I’m going to be in or around Denver for 2 or 3 days in early August to acclimatize before going on the CT. Instead of wasting time and money in town I was wondering if there are any good campgrounds I could get to by public transportation, something with good day hike possibilities. Maybe a 2 or 3 day easy hiking trip that stays under 8000 ft. or so? Thanks, hafdome
hafdome
The area around Boulder, just north of Denver a few miles, was really nice when I was up there in March, save for the four feet of snow we got the second night up there. The REI in Denver is supposed to be one of the largest there is, but ironically, was closed due to snow conditions when we were there. Boulder has a smaller REI, an EMS, Neptune and Mountainsports shops as well, so any last minute equipment good place to compare prices. Also, downtown Boulder is really cool area to spend a few nights, cheap accomodations in some area hotels.
airferret
airferret
I would recommend getting out of town. I stayed at one of the Denver hostels, Ok but in the heart of the city. Why not start your hike early and just go slower at first? The CT does not get above 10,000 for 50 or 60 miles. I think that there’s also a campground near along the road at the end of section 1 and there are several along the beautiful section 3 below 10,000 and maybe even 9000’. You could hitch from the end of section 2 to restock on food, so going slower at first could definitely be workable. Just some thoughts.
Sweeper
I second sweeper. Just go ahead and start. The climb up waterton canyon is really not bad, then section after that is again not very high, so you will be able to have a few nights before you start to go up higher, and even the next section doesn’t go above treeline. Although you can get altitude sickness even at 9k, if you pay attention to how you feel, I doubt you will have a problem.
Gravity Man
Gravity Man