Moderate to Easier Hiking Suggestions

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sieggy80305
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Moderate to Easier Hiking Suggestions

Post by sieggy80305 »

I have some friends coming in from out of town next week and we are taking a few days to camp and hike over by Twin Lakes / Turquoise Lake. I have a mixed bag of hiking skills with the group I'll be with. I'm taking the tougher portion of the group up La Plata but wanted to find some suggestions for easier to moderate hikes in the area for the others. I'm a bit less familiar with the area than I am with other parts of Colorado so was hoping to get some thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

Sieg
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Re: Moderate to Easier Hiking Suggestions

Post by Scott P »

Halfmoon Lakes, Windsor Lake, Timberline Lake, or Native Lake might be good hikes to try. You could also drive to Independence Pass and hike the ridges.
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Re: Moderate to Easier Hiking Suggestions

Post by scottda »

From the La Plata TH on 82 they can keep going on the dirt road past the La Plata trail turn off. It's a pretty gentle hike. I've done it several times in the winter on both XC skis and snowshoes.
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Re: Moderate to Easier Hiking Suggestions

Post by peter303 »

Drive to the top of Independence Pass and start hiking southwest. Great views above treeline.
The trail is not too hard. But it starts at 12K altitude which could be difficult if not acclimatized.
There is probably patchy snow still around.
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Re: Moderate to Easier Hiking Suggestions

Post by sieggy80305 »

Thanks for the info everybody. I'll check those out.
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Re: Moderate to Easier Hiking Suggestions

Post by Sean Nunn »

If you want something really easy to start with, go down to Buena Vista, cross the river on a footbridge, and take the trail to "Midland Mountain". Very easy and doesn't go anywhere remotely near treeline.

Sean Nunn
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