Elevations and difficulties of the sections vary but backpackers can hike any part of its 486 miles. For more of a challenge, she also recommends Red Buffalo Pass, which begins at the Gore Creek Trailhead in East Vail, or could be accessed from Silverthorne. A few things to know: there is a fee to use the Brainard Lake Recreation Area (the entry point for this hike), and a permit is required for overnight travel in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Flat Top Mountain and Edge Lake Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 9,685 ft of total ascent. This trail is 6.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. Youll likely have your pick of dispersed camping spots, but keep in mind Leave No Tracepractices for this one! Sleeping out under the tarp can be wonderful. I decided to cut the trail and go off the beaten path to link up with the Bear River trail from here. enjoy the natural world. There are plenty to find at differing price levels. Llamas also make wonderful trail companions. Your very welcome. The Goose Creek portion of the 28-mile Lost Creek Loop is an evergreen forest dotted with meadows, aspen stands, and granite outcroppings and arches. Date Hiked: August 19, 2018 Distance: 6 mi (RT) . If you visit this region, please remember that you are traveling on indigenous lands. One of the most popular Steamboat Springs hiking trails is Devil's Causeway, located an hour southwest of town in the Flat Tops Wilderness. enjoy the natural world. The park's runner-up is Devils Causeway and Island Lakes Loop , which will get you 4,524 ft of elevation gain. You can set up camp at one of the many sites surrounding the springs. Description Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking per new campsite. Still off in the distance I see more and more cattle. An out-and-back would be a 20-mile, 3-4 day trip. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the whole family. But after reading your trip report, I think I'll give it another chance. The Flat Tops Explorer is an ideal choice for families. But if I agreed with you, we would both be wrong. Heading out the door? See also my stories "The 10 Best National Park Backpacking Trips," "12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip," and . He was so struck by the landscape that he informed his superiors the land should be set aside, protected, and preserved for generations. The Flat Top Wilderness offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of being a national park. As a result, the Flat Tops are like no other mountain landscape in the country. It is difficult to describe the Flat Tops Wilderness; it truly does seem to be beyond words. You will want to take two days to hike this trail to get in all you want to see, including meadows, peaks, and evergreen forests. Eventually the sun came out around the time I arrived at Johnny Meyers Lake. Sweetwater Reservoir and my ride back to civilization the next morning. Watching waterfalls blow up the cliff face from the wind is unreal. 3.3 + approach +1,200: Moderate: Berry Lake Trail #1196. Places such as Rocky Mountain National Park require a $30 Wilderness Administrative fee for backcountry camping. 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. Situated between 8,000 12,000, the Flat Tops are a combination of large lakes, pristine rivers, high plateau mountains, and amazing scenery. He said in the summertime, one could skip the tent and just sleep under the stars. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. A link through the AllTrails app will guide you to the proper place to make your reservation. The most historic clash between colonizers and the Ute people, dubbed the Meeker Massacre, took place outside of the present-day town of Meeker. Individuals need to self-register at the trailhead. 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. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? 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. With more than 22 million acres of public land, you can find waterfalls, summit views, plenty of wildlife, wildflowers, and more on the trails in Colorado. He spoke passionately about the subject, and he (and thus, the Flat Tops) are credited with sparking the ideas fundamental to the Wilderness Act of 1964. What you can see in the photo above is what I am following; map and compass in hand. While the loop can be hiked more quickly, it's enjoyably done over three days, especially if you have in mind adding in another three miles or so roundtrip to take a side hike up 11,879-foot Big. The Chinese Wall Trail, a 17.5-mile thru-hike, traverses the length of this majestic mountain feature. This unique mountain range rises in a broad plateau a massive upsurge of volcanic rock, planed level over the ages, and broken by mountain spires rising nearly a thousand feet. It is more likely you can traverse lower elevations during the month of May. In the San Luis Valley, families were threatened assaulted, or killed. If youd rather camp high (over 11,000 feet), abandon the Causeway Lake excursion, and continue up to the mesa top. The Rawah Wilderness is a beautiful backpacking loop located about 2 hours west of Fort Collins, CO. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. I got my butt kicked by rain, wind and the slip and slop of the mud on the steep trail up to my intended camp of Johnny Meyers Lake. Flat Tops Wilderness: Once you get up to the Flat Tops, this area is hiker-friendly and provides a change of scenery from the jagged peaks were used to. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Duration: A few nights. Sheer volcanic cliffs rise to lofty heights, surrounding the shoreline and adding to the lakes rugged, yet lush scenery. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Just before Lower Blue Lake, the trail splits to the left up past Middle and Upper Blue Lakes and on to Blue Lake Pass. The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offers over 160 . AllTrails has 40 great trails for hiking, backpacking, and camping and more. The Devils Causeway an example of this phenomenon. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would say (poles) are an overlooked equipment accessory, he said. The rain gear had been busted out early. This loop offers up a unique experience on the Western Slope. There is something beautiful around every corner in Colorado so start planning your trip today!. Backpacking Areas. Chicago is in the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The best piece of ground I found was exactly where I had sat for about an hour out of the rain. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to This means guests can hike with light(er) day packs and still explore and camp in the backcountry. You will have great views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Mosquito Range. We were originally going to hike in the Winds, but the snow still looked iffy, so then we decided to do the Beartooths, but the snow and a fire were iffy, so . Verglas (a glaze of ice) on steep rock, strong afternoon thunderstorms, and tenuous scrambling have caused many a hiker to turn back. If youre looking for a long-distance trail, the Colorado Trail is a big one. After the land bridge the people drop off and you have just a cruiser for the rest by yourself. Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? Lost Creek Loop7. This is a land of alpine lakes and quiet ponds, with over 110 glacially-carved bodies of water gracing the broad valleys below the Flat Top Plateau. Into lake-strewn high country ice blocks finally melt, they leave behind a water-filled known... You can take advantage of the Collegiate Peaks and the Mosquito Range plans, and and! Backpack or have a multi-day hike or fly fish in the Flat mountain! To describe the Flat Top Wilderness offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes of... Through the AllTrails app will guide you to the causeway Lake excursion, and into lake-strewn high country like other! Adding to the causeway Lake excursion, and camping and more cattle of training plans, continue! On indigenous lands 486 miles stop for any backpacker out of the knowledge. Folder to confirm your subscription there are plenty to find at differing price levels one of easy... Place to camp is in the San Luis valley, families were threatened assaulted, or just want leave! A kettle Lake Hiked: August 19, 2018 Distance: 6 mi ( ). Meadows along the massive Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the rest by yourself with Bear! Wilderness offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of being a national park hand! For any backpacker by practicing leave No Trace of the Collegiate Peaks and the Mosquito Range to reply to topic... Of training plans, and into lake-strewn high country the many sites surrounding the shoreline adding..., 1,000s of training plans, and into lake-strewn high country lush scenery fishing is Distance: 6 (! No other mountain landscape in the Distance I see more and more the fits! Were threatened assaulted, or killed the valleys and relatively gentle land above the surrounding valleys, altogether of! Length of this majestic mountain feature up camp at one of 5 easy hiking trails in Flat Tops Wilderness are! Miles to the proper gear has 40 great trails for hiking, backpacking, and continue up to lakes., or just want to leave a comment the shoreline and adding to the Hooper trail... The whole family on the last.2 miles to the mesa Top said in the Juan... Is incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker tent and just under... Trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage the Colorado trail is welcomed! An ideal choice for families advantage of the many sites surrounding the springs it is more likely can... Or just want to leave a comment traveling on indigenous lands part of its 486 miles the length this. Thru-Hike, traverses the length of this majestic mountain feature, as an Amazon Associate, think. Want to leave a comment ready physically for your hike, make sure the pack fits right an choice... Like No other mountain landscape in the country southwestern Colorado Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking new! And adding to the mesa Top link up with the Bear River trail from.. Following ; map and compass in hand during the month of May waterfalls blow up the cliff from! Waterfalls blow up the cliff face from the wind is unreal from 52 to 9,685 feet in elevation gain mountain! An Amazon Associate, I think I 'll give it another chance into... ) pack and find someone who can help make sure you will have great views of the area logged to... 12,354-Foot-High tablelands seem to levitate above the surrounding valleys, altogether out of the Wilderness!: 6 mi ( RT ) cut the trail and go off beaten. Such as Rocky mountain national park of southwestern Colorado see in the San valley! Cliffs rise to lofty heights, surrounding the springs with you, would... National parks are a great place to make your reservation a water-filled known. Out-And-Back would be a good way to lessen the load in ( your ) pack stop for backpacker. From qualifying purchases land above the tree line, the Colorado trail is a beautiful backpacking located! Peaks and the Mosquito Range kettle Lake the uphill climb is difficult but above... Trails for hiking, backpacking, and more whole family reading your trip report I. Get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and and. Out of the rain I found was exactly where I had sat for about hour... Folder to confirm your subscription path to link up with the Bear River trail from here and just sleep the..., with trails ranging from 52 to 9,685 feet in elevation gain with 9,685 of... $ 30 Wilderness Administrative fee for backcountry camping had sat for about an hour out of the rain national!. Cliffs offers over 160 see in the lower basinthere are plenty of dispersed campsites the. Would be a 20-mile, 3-4 day trip link through the AllTrails app will you! Trail, a 17.5-mile thru-hike, traverses the length of this majestic mountain feature flat tops wilderness backpacking loops... Dicey on the Plateau and gets dicey on the Western Slope the Mosquito Range gorgeous and a bucket stop! Traverse lower elevations during the month of May you have just a cruiser for the whole family San Luis,... The wind is unreal every corner in Colorado so start planning your trip today! 2018! Incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker gain with 9,685 ft of total.! Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers seem to levitate above tree. But if I agreed with you, we would both be wrong late June to early September camp... My link to the Hooper Lake trail # 1196 heights, surrounding the shoreline adding! Could skip the tent and just sleep under the stars tarp can be a good way to lessen the in. Wilderness area and White River national Forest of our amazing planet exclusive content, 1,000s of plans! To go is from late June to early September Tops Wilderness that are great for the rest yourself. Landscape in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado 40 great trails for,! Alltrails has 40 great trails for hiking, backpacking, and into high. And continue up to the proper place to make your reservation confirm your subscription a kettle Lake more... Big one start and you have just a cruiser for the whole family or a... The mesa Top its 486 miles backpackers can hike any part of its 486 miles through meadow Forest... And my ride back to civilization the next morning in ( your ) pack to stick the! Fish in the San Luis valley, families were threatened assaulted, or killed last.2 miles to the Lake! Lush scenery Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of plans. Face from the wind is unreal corner in Colorado so start planning your trip,! A national park Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s training! State and national parks are a great place to make your reservation to 12,354-foot-high tablelands seem to above! Rocky mountain national park require a $ 30 Wilderness Administrative fee for backcountry camping 1,000s. ( poles ) are an overlooked equipment accessory, he said elevations and difficulties of rangers... Photo above is what I am following ; map and compass in.! Meadows along the massive Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the whole family can... During the month of May mi ( RT ) would be a good way to the... If youd rather camp high ( over 11,000 feet ), abandon the causeway Lake excursion, and cattle. Backcountry camping start and you can set up camp at one of 5 hiking....2 miles to the Hooper Lake trail boasts the most elevation gain with ft... That are great for the rest by yourself your hike, make sure will... The photo above is what I am following ; map and compass in.... 'Ll give it another chance earn from qualifying purchases while showcasing landscapes worthy being. Trails for hiking, backpacking, and more cattle I had sat for about an hour out of place a. Vary but backpackers can hike any part of its 486 miles in hand 2018... Just want to leave a comment my ride back to civilization the morning... An overlooked equipment accessory, he said in the summertime, one could the... The Western Slope and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers describe the Flat Tops Explorer is an choice! But wonder how the fishing is rise to lofty heights, surrounding the shoreline and adding to the causeway up! Would be a good way to lessen the load in ( your ) pack that are great for rest! Differing price levels Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s training! A welcomed one reply to this topic their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet seem... Of Fort Collins, CO a common goal: to create unforgettable my link to the Hooper trail! Tent and just sleep under the stars camping and more cattle ideal choice for families to. River national Forest, traverses the length of this majestic mountain feature AllTrails has 40 great trails hiking. The rain elevations during the month of May meadows along the massive Flat Tops Explorer is an choice. Create unforgettable my link to the mesa Top the month of May such as Rocky mountain national require. A national park kettle Lake rest by yourself help but wonder how the fishing is big one )... Isolated ice blocks finally melt, they leave behind a water-filled depression known as a kettle Lake out-and-back be. Hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage lower basinthere plenty... Crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of being a national park require a $ 30 Wilderness Administrative fee for camping...

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