Hiking in Colorado - Recommendations? Forum?

[YankeeDude]

First, thank you to those that helped in my other thread. We've decided to head to Denver for a few days in September to get some hiking in.

Curious if anyone here might have recommendations from personal experience or if there are any forums where I might be able to get some guidance?

Thank you!

[dzierzak]

There is a Colorado trail forum. Check in Other Long Trails...

[Venchka]

I'm going back in August.
If you must start from Denver, assuming a rental car, drive west on I-70 to US 24. Turn left, south, and drive thru Minturn. On the south side of Minturn, turn right on a forest service road to Halfmoon Campground. Holy Cross City, Fall Creek, Cross Creek, Fancy Pass, etc. could keep you entertained for at least a week.
By September the hoards should have left Rocky Mountain NP. You could try for a permit for the 30 mile CDT loop on the west side of the park. The Park requires bear cans.
Otherwise put a map of Colorado on the wall and throw darts at it. You can't go wrong.
Wayne


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[Venchka]

Hiking or backpacking?
It makes a difference.
Wayne


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[YankeeDude]

There is a Colorado trail forum. Check in Other Long Trails...

Good deal, thanks! I completely missed that.

I'm going back in August.
If you must start from Denver, assuming a rental car, drive west on I-70 to US 24. Turn left, south, and drive thru Minturn. On the south side of Minturn, turn right on a forest service road to Halfmoon Campground. Holy Cross City, Fall Creek, Cross Creek, Fancy Pass, etc. could keep you entertained for at least a week.
By September the hoards should have left Rocky Mountain NP. You could try for a permit for the 30 mile CDT loop on the west side of the park. The Park requires bear cans.
Otherwise put a map of Colorado on the wall and throw darts at it. You can't go wrong.
Wayne


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Great info, thank you, Wayne. The CDT loop may be perfect.

Hiking or backpacking?
It makes a difference.
Wayne


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Backpacking, tent overnight...

We arrive around 7am Thursday morning. We fly out around 6pm on Sunday.

So my thought was to get started Thursday - drive Westbound, hike around 5 miles (a loop preferably), camp overnight, do that with another trail on Friday then maybe a shorter one on Saturday. Or, just break up a 20-30 mile loop trail over those three days...Again, wide open to suggestions. CDT sounds like a pretty good option.

Head back to Denver area Saturday afternoon/evening and grab a couple of rooms. Chill on Sunday, maybe swing by New Belgium or something.

[Venchka]

That said, I'm thinking Rocky Mountain NP. Ease into the altitude with day hiking around Bear Lake. The Loch/Loch Vale and Bierstadt Lake are my favorites going beck to 1964.
http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...stadt-lake.htm
http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/the-loch.htm
Then go to the west side and hike as much of the CDT as you have time for. You might find a cozy local pub the the Grandby area.
http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/granby
Have fun.
Wayne

[D.D.Bear]

Forgive my tagging into this active conversation, but it's a timely thread. Here's wassup:

Have four weeks of leave in Sept/Oct. Flying into Denver, couple of days in the front country to help w acclimation; head to Grand Teton NP. 5 days in GTNP doing 4 day hikes. Have camp (tent) reservations for all this.

Drive back to RMNP for 7 days in park w 5 day hikes. Tent site reservations are available for my timeframe at Moraine and Longs Peak (Glacier's long booked - checked in March). Understand those campgrounds are at altitude. How concerned w that should I be? I know that's person specific, but I'm from low (sea level +175) alt.

Remainder of trip FYI: after RMNP, head to Grand Canyon north rim for 3 nights w 2 day hikes, drive to south rim for 4 nights w 3 day hikes. Drive to Vegas. Fly home in 72 hours. ��

With all all the above (sorry) any knowledge the fine folk of WB can offload will be accepted w open arms. Really wondering about RMNP. I realize I can't take in a tenth of its beauty. I just need to maximize my time (and $) while there!

Thanks.

[Venchka]

Are you completely ignoring Utah on the way to the North Rim and the South Rim? Just wondering.
What are your dates in GTNP, RMNP & North Rim? You could be flirting with nasty weather.
Wayne


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[YankeeDude]

Thanks again for the responses Venchka.

No clue why I said 'September' in my post. We're going in mid-October.

Regardless, I'll definitely take your suggestions into consideration - thank you.

[Venchka]

Thanks again for the responses Venchka.

No clue why I said 'September' in my post. We're going in mid-October.

Regardless, I'll definitely take your suggestions into consideration - thank you.

Mid-October? Ambitious. Take your woolies.
You might want to focus on Breckenridge. The Colorado Trail crosses a paved street in town. Snow removal on the street is standard.
Also talk to the folks at RMNP regarding keeping the roads and campgrounds open.
The best trailheads are 30-40 miles past the end of the pavement and above 10,000'. That's what I did last hear the first 2 weeks of September. I would not trust those roads in mid-October. They are probably fine 90% of the time. It only takes a few hours for that to change to an impassable road.
Wayne