Backpacking and a 14er in May

[Pipe_Adams]

Hi, new member here and heading to Colorado next week for a week and was just looking for some recommendations.
Basically, I'm looking to do some light backpacking and/or day hikes to acclimate a bit and then go for a 14er. I came to Colorado last year and tried to climb some of the peaks around Crestone Lake however there was too much snow...I wasn't prepared. I wound up doing mostly day hikes around Mesa Verde and Colorado National Monument. It was incredibly beautiful but I'd like to try something different this time and I'll be brining along snowshoes, crampons, and an ice axe.
Looking for something with an accessible (with a modern SUV) trailhead, maybe 2-3 hours or so drive outside of Denver, where I can backpack in a few miles, set up camp, and then do some exploring...camp low and then get up a bit and snowshoe.
Once acclimated I'd like to do a peak, something not too technical or dangerous at this time of year.
There's a lot of info to sift through, especially with regards to roads to trailheads being open. Any recommendations or even being pointed in the right direction would be appreciated.
Thanks for your time !!!

[Vertical Wanderer]

I suggest looking around Buena Vista. Not sure how much luck you'd have backpacking, but there are tons of dispersed camping spots that you'll probably have to yourself being there in May. Lot's of easy to moderate 14ers in that area as well.

Depending on how much snow has melted you can backpack into Missouri Gulch. Belford, Oxford, and Missouri are all accessible from there.

[Pipe_Adams]

Thanks...that's a good recommendation that I hadn't looked into!

[peter303]

I suggest looking around Buena Vista. Not sure how much luck you'd have backpacking, but there are tons of dispersed camping spots that you'll probably have to yourself being there in May. Lot's of easy to moderate 14ers in that area as well.

Depending on how much snow has melted you can backpack into Missouri Gulch. Belford, Oxford, and Missouri are all accessible from there.

You also could choose a segment of the Colorado Trail and pack in a day or two. The trail runs through the Sawatches. There will be snow on segments above 10K feet.

[Deege]

Maybe consider Lost Creek Wilderness with 12ers Bison Peak and/or McCurdy Mountain. Trailheads off of Park County Road 77 are all accessed from paved roads. Close to Denver. As of yesterday (5/8), the route up to Bison Peak was clear of snow until tree line and then patchy around the peak. Snowshoes or microspikes weren't necessary. From there, you would be a short drive from Quandary, the Lincoln Group, Sherman, and the Sawatch peaks along US 24 between Salida and Leadville, roughly. Of course, the 14ers look to have much different snow/route conditions than Bison Peak had yesterday. One word of caution, however, once you're in the Lost Creek Wilderness, you may change your mind about a May 14er and just stay in that surprising place. If your heart is set on a 14er with your new gear, Massive East Ridge from the Fish Hatchery might be an option.

[Pipe_Adams]

thank you. i keep hearing Lost Creek recommended in a lot of these threads.