September trip planning advice

[nmclimber]

Most of my experience has been in the San Juans but I am looking for some advice planning a weekend trip mid-month with some friends flying into Denver. I'm looking for a scenic 14er with good car camping at/near the trailhead and some shorter/easy hikes to fill the rest of the weekend. Must be within a few hours drive from Denver, accessible with a Subaru Forester, and not exceeding class 2. From the research I've done Elbert, Huron, and DeCaLiBron seem to be decent options but am open to other suggestions. Would appreciate any advice on picking a 14er, camping options, and nearby hikes.

[scottaskinger]

I'm going next week and can share more then, but from what I've read in other posts there is a lot of car camping around the Mt. Massive TH and the North Mount Elbert TH. From here you have Class 1 and Class 2 options up Massive and Elbert.

You might also consider Mt. Evans via Mt. Spalding and across the West ridge, http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?rout ... =mt.+evans" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. This is close to Denver, less crowded than standard routes and offers a little more excitement than just a simple trail (class 2+). I did this with my 9 year old (at the time) and he had no problems. I'm not positive about camping though, I think you would be camping about 20 minutes away from where you start hiking.

[scottaskinger]

Also, this: http://14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=44792" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[highpilgrim]

Mount Lindsey.

It's a great hike, there are other 13ers that vary from easy to a little more, the scenery is fantastic and your car can get to the TH.

It might be a little farther than some other options but the traffic will be less and the options once there are great.

It is 2+ but not for long.

[peter303]

Sounds reasonable. The only issue with Huron is there is a 2WD and a high clearance trailhead. The road gets gnarly after entering woods south of Winfield. The 2WD stop spot adds about 45 minutes of easy hiking each way.

And it could be below freezing both at night and on the summit.

[Jim Davies]

Second highpilgrim's suggestion of Lindsey. The Blanca-Ellingwood face is impressively huge to hike under, and there's a lake up there somewhere. You might even get some aspens changing by then. There might be early-season hunters up there by mid-month (bowhunters or muzzleloaders).

[highpilgrim]

The view Jim mentioned, on the way to Lily Lake. VV

blanca ellingwood nordwand.jpg (339.34 KiB) Viewed 597 times

[nmclimber]

Thanks for all the great advice! I love the looks of Lindsey but am a little wary taking a group up on their first 14er. Should I be concerned about the gully on the North Face route for first timers? I'd be curious to hear about your experience next week with Elbert/Massive scottaskinger. I called the forest service today and apparently Elbert Creek Campground is closing for the season after this weekend- there are no services available after that but it sounded like it was still possible to camp there. Was told there was good dispersed camping in the area as well.

[nyker]

How about Elbert from the South Elbert TH. Your friends will climb the state high point and by mid month, the aspen should start looking nice as well as the red groundcover up high. Class 1 to the summit. There are some nice car camping spots along the road before it gets too rough.

Or Belford/Oxford/Missouri north of Buena Vista.

[Tornadoman]

How about Elbert from the South Elbert TH. Your friends will climb the state high point and by mid month, the aspen should start looking nice as well as the red groundcover up high. Class 1 to the summit. There are some nice car camping spots along the road before it gets too rough.

This.. climbing the highest Colorado 14er will feel like a great accomplishment to your new friends. My wife and I were there last weekend with a couple 14er newbie friends and it seemed a good choice. The aspens just had a hint of color, and I kept thinking that it would be a gorgeous route in a couple weeks. We had a 4WD Dodge Ram but didn't need to take it out of 2WD to make the upper trailhead. I think the Forester should make it there fine if you go slow. There was even one low clearance car at the upper TH although I wouldn't have risked it!

[bdloftin77]

Highpilgrim, incredible picture!!

[nmclimber]

I think I'm leaning towards Elbert at this point. Is there any particular reason to choose the East ridge vs. the Northeast ridge other than the East ridge having slightly less elevation gain? Looks like good camping options near both and fairly similar distance. Thanks again for the suggestions!