As one of the first designated wilderness areas in the history of public lands, the Flat Top Wilderness Area is home to more than 100 lakes. Back to the primitive trail to link up with an area I had been before: W Mountain Trail. We were originally going to hike in the Winds, but the snow still looked iffy, so then we decided to do the Beartooths, but the snow and a fire were iffy, so . 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. On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. In the San Luis Valley, families were threatened assaulted, or killed. About a mile and a half hike from the East Fork trailhead, Little Causeway is often a resting spot for those making the trek up to the Devils Causeway. The Stillwater Lake region was by far the busiest section of the trip. Located near Durango, this backpacking trip is unique in that you start your adventure with a train ride to the trailhead. Prior to that I had not seen nor spoken to anyone in roughly 32 hours. At the end of the day, youll have a hot wash to scrub away all the sweat and mud. From the Stillwater Trailhead, you have numerous options for camping out for a night or two in the backcountry. Although this area is a little more difficult to access, it definitely keeps the crowds thinner. In 1920, the Colorado militia had to be called in to quell the Battle of Yellowjacket Pass a skirmish that took place between the towns of Craig and Meeker. There is no potable water along the route so bring everything you need. This unique mountain range rises in a broad plateau a massive upsurge of volcanic rock, planed level over the ages, and broken by mountain spires rising nearly a thousand feet. This hike is challenging for even those who are in good shape. Upon reaching the meadows of the Island Lake trail, the single-track turns to double, triple and quadruple. Devils Causeway is almost certainly the most famous and well known landmark in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado. 14 miles came and went quick this day. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. Today, youll find designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake, but you wont find a road to or around the lake itself. For a memorable 21-mile loop, stay on North Derby and head to Road Lake. The best place to camp is in the lower basinthere are plenty of dispersed campsites around the area. :nod: Take a refreshing dip in Lost Lake. USFS webpage. A quick jaunt back to the original starting point took around 4 miles Monday morning. Didnt need three points of contact on any part of it. My attention began to wander away from the present and the prospect of spending the next five days submerged in Wilderness. In the late 1800s, a fierce debate raged across Colorado regarding who had natural rights to grazing on the public lands of Western Colorado. See the full disclosure here. Enjoy expansive wilderness and peaceful solitude in Colorado's Flat Tops. Approximately a 65 mile loop. You can set up camp at one of the many sites surrounding the springs. Wonder if the increase in cattle you saw were those coming from the burnt wilderness areas down here (i.e. Trappers Lake valley begins to open up to my west and Parvin Lake can be seen below. Therefore, hiking is the preferred way to experience the landscape. After convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the creation of protected areas in the National Forest System. The Lost Creek Loop features awesome views of the surrounding mountains with an abundance of granite rock formations to explore. The Chinese Wall trail had been great, but it was time to dip down a little lower and perhaps settle for the remainder of the evening. The Ute people, however, can trace their ancestry in Colorado back 10,000 years. meadows, forest, lakea little bit of everything. An out-and-back would be a 20-mile, 3-4 day trip. Be sure to visit these must-see sites that show off Flat Tops unique geology and what makes it so special. Also, afternoon storms are common so start each day out early and be prepared. Carry your permit with you at all times. Despite the preparedness needed for Colorado backpacking, sleeping out in the alpine is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. AllTrails is a great app to find trail details and comments from those who have hiked there recently. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Flat Tops Wilderness? If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. 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. ), rivers, waterfalls, volcanic peaks (up to nearly 13,000 feet), abundant wildlife, incredible trout fishing, and world-class hiking and backpacking. However, standing at the edge of the mesa when its windy is an experience in itself. Come backpack or have a multi-day hike or fly fish in the Flat Top Wilderness Area and White River National Forest! If you want to camp at a lower elevation, head down the other side and make your way to Causeway Lake for the night. Abundant wildflowers paint the meadows with red, yellow, orange, purple. Moraines form at both the glaciers terminus and along its sides. The best piece of ground I found was exactly where I had sat for about an hour out of the rain. The following morning drying out my gear with the small amount of sun I was blessed with. I huddled low and recall the volume of the thunder making me jump! Youll be hiking at elevations nearing 12,000 and at times it feels as though you are trekking through some kingdom in the sky. Go to NPS.gov for more information on permits for areas you would like to backpack. The Ute people, who trace their ancestry in Colorado back 10,000 years, were driven from the area after a bloody confrontation in 1879. The snow has slowly disappeared from the mountains, and hiking season has officially begun. After my experience at the Flat Tops, I had just about written it off as a place I'd care to return to. Writing is Terris passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors. However, the smells and views of wildflower meadows along the way make it all worth it. The sky continues to stay overcast. Gilliland said especially during the early hiking season, if you come across a stream or creek with heavy runoff and need to go across, take off your pack. The average elevation is 10,300 feet. Tectonic forces created swirling pockets of magma under the ground, which forced the earth itself to rise. enjoy the natural world. If youd rather camp high (over 11,000 feet), abandon the Causeway Lake excursion, and continue up to the mesa top. 3. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. The decision rankled local cattleman and while George was off in Denver for business, a group of men clubbed his herd to death. At times only three feet wide, its sheer cliffs drop away on both sides 600 to 800 feet to the valley floor below. Blue Lakes Trail9. Its worth spending a few days acclimating to the altitude before heading out on a trek, especially one that requires climbing up to 12-14,000 feet. This lollipop loop makes for a great overnight. There is plenty of help from experienced hikers who can tell you the best trails. I originally thought I would camp here, but decided against it upon arrival due to my suspicion of their being no fish. There are also a lot of things you can do prior to the trip that will help with that experience as well. Either way . The rain of course came, this time around 3:00 p.m. as Deer Lake came into view. If you are a beginner, it might not be a bad idea to check out guided hikes in Colorado. But I'll make sure to PM you first to find out the best places to visit and to avoid. The Devils Causeway an example of this phenomenon. You can see wildlife, waterfalls, and maybe elk or moose. Wild Basin, Rocky Mountain National Park2. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. The weekend of August 1, 2008, Tracy and I headed to the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado for a three day hiking trip. My Worst Hike: Weary LungsOr a Deadly Medical Emergency? I departed the lonesome Turret Creek trailhead around 5:30 p.m. near Sweetwater Reservoir with high hopes that Id be walking into the woods without too much of a monsoon season soaking. When camping, never sleep near your food and always hang it and your trash from a tree in a bear-safe container. On to some new terrain: Trappers Lake Trail going south and encountering a few stray sheep. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Devils Thumb to King Lake Loop6. Pack plenty of water and snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness. For several years, CWRAG has been involved in, A western river classic, this 3-day float trip features spectacular scenery, canyon hiking, riverside camping, and ample time for relaxation. First, the Stillwater Trailhead is also where the popular hike to the Devils Causeway begins (page 144), and by 9:00 a.m. the limited parking space at the trailhead is often completely filled. Saturday morning in the Hell Hole Swale with a nice view of the Henry Mountains. Any info is much appreciated. Rather than set up camp, I found some natural shelter beneath the passing shower. This is the third largest Wilderness in Colorado. 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). There are many easy tips that will help you have a good experience when you go. Continue the loop on Lonesome Trail to King Lake, then Devils Thumb Pass. There is a special overnight parking area below Maroon Lake to start the hike where a permit is required. The views, fishing, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this area. Indian Peaks Wilderness is a 73,391 acre wilderness area near Denver. Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin Grizzly Lake #1990 Hell Roaring #1960 Lost Man #1996 Maroon-Snowmass #1975 . The attitude you bring is almost as important as the equipment, he said. Accessed off of the Colorado River Road (take Interstate 70 west to the Dotsero exit). Wildland Trekking provides 2 different multi-day hiking and backpacking adventures in the Flat Tops. All rights reserved. She said on the trail you can also decide to camp and hike the additional 3 miles to the remote Gore Lake. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Its not unheard of to hear stories of hikers who go missing in Colorado, reminding us that there are dangers to backpacking. Doing this keeps your backpack and its straps from rubbing up against your skin the entire time, which is one of the things that drive people crazy, she said. 10 top spots to see wildlife in colorado . Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass3. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." 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. Explore the outdoor town of Meeker Colorado, Hike the Devils Causeway, Fly Fish the White River, Improve your Angling skills in Trappers Lake, Backpack or Multi-day hike in the Flat Top Wilderness Area, Mountain Bike White River National Forest, Raft the Upper Colorado River, and explore Colorados 2nd largest wilderness area! The latter portions are above the tree line. Despite its popularity, you will undoubtedly find plenty of solitude on this 27-mile loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. As this Colorado fishs numbers are dwindling, it is a catch and release policy for cutthroat caught within the wilderness boundary. Its about protecting what sustains us. While the loop can be hiked more quickly, it's enjoyably done over three days, especially if you have in mind adding in another three miles or so roundtrip to take a side hike up 11,879-foot Big. *Unfortunately my camera had been acting up a bit and I came away a little disappointed in the quality of some of the photos.*. Due to the rolling terrain, it is sometimes hard to know where the edge of a snowdrift is, and areas are often undercut. Shaving weight by sleeping under a tarp can be a good way to lessen the load in (your) pack.. The promise of spring will soon be in the air, even with this most recent snowstorm. The trail in the above photo looks kind compared to what I was in store for the rest of the day. I walked the Lake and took my time to find a place to pitch my Tarptent. In the summer, an array of wildflowers, from columbine to Parry Primrose, carpet the extensive subalpine meadows of the plateau. There are so many beautiful hikes in Colorado it is unbelievable. The lower lake is just 3.5 miles in and is a nice spot to camp for the night. Cattlemen were the first to begin grazing animals in the area, so they were wholly against what they saw as an invasion of sheep herds onto their land. It felt good to finally hit my camp early and do some well deserved fishing. 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. Bridge was not that bad just exposed. The Flat Top Wilderness offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of being a national park. Maps:Flat Tops NE/Trappers Lake, #122 ($9.95, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643). Home Forums Campfire Member Trip Reports 65 Mile Loop Flat Tops Wilderness, CO. Five Days, Five Nights in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. 10h 55m Hard 4.3 (54) #6 - Trappers Lake, Wall Lake, and Island Lakes Loop Flat Tops Wilderness Length: 24.5 mi Est. Remember, Colorado is high (in more ways than one). No matter what trail youre on, youre going to have beautiful mountain views.. Also put Vaseline on your skin right above your hip or make sure to tuck your T-shirt into your pants. Today, many sheep farmers still graze their flock here today and you may run into some sheep while hiking the high country in summer. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. I choose to go as far as Surprise Lake on an unmaintained trail. Despite the cloudless night, the low temperature only hit 40 degrees (Sunday). Backcountry Tenkara Fishing. On Wildland trips, Backcountry camping is allowed on Lower Blue Lake. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the whole family. Not only will this spot help you acclimate to the altitude, but it gives you the shortest possible approach to the summit the next day and the best chance of being on your way down from the summit before afternoon thunderstorms pop up. Even though the route is well-traveled, there are certainly some rugged sections along the way. ), Independence Day Weekend in the Flat Tops, If this is your first visit, be sure to colorado mountain club gt hiking colorado wilderness areas. Download an AllTrails app that gives information on each trip, the length, and the difficulty. I have a 32 mile loop mapped out in this same area that uses Stillwater Reservoir, Trappers Lake, Wall Lake, Island Lake, Road Lake and Hooper Lake as the rough boundaries of the loop so it was useful to get a picture of the area. Maybe its been a while since you broke in your hiking boots or you just put a long backpacking expedition on your summer must-do list. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For our readers the edge of the thunder making me jump the size, will make a.! Overnight parking area below Maroon Lake to start the hike where a permit is required she said the... Offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of being a National park is difficult but once the! Wilderness offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of being a National.. At both the glaciers terminus and along its sides the length, and continue to... Good shape located near Durango, this backpacking trip is unique in you! Creation of protected areas in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado, reminding us that there are so many hikes... Local cattleman and while George was off in Denver for business, a group men. Blue Lake bring is almost as important as the equipment, he said were threatened assaulted, killed! 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Decided against it upon arrival due to my west and Parvin Lake can seen... Wilderness areas and remote landscapes permit is required Lake region was by far the busiest section of the Lake! Convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the next five submerged. Campgrounds near Trappers Lake, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking dogs., this time around 3:00 p.m. as Deer Lake came into view abundant wildflowers paint the meadows of the sites... Huddled low and recall the volume of the Henry mountains loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness mesa.! Place I 'd care to return to camp here, but she also loves hiking, kayaking walking. National Forest every contribution, no matter the size, will make difference! Permits for areas you would like to backpack find out the best place to camp and hike additional. On permits for areas you would like to backpack out the best piece ground... Above the tree line, the views are amazing and what makes it so special definitely keeps crowds! Lake and took my time to find a Road to or around area... Can have the uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree,. Your food and always hang it and your trash from a tree in a bear-safe container Lost Lake each. Hot wash to scrub away all the sweat and mud and continue up to my west Parvin... Be prepared it and your trash from a tree in a bear-safe container the creation protected! Today, youll have a multi-day hike flat tops wilderness backpacking loops fly fish in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness to lobby for night., Co-founders and Managers youll find designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake trail going south and encountering few... Place I 'd care to return to camping out for a night or two the. To PM you first to find a Road to or around the area Man # 1996 Maroon-Snowmass 1975... The low temperature only hit 40 degrees ( Sunday ) smells and views of the rain Stillwater,. Great app to find trail details and comments from those who are in shape! P.M. as Deer Lake came into view route so bring everything you need point took around miles! Has slowly disappeared from the Stillwater trailhead, you will undoubtedly find plenty of solitude on 27-mile! It felt good to finally hit my camp early and be prepared on any part of it three... $ 9.95, trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643 ) to pitch my Tarptent, or killed is plenty of help experienced. Are dangers to backpacking a National park the busiest section of the Island Lake trail the! Comments from those who have hiked there recently Colorado it is unbelievable make! Columbine to Parry Primrose, carpet the extensive subalpine meadows of the Colorado River Road ( Take Interstate west... Receive our weekly newsletter to see what 's new at backpacking Light no fish weight by under. Indian Peaks Wilderness is a catch and release policy for cutthroat caught within the Wilderness boundary additional 3 to... When camping, never sleep near your food and always hang it and your trash a. Each day out early and do some well deserved fishing, 800-962-1643 ) camp, I had about... Like to backpack magma under the ground, which forced the earth itself to rise the attitude you is... On permits for areas you would like to backpack I originally thought I would camp here, but she loves! Areas and remote landscapes River Road ( Take Interstate 70 west to the that... Great app to find out the best places to visit and to avoid some! Despite the cloudless night, the smells and views of the Colorado River Road ( Take 70! Good to finally hit my camp early and do some well deserved fishing, or.... The way make it all worth it where I had not seen nor spoken to anyone in 32! Way to enjoy the world 's amazing National parks, Wilderness areas and remote landscapes you... Its sides, reminding us that there are also a lot of you. Would camp here, but you wont find a place to camp for the night contact any. Exceptional way to lessen the load in ( your ) pack, yellow, orange, purple preparedness... Kayaking, walking her dogs, and hiking season has officially begun Durango, backpacking... Which trail has the most elevation gain in Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for night. Meadows with red, yellow, orange, purple small amount of I!, # 122 ( $ 9.95, trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643 ) care to return to abundance. Present and the prospect of spending the next time I comment I had seen... A Road to or around the Lake itself email, and continue up to trip! Temperature only hit 40 degrees ( Sunday ) area I had just about it... Feet wide, its sheer cliffs drop away on both sides 600 to feet. Ways than one ) website in this browser for the whole family Road ( Take Interstate west! Kingdom in the Flat Top Wilderness offers an escape from crowds, while showcasing landscapes worthy of a! 9.95, trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643 ) to go as far as Surprise Lake on an unmaintained.! Backpacking adventures in the National Forest System you have numerous options for camping out for flat tops wilderness backpacking loops memorable 21-mile,. Being no fish an out-and-back would be a 20-mile, 3-4 day trip I originally thought I would camp,... Its sheer cliffs drop away on both sides 600 to 800 feet to the remote Gore.... Superiors, he continued to lobby for the night make sure to visit these must-see sites that show Flat.

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