Colorado

Hello Everyone,

I am heading out to the San Juan Wilderness Area in less than five days. I have never been to Colorado before and I am excited about. I am going with my Dad and two brothers who are avid hunters. They will be bow hunting for Elk and I am going to be hiking and do some solo loop trips from base camp. We are going to park at Trailhead 712 "The Three Forks Trail". At the two mile mark the trail splits into three different trails all leading to the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). So you can hit the CDT and then hit one of the three forks and head back down to base camp. Its like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole on going with the hunters since I don't hunt but they have encouraged me to go and since none of them have even backpacked before they think I might be some help to them. I don't know about that but since my pack is going to weigh around 25lbs and the lightest on of one them is 53lbs I should be able to keep up. I am apprehensive and really excited about the trip at the same time. The good thing it will be interesting to say the least. Keep in mind I am not against hunting. I just don't do it. I have done alot of research of the area and very excited about the hiking and scenery I will get to see. Wish me luck or God Bless & to keep the snow away!!! Heading out on Friday!

Lew

That's awesome Lew! I've lived in CO and it's absolutely amazing! I've never been to the San Jauns though. I was just there at the beginning of August. I hiked Blanca Peak. Enjoy it man...I'm jealous!

Good luck and be safe Lew... I can only say one thing PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS

Lew,

I just came back from my first backpacking trip in Colorado. I have been in New Mexico quite a bit but there was no comparison to Colorado. I went to the Flat Tops Wilderness area north west of Vail. We had a little snow at 11,000 feet in August so be prepared.

Good luck and have a great time.

HBH

Lew:
Enjoy your trip and looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back. I know you are going to have a great time.
Enjoy,
UL

Back in the summer of 05 the wife and I went thru that area on the way back from SW WY. I even bought some maps of the area. Hope to go back some day and hike some of it.
Good luck and have a great time!

Lew, you're going to have a great time. Colorado is one of my top 5 favorite states. There is nothing like the scent of the cool, clean air up in the Rockies.

Enjoy yourself, and be careful.

Good Luck Lew. From being in CO for awhile on two different occasions, I did learn that you have to take a little bit of time getting used to the thin air, or take the hikes slow. I learned the hard way, and was sucking wind the whole time. Good Luck and take some pics!

Gear List! Thanks for all the good lucks!!!!

Category Item Weight (oz)Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clothing Boxers & Socks 13.30 1 Pair of Boxers 3 pair Socks
Clothing Marmot Rain Jacket 13.90
Clothing Marmot Rain Pants 8.90
Clothing MH Fleece Thermal Bottoms 8.20
Clothing NF Fleece Hat 1.10
Clothing NF Fleece pullover 10.90
Clothing NF Gloves 1.50
Clothing Platypus Water Bottle 2L 1.30
Hydration Amigo Pro Gravity Filter 8.90
Hydration Gatorade Bottle 1.20
Kitchen/Food Caldera Cone Stove 1.70
Kitchen/Food Compactor Trash Bag 1.20
Kitchen/Food Enertia Wrap 0.90
Kitchen/Food Food 177.59
Kitchen/Food Fuel Alcohol 13oz 13.80
Kitchen/Food Spork 0.30
Kitchen/Food Stove Caddy 2.30 Also a bowl and measuring cup
Kitchen/Food TI MSR Kettle 4.60
Packing Pack Rain Cover 3.50
Packing ULA Catalyst Pack 49.20
Personal Binoculars 6.60
Personal Compass 1.70
Personal First Aid 3.80
Personal Head Lamp 1.60
Personal Leatherman Wave 10.20
Personal Pack Towel 2.00
Personal Possibles Bag 8.00
Personal Potty Trial 1.80
Personal Small Radio 7.70 weather reports
Personal TP 1.20
Shelter Contrail Tent (Tarptent 25.70
Shelter Tent Stakes 6.50
Shelter Tyvek Ground Sheet 5.30
Sleep System Pro Lite Sleeping Pad 3/4 Length 13.00
Sleep System Western Moutainerring 20 degree S. Bag 34.60

Total Weight of Selected Items 453.99 oz 28.37 lbs

I had a great trip to CO. It was amazing scenery. Got to stay in the moutains for six days. I hiked, lazed around camp and hiked some more. CO is different as I was told by many that I needed to be in shape which I wasn't but it has inspired me to get into shape so look out BFC.

Link to pics Click Here!

Lew

Beautiful Pics Lew! Man, that scenery makes my mouth water.

CO is one of my favorite places. Glad you had a good (safe) trip.

Welcome back!

Those are some great pics, Lew. I told you that you would love Colorado. That looks like a great area for some multi-day hikes. Thanks for sharing!
UL

Excellent pics, Lew! Glad you had a great time.

Lew,

Thanks for sharing your photos. Looks like you had a great trip. The last time I was out west was the summer of 05, got to hike in the Northern Unitas of Utah. Didn't spend as much time as you but some lasting memories. Then my knee blew out and have been trying to catch up ever since. Guys take care of your knees!!

Great pics of the fall colors. Those were awesome. didn't get to see that on my trip to CO. I noticed you guys had some hunting gear, any luck. any pronghorn where you were. They were everywhere where I was.