Colorado Backcountry Hiker

Backcountry Hiking in Colorado

The promise of a backcountry, wilderness experience is fulfilled completely during our multi-day hiking adventure in the heart of Colorado's incomparable high country. By day we explore portions of the 10th Mountain Trail System, the country's most extensive, backcountry accommodation-served trail network. Gaze at the stars at night before settling into the comforts of a European-style chalet.

Days 1-2 Vail-White River National Forest-Lake Charles. We meet in Vail and head to the Continental Divide, the crown of the Rockies, to walk amid majestic vistas. Trail's end for the first two nights is Peter Estin Hut, perched on a lofty knoll at 11,200 feet. Hike to the summit of Charles Peak at 12,000 feet for 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas and back down to Lake Charles and Mystic Island Lake.

Days 3-4 Holy Cross-Turquoise Lake-Hagerman Pass. Venture into Holy Cross Wilderness and explore expansive Henderson Park. Hike the old Midland Railroad route down to Turquoise Lake and explore the ghost town of Douglas City. Or climb up to Hagerman Pass and the Continental Divide. Save some time to just relax and enjoy the tranquil setting of Skinner Hut, our handsome home for these two evenings.

Days 5-6 Timberline Lake-Colorado Trail-Tennessee Pass-Vail. Hike a portion of the 490-mile long Colorado Trail to the shores of Timberline Lake, surrounded by permanent snowfields on the peaks above. After a night at Uncle Bud's Hut, situated in another picturesque setting at 11,000 feet, hike to Tennessee Pass before wrapping up our trip back in Vail.