Though a popular spot, the Flat Tops are not as busy as some other regions of Colorado, making for a quiet and relaxing trip. Despite the cloudless night, the low temperature only hit 40 degrees (Sunday). The best time to hike many of the trails in Colorado is early July to mid-September. Moraines form at both the glaciers terminus and along its sides. ), rivers, waterfalls, volcanic peaks (up to nearly 13,000 feet), abundant wildlife, incredible trout fishing, and world-class hiking and backpacking. Take care climbing over the steep drops of Chinese Wall. A self-issued permit (available at the trailhead) is required and must be carried while on the trail. Wildland Trekking provides 2 different multi-day hiking and backpacking adventures in the Flat Tops. Due to the rolling terrain, it is sometimes hard to know where the edge of a snowdrift is, and areas are often undercut. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is among Colorado’s top three largest wilderness reserves—a landscape rich with every imaginable type of Rocky Mountain terrain, search Top 3 Pages home Home Activities Winter Activities Spring Activities Summer Activities Fall Activities Outdoor Activities Camping Fishing Horseback Riding Hunting Of course, if you dont have time, the main loop offers more than enough to enjoy, including Pawnee Lake, Thunder Creek, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle, Cascade Falls, and the stunning mountainous landscape of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Our If you are injured on the trail and are solo, stay on the trail and wait. The best way to tackle this out-and-back is to head out in the afternoon and set up camp at some point along the way. But after reading your trip report, I think I'll give it another chance. The views, fishing, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this area. The park's runner-up is Devils Causeway and Island Lakes Loop , which will get you 4,524 ft of elevation gain. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Saturday morning in the Hell Hole Swale with a nice view of the Henry Mountains. Eventually, the Taylor Grazing Service was created to oversee grazing on public lands. Allowing you time to properly explore the area and take in its treasures, it also affords a wonderful night sky sleeping 11000 feet closer to the stars. This hike from Crested Butte to Aspen is one of the more popular trails leading you to views of the Raggeds and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness areas. Tectonic forces created swirling pockets of magma under the ground, which forced the earth itself to rise. This trail is 6.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. Trappers Lake bears the nickname the Cradle of Wilderness because it was there that the ideas which led to the Wilderness Act were first kindled. A series of ice ages then carved out the valleys and cirques, grinding the land into its current majesty. The Flat Tops is an excellent place for long distance backpacking, and in fact is one of the best places in Colorado for extended trips. Its a good spot for beginners who want to push the envelope in length and elevation change. Bears have a nose thats 100 times more sensitive than a humans, and, if they find food, theyll often come back for more. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Flat Tops wilderness also offers anglers Colorados best fly fishing for ribbon cutthroat trout in high alpine lakes and streams for avid anglers or those learning the art of craft of fly fishing. By IntrepidXJ in forum Offroad 4x4, Side by Side and ATV, By Udink in forum Offroad 4x4, Side by Side and ATV, Backpacking The Flat Tops Wilderness (Colorado). Come prepared to spend a night (or two) in high-elevation conditions. Flat Tops Wilderness spans the Routt National Forest and White River National Forest. When to go and what to think about This trip is an ideal summer or fall adventure. She said the trail has unusual terrain for the area, with a canyon atmosphere filled with gem-like lakes and giant rocks covered with moss, ending at Missouri Lakes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sweetwater Reservoir and my ride back to civilization the next morning. For beginners, she recommends the Cross Creek Trail, which starts 5 miles past Minturn along U.S. Highway 24 along Tigiwon Road #707. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. He was so struck by the landscape that he informed his superiors the land should be set aside, protected, and preserved for generations. However, standing at the edge of the mesa when its windy is an experience in itself. I couldn't help but wonder how the fishing is. Verglas (a glaze of ice) on steep rock, strong afternoon thunderstorms, and tenuous scrambling have caused many a hiker to turn back. With my limited knowledge of the area and the monsoon season in full swing, I was unsure as to how much mileage I could accomplish. It is bisected by 50 miles of the Continental Divide, and its peaks and valleys form the watersheds for many creeks and rivers flowing to the Pacific and the Atlantic, including the San Juan and Rio . This hike begins from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area in Aspen Highlands. They originate from the Midwest but plan to enjoy the west for a few years, wintering in Arizona and summering wherever the road may lead. This federally designated wilderness area just 12 miles southwest of Aspen doesnt require a permit. Some tips: eat well, lay off the alcohol the night before your hike, sleep (which can also be difficult if youre not used to the altitude), and drink plenty of water. After acclimating to the altitude and with a good nights sleep, youll be ready to take on the four 14ers. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Enjoy expansive wilderness and peaceful solitude in Colorado's Flat Tops. When two cirques meet, they form an arete: a sharp, narrow, mountain ridge. Fortunately I escaped any dogs. Gilliland suggests bringing sturdy black garbage bags, which have multiple uses: You can cut a hole in it to make a rain poncho, use it as a tarp if the ground is wet and, if you set up camp, then you can fill it with water, hang it up and let it sit in the sun. The stargazing cant be beat, and if you pick the right time of year, you might even be treated to a meteor shower. We use one breathtaking campsite for three nights, allowing us to explore on day hikes with only light day packs on Days 3 and 4. People who want an amazing experience can choose this area, stay in one place for several nights and explore many beautiful areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. It felt good to end dry and to see the Sawatch range again. This loop offers up a unique experience on the Western Slope. Date Hiked: August 19, 2018 Distance: 6 mi (RT) . USFS webpage. You will be cold, tired, and hungry, and it will feel like every day you are going up and over a pass and hiding from a storm. On the Chinese Wall Loop trail, you will be over 11,000 feet in elevation. Youll earn the burn early, humping 1,000 vertical feet in 2 miles, then amble an easy mile to the side-by-side lakes teeming with trout. Make room for essentials like rain gear and dress in layers to keep you warm as you head to higher elevations. See description "Zirkel . Wether you are just starting out or a seasoned hiker, there is a trail for you. Youll be hiking at elevations nearing 12,000 and at times it feels as though you are trekking through some kingdom in the sky. The appropriately named Flat Top Mountain straight ahead. Sleeping out under the tarp can be wonderful. Rather than set up camp, I found some natural shelter beneath the passing shower. On Wildland trips, The Colorado Trail is a rigorous trek that affects even the most seasoned hikers with its high altitude. Backcountry camping is allowed on Lower Blue Lake. The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of about 10,000 feet. Second, both Hooper and Keener lakes are situated directly east of a long stretch of spectacular cliffs below Flat Top Mountain, and the early morning . Not a cloud in the sky to start the day. Located in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, visitors are drawn to this trail which features a narrow "land bridge" that is 50 feet in length, narrowing to as little as 4 feet in width, and has drops of several hundred feet on each side. Also, afternoon storms are common so start each day out early and be prepared. A tent is a lot of weight. This expansive wilderness is a land of flowing rivers, over 100 miles of them, with trout abundant in both. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." These can be picked up at Headquarters Wilderness Office or can be acquired online. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. They dont usually last very long. When you visit the Flat Tops Wilderness, you may witness elk, deer, mountain lion, mink, ptarmigan, marmot, and moose wandering the high landscape. On to some new terrain: Trappers Lake Trail going south and encountering a few stray sheep. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. In addition to the right gear, Brewster said one thing people dont think about before embarking on a challenging backpacking trip is carrying the right mindset. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. At times only three feet wide, its sheer cliffs drop away on both sides 600 to 800 feet to the valley floor below. I choose to go as far as Surprise Lake on an unmaintained trail. Colorado Wilderness is looking ahead and forward to the fresh, In 2023 and 2024, Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides will conduct a range of avalanche classes. Old volcanic cliffs litter the area. Gilliland said a backpackers biggest woe is blisters, but there are ways to prevent your feet from killing you after only a few hours on the trail. The sky continues to stay overcast. Chicago Basin, San Juan Mountains5. You can enjoy many different terrains and you can see the Aspens turn color in the Fall, snowcapped mountains in the winter, flowing waterfalls in the spring, and beautiful wildflowers in the summer. So there is a possibility of the trails being open in mid-May. Summit Daily is embarking on a multiyear project to digitize its archives going back to 1989 and make them available to the public in partnership with the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Looking back on it, it's amazing to think that this was my biggest mileage day. A 200-mile trail network creates a mind-boggling matrix connecting 80 lakes and geologic features like the Chinese Wall, a 1,000-foot rampart 5 curvy miles long. All throughout human history, the story of humanity is the story of migration. Once you feel confident in your abilities as a backpacker, you can attempt the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop which circles Maroon Bells, climbing four 12,000 foot passes. I huddled low and recall the volume of the thunder making me jump! The Flat Top Wilderness Area is Colorado's 2 nd largest wilderness, designated in 1975 by Congress, is arguably one of the states best and most secluded wilderness experiences. It is recommended to complete the loop clockwise for a path that is slightly less steep. The trail follows the west side of the Dallas Creek drainage until it reaches the lake. Download the app. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Wish I had been able to read it before a two-night trip I did in the Flat Tops this week. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Either hike in 10-mile (yes, thats one way) via several trails or book a roundtrip ticket on the Durango & Silverton Railroad into the basin. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below numerous flat-topped cliffs. Continue the loop on Lonesome Trail to King Lake, then Devils Thumb Pass. Didnt need three points of contact on any part of it. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Simply, it's the quintessential landscape of this rural region of Colorado and the second largest Wilderness in the State, called the Flat Tops Wilderness. Home Forums Campfire Member Trip Reports 65 Mile Loop Flat Tops Wilderness, CO. Five Days, Five Nights in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. If youd rather camp high (over 11,000 feet), abandon the Causeway Lake excursion, and continue up to the mesa top. Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop. After reading your trip report, I earn from qualifying purchases links, which supports the work do. When its windy is an exceptional way to tackle this out-and-back is to head out in Flat... 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