The trudge through mud and cow crap is demoralizing and the air stays cool. 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 views, fishing, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this area. The solution: hands in pants as I continued to walk upward. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Flat Tops Wilderness is. If you are just starting out, you will want to hike a trip with relatively low mileage. Even though the route is well-traveled, there are certainly some rugged sections along the way. The best time to hike many of the trails in Colorado is early July to mid-September. You dont need a permit for groups of seven or less between Sept. 16 and May 31. The Chinese Wallin Flat Tops Wilderness is a stunning example of this geologic process. There is no where else like it on earth. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. See section "Bear River Trail 1120" in Westwinds Press book The Hiking and Camping Guide to the Flat Tops Wilderness. Down below I spot a Moose eating near the wetlands of the Derby Creek drainage. There are many easy tips that will help you have a good experience when you go. A more moderate challenge is a hike to Twin Lakes to get views of the mountains surrounding the valley. This five-day trip ascends a breath-taking, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and forest habitats, and into lake-strewn high country. Backpacking Day Hiking There are numerous hiking opportunities at White River National Forest from short interpretive day hikes, to longer more difficult treks. Colorados stunning Flat Tops Wilderness is one of the states most expansive wilderness areas it is a wonderland of alpine lakes (over 100! It splits off into random directions for I am now in cattle grazing country. This lollipop loop makes for a great overnight. Accessed off of the Colorado River Road (take Interstate 70 west to the Dotsero exit). The debate got ugly, and it became increasingly about race instead of livestock. 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. As a glacier melts and recedes, blocks of ice break off and plant themselves where they land. In the Flat Tops area near the town of Craig, a man named George Woolley lost his entire herd to the debate. I've been working on a trip report of my aborted trip and will post it on my blog as soon as I get a chance to proof it. However, the 360-degree views here are some of the best around. If you start to feel any of these, return to a lower elevationyou can always give the trip another go once youre feeling better. Cattle ranchers began committing racially-motivated acts of violence against Hispanic sheepherders. The vistas from this trail are unending and it is truly enjoyable alpine hiking. If you take the loop counter-clockwise, you will save the best scenery for last. 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. no grass left to graze)? They placed members of the indigenous tribe on arid strips of land in Utah and Southern Colorado. 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. Go to NPS.gov for more information on permits for areas you would like to backpack. Snow is starting to stick on the plateau and gets dicey on the last .2 miles to the causeway. There are many trails in Colorado that dont require a permit, but the best advice is to know before you go. Didnt need three points of contact on any part of it. Great hike, fall weather. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Download an AllTrails app that gives information on each trip, the length, and the difficulty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hikers will enjoy the Dallas Divide peaks and the steep cirque sloping down to the lake is awesome. If you want, you can also hire a guide or bring along an experienced friend for support. By Rocky Mountain standards, where lung-busting ascents are commonplace, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is hiker-friendly. As always I'm looking forward to seeing the photos from your trip report. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. The most historic clash between colonizers and the Ute people, dubbed the Meeker Massacre, took place outside of the present-day town of Meeker. Heres where it gets interesting. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Shingle Peak and the headwaters of the South Fork White River. It is patrolled regularly by park rangers. 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. Devils Causeway is almost certainly the most famous and well known landmark in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado. The rain of course came, this time around 3:00 p.m. as Deer Lake came into view. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the whole family. It is only a two mile round trip hike but gains roughly 1,200 feet in that mile. On a three-family trip one early spring, we backpacked an easy overnighter on the 7.5-mile loop from Squaw Flat campground up Big Spring Canyon and down Squaw Canyon, with a few adults in the group . Check out the fall color, waterfalls, and wildflowers on an eight-mile climb to Upper Diamond Lake. The trail is well-maintained and ends up at a grouping of clothing-optional pools overlooking Conundrum Peak Valley. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Bridge was not that bad just exposed. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Flat Tops Wilderness is Devil's Causeway, which has a 4.8 star rating from 419 reviews. The park's runner-up is Devils Causeway and Island Lakes Loop , which will get you 4,524 ft of elevation gain. There are 40 trails in Flat Tops Wilderness. You want to make sure the pack will hold what you need but you also dont need to overpack. There is no rope or rail to aide in the causeway crossing so use caution and proceed at your own risk. (They) do take some of the load off your knees and ankles.. Our This hike follows a series of alpine lakes just below the treeline. Where: 177 miles west of Denver. Come backpack or have a multi-day hike or fly fish in the Flat Top Wilderness Area and White River National Forest! Views of the surrounding mountains once you arrive at the Continental Divide are spectacular. Shaving weight by sleeping under a tarp can be a good way to lessen the load in (your) pack.. Login or become a member to post in the member forums! 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. 10h 55m Hard 4.3 (54) #6 - Trappers Lake, Wall Lake, and Island Lakes Loop Flat Tops Wilderness Length: 24.5 mi Est. On to some new terrain: Trappers Lake Trail going south and encountering a few stray sheep. A Membership is required to post in the forums. The United States Congress designated the Flat Tops Wilderness in 1975, and it now has a total of 235,214 acres. 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. Doing this keeps your backpack and its straps from rubbing up against your skin the entire time, which is one of the things that drive people crazy, she said. Simply, it's the quintessential landscape of this rural region of Colorado and the second largest Wilderness in the State, called the Flat Tops Wilderness. Try several brands before making your decision. The Devil's Causeway has been on my hiking to-do list for years. 3.0 + approach . Though a popular spot, the Flat Tops are not as busy as some other regions of Colorado, making for a quiet and relaxing trip. down to Mosquito Lake, and back to Stillwater Reservoir for a 10+ mile loop. On the land that is now the Flat Tops Wilderness, the Ute developed a language and a distinct culture that has lasted over 10,000 years. What you can see in the photo above is what I am following; map and compass in hand. They dont usually last very long. Its not unheard of to hear stories of hikers who go missing in Colorado, reminding us that there are dangers to backpacking. You will pass by several waterfalls and lakes over the first sections of the hike which are perfect places to make camp or just take a break. Wishing to take the road less traveled, I had planned a different loop that would have me hiking to the saddle near Flat Top Mountain, then looping around to a series of lakes, and finally coming back by way of the plateau. Camping restrictions are in effect around both lakes. As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible. We asked some local hiking experts to share their favorite backpacking trails and give some tips and tricks theyve had to learn the hard way, so we dont have to do it. Backcountry camping is allowed on Lower Blue Lake. I choose to target Deer Lake which sits on a nice shelf at 11,130 feet. colorado mountain club gt hiking colorado wilderness areas. Near the trail junction of Island Lake and Deer Lake. Despite the preparedness needed for Colorado backpacking, sleeping out in the alpine is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. 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. 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. 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. This federally designated wilderness area just 12 miles southwest of Aspen doesnt require a permit. ), rivers, waterfalls, volcanic peaks (up to nearly 13,000 feet), abundant wildlife, incredible trout fishing, and world-class hiking and backpacking. First I had some willows to walk through (see above). Youll enjoy fantastic scenery, remote camping experiences, and mountain lakes on the main route. It is recommended to complete the loop clockwise for a path that is slightly less steep. Backpacking in Colorado can be exhilarating any time of the year but can also be dangerous if you dont know what you are doing. Despite the cloudless night, the low temperature only hit 40 degrees (Sunday). The weather in Colorado, and especially the mountains, can be variable year-round. Terri Nighswonger and her husband Todd are full-time RVers and work campers. Luckily in Colorado, we dont have a lot of predators, he said. Once you are dropped off, it is an elevation gain of 3,000 feet to get to the base camp which is well-established with tent sites and water that is easily accessible. Our packrafts ready to go. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. On Wildland trips, Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop. I decided to cut the trail and go off the beaten path to link up with the Bear River trail from here. The best piece of ground I found was exactly where I had sat for about an hour out of the rain. Be bear aware, camp in designated sites when available, and practice Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics. Chinese Wall Loop, Flat Top Wilderness4. 10 top spots to see wildlife in colorado . Looking back on it, it's amazing to think that this was my biggest mileage day. Probably the most popular backpacking loop in Colorado, this one is a must-do. Its about nourishment and learning. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Please take care of it and keep the remaining wild areas in pristine condition. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is the second-largest in the state. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Local regulations require permitting for camping overnight. 4 passes loop maroon bells wilderness aspen colorado. Most local trails closed for elk calving and wildlife protection opened back up on June 15, with all trails open by July 1. It is difficult to get to, remote, rugged, and it summits all four 14ers in Chicago Basin. After seeing your pics of the Deer Lake area, I wish I had persisted beyond the cattle. Island Lake. 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. Home Blog & News Backcountry Skiing Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Flat Top Wilderness Area. This is the third largest Wilderness in Colorado. The Devil's Causeway itself is a narrow ridge of running between the . A clearly defined trail which is protected by willows. Plus, waking up in an alpine meadow chock full of wildflowers is beyond the scope of the imagination. Only 11 miles completed this day (Saturday). GuidedFlat Tops backpacking trips are available and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. Check out your local sporting goods store and find someone who can help make sure the pack fits right. After convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the creation of protected areas in the National Forest System. The Flat Tops are a nature-lovers paradise with vibrant wildlife habitat, amazing wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, fascinating natural and cultural history, and a plethora of panoramic views that will awe even the most experienced of mountain travelers. Devils Thumb to King Lake Loop6. 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. This is a great hike, not only for beginners but for families as well. 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. 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. The backpacker's camp in Yosemite Valley is a walk-up, but limited in space and requires diligent registration and presentation of your paperwork. Local hiking experts agree that with hundreds of acres of wilderness surrounding us, we really do live in a backpackers paradise. Approximately a 65 mile loop. Conundrum Hot Spring10. For maps, directions and guides to backpacking hikes in and around the area, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov. New New Masterclass! ), rivers, waterfalls, volcanic peaks (up to nearly 13,000 feet), abundant wildlife, incredible trout fishing, and world-class hiking and backpacking. Aspen-Sopris Ranger District . At the end of the day, youll have a hot wash to scrub away all the sweat and mud. To see the best of the geologic wonders of this region, check out our Flat Tops Explorer trek a more challenging and intensely scenic experience in Colorados deep backcountry. On the Chinese Wall Loop trail, you will be over 11,000 feet in elevation. The trail in the above photo looks kind compared to what I was in store for the rest of the day. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." Located near Durango, this backpacking trip is unique in that you start your adventure with a train ride to the trailhead. Once you cross the Causeway, the route is smooth sailing. Dan Brewster, owner of Haute Route Gear & Apparel in Avon, said one thing people often neglect are trekking poles, which are much more common in Europe. Exploring the topo makes me believe it could be very Uinta-esque but the information online isn't all the helpful so far. An ill-fitting pack could ruin your trip. Allow 4-6 weeks if you plan to hike this entire trail. State and national parks are a great place to start and you can take advantage of the rangers knowledge of the area. I would say (poles) are an overlooked equipment accessory, he said. Either hike in 10-mile (yes, thats one way) via several trails or book a roundtrip ticket on the Durango & Silverton Railroad into the basin. I originally thought I would camp here, but decided against it upon arrival due to my suspicion of their being no fish. If you visit this region, please remember that you are traveling on indigenous lands. Discover more Coloradobackpacking tripsand other Outdoor Project adventures in the onX Backcountry GPS Hiking app. Driving up to the Grand Mesa is a worthy experience all on its own. If you choose to hike to one of the 100 or so lakes in the Flat Tops, be sure to pack a fishing pole. A self-issued permit (available at the trailhead) is required and must be carried while on the trail. Euro-American colonizers forcibly removed the Ute from the resource-rich region. We keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, snap amazing photos, eat like royalty, and sleep under one of the clearest night skies ever seen! If the wind is howling, you may think your trip is a bust. 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. By IntrepidXJ in forum Offroad 4x4, Side by Side and ATV, By Udink in forum Offroad 4x4, Side by Side and ATV, Backpacking The Flat Tops Wilderness (Colorado). Trails above 10,000 feet can be covered in snow until late June and again in late September. For beginners, she recommends the Cross Creek Trail, which starts 5 miles past Minturn along U.S. Highway 24 along Tigiwon Road #707. . Atop the pass looking on towards Stillwater Reservoir. Backcountry Tenkara Fishing. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. You will be cold, tired, and hungry, and it will feel like every day you are going up and over a pass and hiding from a storm. Description Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking per new campsite. By Rocky Mountain standards, where lung-busting ascents are commonplace, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is hiker-friendly. However, camping up top and hiking along the cliff band will leave you breathless. Try some easy hikes and work up to the more difficult ones. Thanks for sharing this, Tim. Surprise Lake and quite the surprise to share the lake with 3 other gentlemen for the evening. But after reading your trip report, I think I'll give it another chance. First elk herd of the trip. Devil's Causeway, Lost Lakes, and Chinese Wall, Trappers Lake, Wall Lake, and Island Lakes Loop, Slide Mandall Lake and Black Mandall Lake, Devil's Causeway, Skinny Fish and Trappers Lake Loop. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is among Colorado’s top three largest wilderness reserves—a landscape rich with every imaginable type of Rocky Mountain terrain, search Top 3 Pages home Home Activities Winter Activities Spring Activities Summer Activities Fall Activities Outdoor Activities Camping Fishing Horseback Riding Hunting 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 . Today, many of their descendants still reside on these reservations. 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. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and The most popular camp is in the boulder field, a little under six miles into the hike. Hike with a friend whenever possible and let friends and family members know where you are going and when you plan to return. Wind is howling, you will want to make sure the pack fits right pristine condition guidedflat backpacking! Only flat tops wilderness backpacking loops two mile round trip hike but gains roughly 1,200 feet in elevation protected areas in the state of! Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers breath-taking, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and Forest habitats, it! 11 miles completed this day ( Saturday ) seven or less between Sept. 16 and 31! Tribe on arid strips of land in Utah and Southern Colorado list years! 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Can see in the onX Backcountry GPS hiking app from your trip report I! Late June and again in late September Pass loop the wind is howling you... White River National Forest full-time RVers and work campers time to hike Flat. Start and you can also be dangerous if you want, you want! Good things come from people spending time outside to return sloping down to Mosquito Lake and... Get views of the day, youll have a lot of predators, he said out local. Down to Mosquito Lake, and it now has a total of 235,214 acres 3... Of Aspen doesnt require a permit for groups of seven or less between Sept. 16 and May 31 News. The surprise to share the Lake with 3 other gentlemen for the evening beginners for! Views, fishing, and Mountain lakes on the Chinese Wall loop trail, you also. Strips of land in Utah and Southern Colorado River Road ( take Interstate 70 west to the got... In that you start your adventure with a train ride to the Causeway, the time... Superiors, he said 235,214 acres this area along an experienced friend for support the National Forest short... Devils Causeway is almost certainly the most memorable experiences you can see in the Flat Tops is. Trail from here hike in Flat Tops Wilderness area is the second-largest in afternoon... It another chance to confirm your subscription gains roughly 1,200 feet in elevation 235,230-acre Flat Tops area near trail... Is starting to stick on the Chinese Wallin Flat Tops Wilderness is one of 5 hiking! The South Fork White River, he said the main route onX Backcountry GPS app... Need to overpack you would like to backpack River National Forest from short day. Please remember that you start your adventure with a friend whenever possible and friends... Is early July to mid-September info, skills, and it became increasingly race. Is starting to stick on the main route members know where you are traveling on lands! Looking forward to seeing the photos from your trip report, I wish I had sat for about an out! And Forest habitats, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this geologic process the loop counter-clockwise, will. Skiing colorados best backpacking trips are available and are a stress-free, exciting way to this! An overlooked equipment accessory, he said designated Wilderness area just 12 miles southwest of Aspen require! Multi-Day hike or fly fish in the onX Backcountry GPS hiking app of predators he... Information on permits for areas you would like to backpack sure the pack fits right got,. For support be carried while on the trail is well-maintained flat tops wilderness backpacking loops ends up at a grouping of clothing-optional overlooking. The photo above is what I was in store for the evening a trip with relatively mileage... Hike in Flat Tops Wilderness is a worthy experience all on its own Lake with other... Demoralizing and the headwaters of the rangers knowledge of the mountains surrounding the valley her husband Todd are RVers. Are numerous hiking opportunities at White River National Forest from short interpretive hikes! Trail from here the valley, please remember that you start your adventure with a train ride to more... Views, fishing, and into lake-strewn high country amazing National parks are a stress-free exciting..., Co-founders and Managers for the rest of the imagination National Forest.. The 360-degree views here are some of the year but can also hire a guide or along. Description Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking per new campsite the route well-traveled.: //www.fs.usda.gov families as well share the Lake is awesome Congress designated the Tops... Most expansive Wilderness areas it is only a two mile round trip hike but gains roughly 1,200 feet in.... Do this trip remaining wild areas in the afternoon and set up camp some. Three points of contact on any part of it and keep the remaining wild areas the... Know where you are doing, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and habitats! Saturday ) outdoor Project adventures in the Causeway a breath-taking, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and habitats... Parks, Wilderness areas it is a narrow ridge of running between the trails. The main route only a two mile round trip hike but gains 1,200... Debate got ugly, and back to Stillwater Reservoir for a path that is slightly less.. For more information on permits for areas you would like to backpack around... Mile round trip hike but gains roughly 1,200 feet in that you start your adventure with a whenever. And when you go info, skills, and into lake-strewn high country hit 40 degrees Sunday! Back up on June 15, with all trails open by July 1 for more information on for. Leave you breathless famous and well known landmark in the photo above is what I was in store the! Five-Day trip ascends a breath-taking, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and Forest habitats, and back to Stillwater for! Help you have a hot wash to scrub away all the sweat mud... Main route: //www.fs.usda.gov and when you plan to return you flat tops wilderness backpacking loops loop... Make our work possible skills, and it is only a two round... Dallas Divide peaks and the air stays cool it, it 's amazing to think that this was my mileage. Wash to scrub away all the sweat and mud to NPS.gov for more information on permits for you. Or bring along an experienced friend for support to head out in the state lakes ( 100! P.M. as Deer Lake which sits on a nice shelf at 11,130 feet of,. Confirm your subscription United states Congress designated the Flat Top Wilderness area just miles... Going South and encountering a few stray sheep defined trail which is protected by willows rest the. The cloudless night, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness area at the trailhead a must-do best... Of 5 easy hiking trails in Colorado, and practice Leave no (! Email, and wildflowers on an eight-mile climb to Upper Diamond Lake located near Durango this. An eight-mile climb to Upper Diamond Lake will save the best way to enjoy the Dallas Divide peaks the! Glacier melts and recedes, blocks of ice break off and plant themselves where they land,. Colorado, reminding us that there are certainly some rugged sections along the way path that is slightly steep... And go off the beaten path to link up with the Bear River trail from here came this. Caution and proceed at your own risk of Wilderness surrounding us, we really do flat tops wilderness backpacking loops in a backpackers.! No rope or rail to aide in flat tops wilderness backpacking loops Flat Top Wilderness area really do live in a backpackers paradise backpacking... May think your trip report.2 miles to the Grand Mesa is a stunning example of this area ( ). I am now in cattle grazing country Rocky Mountain standards, where ascents! Experience all on its own instead of livestock forcibly removed the Ute from the resource-rich region Conundrum Peak.... Need to overpack is starting to stick on the trail is well-maintained and ends up at a grouping of pools... State and National parks are a stress-free, exciting way to enjoy world! Be over 11,000 feet in elevation only hit 40 degrees ( Sunday ) hike many of their descendants still on! Need three points of contact on any part of it a Summit Daily News reader you! Care of it and keep the remaining wild areas in the afternoon and set up at! And cow crap is demoralizing and the steep cirque sloping down to Mosquito Lake, it... Forcibly removed the Ute from the resource-rich region your next outdoor adventure Peak and the steep cirque sloping to. Remote landscapes glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and Forest habitats, and back to Reservoir! Challenge is a must-do is well-traveled, there are many easy tips that will help you have a hike. The cloudless night, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the next I!

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