Planning a Western Hiking Trip

“I'm curious about how one goes about planning a trip out west to hike for a week, with kids. I've done research on the net, but that only gets you so far.
So, how about it TTr's What great adventures and trails can you recommend for a family outing? I'm willing to drive to MT, WY, and CO. I would like some type of loop hike that would include 3 to 4 days of hiking, a good spot to hang camp for a couple of days to relax, fly fish and give the kids a chance to goof around. Should I just go to a National Park and take my chances? I'd appreciate any info you'd be willing to share.”

“Pakratz, there are a lot of people on here that can help you plan, but "the west" is a BIG place. Try to narrow your area down, like stick with Montana and Wyoming for instance and hit Glacier, Yellowstone and Tetons. My mom and I did a big Montana trip and basically planned around their tourism dept info we sent away for. It was fabulous. Granted, she doesn't really bp or camp.

But anyway, probably should narrow your choices down. IMO, MT and WY would be a wonderful choice. : )”

“Go to the Winds, plenty of options.”

“stay away from the winds, they're all booked up!


j/k”

“A suggestion...

The Snowy Range in southern Wyoming is very beautiful and not as crowded or hard-to-get camping reservations as some of the National Park Areas in Wyoming and Colorado. There are lots of trails and campgrounds and places to fly fish (for which the Platte River is renowned!).

It's part of the Medicine Bow National Forest which I was once an employee of ;) So if you'd like more info, just holler!





http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr
last edited: 5/17/05 1:30:44 PM”

“Now THAT's what I'm talking about!
Send info!!!”

“The Snowy Range is nice, but if you're going all the way out there go to the Winds.”

“More Snowy Range Info...

Brooklyn Lake Campground is a really nice car-campground if you're looking for that... You can make reservations here http://www.reserveusa.com

If you search "Brooklyn Lake" you also find that there's a cabin nearby that you can book, the "Little Brooklyn Lake Guard Station" - it's a beautiful spot, I've stayed there twice! There's also a fire tower near there that's fun to stay at, kids would love it! "Spruce Mountain Lookout Tower"

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr/recreation/cabinrentals/index.shtml

There's a great dayhike trail to the top of Medicine Bow Peak that leaves from the Brooklyn Lake area (the pics above came from my hike up it!) and lots of other trails... here's some info.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr/recreation/trails/

You are also close to the Platte River Wilderness, great for fly fishing, rafting, and bighorn sheep spotting!

From the Snowy Range you have "back door" access to north-central Colorado which has some fantastically beautiful mountain areas that don't get much use as they aren't on the Front Range... I did a great 4 day/3 night backpacking trip on the east side of the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness back in 2002.

http://www.tarol.com/mtzirkel.html”

“pakratz. I still vote Yellowstone, crowds or no. The kids will love all the geysers and hot mud pools and stuff.
Not saying the suggestions above aren't lovely, beautiful hikes.”

“Pak: The Winds are great, the Snowy's look wonderful. If you want to go as far as Idaho, my recommendation of a good family trip (how far can your kids hike?) is to Sawtooth Lake in the Sawtooths, Kane Lake in the Pioneers, Washington Lake in the White Clouds, or Boulder Lake in the Pioneers. A destination in Wyo would be closer, however, and very nice.”

“I've been in the Snowy Range. Nice. Virtualy no people... they're all just over the border in Colorado... which ALSO has nice spots. hehhehehehe

I GOTTA GET BACK OUT WEST!!!”

“Nothing in New Mexico except desert. No reason to come here.”