Classic Colorado Backpacking Loops
Colorado is a mecca for backpacking with the most fourteeners of any state, multiple national parks to trek across, and a vast trail system interwoven through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. While out and back trips can be rewarding, backpacking loops give hikers a chance to continually explore new territory. These four classic Colorado backpacking trips are the perfect weekend getaways that can be done in 2-4 days.
1. Elk Creek to Needleton Loop This is an iconic 36-mile trip in the Weminuche Wilderness in Western Colorado that starts & ends with an epic train ride. You start by boarding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and enjoy the scenery as it meanders through the San Juan National Forest. After about 1 to 3 hours depending if you start in Durango or Silverton, the train will come to a stop in the vast wilderness where you will hop off, grab your pack, and then wave to the train as it chugs away leaving you surrounded by mountain peaks.
The first day of hiking is mostly uphill following Elk Creek through the wooded forest. On day two you will push past tree-line to reach the Continental Divide with unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks. Lightening and storms are frequent in this area, so don’t stay too long at the top. The next several miles of hiking will be a lot of ups & downs as you traverse the backside of the mountains as you gear up to reach Vallecito Creek Bridge which has ample campsites and has good fishing. The next day will be one of the hardest portions of the trip with a constant uphill push as you head up Vallecito Basin to Columbine Pass. Once you are over the last pass it is a steep downhill all the way to the infamous Chicago Basin which is a mecca for hikers trying to bag the 3 fourteeners: Windom Peak, Sunlight Peak, and Mt. Eolus. During prime season it can be difficult to find a campsite and be aware of the mountain goats who aren’t afraid to trespass through your campsite. The last portion of the hike is all downhill to the Animas River where the Needleton train stop awaits. Be sure to check the train schedule prior to starting the hike, so you can make sure to arrive on time. If you miss the last train you will be stuck there for another night, which might not be so bad.
2. Four Pass Loop Located outside of Aspen in the Maroon Bells Wilderness, this 26-mile route takes you over four 12,000 foot passes, through lush aspen groves, and past numerous lakes and waterfalls. The Maroon Bells trailhead is one of the most photographed places in all of Colorado, which means it is also very busy and usually requires that you park a few miles away and ride the free shuttle to the start of the trail. Check with the local park rangers for the current fees and regulations such as bear cans which are required.
The Four Pass Loop trail can be done in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and I prefer the latter. You will encounter a lot of day hikers on the first few miles of the trail, but once you are up and over the first Buckskin Pass (12,500’) the people will disperse, and the wildlife will come into view. Snowmass Lake is a popular place to camp and offers numerous campsites and great fishing. The next saddle is Trail Rider Pass (12,420’) and it offers stunning views of meadows dotted with tiny lakes and wildflowers, the trip down is one of the steepest but also the prettiest. At the very bottom you will cross the Crystal River and then slow meander your way up to Frigid Air Pass (12,415’) which offers stunning meadow views. It a short trek to the final saddle, West Maroon Pass (12,500’) which makes you feel like you are standing on Mars with its red dirt and odd rock formations. The remainder of the hike is long, but all downhill with multiple good camping spots along the way. The Four Pass loop is the most iconic backpacking loop in Colorado & well worth the trip!
3. Missouri Lakes & Fancy Pass Loop The Holy Cross Wilderness in central Colorado is gorgeous! The Missouri Lakes and Fancy Pass Loop trail lies high in the mountains at a starting elevation of 10,000 ft. Due to the high elevation the trail is only passable in mid to late summer (approximately late July through late September). This short 8-mile loop can be done in one long day, or a short weekend trip with a side trip to visit an old mining ghost town.
There is no cell service at the trailhead, so it’s best to meet your party in the town of Minturn and then carpool up together. The Missouri Lakes and Fancy Pass trailheads are a stone’s throw from each other. The two trailheads basically share a parking lot and one vault toilet. If starting at the Missouri Lakes trailhead, the first leg of the hike is a moderate uphill trek, most of which is over rocks, everything from small pebbles to enormous boulders. The campsites in the Missouri Lakes area are mediocre and there aren’t too many of them, so grab what you can find. The two passes are close to each other and it’s best to do them in the same day. Enjoy the breathtaking views at the top then meander your way down the boulder fields to the Fancy Pass Lakes area, or if you want to extend the trip head left to Holy Cross City which is an old mining ghost town just a few miles away. The last portion of the trip is a gradual downhill hike on a pine-needle laden path through thick forest back to the trailhead.
4. Lost Creek Wilderness Loop If you are looking to get out on the trail in late Spring or early Summer, the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop is one of the best options as it is slightly lower in elevation and the snow seems to disappear a little earlier in the season. There are numerous trails in the area, so the route can be adjusted slightly, but overall the loop averages 27 miles of strenuous hiking.
Since this is a loop hike, there are several starting points such as the Rolling Creek trailhead, Lost Creek trailhead, and Goose Creek trailhead all of which are located on the Front Range just south of Bailey, Colorado. If starting at the Goose Creek trailhead be aware that the area was devastated by the notorious Hayman Fire of 2002, however after about a mile hike in you will see signs of the resiliency of nature with flowing creeks and lush woods. Most people recommend doing the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This trip encompasses multiple stream crossings, winding through aspen and pine groves, hiking steep switchbacks, and viewing of unique red rock formations. Be on the lookout for bull moose, black bears, hawks, and other wildlife!
Happy Trekking! Colorado is a great place to live! This blog post provided by Gold Compass Real Estate, proud supporter of the Colorado Mountain Club and all lovers of the outdoors.