The Hikes
Hike #1 MAY 30th-JUNE 2nd
This hike starts on Forest Service Rd 550 (8 miles outside of Bailey, Co) on Monday, May 30th (Memorial Day) and ends at Forest Service Rd 56/Long Gulch on Thursday, June 2nd. I think the hike should start no later than NOON and the 1st 7.9 miles should take about 4 and a half easy hours on some pretty mellow and very well groomed trail.
DAY #1 - 7.9 miles w/ Camping and Water
DAY #2 - 8.0 miles w/ Camping
DAY #3 - 5.5 miles w/ Camping / Water/ Great Fishing at Lost Park Campground and Trailhead
DAY #4 - 7.8 miles w/ Camping and Water
*****I will be camping on Thursday night and heading back to Boulder on Friday the 3rd of June feeling refreshed and fulfilled from the outdoors and helping these families that are dealing with childhood critical illness. There really is NO better feeling my friends. It all about the kids.........
*****This hiked is specifically picked out to be easy and enjoyable. I have always enjoyed this part of the Colorado Trail (segment 3 and 4) as it winds through beautiful pine and lodge pole pine forest and along creeks with plenty of amazing views of the continental divide in sight along the way. The flowers should be a beautiful bloom and there is plenty of water and some great fishing spots along the way as well.
*****I have learned over the past 3 years of hiking the 500 mile Colorado Trail that when folks join us on the physical journey across the rugged mountains of Colorado its best to just take it easy and keep the days shorter than they have been over the years. We have had days in the past that were well over 15 mile hikes and the wear and tear on the body, mind, and spirit of some of those who joined us has been one of those "live and learn" situations. I am planning all the hikes in 2011 to be short 4-6 day treks within' easier 6-9 mile hikes. This will allow us ALL to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and getting the chance to "stop and smell the flowers."
HIKE #2 JUNE 27th - June 30th
FOUR PASS LOOP - Stunning multi-day backpack over multiple high passes in the heart of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness outside of beautiful Aspen, Colorado.
*****This hike is a 26 mile loop and will be only an average of 6-7 miles per day. We are doing this hike in 4 days.
*****DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: Drive to Aspen and locate the entrance to Maroon Creek road. It runs south from Colorado 82 about 1 mile north of Aspen. Drive 4.5 miles to the entrance station to the park. During summer, there are restrictions to general travel on this road. As of August, 2005, the road was closed to cars from 8:30am to 5:00pm (you must take a bus from the bottom) unless you are an overnight hiker. Overnight hikers are usually allowed to pass the gate any time of day. Drive another 4.2 miles to the parking areas at the end of the road. The Crater Lake trail starts near Maroon Lake. If you are hiking in for a high camp, there is an overnight parking area on the left.
*****THE HIKE: The hike is a 26 mile (28 according to US Forest Service literature) loop that crosses four passes: Buckskin Pass, Trail Rider Pass, Frigid Air Pass and West Maroon Pass.
HERE IS A LINK TO THE TRAIL and a REVIEW: http://mycolorado.org/images/trips/4pass/4pass.html
HIKE #3 - TBA SOON!!!! DATES ARE FIRM at AUGUST 7th - 11th
To support the hikes, please donate. Any amount will make a big difference in the lives of families that truly need it. Thank you!