Since the snowfall looks too much for my scheduled backpacking trip through the four passes loop by Maroon Bells, I'm looking for advice suggestions on places to make some day/2day hikes/camps around that area or near Rocky Mountain Park that will be passable and offer great photos?
I plan to head by Maroon Bells and see if its passable, but I suspect it won't be. Any and all suggestions on where to go are appreciated.
I wouldn't necessarily give up on the Elk Range yet. As Chad and Bill's photos indicate (on Mt Evans) the conditions are changing quickly. In a week's time, Summit Lake thawed. Just be prepared for snow.
However, if you want a backup itin:
The Sangre de Cristo's have good backpacking options of the 2-3 dat variety. As I said in your previous post, there IS snow, but its in particular places and I have good reason to believe its also melting fast. Also, I saw a recent post on my jeep forum on the Como Lake Road aka Blanca (on the west side of the range) and it is open to the lake. I wouldn't recommend Blanca due to the crowds, but there are lakes to the north. If you can pick up the guidebook on that range it would be helpful, I believe it was written by Jason Moore, titled Hiking the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness on Falcon Press, but I don't have it handy. There aren't really the multi day loop routes in this range like the 4 passes route, but lots of valleys to hike up and down from the Rainbow Trail. The scenery is excellent, lots of photographic opportunities and few people (except at Como Lake and South Colony Lakes which are madhouses).
Mt Evans Wilderness. Scott Gomer Creek and Rosalee trails offer some nice hiking/camping options, but I can't think of a true loop route.
Another option, sure to be free of snow is the Lost Creek Wilderness. There is a 20-30 mile loop trail in there. Just check on wildfires as I think there was one to the west of this area recently. Its also lower so it may be somewhat hot hiking.
Otherwise, if you look at the Collegiates, the Elks, and the San Juans where most of the big backpacking routes run, it looks like there is still equal amounts of snow at the highest elevations.
I agree, it sounds like things are starting to melt pretty fast. My plan is to attempt the four passes loop and see how it goes. If that falls through I'm going to look for some day hikes. I also really enjoy the Sangre de Cristo range, that might be a wonderful backup plan. I've done some Jeep trips in those mountains, backpacking them would be great.
Thanks for the tips, if you have any snow updates for me send them my way... Thanks!
Kevin
Discussion
2 repliesSince the snowfall looks too much for my scheduled backpacking trip through the four passes loop by Maroon Bells, I'm looking for advice suggestions on places to make some day/2day hikes/camps around that area or near Rocky Mountain Park that will be passable and offer great photos?
I plan to head by Maroon Bells and see if its passable, but I suspect it won't be. Any and all suggestions on where to go are appreciated.
Thanks much
Kevin
I wouldn't necessarily give up on the Elk Range yet. As Chad and Bill's photos indicate (on Mt Evans) the conditions are changing quickly. In a week's time, Summit Lake thawed. Just be prepared for snow.
However, if you want a backup itin:
The Sangre de Cristo's have good backpacking options of the 2-3 dat variety. As I said in your previous post, there IS snow, but its in particular places and I have good reason to believe its also melting fast. Also, I saw a recent post on my jeep forum on the Como Lake Road aka Blanca (on the west side of the range) and it is open to the lake. I wouldn't recommend Blanca due to the crowds, but there are lakes to the north. If you can pick up the guidebook on that range it would be helpful, I believe it was written by Jason Moore, titled Hiking the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness on Falcon Press, but I don't have it handy. There aren't really the multi day loop routes in this range like the 4 passes route, but lots of valleys to hike up and down from the Rainbow Trail. The scenery is excellent, lots of photographic opportunities and few people (except at Como Lake and South Colony Lakes which are madhouses).
Mt Evans Wilderness. Scott Gomer Creek and Rosalee trails offer some nice hiking/camping options, but I can't think of a true loop route.
Another option, sure to be free of snow is the Lost Creek Wilderness. There is a 20-30 mile loop trail in there. Just check on wildfires as I think there was one to the west of this area recently. Its also lower so it may be somewhat hot hiking.
Otherwise, if you look at the Collegiates, the Elks, and the San Juans where most of the big backpacking routes run, it looks like there is still equal amounts of snow at the highest elevations.
Thanks Mel,
I agree, it sounds like things are starting to melt pretty fast. My plan is to attempt the four passes loop and see how it goes. If that falls through I'm going to look for some day hikes. I also really enjoy the Sangre de Cristo range, that might be a wonderful backup plan. I've done some Jeep trips in those mountains, backpacking them would be great.
Thanks for the tips, if you have any snow updates for me send them my way... Thanks!
Kevin