Colorado Springs Backpackers

Holy Cross Wilderness: Missouri Lakes, Harvey Lake, Fancy Pass Loop

Fri, Jul 17 · 9:00 AM MDT

Location not specified yet

***Tentative date for rescheduled trip: July 17-19, 2026. Those who signed up for the September 12-14, 2025 trip will have first priority.

Group size 10 people. Well-behaved, leashed trail dogs are welcome as long as they have completed a qualifying hike.
You will be put on the waitlist before being approved. Those meeting the first two below-required actions will be moved off the waitlist in the order in which they RSVP'd.

Required actions before trip:
1 - *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - *Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities - we post qualifying hikes once a month in April, May, June, and sometimes July.
3 - Attend a pre-planning Google Meet meeting one week before trip start date (we will also work out carpooling).
*including any 1+.

Description:
2.5 days / 2 nights: ~17.5 miles total, ~3,695' of gain. Rating: Moderate
Route: https://caltopo.com/m/8M8JJ6K
Jaw-dropping views, meadows full of vibrant blossoms, bridged crossings over surging creeks, opportunities for angling, and serene ponds and alpine lakes reward hikers on this lollipop loop. The Missouri Lakes Trail skirts the rim of a deep, imposing gorge to reach the lakes, and then over the alpine tundra of Missouri Pass to Treasure Vault Lake, Blodgett Lake, and Harvey Lake; just past Harvey Lake is a "waterpark" of rock slides and pools. Return and merge with Fancy Pass Trail to the high point of Fancy Pass at 12,360' for exceptional views of the Sawatch Range and the steep descent ahead.

Day 1 (Fri 9/12): Meet @ 12:00 pm to carpool (eat lunch beforehand/bring for the ride)
Drive ~3.5 hrs to Fancy Creek Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6GCM25bbKbZScPAE7
Backup/overflow - Missouri Lakes Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N5nZpmApX1Zri7q86
Backpack 3.4 miles, +1,510' elevation
Camp at Missouri Lakes

Day 2 (Sat 9/13): Backpack to Harvey Lake: ~6.8 miles, +635' / -1,190' elevation
Camp near Harvey Lake
Hike to the waterpark 0.5 miles, +220' elevation (bring something to swim in!)

Day 3 (Sun 9/14): Break camp early/be on trail by 7:00 am
Backpack to TH: 6.8 miles, +1,548' / -2,492' elevation
Stop for lunch (Leadville?)
Drive home ~3.5 hrs

Resources:

• Route:
• Bear safety: Bear canister, Ursack, or bear bag and the ability to do a bear hang
• LNT principles are enforced by this group: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
• What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
• 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
• Forecast @ camp 1: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.39491757853078&lon=-106.51227951049805&site=all&smap=1
• Forecast @ camp 2: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.433006734579756&lon=-106.51455402374269&site=all&smap=1

Colorado Trail: Segment 14 + Mount Shavano

Fri, Jul 31 · 7:00 PM MDT

Location not specified yet

Colorado Trail Segment: 14
Total Miles:
Group Size: 8 (Including Host)
Meet Time: 8 AM
Meet at:
19487 US-50, Salida, CO 81201
Start at:
Colorado Trail, Segment 14: (Chalk Creek Trailhead), Nathrop, CO 81236
Maps:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-14?u=i&sh=xyetkj
Description:
Knocking out Segment 14 with a 14er. This stretch offers a unique opportunity to summit a classic 14 while completing the Colorado Trail.

Day 1: 12.3 Miles to Cross Squaw Creek
Day 2: Day Trip to Mount Shavano. 4 Miles with 4000 ft of additional Elevation gain. Optional additional 1 mile stretch to Tabeguache Peak. Return to camp. Relax rest of day.
Day 3: 8 miles to US HWY 50!

Requirements:

1. Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/VkERmkk7ChV3f4c27.
2. Complete a qualifying hike - we do this to ensure everyone's safety and to make sure everyone is able to respect others. See calendar for upcoming hikes.

Resources:
The 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

Rawah Wilderness Loop

Fri, Aug 7 · 5:00 AM MDT

Location not specified yet

Group size 10 people. Well-behaved, leashed trail dogs are welcome as long as they have completed a qualifying hike.

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BEFORE RESPONDING!
Required actions before trip:
1 - *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - *Complete a qualifying hike*.* Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities. You will keep your place in line on the waitlist so long as you qualify within one month of the trip.
3- Attend a pre-planning Google Hangout meeting one week before trip start date (will send invite via Google closer to).
*including any 1+.

3 days / 2 nights, ~22.4 miles, ~4,190ft - Rating: Moderate
Route: https://caltopo.com/m/66733Q2. Expect mud.

Day 1 (8/7)

• Leave early, 4+ hr drive to TH
• 8.2 miles, 2,500 ft of gain
• Camp near Sheep Mountain Lake

Day 2 (8/8)

• 8 miles, 1,600 ft of gain
• Camp near Rawah Pyramid Lake

Day 3 (8/9)

• 6.2 miles, 100 ft of gain, drive home
• Drive back to COS

Equipment/Resources/Etc:

• Bear safety: Bear canister, Ursack, or rope/cord and the ability to do a bear hang
• LNT principles are enforced by this group.
• What to Bring Backpacking
• 10 Essentials
• Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/camp-lakes-rawah-lakes-and-twin-crater-lakes-loop-trail
• Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=80808