Backpacking ideas

[CoHi591]

Hey everyone,
In anticipation of summer a friend and I are starting to think about some backpacking plans. I know there are endless opportunities all over Colorado, so I wanted to get some input from you on your favorite or most highly recommended spots. He's in Telluride and I'm in Denver so we would prefer somewhere roughly in between the two, probably 2-4 days, amazing scenery is really all we're looking for. Both experienced backpackers. Would love to get above treeline for a while and maybe bag a summit or two above 13. Thanks for your ideas!

[SkiBikeClimb99]

Check out the Weminuche Wilderness. Lots of backpacking and summit opportunities, on-trail and off-trail. No need to take the train if you don't want to.

[Kent McLemore]

The Gore Range sits between Denver and Telluride.
Piney Lake TH leads to some nice country: Kneeknocker Pass, Mt. Powell, Duck Lake, Eagle's Nest, etc.

[Wolfman_CO]

I second the Gore Range. I did a 4 night, solo trip there a few years ago and the trip included a summit of Powell, above treeline travel and route/pass finding as I connected two trails to circumnavigate the Powell-Eagles Nest block. The area is rugged and gorgeous and I only saw 2-3 people the whole trip, even though you can see Vail Resort and I-70 from the high places. This was late August, a typically busy time in the high country. Especially if you have some prior backcountry camping and travel experience there are a lot of fun options in the area.

[sheller]

I took our scouts for a 50 miler in the Gore Range and it was very scenic. If I were to plan another 50 miler or extended backpacking trip and wanted to hit some high peaks I would consider Holy Cross Wilderness (Mt Holy Cross, sub peaks, Holy Cross City), Uncompahgre Wilderness (Uncompahgre, Wetterhorn, Matterhorn), Maroon Bells (4 pass loop, Conundrum hot springs, 14ers and 13er options), Chicago Basin or a leg of the Colorado Trail (more difficult logistics, since it will be hard to make a loop). I think two great books for planning backpacking trips are Colorado's Incredible Backcountry Trails and The Complete Guide to Colorado's Wilderness Areas.

[Scott P]

I took our scouts for a 50 miler in the Gore Range and it was very scenic.

Wheeler Trail plus side trips?

He's in Telluride and I'm in Denver so we would prefer somewhere roughly in between the two, probably 2-4 days, amazing scenery is really all we're looking for.

If you are into backpacking, I'd stick closer to the Telluride side of the state if you can. The San Juans are the best backpacking range in Colorado.

[sheller]

I took our scouts for a 50 miler in the Gore Range and it was very scenic.

Wheeler Trail plus side trips?

Just along the Gore Range trail with side trips up to some of the lakes.

[CoHi591]

Awesome everyone, thank you for your responses. I haven't explored the gore range nearly enough so I will prioritize some trips in that area. Really appreciate all the input!

[mtnjam]

We are planning on starting at Twin Lakes and taking the Colorado Trail south to a few miles south of Monarch Pass and then returning on the CDT to Twin Lakes - I think it is called the Collegiate Loop. However, we were originally looking at a shorter trip from Twin Lake by the CT to Frenchman Crk and then return by heading north on S Pine Crk to Pine Crk, across Elkhead Pass back to Clear Creek and over Hope Pass and back to Twin Lake. Seemed like a good route, but we had the time to do the longer version. Good luck on whatever route you choose.