I recently completed my first solo trip while visiting my sister, an opera singer, in Aspen, CO for the Aspen music festival. I planned a short overnight hike for two reasons: I've never slept alone in the wilderness before, and I was using a tarp for the first time and I was afraid of it not working out. I usually hike with my girlfriend or other friends, and bring a two person tent. After some research, I found the Midway trail, which actually connects to the Hunter Creek trail leading right back into Aspen. The entire trip was only a little over 20 miles long, so I hiked about 12 miles the first day and a bit over 8 the second, but I think that it was a good amount for my first trip. The majority of the trail was in the Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness in mid August.
I started out at the Lost Man trailhead at around 7 AM, and quickly began my ascent of 18 switchbacks up to around 11,500 ft. Here's the view along the way:
Once I was near the top of the mountain, the views were gorgeous.mg src="/backpackinglight/user_uploads/1410753969_111287.jpg" alt="Top" width="550" height="413">
I continued along the path, taking in all the sights from above. I went past a small lake.
After a couple of hours, I arrived at Midway Pass. I started this hike early because I was worried about the weather report of a chance thunderstorm, but my fears were unfounded.
After the pass, I descended into a dense forest. I wanted a picture of myself, which failed miserably.
So the rest of the day was spent hiking through thick forests, part of which had no discernible trail. After hiking around twelve miles that day, I decided to find a suitable camp site. I ran into one other hiker that day, who told me of some nice pine flats a mile ahead, so I took his advice and found an awesome spot. Because this was my first experience using a tarp, I spent a lot of time selecting my spot for the night. Eventually, I found a good spot that was elevated from the area around it, with a slight slope allowing water to drain if it rained.
I was unable to get the tarp completely taut, as you can tell, but it worked out just fine. If anyone has advice on that I would appreciate it!
I actually felt so much more secure with the ability to get out from my shelter more easily than in a tent. My only regret was setting up camp so early (around 3:30 pm). I wish I had found a longer hike to occupy my time, but I did not want to hike any further that day and finish really early the next morning.
The next day I spent hiking back into Aspen to our hotel. The hike was beautiful, but I do not have that many great pictures.
Lots of wildflowers everywhere. Easy downhill hike for the most part, which was welcome after the first day's switchbacks.
Definitely a positive first solo experience, and I really enjoyed using a tarp! Hope you all enjoyed the trip, and I will leave you with a cool picture from around the end of the hike.
