2 night backpacking ideas / plus 1 or 2 night rafting ideas
Apr 11th, 2007, 06:32 AM
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2 night backpacking ideas / plus 1 or 2 night rafting ideas
We are a family of 5 (kids 16, 15 and 12) and are looking for our first mountain backpacking trip ideas. We will be in Colorado the 3rd week of July. Can anyone tell us some great trails that would be good for us? We are planning on 2 nights, hopefully with one basecamp, and the second day being a dayhike from the base.
We are also looking for a 1 or 2 night rafting trip. Any good experiences with any particular company/location would be great to hear. (not too rough!)
We are also looking for a 1 or 2 night rafting trip. Any good experiences with any particular company/location would be great to hear. (not too rough!)
Apr 11th, 2007, 06:56 AM
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We have always rafted with River Runners near Buena Vista--never an overnight trip though. http://www.riverrunnersltd.com/
May 10th, 2007, 06:52 AM
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Most whitewater rafting in Colorado is a single day or half-day event. There are plenty of rafting companies along the Arkansas River between Salida and Buena Vista for full or half day trips. I've gone with Noah's Ark Rafting and they were very good (they have a non-denominationl prayer before each raft puts in, so if you are atheistic, you may want to chose another company). There may be some multiday trips offered in this area, but I've never done one. I do believe there are some outfitters that do multi day rafting trips down the Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument. The Yampa is more like a float trip (as opposed to a whitewater rafting experience) in that area.
If you do the rafting in the Buena Vista/ Salida area, there are numerous backpacking trails that will take you into the Collegiate Peaks wilderness area. Most hiking in this area is UPHILL into the mountains, so be prepared physically. There are also bear in the mountains and weather conditions that can turn ugly at the drop of a hat (especially as you gain elevation), so be prepared for both - the mountains are unforgiving to those who are not prepared or cautious.
I'll suggest two hikes that have the potential for overnighters:
1) Kroenke Lake. Trailhead is 8 miles west of Buena Vista. Eight mile round trip hike starting at 9,000 feet and ending at 11,600 feet to a beautiful subalpine lake with wildflower meadows along the way.
2) Henry Lake: On the other side of the continental divide between Gunnison and the Taylor Park Reservoir. Twelve mile roundtrip starting at 9,100 feet and ending at 11,700 feet at a beautiful alpine lake in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area. Numerous private campsites at Henry Lake. Drive over Cottonwood Pass (easy dirt road, even in a passenger car) from Buena Vista and drive past the Taylor Park Reservoir to the Lottis Creek National Forest Campground on the Taylor River. The trailhead is in this campground.
If you do the rafting in the Buena Vista/ Salida area, there are numerous backpacking trails that will take you into the Collegiate Peaks wilderness area. Most hiking in this area is UPHILL into the mountains, so be prepared physically. There are also bear in the mountains and weather conditions that can turn ugly at the drop of a hat (especially as you gain elevation), so be prepared for both - the mountains are unforgiving to those who are not prepared or cautious.
I'll suggest two hikes that have the potential for overnighters:
1) Kroenke Lake. Trailhead is 8 miles west of Buena Vista. Eight mile round trip hike starting at 9,000 feet and ending at 11,600 feet to a beautiful subalpine lake with wildflower meadows along the way.
2) Henry Lake: On the other side of the continental divide between Gunnison and the Taylor Park Reservoir. Twelve mile roundtrip starting at 9,100 feet and ending at 11,700 feet at a beautiful alpine lake in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area. Numerous private campsites at Henry Lake. Drive over Cottonwood Pass (easy dirt road, even in a passenger car) from Buena Vista and drive past the Taylor Park Reservoir to the Lottis Creek National Forest Campground on the Taylor River. The trailhead is in this campground.
May 10th, 2007, 07:24 AM
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D,
Some outdoor equipment companies, like REI, give beginner backpacking classes. Highly recommend attending one of these. Or, check with your local community colleges for classes too.
There is much to know and prepare for!
There are multiple day rafting trips in Utah. Some out of Green River, UT which is fairly close to the CO border if that helps. Westwater Canyon comes to mind.
Some outdoor equipment companies, like REI, give beginner backpacking classes. Highly recommend attending one of these. Or, check with your local community colleges for classes too.
There is much to know and prepare for!
There are multiple day rafting trips in Utah. Some out of Green River, UT which is fairly close to the CO border if that helps. Westwater Canyon comes to mind.
