Back from WA, off soon to CO

“Got back from odyssean solo hike 'crost the Pasayten Wilderness and back. The Monument Creek Trail in particular was a 30 mi. misadventure in itself. It hadn't seen maintenance in DECADES. Blowdowns everywhere. That would be bad enough on an average trail, but on one that gains 4,500' in 5 mi.? The old trail would vanish into a labyrinth of game paths around the old burns, at times appearing and disappearing every 1/2 mi. Also, there is no water in that stretch. My legs were all bloody, the sun relentless and the mosquitos ferocious. And after all that (>30 mi.) and finally attaining the well-marked Boundary Trail, I encountered one party after another of unscrupulous horse-packers (with a commensurate amount of used-once fire-rings and litter). Otherwise, the scenery was spectacular and the trip was great. I accessed the area by a long network of local buses from Seatac airport and a short begged ride. Please don't ask about pictures.

I'm just giving my buddy until tonight to respond to an e-mail (he's probably off hiking somewhere-- we're both lousy teachers with summers off)before I start looking for flights from LGA to Denver. I don't want to rent a car that would only be sitting at the trailhead for a week; thus, the exact itinerary of my trip is uncertain until I get there and figure out a way to get from Boulder (end of cheap e-z public transp from Denver Airport)to the trailhead. Whattabout Indian Peaks Wilderness, anyone? I can also get to Vail or Steamboat pretty easily on bus from the airport. Plan on hiking for about a week. Any suggestions?”

“Indian Peaks is great. Maybe someone here can give more info, but otherwise, if you get up that way, stop at Nederland (hardware maybe?) for permit info

Another area I like is around Winter Park/Fraser. Lots of trails head into national forest land from the resort and town. There are trails to peaks either east or west of the valley. The Continental Divide is to the east -- in fact it hooks up to Indian Peaks. Perhaps do a through-hike of some type?”

“Thanks a bunch. Checked the map and it looks like an easy importuned ride from Boulder to Nederland.But why not get the permit at the Boulder NFS office? That way, I could hang around and maybe beg a ride to the trailhead.”

“Hey, sounds good!! I just knew there was somewhere in Nederland to get a permit. :-)”