CO/WY hike/fish/hang in Oct

**toddhunter** · 09-06-2013, 13:48

Much as I'd like to plan a detailed hike beforehand, this is my current idea. Driving from Chicago to SF, planning to stop for a couple of days of hiking/fishing/hanging about the time I get to Cheyenne. Some have suggested i go farther, to Utah or the Winds in Wy, but I'm not sure we'll get that far the second day. So, I'm thinking of either RMNP or Medicine Bow. My adult son and I are not experienced, but we have done some overnight hikes, mostly individually. I'll just stop at one of the fly shops in either Laramie or Estes Park and ask for a suggestion for a manageable hike of one or two days, with fishing and trees. The first night would need to be a short hike at best. Thoughts?

**Kyle** · 09-07-2013, 10:10

I haven't been, but I've been told Rainbow Lakes is a good spot. Person who told me about it said it's about a 1-2 mile hike from some campgrounds and that the fishing is good. I'm just getting into fishing, though, and all I can tell you is that Lost Lake northeast of Chambers was awful, and that Lily Lake in the Upper Huerfano Valley was awesome, but that seems out of your way.

**g2outdoors** · 09-17-2013, 12:37

RMNP is closed due to flooding. I'd go with Plan B.

**toddhunter** · 09-17-2013, 13:08

Now looking at Santa Fe, using southern route from Chicago. It looks a little soggy there too. I hope everyone is safe.

**OutandBack** · 09-17-2013, 15:58

Originally Posted by toddhunter

Now looking at Santa Fe, using southern route from Chicago. It looks a little soggy there too. I hope everyone is safe.

I don't know if WY has been getting all the rain we have in CO but if they have the fishing will suck do to high muddy water. I've been trying to get out and wet a line for almost 3 weeks.
You guys have a fun trip.

**BullFrog** · 09-18-2013, 10:24

WY hasn't been getting nearly the rain CO has. But Outnback is right, the South Platte (whose headwaters are in eastern CO) is expected to flood some areas of towns in Nebraska along I-80. Probably wise to go the southern route. Too bad you'll miss all this gorgeous scenery! Next time.

Edit: just noticed that your title says October. I imagine everything along I-80 will be fine by then. Can't help you with fishing though.

**OutandBack** · 09-18-2013, 10:34

Originally Posted by BullFrog

WY hasn't been getting nearly the rain CO has. But Outnback is right, the South Platte (whose headwaters are in eastern CO) is expected to flood some areas of towns in Nebraska along I-80. Probably wise to go the southern route. Too bad you'll miss all this gorgeous scenery! Next time.

Edit: just noticed that your title says October. I imagine everything along I-80 will be fine by then. Can't help you with fishing though.

I just noticed that to. My suggests for fishing in the Cheyenne area would be: Miracle Mile for river fishing and Wheatland 3 for lake fishing. W3 has 6-10# rainbows and the Mile has Browns, Cuts, and Bows in the 3-7# range.

If you decide to fish either of these PM me for tips.

**toddhunter** · 09-18-2013, 10:34

Thanks guys. Now looking at Taos.

**tikhon** · 09-25-2013, 01:07

Give Kamas, Ut a look just outside of Park City. Long Lake & Smith Moorehouse areas have easy to moderate hikes, several campgrounds, amazing fishing, scenery, lakes and all the trees are exactly 12 ft apart. At 6-9000 feet would be above any flooding but will be chilly though