Exploring 8 Trails within a 12-Day Timeframe: Las Vegas to Denver
In a 12-day hiking adventure, authors Alex McClintock embarked on a journey from a campervan rental location in Las Vegas, making their way towards Denver. Along the way, they discovered a variety of trails that offered breathtaking views and unique challenges.
Their first stop was the Crystal Creek Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado. This wildflower-lined ridge trail, shorter than the advertised 3.2 miles, ends on a spectacular lookout on the canyon rim. However, the authors did not complete the Carbonate Creek Trail due to fast-running creek waters.
The road out to Crystal, a ghost town, is open to ATVs and jeeps and is popular among hikers. Unfortunately, the Crystal Creek Trail left the authors unable to walk by the end of the hike and the day after.
The West Rim Trail, located in Zion National Park, Utah, was their next destination. This challenging 3,600-foot descent was a steep test for the hikers.
In the Grand Canyon National Park, the authors hiked down to the Supai Tunnel, a 2.4-mile return journey. They also had the opportunity to hike the Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley, the only self-guided trail open to the public in the Tribal Park, where they saw a herd of mustangs.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon offered a different experience. Higher altitude, colder, and quieter than the South, it was home to the North Kaibab Trail. This trail is a series of red dirt switchbacks plunging into the canyon at a steep angle. Despite the 95-degree heat, it was bustling with hikers and mule tours.
For beginners looking to hike in Colorado, the Dream Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is a recommended choice. This 2.2-mile hike with moderate elevation gain offers scenic views and is manageable for entry-level hikers. Another beginner-friendly option is the Smuggler Mountain Trail near Aspen, praised by locals as a great beginner to moderate hike with rewarding views.
Other trails around Aspen suitable for beginners include the Rio Grande Trail (easy), Hunter Creek Trail (easy to moderate), and the Ute Trail, though the latter is steeper and requires more stamina. Trails like Emerald Lake and St. Mary's Glacier offer scenic beauty with some elevation changes that may be approachable for beginners, although caution is advised on certain segments with snow or slippery areas.
These trails combine natural beauty with varying levels of difficulty, making them mostly suitable for novice hikers. Dream Lake and Smuggler Mountain stand out for beginner experiences that balance effort and reward with safe, picturesque settings widely appreciated by hikers sharing their experiences.
The authors were also advised to hike the Ute Trail to Loch Lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park by a sweet old couple from Boulder. This trail, while rammed with hikers and sightseers at the outset, became less crowded as they ascended.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, the authors' hiking journey was filled with unforgettable experiences and stunning vistas. Their adventure serves as a testament to the diverse and captivating hiking trails that Colorado and the surrounding areas have to offer.
- The authors' hiking adventure started at a campervan rental location in Las Vegas, embarking on a journey en route to Denver, which included camping at national parks such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park.
- Hikers who prefer outdoor-living and adventure-travel can consider hiking the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park, a challenging 3,600-foot descent that offers a steep test for hikers.
- For those interested in budget-travel, consider hiking the Dream Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, a beginner-friendly trail with scenic views, moderately priced campgrounds, and easily accessible home-and-garden lodging near the trailhead.
- Travellers seeking cultural-travel experiences alongside hiking can hike the Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley, the only self-guided trail open to the public in the Tribal Park, offering glimpses into the native heritage of the area.
