Posts Tagged ‘Mt. Zirkel Wilderness’

Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area

Rumor has it – When God takes a vacation, he goes to a Colorado Wilderness!

I just love that saying because I feel the presence of the Lord any time I am in the backcountry. This saying is on the website for Mt. Zirkel Wilderness at http://bit.ly/46gsGV. 

I was in Steamboat for a business trip and ended up staying longer then I planned at the end of August. I borrowed a vehicle from a friend and it broke down, which meant I had to wait over the weekend for a part. Good thing I had my backpacking gear and my gracious hosts willing to drive me several miles to a trail head so I could get at least one night backpacking in. (My first night in town due to the auto issues so I stayed at a local campground http://bit.ly/1lFdSP. It was nice and quiet and during the week so not too many people).

Thanks to a local shop: Because I was not real familiar with the area I stopped to pick up a topo map and ask some of the locals their favorite spots. The guys at Straightline Sports http://bit.ly/1c6mvw directed me to a great place to check out. 

Buffalo Pass Trailhead: From Steamboat, travel 2 miles north on Forest Development Road 323 (Hot Springs Road), then 12 miles northeast on Forest Development Road 60 (Buffalo Pass Road). Four Wheel Drive or high clearance vehicles are recommended for the Buffalo Pass Road.

My route: I was dropped off Saturday evening after we spent the day at Steamboat Lake. My goal was to make it to Round Mountain Lake to camp for the evening. It got dark quick and so I just found another site and enjoyed a wonderful sunset. The next morning the goal was to hike the Wyoming Trail up to Lake Elbert, Luna Lake, and Lake of the Crags. This morning brought a gorgeous sunrise that I enjoyed while I was packing up camp.

I am going to have to visit this area again because storms moved in and I made a decision to hike back out before reaching the lakes. According to my calculations and map I was too darn close to do turn around. I don’t do that too often but the clouds were ominous and I was also on a time crunch to meet my hosts at the trailhead.

I got out in time before the storm and actually down early enough that a wonderful couple from town was heading down so they gave me a ride. That saved my hosts the time and drive to come get me and I met two wonderful new friends that delivered door to door service

When I go back I will plan on doing at least 3-4 days and a big loop. There is so much to see and I really want to spend more time at the lakes. Great time in Steamboat and thank you to my gracious friends who didn’t plan on me being in town for more then a few hours!

On my way out of town I grabbed a sandwich at Backcountry Provisions http://bit.ly/Bs5Nn.

Have you hiked in this area? If so please share your experiences.