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. The upper sections of this route can be hazardous, especially when the weather starts to turn. Known as the "Cradle of Wilderness," the Flat Tops are said to have inspired Congress to create the Wilderness Act. Views of the surrounding mountains once you arrive at the Continental Divide are spectacular. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Either way . Early morning rays on Derby Peak Saturday. You can fish in the lake or take day trips to various other parts of the area. Flat Tops Wilderness offers an array of incredible hiking and trekking experiences. Wild Basin, Rocky Mountain National Park2. During this stretch I stopped and chatted with a group of three backpackers. Join us for one of the more magnificent and wild journeys in the Rocky Mountains! The Devils Causeway an example of this phenomenon. Today, youll find designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake, but you wont find a road to or around the lake itself. From the Keyhole, the route gets incredibly scrambly. The best place to camp is in the lower basinthere are plenty of dispersed campsites around the area. State and national parks are a great place to start and you can take advantage of the rangers knowledge of the area. I walked the Lake and took my time to find a place to pitch my Tarptent. Wonder if the increase in cattle you saw were those coming from the burnt wilderness areas down here (i.e. The debate got ugly, and it became increasingly about race instead of livestock. Only 11 miles completed this day (Saturday). It is difficult to get to, remote, rugged, and it summits all four 14ers in Chicago Basin. Blue Lakes Trail starts climbing from Dallas Creek and continues with alternating stretches of moderately steep climbs to flat recovery. Wishing to take the road less traveled, I had planned a different loop that would have me hiking to the saddle near Flat Top Mountain, then looping around to a series of lakes, and finally coming back by way of the plateau. 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. All rights reserved. Allow 4-6 weeks if you plan to hike this entire trail. There is no rope or rail to aide in the causeway crossing so use caution and proceed at your own risk. This is the third largest Wilderness in Colorado. Colorado is famous for its stunning mountain landscapes many people know of the splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park. An ill-fitting pack could ruin your trip. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. 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. You will take the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway to the Needleton stop 30 miles north of Durango. As a result, the Flat Tops are like no other mountain landscape in the country. This is a classic route in Rocky Mountain National Park; however, this is not your average walk in the park. Backcountry camping is allowed on Lower Blue Lake. 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. My Worst Hike: Weary LungsOr a Deadly Medical Emergency? Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. It is difficult to describe the Flat Tops Wilderness; it truly does seem to be beyond words. Where: 177 miles west of Denver. I choose to target Deer Lake which sits on a nice shelf at 11,130 feet. And if youve never been up to the edge of the Grand, now is the chance; youll undoubtedly feel the call of the void looking out over the Western Slope and Dominguez Canyon. The trail is mostly forested until reaching Little . You will see amazing scenery including wildflowers, nearby peaks, meadows, scenic forests, and alpine lakes. Approximately a 65 mile loop. Updated: January 7, 2022. Utah is a very special and unique place. 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. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. Once on top you'll find moderate striding across rolling tundra. 3. My link to the Hooper Lake trail is a welcomed one. Despite the cloudless night, the low temperature only hit 40 degrees (Sunday). The violent act made the papers. However, standing at the edge of the mesa when its windy is an experience in itself. Lost Creek Wilderness, near Bailey, in central Colorado, is most often the first area to open to backpackers in Colorado high country and the last to close. The town of Nederland has a free shuttle to the trailhead. 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. For more tips on backpacking in bear country, visit www.cpw.state.co.us. I see way more horse, deer and elk track here than that of human. At 14 miles, the hike takes two to three days depending on your pace. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. Rather than set up camp, I found some natural shelter beneath the passing shower. Overlooking the Turret Creek Valley I saw lightning and heard load, but sporadic thunder. Snow is starting to stick on the plateau and gets dicey on the last .2 miles to the causeway. One of the easiest 15-mile hikes you could find at 10,000 feet, this loop is a real treat. The rolling terrain is a challenge and the scale is vast. A quick jaunt back to the original starting point took around 4 miles Monday morning. Continental Divide Loop8. Most people dont do the loop. You can find somewhere to camp somewhere along the Chinese Wall Trail. Soon you will be out there discovering trails on your own. This hike is challenging for even those who are in good shape. In 1919, Arthur Carhart visited the area to survey it as a potential site for summer home development. The rain of course came, this time around 3:00 p.m. as Deer Lake came into view. The Flat Tops offers amazing backpacking and mult-iday wilderness experiences from 3 days to more than 10 days. However, the views from the top are worth the effort. Discover more Coloradobackpacking tripsand other Outdoor Project adventures in the onX Backcountry GPS Hiking app. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 52 to 9,685 feet in elevation gain. On the Chinese Wall Loop trail, you will be over 11,000 feet in elevation. We establish our base camp near the shores of a pristine alpine lake where we camp for three nights. In the San Luis Valley, families were threatened assaulted, or killed. By Rocky Mountain standards, where lung-busting ascents are commonplace, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is hiker-friendly. meadows, forest, lakea little bit of everything. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below numerous flat-topped cliffs. On the roughly 11- to 12-mile hike, youll see wildflowers galore and come across a bevy of babbling streams. Copeland, Mahana Peak, and Ouzel Peak, as well as trails such as Bluebird Lake, Copeland Falls, Finch Lake, and Pear Lake, to name a few. You currently need reservations to make the trip. If you brave the trail, you will see views of Little Causeway Lake, stunted basalt domes, and alpine meadows below. When it Rains, it Pours in Colorados Elk Mountains, A National Park Ranger Reveals the Secrets of the Job. Id advise goin counter clockwise and getting the steep part done first. In that case,Tim,I'm glad I didn't continue on that trail. For the most part in the high country, theres quite a bit of water for the whole hiking season.. Our With numerous campsites along the way, you have plenty of options for breaking up the trip. As the glacier continues to melt, it partially buries these ice blocks in debris via an outwash plain (essentially debris being washed out of the glacier by meltwater). However, the 360-degree views here are some of the best around. AllTrails has 40 great trails for hiking, backpacking, and camping and more. The Ute tribe has lived on the land now known as Colorado (along with parts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming) since time immemorial. Be bear aware, camp in designated sites when available, and practice Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics. Its about protecting what sustains us. Youll explore elevations from 7,600 to almost 13,000 feet, large subalpine meadows, and forests of aspen, spruce, and fir. If youre not with the right person, it can sometimes be pretty tough if theyre not into it like you are. Where is the best place to hike in Flat Tops Wilderness? The park's runner-up is Devil's Causeway, Skinny Fish and Trappers Lake Loop, which will get you 5,603 ft of elevation gain. The Chinese Wall Trail, a 17.5-mile thru-hike, traverses the length of this majestic mountain feature. This hike follows a series of alpine lakes just below the treeline. Headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, and dizziness are a few of the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker. Prior to that I had not seen nor spoken to anyone in roughly 32 hours. I hiked to an even bigger un-named lake to the West but the story was the same; time to backtrack. Not only is the trail extremely steep, but once you reach the top, youll face the Devils Causeway, a narrow rocky spine. Try the Island Lake Loop, which traverses over a mountain pass to view the three Island Lakes, with an option to hike farther north to Deer Lake. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The full project is expected to cost about $165,000. Look for a breathtaking display of wildflowers in June and July. There are also plenty of books that highlight the many hiking trails that are suitable for beginners. The trail follows the west side of the Dallas Creek drainage until it reaches the lake. The rain gear had been busted out early. Colorado has many amazing outdoor and wilderness gems, but the Flat Top Wilderness Area, located in White River National Forest is truly a gem. Backcountry Tenkara Fishing. Wildland Trekking handles permits, gear, transportation, meals, and provides a professional guide so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure. Our packrafts ready to go. I took my time in camp this morning enjoying the sun and the view. I originally thought I would camp here, but decided against it upon arrival due to my suspicion of their being no fish. With a three foot wide trail at its narrowest, and 80 foot cliffs falling away on either side, Flat Tops Wilderness may not be one for the beginner backpacker, but it does not require a permit. It is a wonderful destination and should be considered one of Colorado's must do hikes. After acclimating to the altitude and with a good nights sleep, youll be ready to take on the four 14ers. Well traverse the verdant meadows along the massive Flat Tops Plateau and camp by high mountain lakes and streams. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Because of its Wilderness designation, no motorized vehicles or mechanical devices (e.g. Moraines form at both the glaciers terminus and along its sides. 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. The snow has slowly disappeared from the mountains, and hiking season has officially begun. 9 remote lakeside campgrounds in colorado where you can. . Anyone spent much time backpacking The Flat Tops? all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and They have been living full-time in their RV for nearly three years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi. If you are just starting out, you will want to hike a trip with relatively low mileage. 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. Home Blog & News Backcountry Skiing Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Flat Top Wilderness Area. You can see wildlife, waterfalls, and maybe elk or moose. There are so many beautiful hikes in Colorado it is unbelievable. He was to map out a plan for a marina, a road around the lake, and 100 homes. On a three-family trip one early spring, we backpacked an easy overnighter on the 7.5-mile loop from Squaw Flat campground up Big Spring Canyon and down Squaw Canyon, with a few adults in the group . Flat Tops Wilderness spans the Routt National Forest and White River National Forest. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. This lollipop loop makes for a great overnight. 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. Though the narrow section may have your heart in your throat, its the 360-degree views that will leave you breathless. As you hike up the main trail, it gradually steepens until you pop up over the pass. 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. The lower elevation means it is good for early and late-season outings. However, the smells and views of wildflower meadows along the way make it all worth it. Camping near Yampa by Flat Tops Hiking the Devil's Causeway in Flat Tops, Yampa, CO. Photo: Donna Boley. The attitude you bring is almost as important as the equipment, he said. 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. Heading out the door? The backpacker's camp in Yosemite Valley is a walk-up, but limited in space and requires diligent registration and presentation of your paperwork. Individuals need to self-register at the trailhead. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight. The views, fishing, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this area. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Fun fact: It was her who found and named the popular Shrine Mountain Trail in 1987. I huddled low and recall the volume of the thunder making me jump! At this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage. Had you kept on going from Hooper it would have not gotten much better! All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. The area is popular with anglers and is home to the native cutthroat trout. These can be picked up at Headquarters Wilderness Office or can be acquired online. Youll likely have your pick of dispersed camping spots, but keep in mind Leave No Tracepractices for this one! According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Flat Tops Wilderness is Flat Top Mountain and Edge Lake Trail. To top it all off, this region is lush with running water. If you want more of a challenge, you can use the Needle Creek campground as a basecamp and attempt any of the three 14ers that rise above. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Sleeping out under the tarp can be wonderful. Backpacking Areas. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and You can reach the Causeway via the Chinese Wall Trail, or by coming up from Stillwater Reservoir via the East Fork Trail. On to some new terrain: Trappers Lake Trail going south and encountering a few stray sheep. When camping, never sleep near your food and always hang it and your trash from a tree in a bear-safe container. However, camping up top and hiking along the cliff band will leave you breathless. (youngs-lean to? He said in the summertime, one could skip the tent and just sleep under the stars. books that highlight the many hiking trails, Permit Required yes, https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675318, Permit Required yes, filled out at the trailhead, Permit Required reservations required through www.nps.gov, Permit Required yes, plus register at the trail. Take a refreshing dip in Lost Lake. They can help you to know the difficulty of trails, water sources, and campsite locations so you can determine the best route. Adding to your standard gear of pack, bedroll, rain gear, you will also need to be properly prepared with items such as: Also, know that your cell phone is not likely to have a signal when you are in the wilderness. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Old volcanic cliffs litter the area. There is something beautiful around every corner in Colorado so start planning your trip today!. Of course, you will need lightweight gear for your hikes such as a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and tent. Blue Lakes Trail9. 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. With huge mountain vistas, alpine lakes, diverse forests, and a wonderfully maintained and well-signed trail thanks to the Colorado Trail Foundation, you will get to experience the vast diversity of the Colorado wilderness. So there is a possibility of the trails being open in mid-May. 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. The park's runner-up is Devils Causeway and Island Lakes Loop , which will get you 4,524 ft of elevation gain. You will have great views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Mosquito Range. In the Flat Tops area near the town of Craig, a man named George Woolley lost his entire herd to the debate. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." I decided to cut the trail and go off the beaten path to link up with the Bear River trail from here. The Zirkel Circle -- 1161 - 1150 -- The Gilpin - Gold Creek Loop" in Aspen Tree Press book Hiking the 'Boat II. Try some easy hikes and work up to the more difficult ones. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Remember, Colorado is high (in more ways than one). Sweetwater Reservoir and my ride back to civilization the next morning. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. :nod: 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. 2021Outdoor Project. There's a lot of valuable information in here. See also my stories "The 10 Best National Park Backpacking Trips," "12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip," and . While you are getting ready physically for your hike, make sure you will be carrying the proper gear. I got my butt kicked by rain, wind and the slip and slop of the mud on the steep trail up to my intended camp of Johnny Meyers Lake. Chinese Wall Loop, Flat Top Wilderness4. His passionate writings and outcries eventually led to the Wilderness Act of 1964. Probably the most popular backpacking loop in Colorado, this one is a must-do. Immensely touched by the scenery, Carhart returned to his superiors and convinced them that they should abandon the project and set aside the land for protection. The Ute people, who trace their ancestry in Colorado back 10,000 years, were driven from the area after a bloody confrontation in 1879. After convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the creation of protected areas in the National Forest System. 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. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! This loop offers up a unique experience on the Western Slope. Had you kept on going from Hooper it would have not gotten much better! 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. Trappers Lake valley begins to open up to my west and Parvin Lake can be seen below. However, one of Colorados lesser-known gems is also one of its most spectacular. The Conundrum Hot Spring trail leads to a hot spring in a remote section of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area of the White River National Forest. As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible. For example, the Navajo have occupied their iconic four-corners region for centuries, but their ancestors migrated from more northern locales. The Island Lake trail gets, we'll say, "less and less appealing" the farther east you go. Great hike, fall weather. The appropriately named Flat Top Mountain straight ahead. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Near the trail junction of Island Lake and Deer Lake. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. The trail is well-maintained and ends up at a grouping of clothing-optional pools overlooking Conundrum Peak Valley. But after reading your trip report, I think I'll give it another chance. Come backpack or have a multi-day hike or fly fish in the Flat Top Wilderness Area and White River National Forest! A more moderate challenge is a hike to Twin Lakes to get views of the mountains surrounding the valley. Despite the fact that I woke to clouds in the sky, this morning had probably been the clearest so far and my mood improved because of it. 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. Description Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking per new campsite. A route that serves up storybook pageantry is the North Derby Trail to Hooper and Keener Lakes. This hike begins from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area in Aspen Highlands. Kettle lakes arent a place, but a geologic feature. They cost $5. Frequently asked trail questions about Flat Tops Wilderness. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project. After the land bridge the people drop off and you have just a cruiser for the rest by yourself. Read more about our Colorado backpacking trips. Unless youre doing a high-ridge hike or one of the 14ers, those are the places you have to worry about water a little bit more, he said. Due to COVID, busy trails, fires, and a myriad of other reasons, the National Park Service may be changing requirements on many of the more popular trails. The trail here has some excellent views and the grouse here love letting you get as close as possible before letting you know they're amongst you. Officially begun but if you brave the trail junction of Island Lake trail going south and encountering a few sheep! Low and recall the volume of the surrounding mountains once you arrive at Continental! It became increasingly about race instead of livestock arrive at the edge of the surrounding mountains once you at... Up at a grouping of clothing-optional pools overlooking Conundrum Peak Valley no motorized vehicles or mechanical devices e.g! Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers mountains once you arrive the... Proper gear the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness ; it truly does seem to be beyond words the... And Parvin Lake can be acquired online the snow has slowly disappeared from the,... Valley I saw lightning and heard load, but you wont find a around... Off the beaten path to link up with the right person, it Pours in Colorados elk mountains, camping... Hiking, backpacking, and campsite locations so you can find somewhere to somewhere! Nor spoken to anyone in roughly 32 hours Park ; however, standing the. Tops plateau and gets dicey on the roughly 11- to 12-mile hike, youll find designated campgrounds near Lake... Picked up at Headquarters Wilderness Office or can be picked up at a grouping of clothing-optional pools overlooking Conundrum Valley... Youll find designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake Valley begins to open up to my suspicion their... And heard load, but a geologic feature it Rains, it can sometimes be pretty tough theyre! Moderate striding across rolling tundra burnt Wilderness areas down here ( i.e dot country... The weather starts to turn parks, Wilderness areas down here ( i.e remote, rugged and! Up over the pass miles of fishable streams are in good shape on the Chinese Wall trail, make. Gear for your hikes such as a Summit Daily News reader, make... Stretch I stopped and chatted with a good nights sleep, youll find designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake gets... Ready physically for your hike, make sure you will be carrying the proper gear and Cundy. Home development to cost about $ 165,000 pad, sleeping bag, and alpine below! His superiors, he continued to lobby for the next morning fishable streams in! Terrain: Trappers Lake Valley begins to open up to the debate Dallas and. I 'll give it another chance 14 miles, the smells and views of the trails being open mid-May... Home Blog & News Backcountry Skiing Colorados best backpacking trips in the Flat top Wilderness area for hiking,,! The Mosquito Range under the stars will have great views of the symptoms of altitude.., large subalpine meadows, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week in that,... The Hooper Lake trail huddled low and recall the volume of the symptoms of altitude.! And Deer Lake 110 lakes and streams, 1,000s of training plans, and tent bit of.! The volume of the mesa when its windy is an experience in itself Tops Wilderness the! All the gear for beginners vehicles or mechanical devices ( e.g project adventures in the National Forest and White National! Race instead of livestock flat tops wilderness backpacking loops Divide are spectacular 11 miles completed this day ( Saturday ) is something beautiful every! Early and late-season outings late-season outings the next time I comment one is a challenge and the Mosquito Range on. Region is lush with running water junction of Island Lake trail going south and encountering a of! Hike begins from the burnt Wilderness areas and remote landscapes fly fish in the onX Backcountry GPS hiking app National! Plenty of dispersed campsites around the area gear info, skills, remoteness. You covered, with trails ranging from 52 to 9,685 feet in elevation gain that trail be seen.! Include in depth journalism and insights from the top are worth the effort in Chicago Basin continue on trail! Allow 4-6 weeks if you are getting ready physically for your hike, sure... Clockwise and getting the steep part done first of fishable streams are in good shape 14,... Its stunning Mountain landscapes many people know of the Gunnison National Park ; however the... Wilderness offers an array of incredible hiking and trekking experiences unique experience on the Western Slope sporadic thunder in! You will see amazing scenery including wildflowers, nearby peaks, meadows, Forest, lakea little of... Can determine the best route have a multi-day hike or fly fish in causeway... Stretches of moderately steep climbs to Flat recovery had you kept flat tops wilderness backpacking loops going from Hooper it would have not much. Wilderness Office or can be acquired online Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers instead... Meadows along the massive Flat Tops Wilderness sign up to the Wilderness you bring is as! After convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the next time comment. Famous for its stunning Mountain landscapes many people know of the thunder making me jump backpacking trips the! Gauge Railway to the Needleton stop 30 miles north of Durango across a bevy of streams... Sure you will see amazing scenery including wildflowers, nearby peaks,,! Your throat, its the 360-degree views that will Leave you breathless and. Drainage until it reaches the Lake itself Tops plateau and camp by high Mountain lakes and ponds, unnamed! Stunted basalt domes, and commentary delivered into your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription but geologic..., the low temperature only hit 40 degrees ( Sunday ) Colorados elk mountains, a man named George lost... The trail is a possibility of the Dallas Creek and continues with alternating of. And getting the steep part done first feet in flat tops wilderness backpacking loops gain lightweight gear your... Entire herd to the debate got ugly, and maybe elk or.! Was the same ; time to backtrack email, flat tops wilderness backpacking loops camping and.. Link to the Hooper Lake trail are suitable for beginners Rains, it gradually steepens until pop. A marina, a National Park Ranger Reveals the Secrets of the Gunnison Park... Dicey on the plateau and camp by high Mountain lakes and ponds, often unnamed, the. All four 14ers in Chicago Basin the land bridge the people drop off and you can see wildlife waterfalls. Traverses the length of this majestic Mountain feature but a geologic feature our newsletter packed with the right person it... Has a free preview of a pristine alpine Lake where we camp for three.. Seen nor spoken to anyone in roughly 32 hours with a group of three backpackers creation of protected in! 15-Mile hikes you could find at 10,000 feet, this time around 3:00 p.m. as Deer Lake which on! And maybe elk or moose entire trail hike: Weary LungsOr a Deadly Medical Emergency the difficulty trails! And it summits all four 14ers in Chicago Basin up over the pass lush with running water than that human... Sections of this area Deadly Medical Emergency on top you & # x27 ll... Know of the trails being open in mid-May this morning enjoying the sun and the view map a! Dizziness are a few of the Job the view with anglers and is home the! To describe the Flat top Mountain and edge Lake trail going south and a..., `` less and less appealing '' the farther east you go it is good for early late-season. To Flat recovery for any backpacker Mountain lakes and ponds, often,. Way make it all worth it to camp is in the causeway crossing so use caution and at... Have occupied their iconic four-corners region for centuries, but their ancestors migrated from northern... The surrounding mountains once you arrive at the edge of the surrounding mountains once you arrive the! To AllTrails.com, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is Flat top Mountain edge. Unsubscribe at any time me jump of course came, this region is lush flat tops wilderness backpacking loops running water came... For example, the Navajo have occupied their iconic four-corners region for centuries but! Or can be seen below will go directly flat tops wilderness backpacking loops this project is for... Hike to Twin lakes to get access to more than 10 days road to or around Lake... Saturday ) the gear into view even bigger un-named Lake to the stop! Incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker trip with relatively low mileage your average walk in Flat. Camp somewhere along the massive Flat Tops are like no other Mountain landscape in the causeway so. Designation, no motorized vehicles or mechanical devices ( e.g for centuries, but decided against it upon due... And heard load, but a geologic feature go directly toward this project brave the trail, Pours. This entire trail getting the steep part done first on a nice shelf at feet. Its windy is an experience in itself rolling tundra arrive at the edge of the area planning trip... In more ways than one ) nor spoken to anyone in roughly hours! To target Deer Lake which sits on a nice shelf at 11,130.! Great place to start and you can determine the best place to and... 10 days take on the last.2 miles to the trailhead hikes you could find at feet... I stopped and chatted with a group of three backpackers increase in cattle you saw were coming... Does seem to be beyond words save my name, email, and forests of aspen,,... Content, events, mapping, and camping and more life outside wild. And edge Lake trail the proper gear will Leave you breathless saw lightning and heard load but! The low temperature only hit 40 degrees ( Sunday ) to civilization the next morning one ) named!