If you want to camp at a lower elevation, head down the other side and make your way to Causeway Lake for the night. It is more likely you can traverse lower elevations during the month of May. (youngs-lean to? According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Flat Tops Wilderness is Devil's Causeway, which has a 4.8 star rating from 419 reviews. See the full disclosure here. 10 top spots to see wildlife in colorado . Chapman Reservoir Campground is the first one you'll reach, but even before then there are opportunities . 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. In the summer, an array of wildflowers, from columbine to Parry Primrose, carpet the extensive subalpine meadows of the plateau. However, there is no fee and no registration limit. As the glacier carves away the mountain basin, it leaves a cirque: the sheer, steep, circular cliff formed by the force of the glacier pushing its mass downhill. He spoke passionately about the subject, and he (and thus, the Flat Tops) are credited with sparking the ideas fundamental to the Wilderness Act of 1964. At 11,200 feet and my trail junction, I look from where I came. A more moderate challenge is a hike to Twin Lakes to get views of the mountains surrounding the valley. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! 10h 59m This loop route begins at the trailhead mapped here, which can be found just down the road from Trappers Lake Lodge. Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin Grizzly Lake #1990 Hell Roaring #1960 Lost Man #1996 Maroon-Snowmass #1975 . #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. Take care climbing over the steep drops of Chinese Wall. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. To top it all off, this region is lush with running water. It is incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. Approaching the Dirty Devil River at the bottom of the Lower Sand Slide. In the Flat Tops area near the town of Craig, a man named George Woolley lost his entire herd to the debate. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Finally, a successful backpacking trip in the Flat Tops Wilderness isn't complete without a celebration. 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. A bear-proof container for your provisions is required. mountain bikes or boat carts) are allowed within the wilderness boundary. Utah is a very special and unique place. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! The knife-edge feature is only about 100 yards long, but the drops are precipitous, and it can be a little intimidating. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below numerous flat-topped cliffs. Because of its Wilderness designation, no motorized vehicles or mechanical devices (e.g. 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. These allow Forest Service rangers to track user days, provide information about your trip, and help in an emergency. First I had some willows to walk through (see above). Elliott said even though Colorado is dry, there are so many streams that run during the summer you really dont need to worry too about much your water supply but make sure to bring some sort of purification system. wilderness by danvers dennis 9780517097366 for sale online. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. There is no rope or rail to aide in the causeway crossing so use caution and proceed at your own risk. Remember, Colorado is high (in more ways than one). A tent is a lot of weight. For the most part in the high country, theres quite a bit of water for the whole hiking season.. Our packrafts ready to go. It splits off into random directions for I am now in cattle grazing country. A series of ice ages then carved out the valleys and cirques, grinding the land into its current majesty. Though the route only has a little over 500-feet of elevation gain, at that elevation you can still feel the effects of altitude sickness. 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. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight. I counted 23 cows. The average hiker can tackle the Colorado Trail in four to six weeks, but you can take as much time as you want. The vistas from this trail are unending and it is truly enjoyable alpine hiking. The lower lake is just 3.5 miles in and is a nice spot to camp for the night. Pack plenty of water and snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness. The views, fishing, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this area. However, the 360-degree views here are some of the best around. Situated between 8,000 12,000, the Flat Tops are a combination of large lakes, pristine rivers, high plateau mountains, and amazing scenery. 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.. 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. Description Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking per new campsite. 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. Wish I had been able to read it before a two-night trip I did in the Flat Tops this week. Their range here is huge. A clearly defined trail which is protected by willows. 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. The terrain is challenging at times, and you may need to bring microspikes for snow in the higher elevations. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Sleeping out under the tarp can be wonderful. Flat Tops Wilderness- White River Holy Cross Wilderness - White River Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness - White River . 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. Going from one classic mountain town to another you see awesome views, mountain lakes, a stunning ridgeline highpoint, and beautiful wildflowers. 4 passes loop maroon bells wilderness aspen colorado. If you are injured on the trail and are solo, stay on the trail and wait. The rest of the time, thunderstorms, complete with lightning and hail, are a routine afternoon threat. Today the rain would begin around 11:00 a.m. Sights along the way include Snowmass Lake, West Maroon Pass, Buckskin Pass and Fravert Basin. Here are some other multi-day hikes local backpackers suggested for both beginners and those a bit more experienced: Four Pass Loop: Located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area near Aspen, this 26-mile loop can be hiked in two to four days and crosses four mountain ranges with peaks of over 12,000 feet. I had hit the northern most section of my loop and it was time to return to the high mesa scene. 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. From the Keyhole, the route gets incredibly scrambly. If you have the room, Elliott also suggests bringing an umbrella, which can keep both you and your pack dry while hiking in the rain, and it can be easier than putting on rain gear. Some 740 miles of this trail is in central Colorado with a high point of Grays Peak at 14,270 feet. meadows, forest, lakea little bit of everything. If you are a beginner, it might not be a bad idea to check out guided hikes in Colorado. Pretty cool though! 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. Atop the pass looking on towards Stillwater Reservoir. Devils Causeway is almost certainly the most famous and well known landmark in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado. This trail is 6.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,637 ft. 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. Just before Lower Blue Lake, the trail splits to the left up past Middle and Upper Blue Lakes and on to Blue Lake Pass. You can find somewhere to camp somewhere along the Chinese Wall Trail. You will want to take two days to hike this trail to get in all you want to see, including meadows, peaks, and evergreen forests. The latter portions are above the tree line. Down below I spot a Moose eating near the wetlands of the Derby Creek drainage. When two cirques meet, they form an arete: a sharp, narrow, mountain ridge. Island Lake. Approximately 20 miles covered today and the overnight low was 35 degrees (Friday). The snow has slowly disappeared from the mountains, and hiking season has officially begun. Are you looking for that ultimate rugged experience? It can take a couple of weeks to get your permit, so plan ahead! Once on top youll find moderate striding across rolling tundra. The area is quiet and a good trip for beginners to push the envelope of endurance. Colorado Wilderness is looking ahead and forward to the fresh, In 2023 and 2024, Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides will conduct a range of avalanche classes. The United States Congress designated the Flat Tops Wilderness in 1975, and it now has a total of 235,214 acres. The stargazing cant be beat, and if you pick the right time of year, you might even be treated to a meteor shower. For an epic challenge, take six months to traverse the Continental Divide Trail. Watch an interview with Wildland Trekking's Colorado program manager, James Wieman, about what makes the Flat Tops Wilderness his favorite spot in Colorado. Go to NPS.gov for more information on permits for areas you would like to backpack. 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. Flat Tops Wilderness offers an array of incredible hiking and trekking experiences. It felt good to end dry and to see the Sawatch range again. Peer down in both directions at the forests, lakes, and cliff walls. Thinking about doing a trip out there next month. As a result, the Flat Tops are like no other mountain landscape in the country. In the San Luis Valley, families were threatened assaulted, or killed. For miles after this point I heard coyotes barking and howling from the deep valley to the west. Most local trails closed for elk calving and wildlife protection opened back up on June 15, with all trails open by July 1. With my limited knowledge of the area and the monsoon season in full swing, I was unsure as to how much mileage I could accomplish. As this Colorado fishs numbers are dwindling, it is a catch and release policy for cutthroat caught within the wilderness boundary. Plus, waking up in an alpine meadow chock full of wildflowers is beyond the scope of the imagination. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Either way, the routes are quite technical, scrambly, and require a bit of tenacity. Only 11 miles completed this day (Saturday). This hike begins from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area in Aspen Highlands. Try several brands before making your decision. For a memorable 21-mile loop, stay on North Derby and head to Road Lake. loved this trail. 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. After convincing his superiors, he continued to lobby for the creation of protected areas in the National Forest System. 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. I huddled low and recall the volume of the thunder making me jump! The Flat Tops are a nature-lovers paradise with vibrant wildlife habitat, amazing wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, fascinating natural and cultural history, and a plethora of panoramic views that will awe even the most experienced of mountain travelers. 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!). Make sure you plan wellyoull need to figure out shuttles, resupplies, and navigation for tricky intersections. Youll explore elevations from 7,600 to almost 13,000 feet, large subalpine meadows, and forests of aspen, spruce, and fir. The Flat Tops offers amazing backpacking and mult-iday wilderness experiences from 3 days to more than 10 days. This hike is challenging for even those who are in good shape. As the worlds premierhiking and trekking company, Wildland believes in connecting people to fantastic environments in amazing ways. At this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage. The Flat Top's offers amazing backpacking and mult-iday wilderness experiences from 3 days to more than 10 days. The wind turned it up a notch and my hands were freezing. The Colorado Trail is a rigorous trek that affects even the most seasoned hikers with its high altitude. 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. Wonder if the increase in cattle you saw were those coming from the burnt wilderness areas down here (i.e. Thanks for sharing this, Tim. The trailhead is about 45 miles east of Meeker, CO. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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 Devil's Causeway itself is a narrow ridge of running between the . 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. I think they were just as surprised to see me, as I them. You want to make sure that everybody in the party knows what to expect in terms of their physical abilities.. Backcountry camping is allowed on Lower Blue Lake. Deer Lake turns out to be a dead lake as I can neither see or attract any fish with my lures. Take your time and enjoy the summit, but make sure youre heading down by noon at the latest. This whole bench is amazing for scenery and I spend a good time looking off the ledge. It will be difficult to pull yourself away from this one. Flat Top Mountain and Edge Lake Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 9,685 ft of total ascent. The essential premise is that places should exist where no machine of mans invention and no roads or other intrusions mar the pristine nature of the area. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. 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). Most of the trail is above 10,000 feet, with the highest point a bit over 13,000. Trappers Lake is a fantastic starting point for anybackpacking adventure into the Flat Tops Wilderness. Bridge was not that bad just exposed. The Goose Creek portion of the 28-mile Lost Creek Loop is an evergreen forest dotted with meadows, aspen stands, and granite outcroppings and arches. Conundrum Hot Spring10. Arthur Carhart, a recreation engineer for the forest service, was sent to survey Trappers Lake. Backpacking Day Hiking There are numerous hiking opportunities at White River National Forest from short interpretive day hikes, to longer more difficult treks. The park's runner-up is Devils Causeway and Island Lakes Loop , which will get you 4,524 ft of elevation gain. Rather than set up camp, I found some natural shelter beneath the passing shower. 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. no grass left to graze)? The trailhead is hard to get to. At 486 miles, this route starts in Denver and runs to Durango. And dont forget about Trail Magic! For example, the Navajo have occupied their iconic four-corners region for centuries, but their ancestors migrated from more northern locales. The Flat Top Wilderness Area is Colorados 2nd largest wilderness, designated in 1975 by Congress, is arguably one of the states best and most secluded wilderness experiences. These can be picked up at Headquarters Wilderness Office or can be acquired online. Starting at the Maroon Lake Trailhead, you are immediately greeted with an iconic view of the Maroon Bells over Maroon Lakea glimpse into what this loop has to offer. But, with one or two of these in your pocket, youre ready to enjoy your next Colorado backcountry adventure. If youre scared of heights, youll do some rock hugging as you scramble over this rocky and uneven narrow section. From there, hike a half mile to the middle lake and another quarter mile to the upper lake for some stunning alpine views. Overlooking the Turret Creek Valley I saw lightning and heard load, but sporadic thunder. Sweetwater Reservoir and my ride back to civilization the next morning. 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! There are 40 trails in Flat Tops Wilderness. I hiked to an even bigger un-named lake to the West but the story was the same; time to backtrack. . This federally designated wilderness area just 12 miles southwest of Aspen doesnt require a permit. Also, afternoon storms are common so start each day out early and be prepared. The rain gear had been busted out early. Youll likely have your pick of dispersed camping spots, but keep in mind Leave No Tracepractices for this one! Some citizens began to express sympathy towards the sheep farmers who, to that point, had gotten little. 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. I would say (poles) are an overlooked equipment accessory, he said. Also put Vaseline on your skin right above your hip or make sure to tuck your T-shirt into your pants. The best views of the day were looking up to Derby Peak as I rounded it for a large part of the day. Either way . You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. She said on the trail you can also decide to camp and hike the additional 3 miles to the remote Gore Lake. You will be cold, tired, and hungry, and it will feel like every day you are going up and over a pass and hiding from a storm. The Flat Tops Wilderness offers some of the most remote and biologically rich backcountry travel in the Rockies. Home Blog & News Backcountry Skiing Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Flat Top Wilderness Area. It is a little discouraging to hear of the lack of fish. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Flat Tops Wilderness that are great for the whole family. Sixteen Must Do (5.5 and 5.6) Boulder and Estes Park Rock Climbs, Our Top 5 Spring Wildflower Hikes in Boulder, CWRAG AIARE Avalanche Classes: 2023/2024 Dates Announced, Ruby Horsethief Exclusive Rafting Weekend Dates Announced for 2023, 2023 ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK BACKPACKING DATES ANNOUNCED, Discover Your Next Summer Adventure: CWRAGs Top 5 Recommended Trips. Grab a booth or a bar stool, a bite and a beer at the historic Antlers Cafe & Bar, a staple of the Yampa community since 1905 - one of the many reasons to return to the wilderness surrounding Steamboat Springs, where endless adventure awaits. Despite its popularity, you will undoubtedly find plenty of solitude on this 27-mile loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The Devil's Causeway has been on my hiking to-do list for years. Take an amazing trip to undisturbed wilderness camping and world class trout fishing. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable He was to map out a plan for a marina, a road around the lake, and 100 homes. Looking for a more strenuous hike? Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 9 remote lakeside campgrounds in colorado where you can. For more tips on backpacking in bear country, visit www.cpw.state.co.us. 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. If youre looking for a long-distance trail, the Colorado Trail is a big one. You want to make sure the pack will hold what you need but you also dont need to overpack. Luckily in Colorado, we dont have a lot of predators, he said. We use one breathtaking campsite for three nights, allowing us to explore on day hikes with only light day packs on Days 3 and 4. Euro-American colonizers forcibly removed the Ute from the resource-rich region. He said in the summertime, one could skip the tent and just sleep under the stars. All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. This is one of the more difficult beginner backpacking trips in Colorado. . After the land bridge the people drop off and you have just a cruiser for the rest by yourself. He said the biggest mistake people make is carrying a pack that is too heavy. Hike with a friend whenever possible and let friends and family members know where you are going and when you plan to return. The uphill climb is difficult but once above the tree line, the views are amazing. Not only is the trail extremely steep, but once you reach the top, youll face the Devils Causeway, a narrow rocky spine. One way to lighten your load is by buying a new backpack if yours is outdated, which can shave off up to five pounds. Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Colorados Flat Top Wilderness Area Getaway from the crowds andexperience solitude andwilderness. However, the views from the top are worth the effort. The sky continues to stay overcast. The violent act made the papers. There youll pick up Island Lake Trail and head west for a rendezvous with Deer Lake Trail. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and The town of Nederland has a free shuttle to the trailhead. A relatively undiscovered gem, it offers an experience of solitude and serenity not easily matched in Colorados more well-known areas like Summit County, the Durango area and the Front Range. ), rivers, waterfalls, volcanic peaks (up to nearly 13,000 feet), abundant wildlife, incredible trout fishing, and world-class hiking and backpacking. However, the smells and views of wildflower meadows along the way make it all worth it. These 10,000- to 12,354-foot-high tablelands seem to levitate above the surrounding valleys, altogether out of place in a state known for jagged summits. I took my time in camp this morning enjoying the sun and the view. The trudge through mud and cow crap is demoralizing and the air stays cool. Dan Brewster, owner of Haute Route Gear & Apparel in Avon, said one thing people often neglect are trekking poles, which are much more common in Europe. Dont be afraid to stretch yourself by doing some of the more difficult hikes, once you feel ready. We keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, snap amazing photos, eat like royalty, and sleep under one of the clearest night skies ever seen! 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. If youd rather camp high (over 11,000 feet), abandon the Causeway Lake excursion, and continue up to the mesa top. Of course, if you dont have time, the main loop offers more than enough to enjoy, including Pawnee Lake, Thunder Creek, Long Lake, Lake Isabelle, Cascade Falls, and the stunning mountainous landscape of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Flat Tops Wilderness, Routt National Forest. 10-15 miles, depending on your fitness, is a good place to start. What you can see in the photo above is what I am following; map and compass in hand. There are so many beautiful hikes in Colorado it is unbelievable. (We have all) these splendid mountain ranges that are almost a stones throw from us, Gilliland said. I've never seen so many within Wilderness area boundaries and I begin to wonder if the allotment for cattle grazing operations here are above the norm as apart of the agreement for turning it into a wilderness area back in the 70's. Audubon) or to alpine lakes (Mitchell Lake and Crater Lake). The state-wide trail runs from Denvers Waterton Canyon to Durango. Thunder burped and rainclouds moved towards me. Kettle lakes arent a place, but a geologic feature. Thanks for the comment. If you want, you can also hire a guide or bring along an experienced friend for support. Blue Lakes Trail starts climbing from Dallas Creek and continues with alternating stretches of moderately steep climbs to flat recovery. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and However, by the late 1800s, American settlers began to undermine the Utes ability to remain on their land. The Stillwater trailhead is 17 miles southwest of Yampa on County Road 7 (becoming Forest Road 900) at Stillwater Reservoir. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Flat Tops Wilderness. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. This lollipop loop makes for a great overnight. 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. I originally thought I would camp here, but decided against it upon arrival due to my suspicion of their being no fish. If you take the loop counter-clockwise, you will save the best scenery for last. I can see a sheep herd off in the distance first and then their noise. Chinese Wall and Bear River Trails drop you back at Stillwater Reservoir. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. 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. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." Download the app. 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. With numerous campsites along the way, you have plenty of options for breaking up the trip. Continue the loop on Lonesome Trail to King Lake, then Devils Thumb Pass. This means guests can hike with light(er) day packs and still explore and camp in the backcountry. At more than five miles up is Devils Thumb Lake. Fun fact: It was her who found and named the popular Shrine Mountain Trail in 1987. 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. As a glacier slides slowly downhill, it forms a moraine a natural dam of debris the glacier had carved and pushed before it. Updated in 2003, the list is now broken down into a systems approach: navigation (map and compass); sun protection; insulation (extra clothing); illumination (headlamp/flashlight); first-aid supplies; fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles); repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; and emergency shelter. In that case,Tim,I'm glad I didn't continue on that trail. Today, many of their descendants still reside on these reservations. 2006 colorado river management plan national park service. An out-and-back would be a 20-mile, 3-4 day trip. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below numerous flat-topped cliffs. There are many easy tips that will help you have a good experience when you go. Once you cross the Causeway, the route is smooth sailing. Though the narrow section may have your heart in your throat, its the 360-degree views that will leave you breathless. Its best to tackle Sunlight and Windom before the Eolus Group, as its a bit easier to get down from the Eolus summits if the weather turns later in the day. 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. Some very useful information here. The appropriately named Flat Top Mountain straight ahead. You will pass by several waterfalls and lakes over the first sections of the hike which are perfect places to make camp or just take a break. The decision rankled local cattleman and while George was off in Denver for business, a group of men clubbed his herd to death. As one of the premier hiking trails in the Northern San Juan Mountains, this hike is convenient to the town of Ridgway and the trail is challenging but not too difficult for hikers of moderate abilities. On my way in, just outside the Wilderness boundary I crossed the paths of two men on horseback. 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.

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