Discover the San Juan Mountains in this strenuous but stunning 16 mile loop in the Uncompahgre Forest. Linking the Larson and Crystal Lake Trails, this exploration of Colorado’s high country offers countless wildlife opportunities as it passes through dense aspens, pine forests, meadows and boulder fields. Crystal Peak (12,933’) is in view for most of this adventure. Note – the counterclockwise direction suggested has less elevation gain. This 3-day Loop includes 16 miles and 4,200ft elevation gain.
BPX Routes & Places
This nice loop goes to a number of scenic lakes in the Flattops Wilderness. Experience the wide open beauty of the Flattops and possibly climb Big Marvine Peak for a grand view of the wilderness area. Fishing in the lakes is an option. Total loop is 22.4 miles and 3,700 vertical feet.
Super easy 2 miles and only 400 vertical feet total out-and-back trips takes you to amazing scenery with a rewarding end. Great views at both lakes. Set up base camp after only 1 mile and explore with day hikes.
In her book, The Best Hikes in Colorado, Christina Williams writes: “Giant rock formations tower above the landscape, creating an individuality and wild grandeur rarely found so close to large centers of population.” This difficult 24-mile loop sees a lot of gain and loss, but also a lot of amazing rock formations, historic structures, and unique landscapes. Refrigerator Gulch sits at the north side of this loop and makes for endless exploration opportunities.
Out and back hike up a scenic trail past waterfalls to beautiful lakes in the Holy Cross Wilderness and great fishing. Camp by the lakes for 2 nights with options to hike up to Fancy Pass, chill by the lake, or fish. Total distance 6 miles, 1400 ft elevation gain.
This easy 4.6 mile in and out backpack with only 600 feet vertical is combined with second day hike on wide open tundra along some of the Chinese Wall and then over the Devils Causeway, described in the Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer as a, “Unique natural feature, which is a quarter mile long rock bridge, only inches wide, with 1,000-foot shear drop-off on both sides”.
Hike to Nolan Lake in Holy Cross Wilderness located in a scenic basin with great views of the wilderness along the way. Explore the area, visit beautiful New York Lake or fish the lakes. A moderate 6 mile and 1,700 vertical feet out-and-back trip.
Hike to a particularly beautiful lake in the Sangre de Cristo wilderness and explore this dramatic area. Possibly day hike over two passes and along the high Phantom Terrace. 7 miles and 1,800 vertical feet for this out-and-back trip.
Outside of Silverthorne, Green Mountain Reservoir camping at North or South Cow Creek Campground offers multiple trail head destinations, including Gore Range trail system. Lake, Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat Trout, as well as Kokanee Salmon offer anglers challenging opportunities.
A spectacular loop to two scenic lakes and on top of the Continental Divide in the Never Summer Wilderness. This difficult trip is a 20.2 mile loop with 5,900 feet of vertical over three days.
Enjoy mountain and lake views at Pearl lake State Park which sets at the base of Hahn's Peak, 10,775' in Routt County. Nestled north of Steamboat Springs, the park overlooks Farwell Mountain. Hiking the shoreline will take you into Routt National Forest. Suggested itinerary includes longer and shorter hikes of which many are available in Mount Zirkle Wilderness.
Lighten the load by staying at Barr Camp on the way up and the way down Pikes Peak. Total trip is 21 miles and 7,600 vertical but you only need to carry overnight kit 4.8 miles and 3,600 feet up and back.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife. ― Google
The relatively unknown Powderhorn Wilderness, north of Lake City, is said to have the largest continuous extent of alpine tundra in the lower 48 states, with a mix of lakes and expansive views. Spend time at the lakes and hiking on the high mesas above tree line where there are great views of the San Juan range. This out-and-back trip is moderately difficult with 10 miles and 1,700 vertical feet.
Hike to a beautiful lake surrounded by dramatic peaks including Mount Yale. The lake has good fishing for cutthroat trout. Only 5 miles and 1,200 vertical feet total.
This difficult 22.5 mile loop (4,300+ ft. gain/loss) in the Rawah Wilderness Area passes many of the lakes in the area and stays at two of the higher lakes. The Rawah Wilderness is located in the southern Medicine Bow Mountain Range and was one of the five initial wilderness areas created in 1964. “Rawah” is a Native American term meaning “wild place.” The Rawahs are host to elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver.
This moderate 13-mile backpacking loop makes for a peaceful 3 day trip in the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness south of Fairplay. Willows, aspens, meadows, surrounding peaks, and beaver dams await. Beginning with a gradual ascent along Rich Creek then merging with the mostly downhill Rough and Tumbling Creek Trail, this route offers an enjoyable option for those seeking a more leisurely high-country outing.
Hike to a beautiful lake in the James Peak Wilderness just below the Continental Divide with great views and explore exceptional terrain. Traverse CDT to Forest Lakes. This difficult loop is 18 miles and 4,300 vertical feet.
A moderate 8-mile out-and-back takes you to Rogers Pass Lake in the James Peak Wilderness, in the shadow of the Continental Divide. This 3-day route allows time for fishing, exploring nearby Heart Lake, and even climbing to the CDT via Rogers Pass and then possibly on to summit James Peak, a nearby 13er.
Ruby Mountain campground at 7700' is 9 miles south of Buena Vista on the Arkansas River. Whether you wish to fly fish, raft, kayak, hike or just watch the rafters floating by you will find the activity you seek. Mount Princeton Hot Springs and Cottonwood Hot Springs are within driving distance of several trailheads.