Comments on: Backpacking Loops – Mags Favorites

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 20:53:28 +0000

In reply to Ben. Not familiar with that route. Sorry. Warm bordering on hot during the day for lower trails. Cool at night however.

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 20:25:52 +0000

In reply to Paul Mags. Thanks for the quick reply. We were also considering going to the Horn Fork Basin via North Cottonwood Creek TH. Are you familiar with that area? When you say LCW get's very warm this time of year do you mean we won't need much for warm clothes even at night?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 19:47:05 +0000

In reply to Ben. I don't have the map handy, but sounds doable. The map will let you know for sure. Also, be aware that the LCW can get very warm at that time of the year.

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 18:43:41 +0000

Hi! Thanks for the useful information. Me and 7 of my buddies are planning on a Backpacking trip July 4th weekend. We will start in the morning Friday and need to be out by Monday morning. I am thinking about doing the 22 mile loop you describe in the LCW. However, I’m interested in seeing the area of the cut-off trail that goes between mt McCurdy and Bison Peak that you described, but don’t have time to do the 35 mile loop. Is it possible to do an out and back that would allow us to see the McCurdy and Bison Peak area? Perhaps we could set up camp near that cut-off trail and then do a backpack free hike into the area? Your advice is greatly appreciated!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 21:00:48 +0000

In reply to Doug Stewart.

If you can hitch from Lake City to Gunnison, you can get public transit as far as Denver (or montrose).

A hitch would not be too bad from Lake City as HWY 149 goes to US50. On a weekend, a lot of tourist traffic, too.

Otherwise try calling the chamber of commerce. There may be a private shuttling service.

By: Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:36:20 +0000

Paul: Thanks for all you do for hiking on your website. I am contemplating a September section hike from Chamas to Lake City. Getting to Chamas is pretty easy, but I’m at a loss for how to get from Lake City to any regional airport, like Montrose, to fly home. Do you know of any transportation services in that region? I’d hate to have to hitchhike after that many days on the trail….not sure if anyone would stop for me. If only this hike were a loop!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:30:56 +0000

In reply to Jeff.

Try this
http://www.coloradomountainexpress.com/aspen-snowmass

Once in Aspen, you can get a shuttle
http://www.aspensnowmass.com/summer-recreation/more-summer-activities/visit-maroon-bells

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 19:10:36 +0000

I’d love to do the Maroon Bells this August – I’m just having trouble figuring out logistics on getting to and from Aspen from Denver. Figuring a hitch is tough for a 3+ hour drive. Any tips?

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:21:32 +0000

In reply to Paul Mags. Thanks! Are there any 15-25 mile long hikes in particular that you recommend in those areas?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 18:18:02 +0000

In reply to Eric. Going to be hot in Grand Junction area proper this time of the year (100F Saturday!). The Grand Mesa will be wet and sloppy (and mosquito prone) but should be more melted out. Looks to be partly cloud with some possible rain Sunday. About 80F during the day. Trail Illustrated make a nice map.