Western Colorado - Recommendations for a 30-50 mile hike???

[BillnGA]

I'm trying to plan my next backpacking trip and have settled on western colorado (Gunnison, Crested Butte, Paonia, Aspen area). It would be myself and my 15 year old son.

I'm not looking for a hike that has a bunch of miles above tree line. Rather, looking for something that would be hammock friendly. Looking for some good back country trails....probably between 30 and 50 miles.

Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Kerflop]

No suggestions, but thinking of a similar trip so following.

[joe_guilbeau]

San Juan National Forest and Steamboat Springs, Wolf Creek Pass, the options are many, along with Gunnison, Uncompahgre National Forest it just never stops. Been to all multiple times, from the mid-60's on.

[maccourtney]

Those towns have the West Elk Wilderness surrounded. Great place for a trip like yours. Plenty of trails, fishing and great places to hang.

[BillnGA]

It's a beautiful place .... I've done minimal longer distance hiking in the area though....even less hanging.

[ksbioteacher]

This is a famous loop hike that always receives rave reviews. It may be too popular but it is fine start. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3815050.pdf

Edit: Sorry, I misread that you were not looking for above treeline hiking.

Edit: A number of folks hike/bike from Gothic (near Crested Butte) to Aspen on trail and back on mountain road

Edit 3: If you decide to head down to the Weminuche, I might have some suggestions...there are a number of loops you can take. It's difficult to say how hammock friendly they are. I think you probably need to try and focus on aspen stands with all the dead conifers in the area....plus the Weminuche had the big fire a couple of years ago.