Posted by: Hawke
First Trip Advice - 06/14/12 08:39 AM
Hey all. I'm excited to be planning my first (EVAR!! ) backpacking trip. I've got everything I need except....A place to go. lol So, I thought I'd ask here for advice.
I live in Denver, and am willing to drive a few (no more than 3?) hours to a decent trail, but closer is preferable. I don't want to do crazy miles, and really only want to spend one night out (I'm planning on leaving Sunday June 24th, come back Monday.) I'm ok with out-and-back or a loop, I think 15 miles total is probably my max.
I found this hike Twin Owls Loop , but I don't have a bear canister and am not willing to shell out for one at this point. I'm also nervous about the whole permitting process. How easy/hard is it? If I show up at the park station at 8 am that morning, what are my chances of being told I can't camp in the area anyway?
I also looked at doing the Goose Creek trail from the TH to Wigwam Park, overnighting, then coming back out (looks a bit long, maybe 19mi RT). I could go to the Shaft House (~5 mi one way?), but that's a bit shorter than I was hoping for.
Anyway, for all the Coloradoans here, advice/input is greatly appreciated.
I live in Denver, and am willing to drive a few (no more than 3?) hours to a decent trail, but closer is preferable. I don't want to do crazy miles, and really only want to spend one night out (I'm planning on leaving Sunday June 24th, come back Monday.) I'm ok with out-and-back or a loop, I think 15 miles total is probably my max.
I found this hike Twin Owls Loop , but I don't have a bear canister and am not willing to shell out for one at this point. I'm also nervous about the whole permitting process. How easy/hard is it? If I show up at the park station at 8 am that morning, what are my chances of being told I can't camp in the area anyway?
I also looked at doing the Goose Creek trail from the TH to Wigwam Park, overnighting, then coming back out (looks a bit long, maybe 19mi RT). I could go to the Shaft House (~5 mi one way?), but that's a bit shorter than I was hoping for.
Anyway, for all the Coloradoans here, advice/input is greatly appreciated.