Hey gang, just found out we’ll be out in Colorado visiting family from Oct 4-10, and thought about getting a 3 Day / 2 Night backpacker in. I know the weather might not cooperate that time of year, but we’re definitely up for a trip out if we can do it, but it’s not a make or break for our trip. Obviously not looking to do anything in higher elevations.
We were interested in doing the Crater Lake and Mirror Lake 15 miler. Given that my wife and I are not that experienced with the elevations out there, we figured it would be best to consider this for two nights. We’ll be based out of Denver and take a day or so to acclimate to the elevation change before setting out. I checked the NPS site and the three campsites at Mirror Lake are still reservable.
For reference, we’re backpackers here on the East Coast, mostly hiking in Shenandoah NP, Jefferson/George Washington NF, and sections of the AT. Have only been at it a short time, myself about a year and a half, my wife 9 months. We’re in excellent shape (both half marathoners) and hike 3 weekends out of the month generally. Our pack weights are always sub-20lbs (but on longer trips, right around there with food and water).
Open to any advice whatsoever! I’m just now starting to research this as the trip kinda sprung up on us, so if there are other doable areas in the 15 mile range, I’m all ears. I know it’s late in the Fall, but would to fit something in while we’re there! Thanks in advance.
Cheers!
