Just got back from an epic backpacking trip in northern Colorado. Planned on being out for four days, three nights of 23 miles. Ended up hiking closer to 30 miles and summiting South Rawah Peak (12,600ft). We also underestimated our hiking speed and finished in three days and two nights. I chalk this up to significantly lightening our packs. Our base weights were 18-20 lbs.
Spent one night at Tunnel Campground near the trailhead. This was the only place we could have a fire, since there was a fire ban that started a couple days before we arrived.
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The next morning we started the trek on the West Branch Trail, heading toward the Twin Crater Lakes. Of course the first day is all uphill. We ascended approximately 2500ft from the trailhead to the Lakes. We crossed, paralleled and drank from the Laramie River multiple times.
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From the West Branch Trail we veered onto the Rawah Trail. Eventually taking the spur trail to the Crater Lakes (not truly "crater" lakes, as they were actually created in the cirques from glaciers).
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more to come tomorrow...
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