3-day, 2-night (or more) backpack rec in N. San Juans/Elks/Maroon Bells?

[doebedoe]

Impromptu COvid honeymoon plans include a few days on the trail in SW Colorado or Aspen/Carbondale area. Prior to backpack we'll be in Ridgeway, then up to Carbondale area.

Looking for 3-day, 2-night-ish recommendations. We've got Monday-Wednesday nights to play with, so hopefully light on crowds. A hike in + base camp setup to day hike from also a good option. I'm working off a high-ankle sprain and not sure how it is going to hold up...so big days (12+mi) on lots of technical terrain probably isn't in the cards.

Hot springs a plus.

[The SnowShow]

San Juans: Molas Pass into the Grenadier Range area: below Arrow and Vestal Peaks.

Backpack into Chicago Lakes Area.

Elks: Backpack up to Capital Lake or Snowmass Lake.

[SkiLyft]

Backpacking the 4 pass loop — was easily the highlight of my 4 years spent in CO. We hiked CW, 12 miles the first day then 6 and 6. Sure the first day is a bitch but totally worth it. Last night spent at Snowmass.

Amazing hiking!


Went during the Eclipse!





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[hatchgreenchile]

From Ridgeway, I'd look at some of the northern Uncompaghre loops.
Ex. Fall Creek -> Big Blue -> Falles Creek, or Alpine Mesa -> Little Cimmarron -> East Fork from Silver Jack.
Congrats J - have a great time.

[The SnowShow]

Yes, waking up at Snowmass Lake is something I’ll never forget.

[doebedoe]

Dang -- snowmass lake does look pretty baller. One option that popped up was Snowmass lake -> Willow Creek loop. Sounds like you can camp near Snowmass lake? Hoping slightly less crowded since we're going mid-week.

Uncompaghre loops look pretty money too.

Thanks for ideas and congrats. We're gonna make the most of it despite it being Plan C.

[The SnowShow]

Dang -- snowmass lake does look pretty baller. One option that popped up was Snowmass lake -> Willow Creek loop. Sounds like you can camp near Snowmass lake? Hoping slightly less crowded since we're going mid-week.

Uncompaghre loops look pretty money too.

Thanks for ideas and congrats. We're gonna make the most of it despite it being Plan C.

That Willow Creek - Buckskin Pass - Snowmass is unreal. I’d do that and it’s quiet.

View of Snowmass/Capital and Snowmass Lake from Buckskin: