In late December, I embarked on a solo backpacking trip in Joshua Tree National Park, tackling the 12-mile Stubbe Springs Loop trail. Although carrying a heavy pack with limited water, the well-maintained trail offered diverse desert views. The detour to Fan Canyon was a highlight not to be missed. The experience was a fitting end to the year.
After completing the Colorado Trail, I explored the Great Sand Dunes, home to North America’s tallest sand dune at 750 feet. Despite a short visit, I plan to return for sunrise. Nearby Zapata Falls Campground offers convenient camping. The park offers activities like sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing, best enjoyed in spring or fall. Remember water, sunscreen, and proper attire.
The Blue Lakes Trail in Ridgway, CO offers a moderately challenging 8.7-mile round-trip hike with 3 alpine lakes: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Despite some stream crossings, the non-technical trail is well-maintained. The mid-September hike, featuring moody weather and transitioning wildflowers, offered a serene experience. Despite unideal weather, the stunning lakes made for a memorable day hike.
Vetter Mountain, located in Angeles National Forest, CA, is a trail that offers a 3.8-mile round-trip hike to an active fire lookout, named after a dedicated forest ranger, Victor P. Vetter. The hike is moderate and requires at least 2 liters of water due to no water access on the trail. The trail is best navigated by taking the fire road to the top from Charlton Flat Picnic Area, offering rest stops and picnic areas along the way.
The Lamarck Lakes trail is a 4.6-mile round-trip located near Bishop, CA in the Eastern Sierra. Starting from North Lake Campground, it gains 1,564ft in elevation and crosses Lamarck Creek twice. The hike to Upper Lamarck Lake from Lower Lamarck Lake is just over half a mile. A backpacking wilderness permit is required.
The Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park offers amazing views of three amazing alpine lakes: Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes. The trail is popular for day-hiking, but I would always recommend an overnight trip whenever possible.
Next time your road tripping through the southwest and find yourself near Page, Arizona then you’ve got to make sure this slot canyon tour is on your bucket list.
It’s the last week on the Colorado Trail and we’re not finishing with ANY dry weather in the forecast. We’re leaving Lake City and hiking with a small group. I packed out some Fireball to carry to the end, and officially accepted the trail name.
I knew what I was getting myself into when I committed to the Colorado Trail but I didn’t think the trail would steal my heart the way it did, I blame the San Juans.
Trip Date: August 23-29, 2023 Location: Tennessee Pass to Boss Lake Reservior CT Mile: 142.9 – 235.4 It’s the first day back on the trail after a nero in Leadville. A ‘nero’ is hiking near zero miles for the entire day. Back at Tennessee Pass, we’d make our way to Twin Lakes where we’d confirm …
Mentally I starting to compare my JMT journey to my current Colorado Trail thru hike.
To be completely honest, this national park was not on my radar as I made my way to Colorado to thru hike the CT this summer, but when I drove by a sign for Black Canyon of the Gunnison I knew I had to make a quick stop- just to check it out!
Backpackers and thru-hikers often love to talk about gear. Everything from what has worked for them over the years, to the newest and greatest lightweight options out there. Let me start off by saying that you do not need to break the bank and purchase all new gear for your hike.
I begin my thru-hike mid-July going Southbound to Durango. Here is everything I am packing for my Colorado Trail thru-hike.
Just how many Huckleberry treats are one too many? Missing life on the road after a 14-day/1,400 miles spring roadie exploring Glacier National Park and beyond!
