First Backpack Trip

Indian Peaks: Camp Dick to Red Deer Lake
We did a very nice and easy overnight this weekend in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. We started at Camp Dick, fairly close to Nederland, CO and about 8500 ft. elevation. From there we hiked up through a cool forest for about 4 miles until the trail opened up into a meadow full of wildflowers. Steep, rocky cliffs that seemed to be mid-crumble surround the meadow. We continued into the actual wilderness area and were soon rewarded with views of snow-capped peaks. The trail follows a fast-flowing creek and passes a rocky outcrop with views of a waterfall. At about 9800 ft. we headed up a fork in the trail to Red Deer lake. The lake remains hidden from view until the very end, where after short climb a snow covered cliff appears with a glistening alpine lake below (about 10,300 ft.).
We set up camp in a wooded area near the lake and explored. A very beautiful setting and a nice intro into mountain backpacking.

Lates Hikes Update!

Well it has been quite a while...just to update, we are now living in Boulder, CO and eager to enjoy all the natural wonders around us. We have tubed Boulder Creek- an exhilarating trip and gone on a few local hikes and one backpacking trip so far.
The first hike we did was the Canyon Loop Trail in the Betasso Preserve. 3.2 Miles- pretty easy. There were great views of Boulder and beyond and the trail winds through shady forests and into open vistas.
We hiked the Anne U. White Trail- also an easy trek, about 3 miles in Fourmile Canyon. It was shady and cool, and also very easy to get to.

The First Flatiron hike was a great trip. It starts in Chautauqua park and heads up a wide gravel road into switchbacks that pass through forest. There were several rock climbers tackling the mini Flatiron. From there we headed up a boulder field and a few more switchbacks until we reached an amazing view of the valley, some of the Indian Peals, and the other Flatirons.