Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Rated as a difficult hike, backpacking in Dinosaur National Park offers rugged, isolated terrain. The hiking trail runs along the Jones Hole Creek and Ely Creek. A two-site campground is located at the junction of the two creeks. Reservations for this campground are required. However, this is not the only location in which backpackers can choose to camp. Any backpackers who have obtained a free backcountry permit may camp anywhere in the park that is at least one mile from the developed areas of the park and at least 1/4 mile from roads, trails and cultural sites. Campers must also stay at least 300 feet from water.
Rocky Mountain National Park is high up in the mountains near Denver. All of the trails in this park begin around 7,000 feet and climb even higher into the Rocky Mountains. The park offers many different types of terrain from streams and grassy hills in the lower elevations up to alpine terrain higher up in the mountains. The backcountry trails travel up the mountains into the alpine areas. A backpacking trip to the area requires careful planning as the weather can change very quickly. It is required that all backpackers register their trip plan with the rangers so they can be found if anything should happen.
The Continental Divide trail begins at the end of the Cumbres Creek Road at 10,600 feet elevation. The trail allows backpackers to hike near the top of the Continental Divide, encountering other side trails along the way. From this vantage point, backpackers can see for miles, including the San Luis Valley and the Conejos River. Lakes and rivers along the side trails offer backpackers fishing opportunities, which can help backpackers carry less food with them. Backpackers should check trail conditions prior to setting out, especially in early spring and late fall when snowfall is still likely.
Stretching from Denver to Durango, backpackers can make use of all or a portion of the Colorado Trail for hiking and camping. Those backpackers who wish to make the entire journey should set aside at least four to six weeks to travel the whole 483 miles. The trail offers 28 different segments for backpackers who do not want to take the whole trail to choose from. The trail begins around 10,000 feet in the mountains and stretches all the way up to over 13,000 feet. The trail weaves up and down between the timberline and areas above the timberline for a variety of views.
Backpackers to the Weminuche Wilderness can take advantage of backpacking trips that are available. The trips last 5 days and 4 nights through areas such as Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide. Backpackers first board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango and travel to the trail head by train. Backpackers then hike through the Colorado wilderness far from civilization. Hikers will encounter mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes along the way. Upon return from the trip, the train is taken back to Durango.