Places to hike and hang in Colorado (Boulder,Den)

[Sevens]

My son and I are looking for some places to hike and hang (9,000 feet and under). What are your faborite places? Do y'all have any suggestions? Thanks a bunch.

[breyman]

How old is your son? Any particular lengths or destinations you like? Any reason you're staying under 9,000?

Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the prettiest backpacking in the state and if you choose the right area you can mostly avoid the crowds.

In your area - White Ranch Park is close, short and fun for a quick overnighter.

Let us know some more criteria (mentioned above) and I'm happy to provide a few more suggestions.

[Sevens]

My son is 13. Mainly just looking for early and late season places. I figured below 9k for temp reasons. We have 20 degree uq and tq. Plus easy one and two nighters. Thanks for your help.

[breyman]

Gotcha, that makes sense. If you're looking for late/early shoulder season places that don't get as serious snow/weather, you're choices are definitely more limited.

White Ranch Park is still a great option - Reynolds Park may work, too.

[Boulderman]

I usually go into the national forest west of Boulder along the peak to peak highway. There are many great trails (some in wilderness areas, some not), but most are probably covered in snow right now. See my recent trip report with a non-hammocking buddy...

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=71206


The forest service website has a list of the official trails, I will often pick one from here:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/arp/...28024&actid=51

[breyman]

I usually go into the national forest west of Boulder along the peak to peak highway. There are many great trails (some in wilderness areas, some not), but most are probably covered in snow right now. See my recent trip report with a non-hammocking buddy...

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=71206


The forest service website has a list of the official trails, I will often pick one from here:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/arp/...28024&actid=51

Very pretty area for sure. Brainard Lake and many great others in that area.

The tricky part is always finding something that's remote enough to allow backpacking but low enough to provide milder weather in shoulder seasons for those more adverse to snow and/or cold. That's a tough balance in this area.

[Klanecfsb]

I did some car camping outside buena vista, at about a7900 right along the Arkansas headwaters last spring. I made it with a Walmart tarp, thermarest and 20 degree bag ( with appropriate clothes) for 3 week straight. down to 29 one night and snowing. Really killer spot, could Pm you directions. About 2 hrs from Denver. Awesome town with rad views if the collegiate peaks

[swoody126]

turn west @ THE light in Buena Vista & head up toward Cottonwood Pass

there are several trail heads along the way

OR turn west @ Princeton, up toward Mt Princeton

stop when you are comfortable...

been M/C camping up both canyons w/ good results

if you head up toward Independence Pass you will find a LOT more souls

the west side of Cottonwood Pass/Taylor Reservoir area would be/is one of my favorite areas

lotsa room to wander w/o much company

just a FLATLANDER'S 2¢ worth

sw

[OutandBack]

I'll recommend segment 2,3,4 of the Colorado Trail this time of year.
If you hike East to West it will be mostly uphill on the way in and down hill on the way out and you can hang your hammocks just about anywhere. Got to love that.

In another month Golden Gate State Park has some great hikes with views. They have undeveloped camp sites that work well for hammocks.

[Sevens]

Thanks y'all. Lots of good info. We will be headin out in a couple of weeks.