For Those Interested - General Outdoor Discussion (Denver, Boulder: estimates, rated)

[NickMan7]

Okay, so I did some searching through the Colorado forum and didn't see a thread where people noted their favorite places to spend time outdoors. I'll admit, I didn't do any super in-depth searching, but what I did find wasn't terribly specific. If I am incorrect, someone please let me know.

I've always been huge on Colorado's great outdoors, but there are so many places I've never been. Regardless of the location in Colorado, tell everyone your favorite day hike. Your favorite backpacking trip. Your favorite snowshoeing destination. Spill the beans.

One of my favorite areas is very convenient to Denver. I love exploring the area around the summit of Guanella Pass. I have hiked Mt. Bierstadt, Mt. Evans and Square Top Mountain from the pass - all are terrific day hikes and offer incredible views. I've also done a simple overnight backpack trip to Square Top Lakes in a cirque below Square Top's summit. Beautiful setting and decent fishing. Highly underrated and an easy hike for acclimated individuals. This is also an excellent snowshoeing area, although high winds compound the snow enough (or leaves large bare areas) that snowshoes are not always required.

One I have not yet done, but am planning on next spring is the Chicago Lakes Trail from Echo Lake. I hear it's long (estimates from 7½-8½ miles) and moderately strenuous, but affords beautiful views and excellent backpacking. I've hiked from the saddle of Summit Lake (on Mt. Evans Road) down to Upper Chicago Lake - a fairly simple climb down, but can be tricky getting back up due to some talus and scree. Anyone completed the Chicago Lakes Trail hike that can offer feedback?

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by NickMan7

Okay, so I did some searching through the Colorado forum and didn't see a thread where people noted their favorite places to spend time outdoors. I'll admit, I didn't do any super in-depth searching, but what I did find wasn't terribly specific. If I am incorrect, someone please let me know.

I've always been huge on Colorado's great outdoors, but there are so many places I've never been. Regardless of the location in Colorado, tell everyone your favorite day hike. Your favorite backpacking trip. Your favorite snowshoeing destination. Spill the beans.

One of my favorite areas is very convenient to Denver. I love exploring the area around the summit of Guanella Pass. I have hiked Mt. Bierstadt, Mt. Evans and Square Top Mountain from the pass - all are terrific day hikes and offer incredible views. I've also done a simple overnight backpack trip to Square Top Lakes in a cirque below Square Top's summit. Beautiful setting and decent fishing. Highly underrated and an easy hike for acclimated individuals. This is also an excellent snowshoeing area, although high winds compound the snow enough (or leaves large bare areas) that snowshoes are not always required.

One I have not yet done, but am planning on next spring is the Chicago Lakes Trail from Echo Lake. I hear it's long (estimates from 7½-8½ miles) and moderately strenuous, but affords beautiful views and excellent backpacking. I've hiked from the saddle of Summit Lake (on Mt. Evans Road) down to Upper Chicago Lake - a fairly simple climb down, but can be tricky getting back up due to some talus and scree. Anyone completed the Chicago Lakes Trail hike that can offer feedback?

I've done a number of trails in that area. One of them starts from Echo Lake, climbs down to a dirt road, then follows that road for a little while past a few dams, and then goes back up. Incredible trail, highly recommended. Another one I've done nearby is called "Hell's Hole." The trail was so rough in parts I think the name was well deserved. If you want a really easy 14er to hike in one morning, try Mt Bierstadt, off Guenella Pass. I LOVE Mt Evans, everything around it, and the whole Mt Evans wilderness area. I think it's just as good as Rocky Mountain National Park.

[suzco]

Indian Peaks Wilderness is another close in area to explore. Quite a few thirteeners and twelvers to climb; many good long walks. Most obvious access from the Boulder side is from Brainard Lake or Hessie, Fourth of July Campground. It's also accessible from the Granby side.