Need direction...day hikes off I-70

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hmelch
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Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by hmelch »

Hi all,

I'm looking for some recommendations for great partial-day/day hikes located near I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction. I know it's a huge area, but we have a ton of flexibility. I'm just worried the snow may hamper some of the better hikes. We may give Quandary a go depending on the weather.

I'm not partial to 14ers/13ers, just looking for some epic trails/scenery. For example, we're going to check out Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs.

Thanks in advance,
Howard
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Dan_Suitor
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by Dan_Suitor »

I’ve never done it, but I heard Mt. Garfield Trail in Grand Junction is fun. It’s lower in elevation so I’d assume snow should not be an issue.
Century Bound, eventually.
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dnye
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by dnye »

I always recommend Herman Gulch. Easy access, very scenic and there are 13ers in the valley if you want to get up high.
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Dave B
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by Dave B »

Pitkin Lake trail in Vail.
Make wilderness less accessible.
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wildlobo71
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by wildlobo71 »

Hermans Gulch; Watruous Gulch and Parnassas and Bard... If you are willing to venture slightly off I-70, head up Hwy 103 from Idaho Springs to West Chicago Creek TH, where you can hike into Hell's Hole and get Gray Wolf Mountain. Looping back on 103, you can do Squaw, Papoose and Chief Mountains if you aren't into the whole "big elevation" thing.
Bill W.

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Scott P
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by Scott P »

The mentioned Mt Garfield is a good one, but even in May, get an early start. The trail is steep, faces directly south, and has no shade, so cool is good.

Rifle Arch is a good one near Rifle (Rifle Falls too) and Main Canyon is a good one if you like to see wild horses. None of these have snow right now.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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schrund
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by schrund »

The Storm King Mountain Firefighters Memorial Trail is barely off an exit just past Glenwood Springs - you can make it as long as you'd like depending on how much of the site you want to check out. And if you get curious and investigate a little, you might find the "hobo hot springs" nearby (but I won't spoil it by giving too much away :wink: .
We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams... as "wild". Only to the white man was nature a "wilderness".
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hmelch
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by hmelch »

Great info guys....I'll definitely check out some of these hikes.

Open to more suggestions!
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Derek
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by Derek »

Two of my favorites just off of I70, I liked them mainly because they are loop hikes that allow multiple summits:

The Citadel, Hagar, Golden Bear and Trelease : About 9 miles, 3800' http://coloradowilderness.weebly.com/6-28-2012.html

Bard, Parnassus, Woods and Machebeuf : About 11.25 miles, 5000' http://coloradowilderness.weebly.com/6-14-2012.html

--D
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jomagam
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by jomagam »

As for 14ers: Evans, Bierstadt, Grays&Torreys have trailheads about 20 minutes from I70.
hmelch
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by hmelch »

jomagam wrote:As for 14ers: Evans, Bierstadt, Grays&Torreys have trailheads about 20 minutes from I70.
I'm just worried the snow may be too much. I have no snowshoes/ice axes/microspikes etc. and don't want to get myself into a bad situation. I was hoping to do Quandary, but the latest trail report shows a fair amount of snow still.

Any info on Grays/Torreys? Would they be doable with no snow gear next week?

Thanks
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wildlobo71
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Re: Need direction...day hikes off I-70

Post by wildlobo71 »

hmelch wrote:
jomagam wrote:As for 14ers: Evans, Bierstadt, Grays&Torreys have trailheads about 20 minutes from I70.
I'm just worried the snow may be too much. I have no snowshoes/ice axes/microspikes etc. and don't want to get myself into a bad situation. I was hoping to do Quandary, but the latest trail report shows a fair amount of snow still.

Any info on Grays/Torreys? Would they be doable with no snow gear next week?

Thanks
There will be snow at all high-elevation mountains - whether or not the trail requires traction or is sufficiently packed - don't bet on it.
Bill W.

Time for the next great losing streak to begin.
#forcedrefocus
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