Plan Your Trip Outdoors - Colorado - page 63

Northwest Colorado
Dominated by the Routt National Forest, there are three wilderness areas in this region:
Flattops Wilderness, Sarvis Creek Wilderness and Mt Zirkel Wilderness. All are laced
with excellent hiking trails, but the Mt Zirkel Wilderness is especially magical. Untamed
and roadless, it's dotted with icy glacial lakes and granite faces, and is intersected by the
Continental Divide and two major rivers, the Elk and the Encampment, both of which are
being considered for protection under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. In the center of it all
is the 12,180ft Mt Zirkel.
Fans of canyon country will want to check out Colorado National Monument. Most of
the trails are relatively short, but there's the rewarding 6-mile Monument Canyon Trail
that skirts many of the park's most interesting natural features, including the Coke Ovens,
the Kissing Couple and Independence Monument.
FIVE WAYS TO BE A GOOD BACKPACKER
» Leave only footprints, take only pictures. There's no garbage collection in the backcountry. Make sure that
whatever you pack in, you pack out.
» Water. Water. Water. You should have water sanitation or a water-filtration system to enjoy the backcountry.
The best way to eliminate potential bacteria is to boil the lake, creek or river water, but filters work well, too.
» Have the essentials: a map, extra layers of clothing, rain gear, extra food and water, flashlight, fire-starter kit
(with waterproof matches and/or a lighter), camp stove, first-aid kit (with blister-care items), sunglasses, sun-
screen, sleeping bag, tent and pocket knife.
» Only build fires where permitted, and only use dead and down wood, rather than breaking dead limbs from
standing trees. Make sure you put out your fire completely before breaking camp.
» Due to high-density backcountry traffic, Colorado authorities are now suggesting that campers actually pack
out their own personal solid waste, and are even offering free bags with which to do the trick. No joke. Human
waste does impact the environment and the new guidelines are a response to that. At the very least, bury yours a
minimum of 6in below the surface at least 200ft from any watercourses and pack out your toilet tissue.
Southwest Colorado
Colorado's most diverse region features red-rock canyons, Mesa Verde National Park and
spectacular high country - you may just want to head here directly. Black Canyon of the
Gunnison National Park ( Click here ) is a stunning place to stretch your legs. The easy
1.5-mile Oak Flat Trail offers good views of Black Canyon. At sunset take the 1.5-mile
Warner Point Nature Trail to either High Point or Sunset View overlooks.