3 day backpacking trip near denver

[MO_flatlander]

*PANIC* 3 day backpacking trip near denver *PANIC*

I'll be in Denver the 22-25 of may and figured I'd fly in early and spend 3 days in the mountains. Any recommendations on places to check out?

Also, what are the chances of running into bears/big cats? Trying to decide if it's worth the hassle of checking my side arm or picking up some bear spray when I land.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[elkduds]

This may be a year of deep snow up high into June, time will tell. How long R U willing to drive before putting on your pack? Interested in wilderness, RMNP, hunting potential, avoiding crowds? Plenty of options.

 

[MO_flatlander]

I'm willing to drive a few hours. But it will be a rental SUV, so not sure if I'll have 4x4.

Is there any hunting potential in may?

I guess the vision I have in my head is my tent next to a steam/pond catching brookies for dinner.



Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[oldgoat]

Colorado Trail is right here in the front range, hour from town, hike in the trail away and spike out from there to get away from the crowd. I've lived and hunted here for ten seasons, never needed bear spray yet, I did unholster it once for a rutty moose that I could hear but not see on a moonless night. But like what was mentioned, snow and runoff could be a major factor in May!

 

[elkduds]

Off the toppa my head: Indian Peaks Wilderness, park @ Brainard Lake. Maybe better, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness, the Rich Creek/Rough & Tumbling loop trail. I'll think of more later.

 

[fngTony]

Well thats a conundrum I struggle with every year around that time as cabin fever is running mad. It really depends on the snow factor and your willingness to change your goal of the trip. It usually ends up being somewhere in park county where its drier or a day trip in summit county to assess the accessibility of my favorite summer locations.

 

[Nuke Man]

Checking a firearm is really no big deal.

 

[commandoNate]

Off the toppa my head: Indian Peaks Wilderness, park @ Brainard Lake. Maybe better, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness, the Rich Creek/Rough & Tumbling loop trail. I'll think of more later.

Rough and tumbling loop and rich creek trail is a great hike but I'd be shocked if it was passable by then. There has been a ton of snow in that part of the state this far. I would expect the crossings to be running high and fast!!

 

[MO_flatlander]

OK, so what if I expand out to say a 3-4 hour drive of Denver. Would that get me far enough south?

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[fngTony]

OK, so what if I expand out to say a 3-4 hour drive of Denver. Would that get me far enough south?

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Yes 3-4 hours should give you plenty of options. I'm if you check back closer to your trip the locals including myself will give you the latest conditions.

 

[MO_flatlander]

Yes 3-4 hours should give you plenty of options. I'm if you check back closer to your trip the locals including myself will give you the latest conditions.

Will do. Thank you sir!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[ShawnStonefly]

May is also typically right in the middle spring runoff if you were wanting to do some fishing while camping. I'd look at some tailwaters.

 

[Owens]

The Lost Creek Wilderness is at a lower elevation than some other wilderness are in CO. I think the snow is typically gone earlier in the year. It could be good for the end of May.

I'm happy to recommend some trails.

 

[fngTony]

The lost park trail head/campground would be 2:45 from the west side of Denver. Lots of trails and scenery. That area would be my target. The higher spots are near 12k but most is closer to 10 and under. By mid May its usually snow up high and wet down low. A quick foot of snow isn't uncommon around then but melts fast.

 

[MO_flatlander]

How are the snow levels guys? I'm getting my bag ready to fly out thursday night.

 

[fngTony]

Still thinking about lost creek wilderness?

 

[MO_flatlander]

Yes sir. I'm looking at google earth right now trying to decide where to go in the area. Any recomendations?

 

[fngTony]

Yes sir. I'm looking at google earth right now trying to decide where to go in the area. Any recomendations?

Where to access the trailhead or where to hike&camp?

 

[MO_flatlander]

Yes? This trip snuck up on me, apparently having a 2 month old and trying to run a business will do that to you.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

Do you fish? A couple of the creeks in there are good for brookies. Do your research online and you'll easily find info.