Posted by Jim Casteel on August 3, 2009 at 2:28 PM
In a couple weeks I am wanting to go backpacking, my 7 year old son also wants to go.
It's not a huge deal except I am looking for some recommendations of places to go that wouldn't be more than 2 or 3 miles in and would have a lake with some good fishing and good hikes to pass the time. I of course would also prefer a scenic place so I can take sunrise / sunset shots.
Any advice would be helpful.
Posted by Nat Coalson on August 3, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Maybe Independence Pass? Some great trails around there, and fishing... Lost Man/Hunter Fryingpan etc.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 3, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Mohawk Lakes near Breck - 1.5 miles from upper TH, campsites are above treeline
Mayflower Lake (same TH) about .5 miles, but not very scenic and poor fishing.
Lost Man Lake is alright, but above tree line and no place to get below treeline from the Independence Lake TH. Probably not the best palce to be with a youngster if bad weather hits.
Windsor Lake near Leadville would be just about perfect for your needs, camping is just below tree line. About 1.5 miles to the lake.
Cloyses Lake - .25 mile from the 4WD TH (there is a deep water crossing on the 4WD trail)
Pear Lake - 3 miles from the Cloyses Lake TH over a pass.
Sand Creek Lakes - Sangre de Cristo Wilderness - 3 miles from Music Pass TH. Excellent choice.
Just for a few. There are alot of lakes in CO that could fit your criteria.
Posted by Roger Rouch on August 3, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Lyle Lake above Ruedi Res. is a pretty spot with nice campsites. It's about a mile and a half hike and moderate elevation gain. It's a bit of a drive from Denver, but if you have four wheel drive you can go over Hagerman Pass from Turquoise Lake, which is a nice bit of scenery and possibly a little quicker.
Posted by Brent Murphy on August 3, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Missouri Lakes in the Holy Cross Wilderness. Probably at the long end of your distance limit. Might actually be a little more than 3 miles, but pretty sure it's less than 4. Beautiful spot, lots of lakes. Sunrise, sunset. Little day hike up to the pass for some great views.
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 3, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Big Horn lake and Lake Catherine in the Mt Zerkiel Wilderness. It's just west of Walden. These lakes are only about a mile apart as the crow flies and are very different from one another. Both lakes are right up against the divide with great photo opps. and fishing.
Posted by Mark Stahlke on August 3, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Another vote for Lyle Lake. Its an easy hike to a fairly nice location with good fishing. Lyle Lake was the introductory backpacking trip for all of my nieces and nephews at about the same age and several other acquaintances.
I just returned from a three day backpacking trip that started at the Lyle Lake trailhead. There are some very nice wildflower meadows to the south of Lyle Lake.
Cheers,
Posted by Jim Casteel on August 4, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Thank you all for the wealth of locations! I guess I will have to coordinate with Todd to find out where he is not going to be next weekend!
I just got back from a trip with my son and two 6 year old grandsons. We tried the Piedra River trail by Pagosa Springs, which was a first for me. Very easy hiking and great if you want to fish. Very scenic canyons but no high elev. vistas, but it is a bit of a drive. I also like the Missouri Lakes area.
Discussion
9 repliesIt's not a huge deal except I am looking for some recommendations of places to go that wouldn't be more than 2 or 3 miles in and would have a lake with some good fishing and good hikes to pass the time. I of course would also prefer a scenic place so I can take sunrise / sunset shots.
Any advice would be helpful.
Mayflower Lake (same TH) about .5 miles, but not very scenic and poor fishing.
Lost Man Lake is alright, but above tree line and no place to get below treeline from the Independence Lake TH. Probably not the best palce to be with a youngster if bad weather hits.
Windsor Lake near Leadville would be just about perfect for your needs, camping is just below tree line. About 1.5 miles to the lake.
Cloyses Lake - .25 mile from the 4WD TH (there is a deep water crossing on the 4WD trail)
Pear Lake - 3 miles from the Cloyses Lake TH over a pass.
Sand Creek Lakes - Sangre de Cristo Wilderness - 3 miles from Music Pass TH. Excellent choice.
Just for a few. There are alot of lakes in CO that could fit your criteria.
Wherever I'm not! Sorry, couldn't resist.
I just returned from a three day backpacking trip that started at the Lyle Lake trailhead. There are some very nice wildflower meadows to the south of Lyle Lake.
Cheers,