Colorado Singles Backcountry Hiker Singles Hike Vacation FAQ's & Details |
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A Backcountry Hut-to-Hut, Hiking Adventure One of the great attractions to hiking is its promise of a backcountry, wilderness experience. In no instance is this promise fulfilled more completely than during our multi-day hiking adventure in the heart of Colorado’s incomparable high country. By day, we explore portions of the 300-mile 10th Mountain Division Trail System, and at night settle into another scenic chalet. The huts are remote and idyllic hideaways perched high on mountain ridges with magnificent views. These charming log cabins offer you the unique opportunity to stay in the high country among endless trails, wildflowers, elk and deer. Featuring amenities such as vaulted ceilings, bay windows, wood stoves and solar lighting, you will enjoy evenings of serenity and backcountry comfort. After a day on the trail snuggle up to a good book, or relax on the sun deck and soak in the view.
Day 1.
Hike from Fulford Campground via Iron Edge Trail to Peter Estin Hut, Peter Estin Hut Our group assembles in the sitting room of the Evergreen Lodge in Vail at 9:00 a.m. After a short orientation and a shuttle, we lace up our boots for a day of hiking into the heart of the Rocky Mountains and the rooftop of America! Trailhead begins in the White River National Forest at the Fulford Cave Campground. Exercise your lungs as we head up the Iron Edge trail for a great warm up hike to the majestically situated Peter Estin Hut. A guide favorite, Peter Estin Hut is perched on a lofty knoll at 11,200 feet. This idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax and marvel at the magnificent views of the Elk Range’s jagged peaks. • Iron Edge Trail to Peter Estin Hut [4.5 miles, 1700’ elevation gain]
Day 2.
Hike from Peter Estin Hut via the Charles Peak Trail, Peter Estin Hut Hiking directly from Peter Estin Hut, our backcountry adventure continues when we climb a high elevation ridgeline at 12,000 feet just below Charles Peak. Our picnic lunch spot is unforgettable as we gaze from alpine tundra out onto a sea of snowy peaks and a tranquil mountain lake. We then meander down tree-covered ridges to pristine Lake Charles. After lunch we can venture on to Mystic Island Lake or explore Lake Charles, then we head down to Fulford Campground for our shuttle back to Peter Estin hut and another relaxing panorama-filled sunset. • Peter Estin Hut – Lake Charles to Fulford Campground [9 miles; approximately 700 feet of elevation gain, 2000 feet of elevation loss] • Option: Lake Charles to Mystic Island Lake [4 miles; 265 feet elevation gain, then loss]
Day 3.
Hike Henderson Park, Skinner Hut As you wake up and breathe deeply the fresh mountain air, get ready for another day of the unique mountain beauty only Colorado can provide. Today we venture deep into the Holy Cross Wilderness and explore secluded meadows and flower-filled aspen woodlands on our way to magnificent Henderson Park, a gorgeous example of a pristine Rocky Mountain alpine meadow filled with flowers and a magnet for wildlife. One can not help but wonder how the first pioneers must have felt when they first saw these beautiful mountains and lakes. This afternoon, we find ourselves at our next tranquil hideaway -- Skinner Hut, probably the most precipitous site of any hut in Colorado. Blending well with the high, alpine landscape, this handsome stone building appears to have been carved from the underlying crags. • Last Chance Trail to Tellurium Lake trailhead [7.5 miles, 1200’ elevation gain/1400’ loss] • Shuttle to trailhead and to hut [2.5 hours over rough four wheel drive roads]
Day 4.
Free Day, Skinner Hut Today is all yours as we layover for a day to soak in the peace of the high mountains. The options are limitless. Relax at the hut, or lace up the hiking boots and head down the old railway grade of the Midland Railroad of the 1890s as we descend toward Turquoise Lake. En route, we hike to the long since abandoned Hagerman Tunnel and explore the ghost town of Douglas City, once a wild settlement with eight saloons and dance halls. Another option is to hike or shuttle to the lakeshore trail that winds along the edge of Turquoise Lake, whose waters often mirror Colorado's two highest peaks, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert. As yet another option, consider venturing up to Hagerman Pass and the Continental Divide. Opt for this hike will be rewarded with 360° views of the sea of peaks that stretch from the open summit back to Leadville and the Arkansas Valley to Ivanhoe Lake and the Upper Fryingpan Valley. Whatever you choose for the day, be sure to leave yourself some time to simply relax at the hut. • Skinner Hut to Douglas City [6 miles; 1500’ elevation gain/loss] • Option: Turquoise Lake Hike [4-8 miles; elevation gain negligible]
Day 5.
Hike the Colorado Trail to Timberline Lake and Uncle Bud’s Hut, Uncle Bud’s Hut Today we lace up our boots for a day of hiking along a portion of the 490-mile long Colorado Trail, which stretches from Denver to Durango in the southwest corner of the state. Our first destination is the shores of sun splashed Timberline Lake, set at the base of the Continental Divide. Permanent snowfields cling to the high, unnamed peaks surrounding this beautiful alpine lake. After lunch, we climb through cool pine forests over a high mountain saddle before descending through a verdant valley peppered with colorful wildflowers Bear Lakes to an open meadow and Uncle Bud’s Hut. Tonight’s home-away-from-home, Uncle Bud’s Hut, is situated above 11,000 feet and picturesquely set near tree line in an huge alpine meadow. Enjoy a stroll, relax on the sun deck and marvel at the magnificent view of Mt. Massive or cap off the day with a game of frisbee. Dinner this evening is truly a well-deserved feast. Under clear mountain skies, we relax on the deck and enjoy the peace of the Rocky Mountain backcountry. • Hike Timberline Lake [5 miles; 815 feet of elevation gain, then loss] • Turquoise Lake to Uncle Bud’s Hut via Bear Lake Trail [4 miles, approximately 1280’ of elevation gain/ 500’ loss]
Day 6.
Hike Tennessee Pass from Uncle Bud’s Hut via the Colorado Trail Beginning right at the front door of Uncle Bud’s Hut, we venture once again into the heart of the Holy Cross Wilderness and along the renowned Colorado Trail. With breathtaking ridge-line passes, beaver-pond meadows, craggy peaks and a trail’s end that straddles the Continental Divide at Tennessee Pass, today is truly a fitting finale to a wonderful week. At trail’s end we shuttle to Vail for our trip's conclusion. • Uncle Bud’s Hut to Tennessee Pass via the Colorado Trail [8 miles; approximately 400’ elevation gain/1300’ loss]
NOTE: The following changes for Summer of 2010 July & August Singles Tours:
July Tour Changes
Day 3: Same activity as in standard itinerary, but lodging at the Betty Ber Hut
Day 4: Hike to Douglas City/Hagerman Tunnel and the Bear Lake Trail, Lodging at Uncle Bud's Hut
Our route follows the old railway grade of the Midland RR of the 1090's as we ascend to the ghost town of Douglas City, once a wild settlement with eight saloons and dance halls. We also explore long since abandoned Hagerman Tunnel. After lunch we hike up to Bear Lake, over a saddle and back down to Uncle Bud's Hut, our home away from home for the final two nights. Situated above 11,000' the hut is picturesquely set near tree line in an open expanse with views of Colorado's two highest peaks.
Day 5: Free Day or Hike Galena Mt from Uncle Bud's Hut.
Spend the day reading and relaxing on the deck at Uncle Bud's or walk a portion of the 490 mile Colorado Trail that ventures into the alpine reaches of the Holy Cross Wilderness. The trail leads to a series of remote lakes before climbing above the treeline along the edge of sumit.
August Tour Changes
Day 1: See Day 6 of the standard itinerary, but hiked in the reverse direction, lodging at Uncle Bud's Hut
Day 2: Hike Galena Mountain Lodging at Uncle Bud's Hut
Day 3: Hike the Colorado Trail to Timberline Lake, Lodging at Skinner Hut
Lace up your boots for a day of hiking along the 490 mile long Colorado Trail, which stretches from Denver to Durango in the southwest corner fo the state. Our destination the shores of the sunsplashed Timberline Lake, set at the base of the Continental Divide. Permanent snowfields cling to the high-unnamed peaks surrounding this beautiful lake. From here we enjoy the return descent along the cascading Lake Fork.
Day 4: Free Day with hiking options, lodging at Skinner Hut
Day 5: Hike Tellurium Park, Lodging at Harry Gates Hut .. For 8/20 at Harry Gates HUt and for 9/10 Peter Estin Hut.
We shuttle to the Holy Cross Wilderness and explore expansive and wildflower laced Henderson and Tellurium Parks by foot. One can no help but wonder how the first pioneers must have felt when they frist saw these beautiful mountains and lakes.
Day 6: Hike Charles Peak Trail
General Information:
Tour Details Trip Type:
Hut Trip Length: 6 days/5 nights
Sleeping Bag Rental: $25
Trip Rating: Moderate to challenging Activities: hike (5-6 days)
Gateway City:
Denver or Vail, CO Gateway City Transfer: Public transportation from Denver International Airport to Vail is available for approx. $65 one way through Colorado Mountain Express. Call Colorado Mountain Express at 800-525-6363 / 970-926-9800 or log onto www.cmex.com for more information. Rates are subject to change and advance reservations are recommended. Alternatively, AmeriShuttle (formally Denver Mountain Shuttle) offers Airport to Vail service for approx. $60/one-way, $115/round-trip. Contact them at 877-933-4362 or 720-377-3647 or log onto www.resortshuttle.com for more information. Advance reservations are also recommended. Vail is 98 miles and approximately 2 hours from downtown Denver. The shuttle from Denver International Airport to Vail takes approximately 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
Departure Meeting Time & Place: 9:00 a.m., in front of the Evergreen Lodge, 250 South Frontage Road, Vail, 800-284-8245 (www.evergreenvail.com) . .
We recommend you have a breakfast prior to our meeting and arrive prepared to hike immediately following our orientation. Trip Conclusion: 5:30 p.m., Evergreen Lodge Airline departures should be scheduled no earlier than 9:30 p.m. from Denver.
Questions & Answers:
What weather conditions can I expect?
Summer is prime time in the mountains. You can expect low humidity with highs in the 70’s and lows in the 40’s. However, as in other mountainous regions, weather in the Rockies is very changeable - sunny skies can turn stormy in minutes, afternoon thunderstorms are common and snow, while rare in the summer, is possible anytime of the year.
How difficult is this trip? ... Really?
This trip is hillier and more challenging than our Easy tours. It is intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable being active 4-6 hours a day. The hikes are 2-9 miles/day with climbs from 8,000 feet up to 12,000 feet.
How will the change in altitude affect me?
This is a difficult question to answer as altitude physiologically affects different people in different ways. The Rocky Mountains range from 5,000 feet to over 14,000 feet of elevation, and have an extremely dry climate. Thus, to prevent altitude sickness we recommend that you always remain well-hydrated, gradually expose yourself to higher elevations, exercise moderately until altitude acclimatized, eat a diet consisting of at least 70% carbohydrates beginning 1 to 2 days prior to your trip, and get plenty of rest. Furthermore, we suggest that you arrive in Vail at least 1 to 2 days prior to the first day of your trip.
How nice are the huts?
Although the huts are luxurious backcountry accommodations, they are still relatively rustic. They are equipped with pumped water in the kitchen, an attached outhouse, photovoltaic lighting, a social area centered around a wood stove, an expansive sun deck, and your guides will make solar showers available for bathing. Please note that you will need to bring [or rent from us] a sleeping bag and a pillow case [comfortable mattresses make up the huts' ‘single’ level beds]. There are several sleeping rooms - the size of the group determines how many people will share each room.
Pre & Post Trip Accommodations:
Vail Lodging.
If you arrive in Vail the evening before the trip, or stay over after the trip, we recommend the
