Colorado - Flat Tops Wilderness
I spent three nights in the Flat Tops Wilderness to climb Trappers Peak, Sheep Mountain and Devils Causeway (40 miles, 5,500 feet gain)
This route loops around the "Flat Top" with little elevation change after the initial climb to Wall Lake
I chose the Skinny Fish Trailhead for access to hot food at Trappers Lake Lodge, spending a night at Bucks campground before the walk to acclimate. All three camps are above 11,000 feet.
The daily miles are conservative, my first backpacking trip in two years following peroneal tendon surgery. With the afternoon rain each day getting to camp early worked out and might even be a good strategy.
The Carhart Trailhead could be used as an alternative to save time, coming down Little Trapper instead of Skinny Fish. The view at Deer Lake would make it a good campsite as well.
The daily miles are conservative, my first backpacking trip in two years following peroneal tendon surgery. With the afternoon rain each day getting to camp early worked out and might even be a good strategy.
The Carhart Trailhead could be used as an alternative to save time, coming down Little Trapper instead of Skinny Fish. The view at Deer Lake would make it a good campsite as well.
Map Overview
Looking down from a plateau above Wall Lake, my favorite campsite of the walk
Upper Island Lake
Lower Island Lake
Final campsite with Derby Peak and Flat Top Mountain in the distance
Sunrise at the land bridge "Devils Causeway". The narrow section is brief but has steep dropoffs on both sides
The narrowest point to help you decide
Looking south from the Causeway
Related Pages:
Colorado Trail
Colorado Trail