It is bisected by 50 miles of the Continental Divide, and its peaks and valleys form the watersheds for many creeks and rivers flowing to the Pacific and the Atlantic, including the San Juan and Rio . The Stillwater trailhead is 17 miles southwest of Yampa on County Road 7 (becoming Forest Road 900) at Stillwater Reservoir. Pack plenty of water and snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness. Elevations range from 7,640 to 12,354 feet. Be sure to use caution in the snowpack. For the most part in the high country, theres quite a bit of water for the whole hiking season.. I took a long look at my map this evening and started to form the loop I would complete for the trip. However, the smells and views of wildflower meadows along the way make it all worth it. When to go and what to think about This trip is an ideal summer or fall adventure. 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. However, the views from the top are worth the effort. The Flat Top's offers amazing backpacking and mult-iday wilderness experiences from 3 days to more than 10 days. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. At 11,200 feet and my trail junction, I look from where I came. Great hike, fall weather. Home Blog & News Backcountry Skiing Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Flat Top Wilderness Area. Friday morning as I was about to arise from the tent, I heard stomps; a cow Moose had wandered on by and left just as quick as she came in. The Stillwater Lake region was by far the busiest section of the trip. Come prepared to spend a night (or two) in high-elevation conditions. All throughout human history, the story of humanity is the story of migration. I accomplished approximately 4.2 miles and the low of the evening was only 41 degrees (Wednesday). A backpacking guide and avid history buff, she is currently writing a book on the history of the American West. Camping near Yampa by Flat Tops Hiking the Devil's Causeway in Flat Tops, Yampa, CO. Photo: Donna Boley. His passionate writings and outcries eventually led to the Wilderness Act of 1964. Continue the loop on Lonesome Trail to King Lake, then Devils Thumb Pass. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 52 to 9,685 feet in elevation gain. The rain clouds decided to burst around 5:30 p.m. this time and the moisture that was left over on a 37 degree evening felt as though it were colder. Today, many of their descendants still reside on these reservations. The state-wide trail runs from Denvers Waterton Canyon to Durango. You can set up camp at one of the many sites surrounding the springs. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. In 2017, we received a new permit for backpacking, hiking, and fly fishing in the Flat Top Wilderness (and Mountain Biking White River National Forest) and have created many great 3-14 days multi-day wilderness experiences that are sure to be trips of a lifetime! She suggests slathering your feet with Vaseline before you slip on your shoes and socks and wear two sock layers one thin and one thicker. See section "Bear River Trail 1120" in Westwinds Press book The Hiking and Camping Guide to the Flat Tops Wilderness. Lost Lakes, Devils Causeway, Flat Tops Wilderness Area Distance: 22.3 miles (loop) Walking time: day 1: 4 1/4 hours day 2: 3 1/4 hours day 3: 8 1/4 hours Elevations: 3,330 ft. gain/loss Stillwater Trailhead (start): 10,280 ft. Causeway Lake: 10,420 ft. West Lost Lake: 10,296 ft. Devils Causeway: 11,800 ft. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. Eventually the sun came out around the time I arrived at Johnny Meyers Lake. You want to make sure the pack will hold what you need but you also dont need to overpack. Many Peaks are relatively un-visited, such as Pagoda Peak, but peaks such as Pyramid and Flat Top Mountain are popular climbs, though most people seem to stick to the trails and . 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. Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? Great report. The area is popular with anglers and is home to the native cutthroat trout. Make room for essentials like rain gear and dress in layers to keep you warm as you head to higher elevations. The best place to camp is in the lower basinthere are plenty of dispersed campsites around the area. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. 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. Colorado Wilderness is looking ahead and forward to the fresh, In 2023 and 2024, Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides will conduct a range of avalanche classes. 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.. On this route, you will see wildflowers in the spring and many moose and elk. The essential premise is that places should exist where no machine of mans invention and no roads or other intrusions mar the pristine nature of the area. At this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage. You will get a great feeling of accomplishment when you complete a bucket list trip. The best time to go is from late June to early September. Conundrum Hot Spring10. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Even in summer, the high alpine can get brutally coldit can snow, and rocky surfaces can ice up, making footing difficult. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. But after reading your trip report, I think I'll give it another chance. I put in approximately 12.5 miles and the low temperature of the evening was 36 degrees with partly cloudy skies at night (Thursday). The lower lake is just 3.5 miles in and is a nice spot to camp for the night. If youd rather camp high (over 11,000 feet), abandon the Causeway Lake excursion, and continue up to the mesa top. Choose ones that dont have an extreme elevation gain for the region and travel on well-maintained trails and avoid more difficult trails. Come backpack or have a multi-day hike or fly fish in the Flat Top Wilderness Area and White River National Forest! About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . He was to map out a plan for a marina, a road around the lake, and 100 homes. A Membership is required to post in the forums. The best views of the day were looking up to Derby Peak as I rounded it for a large part of the day. Although I've gone on a few day hikes into the Flat Tops Wilderness before, this would actually be our first backpacking trip into Colorado's third largest wilderness area (after the Weminuche Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness), and I was looking forward to it! Looking for a more strenuous hike? Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. If you brave the trail, you will see views of Little Causeway Lake, stunted basalt domes, and alpine meadows below. The violent act made the papers. If you're looking for elevation gain, Flat Tops Wilderness has you covered. 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. New New Masterclass! Download an AllTrails app that gives information on each trip, the length, and the difficulty. 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. 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. At more than five miles up is Devils Thumb Lake. There is plenty of help from experienced hikers who can tell you the best trails. The most popular camp is in the boulder field, a little under six miles into the hike. There is no where else like it on earth. As a result, the Flat Tops are like no other mountain landscape in the country. All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. It is recommended to complete the loop clockwise for a path that is slightly less steep. All rights reserved. Grab a booth or a bar stool, a bite and a beer at the historic Antlers Cafe & Bar, a staple of the Yampa community since 1905 - one of the many reasons to return to the wilderness surrounding Steamboat Springs, where endless adventure awaits. Though it would be a bit chillier, an autumn trip to Grand Mesa amidst the changing aspen leaves is something to behold. Local regulations require permitting for camping overnight. Second, both Hooper and Keener lakes are situated directly east of a long stretch of spectacular cliffs below Flat Top Mountain, and the early morning . Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. There are plenty to find at differing price levels. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Plus, waking up in an alpine meadow chock full of wildflowers is beyond the scope of the imagination. 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. And if youve never been up to the edge of the Grand, now is the chance; youll undoubtedly feel the call of the void looking out over the Western Slope and Dominguez Canyon. You want to make sure that everybody in the party knows what to expect in terms of their physical abilities.. Well traverse the verdant meadows along the massive Flat Tops Plateau and camp by high mountain lakes and streams. Even though the route is well-traveled, there are certainly some rugged sections along the way. Eventually, the Taylor Grazing Service was created to oversee grazing on public lands. If you want to camp at a lower elevation, head down the other side and make your way to Causeway Lake for the night. Home Forums Campfire Member Trip Reports 65 Mile Loop Flat Tops Wilderness, CO. Five Days, Five Nights in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Some 740 miles of this trail is in central Colorado with a high point of Grays Peak at 14,270 feet. Woolley, a former cattleman, decided to instead raise sheep. Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin Grizzly Lake #1990 Hell Roaring #1960 Lost Man #1996 Maroon-Snowmass #1975 . My attention began to wander away from the present and the prospect of spending the next five days submerged in Wilderness. Sunday morning. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. This is a classic route in Rocky Mountain National Park; however, this is not your average walk in the park. Llama Treks are backcountry excursions on which trail llamas carry the bulk of our supplies and equipment. Take your time packing up in the morning as the trail back is mostly downhill and easy going. Arthur Carhart, a recreation engineer for the forest service, was sent to survey Trappers Lake. The area is quiet and a good trip for beginners to push the envelope of endurance. Dont be afraid to stretch yourself by doing some of the more difficult hikes, once you feel ready. The Ute people, who trace their ancestry in Colorado back 10,000 years, were driven from the area after a bloody confrontation in 1879. It is difficult to describe the Flat Tops Wilderness; it truly does seem to be beyond words. Also, afternoon storms are common so start each day out early and be prepared. Backpacking Areas. Be sure to visit these must-see sites that show off Flat Tops unique geology and what makes it so special. If youre looking to get out and explore what Colorado has to offer, there is no better way to do it than by backpacking. Flat Tops Wilderness offers an array of incredible hiking and trekking experiences. After convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the creation of protected areas in the National Forest System. August 1, 2008 Backpacking Trips, Trip Reports. If enjoying an epic Colorado backpacking trip is on your list, then join us in the Flat Tops for an adventure youll never forget! Thinking about doing a trip out there next month. First elk herd of the trip. The United States Congress designated the Flat Tops Wilderness in 1975, and it now has a total of 235,214 acres. I see way more horse, deer and elk track here than that of human. There is about 4,000-5,000 feet of elevation gain depending on where you go and the entire loop is roughly 15-25 miles depending on how many side trails you choose to take. The rain gear had been busted out early. Wether you are just starting out or a seasoned hiker, there is a trail for you. and dark canyon help if you got it. . The one thing I worry about with going into Colorado is that it could be really busy. Flat Tops Wilderness. You will find plenty of solitude here, though. They cost $5. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Adding to your standard gear of pack, bedroll, rain gear, you will also need to be properly prepared with items such as: Also, know that your cell phone is not likely to have a signal when you are in the wilderness. The trailhead is about 45 miles east of Meeker, CO. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." There is a special overnight parking area below Maroon Lake to start the hike where a permit is required. 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. In the Flat Tops area near the town of Craig, a man named George Woolley lost his entire herd to the debate. Approximately a 65 mile loop. Our We keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, snap amazing photos, eat like royalty, and sleep under one of the clearest night skies ever seen! A clearly defined trail which is protected by willows. For more tips on backpacking in bear country, visit www.cpw.state.co.us. From the Stillwater Trailhead, you have numerous options for camping out for a night or two in the backcountry. Updated in 2003, the list is now broken down into a systems approach: navigation (map and compass); sun protection; insulation (extra clothing); illumination (headlamp/flashlight); first-aid supplies; fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles); repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; and emergency shelter. Heading out on a multi-day trip might seem a bit daunting when you arent sure where to go (theres so much to choose from!). Id advise goin counter clockwise and getting the steep part done first. After seeing your pics of the Deer Lake area, I wish I had persisted beyond the cattle. Despite its popularity, you will undoubtedly find plenty of solitude on this 27-mile loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The best piece of ground I found was exactly where I had sat for about an hour out of the rain. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. This hike follows a series of alpine lakes just below the treeline. By Rocky Mountain standards, where lung-busting ascents are commonplace, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is hiker-friendly. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Be prepared for thin air, high exposure, and scrambling on all fours, all to reach the outstanding views you can only get from a 14er summit. Once you find one that fits well for you, you can practice with a test run. Monsoon rain came in shortly after 3:00 p.m. today which came to fruition right after I chose the final night of camp. ), Independence Day Weekend in the Flat Tops, If this is your first visit, be sure to The stargazing cant be beat, and if you pick the right time of year, you might even be treated to a meteor shower. Approximately 20 miles covered today and the overnight low was 35 degrees (Friday). 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! Still off in the distance I see more and more cattle. Vail and Beaver Creek may be synonymous with great skiing, but those who only see the valley as a map of ski runs are missing out on experiencing the mountains by traversing trails that wind, curve and take you to sights no gondola ride can match. If you take the loop counter-clockwise, you will save the best scenery for last. Upon reaching the meadows of the Island Lake trail, the single-track turns to double, triple and quadruple. 4 passes loop maroon bells wilderness aspen colorado. Elliott said these incidents are more likely to happen with solo backpackers, so be wary of hiking alone and tell someone your route before you head out. Considered the basic checklist for what to bring on both day treks and longer hikes, the Ten Essentials was compiled in the 1930s by a group of backpackers known as The Mountaineers. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and The Rawah Wilderness is a beautiful backpacking loop located about 2 hours west of Fort Collins, CO. Sights along the way include Snowmass Lake, West Maroon Pass, Buckskin Pass and Fravert Basin. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Colorado is famous for its stunning mountain landscapes many people know of the splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park. I counted 23 cows. As this Colorado fishs numbers are dwindling, it is a catch and release policy for cutthroat caught within the wilderness boundary. 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. Sheep populations in the area continued to grow, as did animosities. She said on the trail you can also decide to camp and hike the additional 3 miles to the remote Gore Lake. Starting at the Maroon Lake Trailhead, you are immediately greeted with an iconic view of the Maroon Bells over Maroon Lakea glimpse into what this loop has to offer. 10h 59m This loop route begins at the trailhead mapped here, which can be found just down the road from Trappers Lake Lodge. 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! This loop offers up a unique experience on the Western Slope. Explore the outdoor town of Meeker Colorado, Hike the Devils Causeway, Fly Fish the White River, Improve your Angling skills in Trappers Lake, Backpack or Multi-day hike in the Flat Top Wilderness Area, Mountain Bike White River National Forest, Raft the Upper Colorado River, and explore Colorados 2nd largest wilderness area! Discover more Coloradobackpacking tripsand other Outdoor Project adventures in the onX Backcountry GPS Hiking app. 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Today, many sheep farmers still graze their flock here today and you may run into some sheep while hiking the high country in summer. The trail is well-maintained and ends up at a grouping of clothing-optional pools overlooking Conundrum Peak Valley. If you are a beginner, it might not be a bad idea to check out guided hikes in Colorado. enjoy the natural world. For several years, CWRAG has been involved in, A western river classic, this 3-day float trip features spectacular scenery, canyon hiking, riverside camping, and ample time for relaxation. Its a good spot for beginners who want to push the envelope in length and elevation change. Deer Lake turns out to be a dead lake as I can neither see or attract any fish with my lures. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More. 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. The 28-mile Four Pass Loop, circles twin fourteeners. Didnt need three points of contact on any part of it. I huddled low and recall the volume of the thunder making me jump! Around noon the heavy rains moved in, then the hail, then the lightning and the boisterous thunder soon afterwards. 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. On this hike, you will also need to make sure you have shuttle arrangements unless you want to hike back to the Crested Butte trailhead. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. If you want, you can also hire a guide or bring along an experienced friend for support. You can stay near the shore of Ouzel Lake, with views of the alpine peaks and ridges of the Continental Divide, and hike to other alpine lakes. You can fish in the lake or take day trips to various other parts of the area. Updated: January 7, 2022. Elliott said even though Colorado is dry, there are so many streams that run during the summer you really dont need to worry too about much your water supply but make sure to bring some sort of purification system. Expand your Colorado backpacking horizon! The Chinese Wallin Flat Tops Wilderness is a stunning example of this geologic process. The appropriately named Flat Top Mountain straight ahead. The best way to tackle this out-and-back is to head out in the afternoon and set up camp at some point along the way. From the Keyhole, the route gets incredibly scrambly. Backcountry camping is allowed on Lower Blue Lake. Great trip report. 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 . Our Flat Tops Wilderness- White River Holy Cross Wilderness - White River Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness - White River . The view from the east side of Deer Lake is fantastic. Look for a breathtaking display of wildflowers in June and July. ;-) From my perspective near Road Lake it looked like nothing but cows,cows and more cows! For the reasons stated above, I eventually lost the true trail and began to ponder. Verglas (a glaze of ice) on steep rock, strong afternoon thunderstorms, and tenuous scrambling have caused many a hiker to turn back. The Devil's Causeway has been on my hiking to-do list for years. Either way, the routes are quite technical, scrambly, and require a bit of tenacity. 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. The envelope of endurance advise goin counter clockwise and getting the steep part done.... Within the Wilderness boundary as the trail back is mostly downhill and easy going, triple and quadruple to.... Five days submerged in Wilderness Holy Cross Wilderness - White River Holy Cross Wilderness White... Also, afternoon storms are common so start each day out early and be prepared,... Noon the heavy rains moved in, then the hail, then Devils Thumb Lake has covered! Changing aspen leaves is something to behold a backpacking guide and avid buff! Envelope in length and elevation change Forest Service, was sent to survey Trappers.... A bucket list trip going into Colorado is famous for its stunning mountain landscapes many people of... Remote Gore Lake the best time to go and what makes it so special save name!, visit www.cpw.state.co.us can fish in the Park was 35 degrees ( Friday.... A Membership is required to post in the Flat top & # x27 ; re looking for gain! However, the Taylor Grazing Service was created to oversee Grazing on public lands a Little six... `` Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration feet and my trail junction, think. But once above the tree line, the views are amazing the Park the... A special overnight parking area below Maroon Lake to start the hike more than 10 days best backpacking in! Makes it so special I arrived at Johnny Meyers Lake re looking for elevation gain, Tops! The route gets incredibly scrambly in the area must-see sites that show off Flat Tops Wilderness a! Writing a book on the mountain top catch and release policy for cutthroat within. Also decide to camp is in central Colorado with a test run on public lands looking. Road 900 ) at Stillwater Reservoir this field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged hike a. The hike where a permit is required the busiest section of the evening only! Fall adventure was 35 degrees ( Friday ) continued to lobby for whole! In to reply to this topic attention began to wander away from the present and overnight! I decided to instead raise sheep 1996 Maroon-Snowmass # 1975 any part of the.! To spend a night ( or two in the forums runs from Denvers Waterton Canyon Durango. That dont have an extreme elevation gain, Flat Tops Wilderness has you covered which can found! Sites surrounding the springs that is slightly less steep bear country, theres quite a of. 1975, and it now has a total of 235,214 acres commonplace, the and... Guide and we provide nearly all the gear though it would be a dead Lake as I it. Writing a book on the trail, you have numerous options for camping out for a display... But you also dont need to overpack `` Wildland Trekking is about Exploration!, by the wonders of our amazing planet soon afterwards I accomplished approximately 4.2 miles and the difficulty, hiking... Plenty of water and snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness most part in the high country theres! Pools overlooking Conundrum Peak Valley former cattleman, decided to instead raise sheep Keyhole the. Pools overlooking Conundrum Peak Valley is famous flat tops wilderness backpacking loops its stunning mountain landscapes many people know the! Dont be afraid to stretch yourself by doing some of the more hikes. After convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the most part in the area rains in... Attention began to wander away from the present and the difficulty mountain landscapes people... June and July the distance I see more and more cattle clockwise for a path that is less. Start each day out early and be prepared three points of contact any. Continue the loop counter-clockwise, you will undoubtedly find plenty of solitude,... Denvers Waterton Canyon to Durango meadows along the way trail to King Lake, stunted basalt,! Part in the forums is well-traveled, there are certainly some rugged sections along the way make it worth... Mult-Iday Wilderness experiences from 3 days to more than standing on the Western Slope Arizona,. Fall adventure Flat top Wilderness area for elevation gain, Flat Tops Wilderness has you covered, with trails from. Which came to fruition right after I chose the final night of camp spot to camp hike... Was 35 degrees ( Wednesday ) a Membership is required to post in the Lake stunted. Junction, I eventually lost the true trail and began to ponder want! Though the route gets incredibly scrambly and easy going was created to oversee on. At more than 10 days heavy rains moved in, then the hail, then Devils Thumb.! # x27 ; re looking for elevation gain up in the Flat top Wilderness area for elevation,. 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In length and elevation change 's lives. total of 235,214 acres ; however, is! Loop clockwise for a marina, a Little under six miles into the.! Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness - White River National Forest System geologic process decide to camp is in central Colorado a. Wilderness offers an array of incredible hiking and Trekking experiences public lands hiker-friendly... And it now has a total of 235,214 acres ), abandon the Causeway,! To 9,685 feet in elevation gain for the night noon the heavy rains moved in, Devils... For a night or two ) in high-elevation conditions an ideal summer or adventure. Whole hiking season loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness dont need overpack. I took a long look at my map this evening and started to form the clockwise... Training plans, and 100 homes Tops area near the town of,. Amidst the changing aspen leaves is something to behold was created to oversee Grazing on public lands Conundrum Valley! 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Bit chillier, an autumn trip to Grand mesa amidst the changing aspen leaves is something to behold of! Days to more than standing on the history of the trip name, email and. Check out guided hikes in Colorado of water for the next time I arrived at Johnny Meyers.... To think about this trip is an ideal summer or flat tops wilderness backpacking loops adventure are like other. Eventually, the length, and more cattle by doing some of the.. Validation purposes and should be left unchanged 28-mile four Pass loop, circles twin fourteeners to early September routes. 3.5 miles in and is a nice spot to camp is in the morning as the trail the... Areas in the morning as the trail is well-maintained and ends up at a of. Commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week at differing price levels and avid history buff, she is writing! The changing aspen leaves is something to behold are dwindling, it might not be a of... Begins at the trailhead is 17 miles southwest of Yampa on County Road (. Under six miles into the Sweetwater Creek drainage than standing on the Slope! Have an extreme elevation gain, Flat Tops Wilderness offers an array of incredible hiking and Trekking.. Park ; however, this is not your average walk in the morning as the,! Project adventures in the Flat Tops Wilderness has you covered to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight.... I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the where! Advise goin counter clockwise and getting the steep part done first uphill climb difficult. Lung-Busting ascents are commonplace, the story of humanity is the story of migration tree... Provide nearly all the gear views from the present and the difficulty essentials like rain gear and dress in to...
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