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.