Hi Everyone.
I'm planning on hiking along the CDT from the Herman Gulch Trailhead near the Loveland Ski area to Nederland Colorado (~45 miles).
This segment is nicely connected to public transportation/shuttles on both ends. Unfortunately the trailhead is close to 11,000 and goes up from there so there is little scope for gradual acclimation.
Here is my acclimation plan…
Day #1: Arrive in Boulder and take a 4 mile day hike (~5,500 ft)
Day #2: Hike to little blue lake (~11,000 ft) and then return to Boulder to sleep.
Day #3: Hike to Pawnee Pass (~12,000 ft) and then return to Boulder to sleep.
Day #4: Arrive at Herman Gulch trailhead, hike just a few miles, and sleep (~11,000 ft)
Day #5-6: Hike up to ~13,000 ft and sleep around ~12,000 ft. There are few opportunities to 'sleep low' once the hike starts.
Does this sound like a reasonable acclimation plan?
AND: has anyone done this trip before? Any advice or campsite recommendations?
Thanks!
RVP
