Hey everyone -
Looking for a backpack - something hopefully within 2-3 (hopefully closer to 2) hours of Denver, hike in Friday, get a peak (or 2) on Saturday, hike out Sunday. Hoping for a lake to camp by, dog-friendly peaks and the less people the better. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Melissa
3 day backpack suggestions
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- mmueller12
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
Harvard and Columbia, although you will have plenty of company.
- Mtnman200
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
You'll have much less company if you approach Harvard and Columbia via the Frenchman Creek Trail. No lake, but there is good camping just below timberline. We had the place all to ourselves when we were there in August 2013.
"Adventure without risk is not possible." - Reinhold Messner
- jdorje
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
Open up your peaks to thirteeners and its vastly easier to find a good location without crowds.
EDIT: looks like the OP is way ahead of me.
EDIT: looks like the OP is way ahead of me.
Last edited by jdorje on Fri Jul 11, 2014 12:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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- Jim Davies
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
Well, this was posted in the 13ers forum.
Crystal Lake from the Spruce Creek TH just south of Breckenridge might be good. You can climb three 13ers from there in a big loop (with a class 3 ridge) or two if you want to stick to class 2. You can camp above timberline next to a lake and old cabin. Here's a TR from somebody who camped there:
http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepor ... ki=Include" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Crystal Lake from the Spruce Creek TH just south of Breckenridge might be good. You can climb three 13ers from there in a big loop (with a class 3 ridge) or two if you want to stick to class 2. You can camp above timberline next to a lake and old cabin. Here's a TR from somebody who camped there:
http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepor ... ki=Include" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Climbing at altitude is like hitting your head against a brick wall — it's great when you stop. -- Chris Darwin
I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go home now. -- Forrest Gump
I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go home now. -- Forrest Gump
- turbocat
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
Pine Creek near BV...just did a recent trip report. A bit further than 2 hours but nice as an out and back. Lots of peak options.
http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.ph ... ki=Include
http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.ph ... ki=Include
Less cowbell...more CAIRN!
- mmueller12
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
Yeah, I was looking for 13ers, my husband and I prefer them - usually a little off-trail and deserted. Thank you for the suggestions!
- AlexeyD
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
Haven't been to either (still new to the area), but I hear the Gore Range or the Never Summers are good if you want uncrowded and cool. Hope to check them out myself soon!mmueller12 wrote:Hey everyone -
Looking for a backpack - something hopefully within 2-3 (hopefully closer to 2) hours of Denver, hike in Friday, get a peak (or 2) on Saturday, hike out Sunday. Hoping for a lake to camp by, dog-friendly peaks and the less people the better. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Melissa
-
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Re: 3 day backpack suggestions
Just did the Gore Creek/Deluge Lake loop a couple weeks back. Great scenery & plenty of peak options. We did Snow Peak, but Grand Traverse, Silverthorne, Hail, etc are all within reach.