Colorado Hiking/Backpack

“I want to get to some 14ers next year. Would like to do a backpack 2-4 days. I found a site that lists some range's, but I do not know which ones are closer to SLC, UT. Here are the names of those ranges: Front Range, Mosquito Range, Sangre De Cristo Range, Sawatch Range, Elk Mountains, and San Juan Mountains. If you could, let me know which ones are closer to SLC, UT and also about how far. If you know of other ranges or areas let me know. Thanks.”

“you guys out west have all the fun.................and snow.”

“in July 2003 Im going to Mt. Antero and climb that sucker!!


can't wait!
Im going with about 20 other woman (no guys)




i know its not what you wanted but I thought id put in my 2cents worth :)”

“Mr. Antero is in the Sawatch Range which also has Mr. Elbert. Do you know which town/city this is in? Are you backpacking or dayhiking?”

“there is to much info so i e-mailed it to you.


ps

you have mail :)”

“maple leaf: I have not received anything.

Geezr: Thanks. Nice site, has some info I was looking for.”

“ok I resent it


Sorry”

“Did you get it this time?
did it make any sence?”

“Got it, it helps. Thanks.”

“Leadville is nearest town to elbert+massive.
Elk range is in Aspen.
San juan range is Telluride/ouray.
Front range is denver.Sangre range is way south of Leadville i beleive.
Anyway now all you need to do is look at your road atlas.
Aspen and Telluride have the most jagged insane ranges.Lots of fun.
Leadville aint too shabby and a way killer town.”

“Thanks. Another person sent me a map of the ranges, it is exactly like you said. You are right about the Elk and San Juan range's.”

“I would be up for a climb or 2 next July...make sure you repost this a bit closer. I will know my dates in late May.”

“I'm up for a 2-4 day backpack in Colorado. This would be my first time up there (if I don't go sooner), I would like to get some people from that area to come along though. I will definetly post something next year for that area. I'm also looking at the Wind River Range.”

“Id love to hook up for a colorado bpack.I tried getting out there this summer but didnt.Im jonesing to get in the backcountry of Aspen(maroon bells/elk areas).Its f'ing spectacular,no bear cans needed too!A super awesome bpack is from the bells over to snowmass via buckskin pass.The view from that pass is the most awesome view of killer snowcapped peaks.
There are many other incredible hiking areas.O,i love Aspen's backcountry-just plain spectacular:)”

“When I set this up next year I will keep you in mind, if your still interested. Do you know this area?”

“hay don't forget to acclimate. give yourselves a couple of extra days to get adjusted to the elavation(sp)”

“wasatch,
I spent a couple of months roadtripping in Co. a few summers ago.I got to see most of the mountainous areas.My conclusion was this:Telluride and Aspen areas are the most killer in terms of dramatic mountains.The trailheads in Aspen seemed more accessible(imo) so i ended up spending more time in there and did my hiking/bpacking in that backcountry.It is f'ing awesome and there seems to be many different trails that allow you to do different loops thru braethtaking country.You can do day hikes to peaks and get great views or backpacks and just soak up the great scenery :)...The distances can be long or short or in between.Also aspen has a good supermarket and amenities so you can find anything you forgot!I did a little bit of everything and had a blast and am dying to get back.Im game for any tt planned trips out there.My plans for 03 are tentative now...Im more into tripping there in early season like June-early July when the peaks are still snowcapped and look incredibly awesome.”

“Here is my email address: John.Styrnol@hill.af.mil. Let's keep in touch, so we can get a trip in next year. I can't wait!”

“davex, did you go to Conundrum Hot Springs? How was the hike, if so? I'd like to go there.”

“wasatch,
fer sure,i'll keep ya posted.Too bad,back in may/june I posted on TT for anybody who was interested in joining me for an Aspen trip.I had no takers.Then I thought i could get a cheaper ticket to aspen than the 220 on hotwire.Within a few days that shot up to 350 and then i procrastinated a little more til the fires hit which sealed my fate for any trip there in 02 :(
O well,i had a great trip to S.utah and the Sierras this year.
I live in L.A.”

“lizs,
sorry,i didnt go there.Can't give any info on that one.”

“I didn't join TT till Aug-Sep. I live in Layton, UT about 30 miles from SLC. I would like to do Mt. Elberts it's in Leadville (near Aspen), but I'm up to anything just about. There has to be some backpacking included, but if we have to car camp that's ok also. Mainly I want to get some 14ers in. The Sawatch Range (Aspen)looks pretty awesome, like you said. This is where I would like to go. Where did you go in southern utah? I have not been down there yet.”

“Mt Elbert is apparently a crowded trail-kinda like whitney in california.Mt Elbert and Massive look awesome tho from Leadville-which is further east of Aspen.
Aspen is pretty easy for you.You take I-70 east to hiway 82(glenwood sp.,co.)and yer there!
Where in s utah?Just drive man.You cant miss there.Its all f'ing awesome.Mexican Hat/monument valley,Moab,Canyonlands,Capitol Reef,Hiway 12,hiway 24...dont get me started on s utah,man...I'll never shut up :)
Yer lucky to live Utah.”

“your too pretentious for this poser...I gotta get out more, just so that I can stand in the prescence of your magnificant self.”

“dewd, don't use such big words... and hey, I only used Conundrum cuz it's the name... are you in a bit of a conundrum?? maybe my sunny-sunshine-y rays will help ;-)”

“Going to the Maroon Bells near Aspen in White River National Forest in the begining of August 2003.
There's a trail with 6 14rs.”

“yup,maroon bells trailhead is da bomb!Thats where ya get into awesome mountain country.”

“I ALMOST did Conundrum. waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!! Psycho BF and I... Oh, for days gone by!! YIKES!!

You go out of Aspen toward ghost town of Ashcroft, maybe 4 miles to trailhead (in a bunch of houses). It gains elevation of maybe 3,000 feet over 9 miles. You can do a loop up in there over a bunch of passes. Or through hike to Crested Butte, I think.

Never been to Maroon Bells. Isn't there a shuttle bus to go there, or does it depend on time of day/year?”

“If your looking for some other people to come along I might be interested.”