Backpacking and Climbing Suggestions in Central Colorado ??

Two friends of mine are looking to do some backpacking in CO that would also have some bouldering or even pitch climbing on the way.

Any Suggestions?

- We live in Colorado Springs; a three-hour drive from the springs should open a number of places
- Leaving Friday noonish, back on Sunday evening
- We want to focus on the backpacking, but would love to bring our shoes and chalk for some backcountry bouldering
- We would consider hiking in with more gear, if the approach was less and the climbing very nice
- Since we are only out for 2.5 days I am leaning toward bouldering (it is supposed to be a vacation, right?)

We are considering Lost Creek loop, though it is ~22 miles...it seems like a bit much hiking over two days....though the bouldering looks fun .

Maybe combining the backpacking with a 14er, would be nice (We have done Harvard, and would certainly like to do another/similar)

I would prefer going in maybe five miles or so and then having more time for bouldering...

Thanks for any feedback. Any suggestions would be appreciated...stunning vistas a real plus!

I'd say the Crestones, 14ers, bouldering, spectacular vistas.

The Lost Creek Wilderness would be a good choice. Although I have mostly just hiked there myself, I have heard that McCurdy Park Tower is an excellent spot to backpack in to and climb for a few days.

Crater Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area has pretty much everything you are looking for. The views don't get any better, there's potential for bouldering and if you want to bring the gear, you could climb the North Face of Lone Eagle Peak which goes at 5.7. Also many peaks to bag from a camp at Crater Lake. A backcountry permit is required to camp between June 1st and Sept 15th.

Roach's "Colorado's Indian Peaks" has good info and route descriptions.

mountainproject.com/v/color…

summitpost.org/mountain/roc…

Whatever you do, have a great time out there.

Eric

Jon Moen wrote:The Lost Creek Wilderness would be a good choice. Although I have mostly just hiked there myself, I have heard that McCurdy Park Tower is an excellent spot to backpack in to and climb for a few days.

I'd second that - i backpacked thru there around Memorial Day and spent an afternoon scrambling and bouldering in McCurdy Park - the Tower looks AWESOME. Go for it.

You were right on with the Lost Creek idea. Check out the Goose Creek trailhead which after 5 or 6 miles will take you to an astonishing amount of undocumented rock climbing on domes and steep dihedrals. There are boulders everywhere, but mostly pikes peak granite stinks for bouldering. We combined this with McCurdy park as a loop of about 20 miles, but in your timeframe one or the other would be best. Good luck!

I really enjoyed climbing Lone Eagle Peak with Tracy years ago. The trail head is next to Monarch Lake near Granby. Hike in is something like 8-9 miles. Camp at Crater Lake. Very picturesque for hiking and lots and lots of rock everywhere. Do the Stettner route with your pals.

mountainproject.com/v/color…;

Lone Eagle Peak. Tim's post reminded me that there's a lot of rock besides the 5.7 route. A buddy and I found a decent toprope boulder before heading out, we worked on some 11-ish stuff. Hike is an easy 8 miles from trailhead, scenic all the way. Plus there is a nice waterfall en route.

Another option is heading up to the Conundrum hot springs in the Maroon Bells wilderness. That's just spectacular all around, and I'm sure you could find some boulders.

Thanks for the fedback and great info.

I will let you know what we decide....