Please help plan a weekend for a CO. newbie!

[NashPeak]

Hello!

This is my first post! What a great website! Thanks in advance for all of your help and I hope to be able to add something worthwhile in the future.

I am looking for some ideas for trails.

I am coming to Denver for business on Thursday and half day Friday. I extended my trip through Sunday night in order to get some good hiking in. (Also, going to Red Rocks for Phish Thursday night!) I am thinking of a short hike on Friday in or around Denver getting up early on Saturday and heading to some higher elevation. I am not sure if I could handle a 14er. Even a easier one like Bierstadt. I am 6'4" and 225 and 42 years old. Pretty good cardiovascular condition. I can ride a road bike at a 18mph average for 2+ hours at Nashville elevation (a whooping 500 ft!). I have a few centuries under my belt but really sit behind a desk more than I should.

Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations for good itinerary? I am looking for a decent challenge with amazing scenery.

Your help is appreciated.

CJ

[riseto]

CJ,
I'm planning on Grays on Saturday.I live in Broomfield (I25 near 136th) I'm just getting back in shape so will be somewhat slow. Will have GPS with the route and will bring 2 dogs.
Bob
riseto@aol.com

[clemsonmtneer]

If a 14er isn't mandatory then you should really check out the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Some of the most spectacular scenery on this side of Colorado. There are plenty of options depending on what kind of mileage and how difficult a hike you're looking for. There are numerous options, all with amazing scenery, starting from either the 4th of July Trailhead or Brainard Lake (both THs are over 10,000 feet so you'll definitely notice the altitude). Arapaho Pass is about 3 miles one way from 4th of July TH and there are good side trips to Arapaho Glacier and Diamond Lake if you feel like it, or you can hike to the other side of the pass, which I have not done, and there's supposed to be a couple of other nice lakes back there - though be forewarned, give yourself plenty of time to cross back over the pass before the thunderstorms arrive if you plan on doing that. If you're looking to bag a peak, South Arapaho is a 13er in that area and is one of my favorites, but it would be a tough day not being used to the altitude.

If you're looking for a shorter/easier hike, I recommend hiking to Blue Lake from the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It's only 3 miles one way with less than 1,000 ft elevation gain (however, you'll be well over 11,000 ft high so take that into account) but is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes I've ever visited. Also, Pawnee Pass and Isabelle Glacier are both great destinations from Brainard Lake. I haven't been to the St. Vrain area of the Indian Peaks but that area is supposed to be nice too.

Even though Rocky Mtn National Park and Estes Park are a zoo on summer weekends, if you have time before you leave you should definitely take a trip up Trail Ridge Road if you've never been before. In spite of the crowds, the scenery is amazing and it's something everyone should see at least once.

[NetJetsHiker]

Bergen Peak aka Elk Meadows Open Space is a nice hike in Evergreen (close to Denver, 20 minutes) with an elevation gain of 1730 ft and between 7-8 miles, depending on the loop you take. This could work for your Friday hike.

"From I-70, exit onto Highway 74 (Exit 252) going south past Bergen Park. Continue 2.25 miles to Lewis Ridge Road turning right into the parking lot. A second access is available at Highway 74 and Stagecoach Boulevard, turn west on Stagecoach and proceed 1.25 miles to the south parking lot."
Go to the lot off Stagecoach Blvd.

[NashPeak]

Thanks for the info!

Keep'em coming.

CJ

[nativehiker2]

Plenty of hiking in/around the Boulder Flatirons as well. Last hike I took up there was via Chataqua Park. West on Baseline till you see the signs on the left. Just past Chataqua is Flagstaff Mountain right in front of you. Good hiking on Flagstaff as well. Not sure about the elevation gain, maybe 1 to 2 thousand feet.

[Jeff Eick]

I think you should go for a 14er. Bierstadt is easy to find. Your rental car would get you to the trailhead. On a Saturday you'll have plenty of company (like being in a city park). Even if you should find yourself affected by the elevation and unable to finish (unlikely scenario, I'd bet) you'll still get good views and a heck of an experience. The offer to do Gray's is probably within your reach too, if you take your time. Enjoy.

[Jim Davies]

I agree about Bierstadt. Even the view from the pass is worth the drive, and you can always hike 'til you puke and then turn around.

[peter303]

I recommend driving I-70 to Loveland Pass, which is quick, and hike up either side
for as many hours as you want.
Thats at exit 216 on just before the tunnel, then left & up four miles.
You are above tree line already there with fantastic views.
After the hike you can continue down the other side of the pass and cross over
into Breckenridge which is the most interesting of the six towns in that valley.

With any hike, start as close to dawn as you can and be off the ridges by noon.
Lots of rain and lightning possible in the PM.

[sunny1]

In Boulder approx 45 min drive from Denver (good alternatives for Fri afternoon depending on the weather):
Green Mtn in Boulder via Gregory Canyon: 5 mi loop hike with approx 2200 ft elev gain with excellent long-range views of the Indian Peak Wilderness, Long's Peak. There's a $3.00 daily parking fee for this one.
Bear Peak/S. Boulder Peak in Boulder from the Mesa Trailhead: 7.8 mi r/t, 3K elev gain. Free parking.

As suggested above, lots of options in the Indian Peaks Wilderness - consider Mt Audubon, a 13er, near 8 mi r/t with 2700 ft elev gain (decent challenge with excellent scenery) $8.00 (I think) entrance fee.

Or westbound I-70 to Loveland Pass for Mt Sniktau, park free. Start your hike at 12K elev, total elev gain around 1200 ft, 4 mi r/t. It's approx 45 mins from the west side of Denver and you're on the roof of the earth - great views.

Send me a PM if you'd like more detail or more options!

P.S. Agree Gray's with riseto is a valid option as long as you pace yourself. I hiked with a guy from GA earlier this week - he did quite well, paced himself, and enjoyed the summits.

[NashPeak]

Thanks for all of your help.

I hiked Flagstaff yesterday in Boulder.

Gray's Peak today, which was awesome!

Heading to Indian Peaks in the AM.

Great trip and thanks again!

Chris

[comin2getcha]

NashPeak -- Not to toss a wrench in your plans but I might suggest South Arapahoe Peak in the IP. There is no fee and I'm sure it will be less crowded than Mt. Audubon. Head up through the town of Eldora and up to Fourth of July Campground.

Be safe and have a great climb.

Lance