My friend and I recently returned from a short but sweet backpacking trip in the Rawah Wilderness of the Roosevelt National Forest. It was a trip of firsts…my first time backpacking in CO (had only been there in winter before this), my friend’s first time backpacking ever (as well as her first time at altitude), both of our first moose sighting (sadly, they ran off before I could snap a photo), and my dog’s first backpacking trip!
Mileage was around 22 miles (loop), temps were highs in the low to mid 70’s and lows maybe in the upper 40’s or low 50’s? Not sure to be honest!
Day one, 07/28/16, we hiked 6.8 miles from the West Branch Trailhead (8,578 ft) to Twin Crater Lakes (11,085 ft). We took West Branch Trail to the Rawah Trail to the North Fork Trail. First 3ish miles was in the forest with a ton of gorgeous birch trees. I was kind of sad when they tapered off, but then we were in wildflower paradise…and then finally got out of the tree cover to stunning meadows. Then it was more uphill to our campsite at Twin Crater Lakes.
Westley the puppy frolicking through the meadow.
My friend and my pup taking in the sights.
Our awesome campsite for the night.
Day 2 was 15 miles. Took the North Fork Trail back down to the Rawah Trail, and followed that to Camp Lake Trail, which included going over Grassy Pass and views of Rawah Lakes #2 and #3, all great scenery. Got on Camp Lake Trail and had lunch at Camp Lake. Around mile 13 we rejoined the West Branch Trail and finally back to the trailhead.
A pup who desperately wants to be let out the tent and start the day!
Most of the stream crossings were easy to get across.
There were some gentle switchbacks to get over Grassy Pass.
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Bonus pics ;)
This was my first time to the Badlands. We were just passing through on the way from MN to CO, and only had a few hours there. But we made the most of it and had coffee at sunrise at Big Badlands Overlook, and then did a little hiking.
Big Badlands Overlook right as the sun is coming up.
Not even 20 minutes later and everything is a different color, mood, view, etc.
Shadow selfie in the Badlands.
So yeah! Overall a great trip! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have if you are headed that way.
