Feedback on Treks around Dillion/Silverthorne, Leadville, CO

The only area I can offer advice is the Lost Man Lake Loop. Done it numerous times over the decades. Couple of things to know — it’s not a loop really, more like a horseshoe. It’s abt 9 miles trailhead to trailhead, then a 4 mile drive back to your car.

If acclimated it’s an easy hike and once past the lake the area is gorgeous with wild flowers. There is a nice campsite about 6 miles in that others have used i.e. if you start from upper TH, but dispersed camping is allowed. The huge downside to this area are the crowds. It’ll be busy with people and their off leash dogs.

Another side hike off Lost Man is Linkins Lake which begins within feet of entering the TH. That would be nice for one night and generally less busy. The ascent is considered steep and difficult. Not sure about fishing. Ranger would know.

Another thought is tackling a 14er with an overnight below tree line. La Plata, Mt. Elbert, are basically walkups–class 1, 2–and others in the area. 14ers.com is the place for info. I’m planning the upper Collegiate Peaks loop this summer which abt 60 miles that starts at Twin Lakes. There are 7-8 14ers on that route some I hope to summit.

Pic is from Lost Man hike last late July 2020. This an area beyond the Lost Man lake.

Thanks H W, the insight is appreciated and the photo is spectacular.  I will definitely check into Linkins Lake and visit the 14ers idea.

I found an interesting un-official trail on GAIA gps that loops back to the east TH from about 4mi in.  It was not shown on any FS maps, but GAIA could route it and in a satellite view I could see a lightly worn path on the ground.

I came up with this GAIA 7.2mile round trip with a possible camp right before the off trail section begins.  Topo view of that spot looks agreeable to a camp, and some trees to possibly tuck up against.  The off-trail goes over the saddle northeast of Geissler Mtn, which could be a grind, but satellite view looks possible and a visible trail can been seen ascending the west side.  My biggest concern of that route is the potential camp area, do you recall how that area looked as a camp location?

Best wishes for your 14er loop this summer.

Nate, in all the years I’ve taken family and friends on the loop I’ve never done the Geissler pass route. But looking at Caltopo profile the elevation gain is +376 feet over .3 mile distance in your approach to the saddle. Doable IMO with your kids.

re: camping — my pic gives you a good indication of the exposure in that area. If you were to go beyond the 2nd cutoff and begin heading back to the lower TH you begin getting into more forested areas where there are more secluded areas and one area I mentioned that is a more established dispersed site.

I’ve always enjoyed Linkins Lake, esp in the Fall and early Winter. To clarify, the approach is considered difficult only because it’s short but steep with numerous switchbacks. First time I took my wife I told her there were only a couple — every time we drive by she reminds me of how wrong I was. Plus it was cold and snowing.

Just know that where ever you decide to go in Colorado this summer expect the trails to be busy. Last summer –covid summer was about the busiest I’ve ever experienced and some are predicting it be worse this year.

Hi, I live in Breckenridge, and every summer I hike from Frisco to Copper Mountain. The trail begins at the end of Main Street in Frisco and it is the North TenMile Creek Trail. If TH parking is full there is a parking lot on the other side of I70 and a short walk then under the highway. The trail runs into the Gore Range Trail and you take this south over Uneva Pass to Copper Mountain. There is a pedestrian safe walkway to cross I70 and then walk into Copper Mountain village and from there you can catch the free Summit Stage bus back to Frisco. It is approximately 12 miles. I do it as a day hike so I haven’t camped along the way but  it looks like there are many suitable places and lots of lakes and streams. Also, I have never found it crowded once I am on the Gore Range Trail. I hope you have a wonderful trip with your family. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Hi Nate,

I live in Colorado Springs. I have backpacked extensively in the Lost Creek Wilderness Area (Lake George and Bailey)and the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area south of Fairplay.

Buffalo Peaks has many streams and small pounds that I’m fished using my TenkaraUSA Rods. There is a 12 mile loop did you can do with kids in two or three days or simply go out and back in a day. Check out Angler’s Covey web site for the fishing.

The Lost Creek Wildness has many entry point and many US Forest Service campground located at the entry points. Spruce Grove is my favorite. And right in Lake George is the famous 11 Mile Canyon Creek which is stocked with rainbows in it’s lower regions. Plenty of USFS campgrounds here as well.

Also good for a day hike and fishing is the Happy Meadows Campground located on the South Platte just outside Lake George.

Best,

Russ

Thank you Tracy and Russ, I will check those areas out.  When we’re far from home I like having several different options planned out and pick and choose what fits the day(s).  A little extra work in the planning stage, but it helps me match the group mood to the target trip.  I have been surprised in both directions, some times I would have been too aggressive, yet in others the group said bring it on.  I can recall the first backcountry camping trip a few years ago with my daughters.  I didn’t know for sure if they were going to be afraid of the “dark” and wildlife.  But when we were sitting in the hotel and I asked “instead of just hiking, should we go camping in the backcountry the next two nights”?  They lit up with a big YEAH, YEAH! no hesitation and they never looked back.

Tracy, I did have one quick question.  Have you noticed a much difference in trail traffic weekend vs. weekday?

-Nate

Hi, Nate, it is wonderful that your girls already backpack with you and really enjoy it! The trailheads are definitely more packed with cars on the weekends. Even during the week there will  be traffic on the North TenMile Creek Trail until you get to the Gore Range Trail where traffic thins. Also many hikers begin in Copper Mountain and Wheeler Lakes is a popular place to camp. Once past the turnoff to the lakes, traffic thins again. Please don’t hesitate if you have any more questions

Tracy