I'm taking my girlfriend on her very first backpacking trip in mid-September. We're flying into Denver, but we've got a rental car and are willing to drive several hours. I know the Four Pass Loop is the standard recommendation, but she's got some arthritis issues in her knees and is worried about the ~10k elevation gain/loss. I'm trying to come up with some alternatives, and I'm hoping someone here might have some good recommendations for me. Wants: ~25-40 miles -loop/lollipop/some other way to get back to the rental car -some alpine scenery (I cut my backpacking teeth in the Sierras and I'm eager to get back to the high mountains) Possible options: -Indian Peaks – loop over Pawnee and Buchannan passes -Rawah – Rawah trail/camp lake trail with bonus lakes depending on time Any other great Colorado loops we should consider?
