It’s been awhile since I’ve gone on a good hike. A couple of years in fact. I haven’t hiked anything more than a handful of miles since my knee surgery in November 2016, and I wasn’t hiking much the summer before that because it irritated my knee. But, with all the biking I’ve been doing and all the hike-a-bike miles, it wasn’t too hard to pick up where I left off. A 14 mile hike wasn’t too bad

I chose to hike in the area called “the Castles” because it is a beautiful area in the fall.

I started out on the Swampy Pass Trail, which does not hold back in views from the beginning.

The Anthracites.

The leaves were at their peak in this area. The Ohio Pass zone is the latest in our area to peak, with things near the town of Crested Butte peaking first, followed then by Kebler Pass.

Looking toward the Castles and Storm Pass.

The Castles are so distinguishable, and so beautiful!

It’s about a 5 mile hike to reach Swampy Pass. Views down valley from the top of the pass.

I kept following the trail onward and for about 1/4 of a mile I noticed that a bear had been following the trail too…

When the trail hit an intersection, I turned left (south) on Lowline Trail and caught this fabulous view of the Anthracites after hiking a little while.

The views did not stop.

After hiking a couple of miles, I turned left onto another unnamed trail that followed along the Pass Creek. The intersection was not marked, and this trail was hard to follow. But, it is marked as a trail on most maps.

It was hard not to enjoy the glowing gold all around me.

I looped this trail back with the Swampy Pass Trail.

On the way back I also quick side loop on Pass Creek Trail – not to be confused with the faint trail I had just been on which actually followed along the Pass Creek before.

One more parting view of the Castles.

All in all, it was a worth 14 mile hike!

Want to do this hike yourself?

Here’s a map to get you started!

Find out more on our Crested Butte Hiking Guide!

The post Hiking in the Castles: Swampy Pass to Lowline to Pass Creek (5 Oct 2017) appeared first on 14erskiers.com.

A recent storm engulfed the state of Colorado and doused our high peaks with some snow. In some places, enough snow fell to ski. Unfortunately, we at 14erskiers missed this skiing opportunity as we traveled to a wedding on the east coast, which united two of our close friends. While ski season has officially begun, it’s still fall in many places. And we have a few fall things left to share.

My birthday is at the end of September. In the Colorado high country, that means that my birthday usually occurs when the aspen leaves are at their peak. Since early August, I knew the very hike I wanted to do on my birthday – Dark Canyon – all 13 miles of it – or what turned out to be more like 14.5 miles. Though the leaves had peaked a bit early this year, the timing for the hike was actually perfect, with brilliant colors from beginning to end.

Most people do the full Dark Canyon hike beginning at Horse Ranch, walking largely downhill. I would always rather hike up than down, so we parked our car at Horse Ranch (where we would end) and hitched a ride down to Erickson Springs. Hitching this time of year is easy- we waited less than one minute.

The entrance of the Dark Canyon.

One thing I’ve learned this summer – expect Forest Service signs to be at least a mile off!

The Anthracite creek has cut these walls.

The trail through the canyon was a mix of canyon scenery and forest. Frank.

From green to brilliantly red!

The confluence with the Ruby Anthracite.

As we hiked upward, the colors kept getting better and better.

And the river runs through it.

After a few miles, we began climbing up out of the canyon. Frank with Ragged Peak behind.

Me enjoying the yellow leaves.

Marcellina was in our sights most of the hike.

Beckwith.

The late afternoon sun was amazing.

Owen and Ruby greeted us also.

And so did a pica!

Follow the yellow-leaf road.

And my favorite overlook.

Fall doesn’t get much more beautiful than this.

The dyke radiated as it was surrounded by gold.

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful time of year for a Dark Canyon hike!

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The Ruby Range Traverse in Crested Butte refers to a traverse on a ridge line that travels over several different peaks between Purple Mountain and Ruby. Normally covered from north to south, after Purple, the ridge line extends to Augusta, Richmond, Hancock, Oh-Be-Joyful, Afley, Purple Peak, Owen, and then finishes at Ruby. In mid-September, my friend Susan and I completed a traverse of the northern most peaks. After that, we set our sights on another part. This hike would take us over Afley, Oh-Be-Joyful, and Hancock- a part I have termed the “middle” Ruby Range traverse.

It was Susan who came up with the vision of how to complete this hike. We drove to the bottom of Mount Owen and approached the edge of Scarp’s Ridge. From there, we dropped into the basin between Purple Peak and Afley, and then climbed Afley. After, we continued to Oh-Be-Joyful and Hancock and then descended the Oh-Be-Joyful Pass trail and followed that to the Blue Lake trail. When the Blue Lake trail split, we headed toward Star Pass and then traversed our way over to the high point on Scarp’s Ridge. From there, we followed along Scarp’s ridge until the bench that lead us back to our car at the bottom of Mt. Owen.

We got an early start. Afley seen from Scarp’s. We ascended a couloir that leads up to the left ridge – the same couloir that most people climb when they ski the mountain.

Looking down toward Blue Lake and over toward Star Pass (the notch in the far ridge line).

Susan climbing up the couloir, which had a few treacherously loose sections.

Susan on the ridge line to Afley.

So, as it turns out, there really wasn’t a person standing on the summit for an hour

A view looking southwest from Afley – Beckwith and Marcellina mixed with colorful fall hues.

Marcellina and the Raggeds.

Looking north from Afley.

The rest of the Ruby Traverse, north of Afley.

The rest of the southern Ruby Traverse- Purple Peak, Owen, and Ruby (hidden).

From Afley, we continued on toward Oh-Be-Joyful. This section of the ridge line was fun.

Susan enjoying a snack on the summit of Oh-Be-Joyful.

A look back toward Afley and the ridge line we followed.

The sky was blue when Susan picked me up in the morning. But, it quickly turned to gray. As we stood on Oh-Be-Joyful, we watched snow squalls engulf surrounding peaks. The temperature was rapidly dropping. We knew we had to keep going. On to Hancock.

Susan on top of Hancock.

Looking back toward Oh-Be-Joyful and Afley.

Susan descending Hancock with Richmond behind. Oh-Be-Joyful pass trail descends from the treed area on the ridge just below.

As we descended Oh-Be-Joyful Pass, we were happy to be protected from the prevailing wind for a while.

The upper bench of the Oh-Be-Joyful valley.

We made our way through the valley quickly and then began to make our way over to Star Pass.

Susan ascending Star Pass, as the sun started to show itself once again.

Blue Lake, Purple Peak and Afley, as seen from near the top of Star Pass.

From the top of Star Pass, we wrapped around the ridge on an unmarked climber’s trail that heads to the Scarp’s Ridge high point.

The views from the Scarp’s Ridge high point are always amazing – The Oh-Be-Joyful valley and the three peaks we traversed.

It was there that we saw it…. The big mound of white. Susan claimed it was a mountain goat, but this was coming from the same person who confused a deer for an elk just hours before. Nevertheless, the binoculars came out. And sure enough, it was a mountain goat.

He let us come fairly close before deciding he needed to keep a fair lead on us. But, every time I yelled his name, “Goatie” he turned around. I’m sure he knew he was posing for my pictures

We continued along Scarp’s ridge until we reached the bench above Robinson’s basin, and followed that bench back to our car.

It was a beautiful hike over much varied terrain. We felt glad to accomplish yet another goal. Thanks to Susan for the vision to put together the middle Ruby Range Travers! But, admittedly, being up there made me wish for snow. Maybe it was the snow squalls that kept popping up around us. Or maybe it was the fact that we found the couloir up Afley much easier to climb with snow than without. But, either way, I seem to be wishing for winter more and more each day

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In mid-September, my friend Susan and I began a project to hike the Ruby Traverse. But, we decided to do it in sections. So, we began our first section by climbing Purple Mountain and Augusta Peak. We set up a shuttle, leaving a car at Slate River for the descent.

Susan and I began our Purple and Augusta hike from Paradise Divide, hiking toward Yule Pass and then gaining the ridge toward Purple. Susan.

Treasure and Treasury. If you look close, Yule Lake pops out to the left on Treasure.

Ascending toward the summit.

Susan enjoying the summit of Purple.

A view of Augusta and Mineral, and the ridge we needed to follow, as seen from Purple.

Looking toward the spectacularly colorful Blob and Nipple.

Looking down valley toward Marcellina and the upper portions of the Dark Canyon.

An interesting note from the summit registry.

Susan.

After spending awhile on the top of Purple, we began descending the south ridge. The descent was a bit technical in a few places. Here, Susan is route-finding.

From the ridge, looking back at Purple.

The talus was full of fossils like this.

Taking a quick rest on the ridge. Me.

Another view of the colorful Nipple and Blob.

About half way to Augusta, the ridge became a lot easier. Looking at the remaining ridge.

Looking back toward Purple.

Susan approaching Augusta.

Looking south at the remaining Ruby Traverse, toward Richmond, Hancock, Oh-Be-Joyful, Afley, Purple Peak, Owen, and Ruby.

Purple, and the ridge we followed, as seen from the summit of Augusta.

After Augusta, we followed the ridge a little longer before descending through Angel Pass and into Poverty Gulch.

A beautiful alpine lake at the foot of Mineral Point.

Susan on the road descending through Poverty Gulch.

It was fun get off the beaten path and to explore the northern end of the Ruby Traverse during our Purple and Augusta Hike. Many thanks to Susan for providing the motivation for us to seek out new terrain!

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Back when I was growing up, camping and hiking used to be a lot more challenging than it is today. One of the reasons is that hiking trails are far better maintained nowadays, but it is also because of the fact that technology has significantly evolved in the past two decades, and now we have access to a wide array of gadgets that can make spending time in the wilderness much easier and much less of a hassle.

I was extremely skeptical about most of these gadgets until I saw how useful some of them were first-hand, and these days there is no chance that I would leave for a big hike without bringing these five things with me.

1. Solar Charger

Fact: Phone batteries tend to die pretty fast. Even faster if you tend to use your device a lot, and this has always been a problem when you’re out in the wilderness and your phone runs out of juice. I can think of at least three scenarios where I was separated from a person in my group and failed to contact them, either because my phone battery had died, or theirs had.

A while back, I used to carry multiple batteries for my phone so I could just swap it out when the first one dies, but this is basically useless if you’re out in the woods for more than, say, seven days (and even then you have to be conservative with your battery power). Then a friend suggested that I order a solar charger for my phone, which actually made a lot of sense; the sun is an endless supply of energy, and with the right tools you can harness it anywhere. Nowadays, there’s not a chance that you’ll catch me with my Smartphone off during a hike, because it’s always charged. My personal favorite is the Nekteck Solar Charger, it’s never failed to keep my Nexus working with just an hour or two under the sun per day (then again, I am sparingly conservative with my battery, I don’t get the phone out unless I really need to).

2. Pressure Shower

I don’t know about you, but I’m the type of person that takes at least one shower a day, more often two. So when I’m out in the woods and getting super dirty, all that grime collecting beneath my fingers and the dust and dirt that basically gets everywhere is something that becomes really annoying really fast. For this reason, I basically never leave for a hike without my pressure shower, that allows me to stay squeaky clean even in the filthiest of situations.

A good pressure shower will run you about $150 at most, and they’re built to last a lifetime, so it’s a really small investment that can make your life infinitely easier, especially if you’re a clean freak like yours truly. When empty, this kind of shower will weigh up to a mere 2 lbs and it can pack down to 6 x 9 in. so you can easily fit it into your backpack, but when filled up it can hold up to three gallons of water, which is more than enough for any reasonably lengthy shower.

3. Portable Water Filter

Getting fresh water during a long hike used to be a big problem when I was younger, especially during the summer. No matter how much we used to bring, we’d almost always go through our fresh water supply at about 70 percent of the entire road. Fortunately, most of us knew that getting fresh water from a nearby creek is something that you can do pretty easily. All you need is a piece of gauze to filter out any large pollutants in the water, and then you simply boil it to kill any harmful pathogen inside.

These days, though, it’s definitely safer and easier if you just get yourself a  water filter to do this job for you. There are UV filters that can treat your water and make it safe to drink in mere seconds, so that’s something that you should definitely look into if you like to go on long hikes. Just keep in mind that these filter require batteries in order to function, so you need to bring quite a few spares with you if you’re going to use it constantly. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck without a water filter and no fresh water, especially if you’re hiking during the summer.

Alternatively, if you need to purify large volumes of water, you might want to look into a pump water filter as well, as most UV filters can’t really handle large quantities of water at once.

4. LED Headlamp

Most people tend to forget that you’ll sometimes have to wander away from your campfire in the middle of the night. They also forget that there are no street lights out in the wilderness, and that basically your only natural source of illumination is your campfire and the moon – that is, unless you pack some artificial light.

I learned the importance of this firsthand when a friend of mine had wandered away from the camp at night and gotten lost, so I had to go and retrieve him. Fortunately he had a flashlight with him, but I did not so I had to keep my lighter on the whole time just so I could see where I was going and not trip over a root or something. Eventually I saw the light from his torch and we safely returned home, but I never made the mistake of going out into the woods without some battery-powered illumination again. My personal choice is an LED headlamp, because a) they’re really bright, b) the light itself disperses to a really large area compared to an incandescent lightbulb, and c) your hands remain free at all times since the lamp is located on your head.

Additionally, the efficiency of LED technology far exceeds both incandescent and luminescent bulbs, so your batteries will last much longer and you won’t have to bring as many spares as you usually would. If you like going on really long hikes, it might be a good idea to invest in a solar powered headlamp as well. I find that the Hybridlight Headlamp works really well, although I’ve only had the opportunity to use it once or twice and do not own one personally.

5. Dedicated GPS Device

For years, I used to insist on using nothing but a map and compass to keep track of my position in the wilderness, until my sister basically begged me to give her GPS device a chance. The reason behind my partially justifiable prejudice was that I really don’t like to trust a device that becomes useless once the batteries run out, and you have no means of replacing them. However, I was really pleasantly surprised at the battery life of her device, and getting back to our trail was a breeze when you have the help of a device that literally tells you where you need to go.

Note that I’m still an advocate of having a map and compass with you anyway because they can’t die on you like any sophisticated piece of technology can, but I’m far less partial towards this than I was before.

A side note from 14erskiers – we highly recommend a personal locator tied with a GPS such as the Garmin inReach (formerly Delorme inReach).

That about covers all the basic gadgets that I highly recommend everyone should have when they’re out in the wild, as they can really make your life infinitely easier. Being away from civilization doesn’t always mean being absolutely separated from technology, as technology is exactly what made it possible for a creature as frail as a human to be able to survive in virtually any conditions. It’s time to pack up your gadgets and head out into the great unknown, and I wish you the best of luck in doing so!

A 32 years old adventurer and writer, Tyler Michaelson’s main hobbies include time outside, writing, calisthenics and TV shows. He’s a part-time blogger at http://www.prosurvivalist.com

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Below we have listed the best early season hikes near Crested Butte. We’ve included brief descriptions and Google maps to get you started. You can even click on the start/end icons to get directions to the trailheads! More information is available on our Crested Butte Mountain hiking guide. Additionally, the Gunnison – Crested Butte Tourism Association has a great app called CBG Trails that you should consider downloading on your mobile device!

Upper Loop Trail System

Distance: Upper Loop – 1.5 miles (but it’s not a loop), Upper Upper – 2.5 miles, Tony’s Trail – 0.7 miles, Whetstone Vista – 0.8 miles
Typical Early Season Access: This area typically melts out sometime in early to mid-May.

The Upper Loop is not actually a loop at all. But, don’t let that dissuade you from checking out this beautiful trail. Combined with it’s neighboring trails of Upper Upper, Whetstone Vista, and Tony’s trail, this system provides some scenic hiking through aspen and pine forests with magnificent views of town. Typically, this is where some of the earliest wildflowers pop out too.

From town, hikers typically access this network of trails from town via Tony’s Trail. No parking exists at the start of Tony’s Trail due to private property, but you can walk there from the east end of town. Simply follow Elk Avenue east onto the dirt road and keep heading east until the start of Tony’s Trail. From Mount Crested Butte, the Upper Loop trailhead lies off of Hunter Hill Road. Parking is very limited here.

This trail is popular with mountain bikers. For a more quiet experience, hike early.

Lupine Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles one way
Typical Early Season Access: This area typically melts out sometime in mid-May.

Lupine is one of the newer trails in Crested Butte area, but it has become very popular. The trail winds through beautiful aspen forests with views of gorgeous peaks near Slate River Road. This hike is best done as an out-and-back. There are several scenic vistas throughout the hike that can make good turn-around points as well.

Due to private property, there is no parking at Saddle Ridge Road on the east side of the trail. The best was to access this trail is to park at the trailhead on Slate River Road, shortly after the road becomes dirt.

This trail is popular with mountain bikers. For a more quiet experience, hike early.

Caves Loop

Distance: 4.4 miles as a loop. Can be shortened as an out-and-back.
Typical Early Season Access: This area typically melts out in mid-May. As an out-and-back it typically melts out by late April or early May.

The Caves Loop refers to a combination of trails that go by some caves near CB South. Hikers typically choose to do this trail as an out-and-back, following on Ferris Creek trail (409) up and stopping at one of the many view points about a mile up. For a longer hike, you can do the loop. Continue east up the Cement Creek road and then turn left on Walrod Gulch Road. Then take the Walrod Cutoff trail up the steep climb, to the Ferris Creek trail (409), past the scenic overlooks and caves, and then down to the parking area.

To access this trail, park a the Walrod Gulch / Farris Creek Trail (409) parking located up Cement Creek Road, shortly after it becomes dirt.

This trail is popular with mountain bikers. For a more quiet experience, hike early.

East River Trail – Brush Creek Trailhead

Distance: 2.25 one way
Typical Early Season Access: This trail typically melts out by mid May.

The East River Trail is a very scenic hike that follows above the river for which it is named and below Mount Crested Butte. Offering wonderful panoramas of the magical Brush Creek Valley, this trail is a gem. This trail gains very little elevation, making it a great easy hike. For more information, view our East River Trail hiking report.

This trail is accessed via Brush Creek road, parking a the well signed Brush Creek Trailhead parking lot shortly after the road becomes dirt.

Snodgrass Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles one-way
Typical Early Season Access: Early June

A long-time favorite of Crested Butte, Snodgrass is a beautiful trail full of aspens and scenic views of the ski area. This trail is typically done as an out-and-back with several good view points that also make good turn-arounds.

Most people access Snodgrass from the trailhead on Gothic Road in Mount Crested Butte, located at the point where the road becomes dirt. The scenic view points are closer to this side of the trail. But, the west end of Snodgrass trail can be accessed from Washington Gulch Road. Be aware that the first 1/4 from Washington Gulch can be very muddy during the early season.

This trail is popular with mountain bikers. For a more quiet experience, hike early.

Judd Falls

Distance: 1.5 miles one way.
Typical Early Season Access: Dependent on the opening of Gothic Road which typically opens mid to late May.

A scenic hike offering great views of the iconic Gothic Mountain, Judd Falls is a popular tourist hike. People usually park at the Judd Falls / Copper Creek Trailhead and hike on the Forest Service Road 317.3A a short ways to the trail. The falls are located near where the trail meets the Copper Creek. The falls are less impressive than the scenery of the hike itself. After the falls, the trial becomes the Copper Creek trail which heads northeast, toward Aspen. For a longer hike, walk up this trail until the snow becomes difficult to manage.

The Judd Falls trailhead is shortly past the town of Gothic on Gothic Road.

Dillon Pinnacles

Distance: 2 miles one way
Typical Early Season Access: This area typically melts out in late March or early April.

Located about 45 miles away from Crested Butte on the north shores of the Blue Mesa Reservoir west of Gunnison, the Dillon Pinnacles trail is a haven in spring. Wildflowers sprout early and visitors are welcomed with a green desert climate. Top that off with wonderful vistas of the Blue Mesa Reservoir and the towering rock formations of the Pinnacles, this hike is a must-do.

This trail is accessed from the Dillon Pinnacles parking just before the bridge that crosses center the Blue Mesa Reservoir. You will find the trail near the boat ramp.

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“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

–Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods

These days, we rarely go a few minutes without being interrupted, but there’s one place where you can still find true quiet–the trail. No matter what the season, there’s fantastic hiking across the U.S.A. The following tips will help you plan your hike so you can get the most out of exploring our national landscape.

Winter Hiking

Some folks might not think of winter as the ideal season for hiking, but there are some great locations to get out and explore even when the air’s got a bite. Coastal trails and arid places like the Marufo Vega Trail in Big Bend National Park are ideal winter hikes.

Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia is an example of a good location for shaking off the winter chill with your family while hiking some of the South’s most beautiful protected seashore.

On cooler hikes, like those you may encounter during the winter, versatile fleece outerwear is a great way to stay warm without feeling heavy. Dress in layers to account for a range of temperatures, and make sure your arsenal includes a good rain jacket.

Spring Hikes

Spring is a great time to get out and shake off the dust, and hiking is a great way to get moving. While higher elevations can be treacherous at this time, spring is the right time for exploring desert areas before the heat of summer.

Zion National Park in Utah might be too hot to trek during the summer, but it’s a great spot for a springtime hike. The five-and-a-half miles of rugged red rocks and winding trails will keep you on your toes. Expect warm, sunny weather at Zion during springtime with cool mornings and evenings with average highs in the upper 70s.

Hikers should take preparedness seriously. Dressing in layers safeguards you against the elements. First, be sure to keep your feet dry and protected with good, rugged boots. Some additional gear that could come in handy include thermals, lightweight pants and shirts, and a breathable rain jacket.

Summer Hiking

Long summer days are meant for the outdoors. Good, clear weather and longer periods of daylight make for good hiking. Because of the heat, it’s important to find trails with some shade.

Acadia National Park in Maine is a great option because not only does it offer hiking in wooded areas, it’s also coastal, so you can make your way to the waterfront and cool off in the bay.

Acadia is ideal for hiking from late spring all the way to early fall. In July, the average highs are in the mid-70s and lows in the upper-50s. During summer, one thing you want in your backpack is some good insect repellent to fight off the mosquitoes, deer flies and black flies. The Bay of Fundy lies between the park and Nova Scotia often making this hike windy and wet, so dress in layers and remember to bring rain gear and extra socks.

Fall Hiking

While autumn is the best time to head to the mountains to see the leaves turn shades of red, yellow and brown, it’s also a great time for a hike through one of America’s great natural wonders.

Okay, we saved the best for last. The Grand Canyon is a bucket list item for every dedicated hiker. Other than the Appalachian Trail, this is one of the most revered hiking challenges in the country. Few places capture the spirit of America like the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon.

With 28 miles of rugged terrain, the Grand Canyon is not to be taken lightly. Although not an exhaustive list, some of the things you’ll need to bring are hiking boots, a wide-brimmed hat, shell jacket, leather gloves, socks, sunscreen, thermals, lightweight pants and shirts.

When to Hike

The best time to hike is whenever you can press the pause button. Bring your friends, your family, or just yourself. So, step off the beaten path into the moment and explore!

You can find these and other great hiking gear at a high-quality retailers like Carhartt or .

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