Heading out on a multi-day trip might seem a bit daunting when you arent sure where to go (theres so much to choose from!). See section "Bear River Trail 1120" in Westwinds Press book The Hiking and Camping Guide to the Flat Tops Wilderness. Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. More than 1,000 summits in Colorado top 10,000 feet on the Continental Divide Trail. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. See also my stories "The 10 Best National Park Backpacking Trips," "12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip," and . Dont be afraid to stretch yourself by doing some of the more difficult hikes, once you feel ready. Join us for one of the more magnificent and wild journeys in the Rocky Mountains! Wildland Trekking handles permits, gear, transportation, meals, and provides a professional guide so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure. Devil's Causeway, Lost Lakes, and Chinese Wall, Trappers Lake, Wall Lake, and Island Lakes Loop, Slide Mandall Lake and Black Mandall Lake, Devil's Causeway, Skinny Fish and Trappers Lake Loop. Wether you are just starting out or a seasoned hiker, there is a trail for you. The debate got ugly, and it became increasingly about race instead of livestock. While this region has a flawed past, the land itself inspired the Wilderness Act of 1964, and the idea for an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.. Thinking about doing a trip out there next month. On my way in, just outside the Wilderness boundary I crossed the paths of two men on horseback. Make sure you know certain restrictions that you must follow for this wilderness area which specify no motorized or mechanical transport of any kind is allowed. There are many easy tips that will help you have a good experience when you go. With numerous campsites along the way, you have plenty of options for breaking up the trip. The rest of the time, thunderstorms, complete with lightning and hail, are a routine afternoon threat. The trailhead is hard to get to. Camping near Yampa by Flat Tops Hiking the Devil's Causeway in Flat Tops, Yampa, CO. Photo: Donna Boley. The best season is late spring and early summer when the weather is nicer and the wildflowers are in full bloom, but early autumn can be magical too. I took a long look at my map this evening and started to form the loop I would complete for the trip. What you can see in the photo above is what I am following; map and compass in hand. Still looks like it was a great trip though. 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. Once you are dropped off, it is an elevation gain of 3,000 feet to get to the base camp which is well-established with tent sites and water that is easily accessible. Atop the pass looking on towards Stillwater Reservoir. 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! As a result, the Flat Tops are like no other mountain landscape in the country. Backpacking Areas. Our No matter what trail youre on, youre going to have beautiful mountain views.. In the late 1800s, a fierce debate raged across Colorado regarding who had natural rights to grazing on the public lands of Western Colorado. Five Days, Five Nights in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. (We have all) these splendid mountain ranges that are almost a stones throw from us, Gilliland said. During this stretch I stopped and chatted with a group of three backpackers. If youre not with the right person, it can sometimes be pretty tough if theyre not into it like you are. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. Situated between 8,000 12,000, the Flat Tops are a combination of large lakes, pristine rivers, high plateau mountains, and amazing scenery. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The Chinese Wall Trail, a 17.5-mile thru-hike, traverses the length of this majestic mountain feature. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. I can see a sheep herd off in the distance first and then their noise. Silverthorne Recreation Center prepares for multi-month renovation project beginning Monday, April 17, No wonder you had such a hard time making camping reservations last summer, A dream come true: Pro snowboarders Michael Mawn and Warren Doyle to compete together on Freeride World Tour, Summit boys rugby falls to Parkers rugby club in first-ever home game, Summit girls soccer team rolls into spring break with 3-game win streak. The snow has slowly disappeared from the mountains, and hiking season has officially begun. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable Little Causeway Lake, an example of a kettle lake, showcases the areas glacial past. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Flat Tops Wilderness is Flat Top Mountain and Edge Lake Trail. I took my time in camp this morning enjoying the sun and the view. When to go and what to think about This trip is an ideal summer or fall adventure. Writing is Terris passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors. The town of Nederland has a free shuttle to the trailhead. When two cirques meet, they form an arete: a sharp, narrow, mountain ridge. Hikers will enjoy the Dallas Divide peaks and the steep cirque sloping down to the lake is awesome. An ill-fitting pack could ruin your trip. Your very welcome. On to some new terrain: Trappers Lake Trail going south and encountering a few stray sheep. The trail in the above photo looks kind compared to what I was in store for the rest of the day. Thunder burped and rainclouds moved towards me. Choose ones that dont have an extreme elevation gain for the region and travel on well-maintained trails and avoid more difficult trails. Our packrafts ready to go. An out-and-back would be a 20-mile, 3-4 day trip. A still relatively undiscovered gem, the Flat Tops provide great hiking, adventurous backpacking, and plenty of solitude. I choose to target Deer Lake which sits on a nice shelf at 11,130 feet. In 2017, we received a new permit for backpacking, hiking, and fly fishing in the Flat Top Wilderness (and Mountain Biking White River National Forest) and have created many great 3-14 days multi-day wilderness experiences that are sure to be trips of a lifetime! Discover more Coloradobackpacking tripsand other Outdoor Project adventures in the onX Backcountry GPS Hiking app. Llamas also make wonderful trail companions. Around noon the heavy rains moved in, then the hail, then the lightning and the boisterous thunder soon afterwards. 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. A tent is a lot of weight. You can find somewhere to camp somewhere along the Chinese Wall Trail. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Flat Tops Wilderness? One of the easiest 15-mile hikes you could find at 10,000 feet, this loop is a real treat. You dont need a permit for groups of seven or less between Sept. 16 and May 31. Chinese Wall Loop, Flat Top Wilderness . The weekend of August 1, 2008, Tracy and I headed to the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado for a three day hiking trip. This hike is one of the most unique trails in all of Colorado; it offers views of a narrow causeway crossing, which hikers have the option to traverse. At 11,200 feet and my trail junction, I look from where I came. The rain of course came, this time around 3:00 p.m. as Deer Lake came into view. All rights reserved. Camping restrictions are in effect around both lakes. 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. Also, afternoon storms are common so start each day out early and be prepared. Take your time packing up in the morning as the trail back is mostly downhill and easy going. While the above list is a great place to start your research,Colorado's list of notable backpacking trips doesn't end here. From a distance, the Flat Tops could be mistaken for the setting of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles 1912 classic The Lost World, in which dinosaurs roam cloud-penetrating mesas in a land that time forgot. Looking for a more strenuous hike? The wilderness was named for a band of the Ute tribe, and it is twice the size of the next-largest Colorado wilderness, the Flat Tops Wilderness. Chapman Reservoir Campground is the first one you'll reach, but even before then there are opportunities . Most local trails closed for elk calving and wildlife protection opened back up on June 15, with all trails open by July 1. All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. #5 - Devil's Causeway, Lost Lakes, and Chinese Wall, #6 - Trappers Lake, Wall Lake, and Island Lakes Loop, #7 - Slide Mandall Lake and Black Mandall Lake, #10 - Keener Lake via Stillwater Reservoir. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below numerous flat-topped cliffs. ), Independence Day Weekend in the Flat Tops, If this is your first visit, be sure to It is only a two mile round trip hike but gains roughly 1,200 feet in that mile. Watch an interview with Wildland Trekking's Colorado program manager, James Wieman, about what makes the Flat Tops Wilderness his favorite spot in Colorado. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the whole family. The Devils Causeway an example of this phenomenon. You can see wildlife, waterfalls, and maybe elk or moose. Where: 177 miles west of Denver. Flat Tops Wilderness. A clearly defined trail which is protected by willows. Island Lake. Dont be afraid to go for it, if backpacking is something you would like to do. If youre scared of heights, youll do some rock hugging as you scramble over this rocky and uneven narrow section. Heres where it gets interesting. Pack plenty of water and snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Some citizens began to express sympathy towards the sheep farmers who, to that point, had gotten little. Also put Vaseline on your skin right above your hip or make sure to tuck your T-shirt into your pants. Most of the trail is above 10,000 feet, with the highest point a bit over 13,000. For more tips on backpacking in bear country, visit www.cpw.state.co.us. These allow Forest Service rangers to track user days, provide information about your trip, and help in an emergency. Most people dont do the loop. Go To Hocking Hills, Ohio, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: How 7 Popular Trails Have Changed. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Driving up to the Grand Mesa is a worthy experience all on its own. and dark canyon help if you got it. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project. The tour company handles permits, gear, transportation, meals, and provides a professional guide so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure. Download an AllTrails app that gives information on each trip, the length, and the difficulty. A thru-hike of the CT requires some serious planning but will be the adventure of a lifetime! It is incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker. The Flat Tops Explorer is an ideal choice for families. On Wildland trips, Shaving weight by sleeping under a tarp can be a good way to lessen the load in (your) pack.. No matter your age or ability, we hope our list of the 10 Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Colorado will help you find a trail that meets your hiking level and needs. Colorados stunning Flat Tops Wilderness is one of the states most expansive wilderness areas it is a wonderland of alpine lakes (over 100! Its about nourishment and learning. Rather than set up camp, I found some natural shelter beneath the passing shower. See description "Zirkel . Had you kept on going from Hooper it would have not gotten much better! Considered the basic checklist for what to bring on both day treks and longer hikes, the Ten Essentials was compiled in the 1930s by a group of backpackers known as The Mountaineers. If youre looking to get out and explore what Colorado has to offer, there is no better way to do it than by backpacking. Be prepared for thin air, high exposure, and scrambling on all fours, all to reach the outstanding views you can only get from a 14er summit. At 486 miles, this route starts in Denver and runs to Durango. I saw a tall Buck run away and a Red Tail Hawk patrol the low hanging ridges. Be sure to use caution in the snowpack. The northeast point of the Causeway is the summit and has 280 feet of estimated "elevation prominence" since neither the summit nor the connecting saddle has a marked elevation on the topographic maps. Surrounded by a ghost forest (the result of bark beetle infestation and devastating fire), it is a somewhat otherworldly place especially on a full moon. A series of ice ages then carved out the valleys and cirques, grinding the land into its current majesty. My attention began to wander away from the present and the prospect of spending the next five days submerged in Wilderness. Today, many of their descendants still reside on these reservations. Looking back on it, it's amazing to think that this was my biggest mileage day. Then, we climb Big Marvine Peak and explore as we want; gentle mountain ascents and side trips to remote, unnamed lakes. One way to lighten your load is by buying a new backpack if yours is outdated, which can shave off up to five pounds. I found it tough to match physical features to a map with 50 foot contour intervals with speckled ponds of water everywhere which were not detailed on my map. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Flat Tops Wilderness is. Making my way north and getting first tracks. Instead of being somewhere in the wilderness suffering, you can make adjustments in your own neighborhood while you practice and get prepared. The rain clouds decided to burst around 5:30 p.m. this time and the moisture that was left over on a 37 degree evening felt as though it were colder. Home Blog & News Backcountry Skiing Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Flat Top Wilderness Area. What is the longest trail in Flat Tops Wilderness? There is plenty of help from experienced hikers who can tell you the best trails. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Audubon) or to alpine lakes (Mitchell Lake and Crater Lake). Prior to that I had not seen nor spoken to anyone in roughly 32 hours. Only 11 miles completed this day (Saturday). Will Elliott, head guide at Paragon Guides in Edwards, joked that his most essential backpacking item is my llama because, then, I can bring everything.. Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. 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