2-Day *BACKPACK* of Boulder Creek, Gore Range

Dorothy has to finish a work project so she asked me to lead the hike. I'm changing it to Boulder Lakes in the Gore Range. It's a two-hour drive, so we can leave Saturday at 8am. I've led this hike several times and everyone has fun. Here's my webpage for this hike:

https://www.hikingproject.com/gem/553/upper-boulder-lake

The distance to the campsite at Upper Boulder Lake is 6.5 miles. Elevation gain is a moderate 2000 feet. The hike isn't hard but we have to stay together because the trail is confusing in places. Few people go here because the trail isn't on the map. Bring sandals as we will cross the creek twice.

Sunday morning at 8am I will lead an off-trail, above timberline loop to two unnamed high lakes. The distance is 2.3 miles or 2-3 hours. This includes a fun descent of a cliff on a mountain goat trail (it's safe, don't worry). You can sleep in and skip the extra hike if you want.

The trailhead is about nine miles north of Silverthorne on Highway 9. The parking lot is at the bottom of CR 1375/1376. Do not drive to the trailhead, there isn't parking at the trailhead. We will all pile into my Subaru and I'll drive everyone to the trailhead, then I'll drive back down and mountain bike back up (two miles, 1000'). Lower Boulder Lake is 2.3 miles, we'll have lunch there.

I don't fish but fishermen say that the fishing is good.

The Trails Illustrated map is 108, "Vail, Frisco, Dillon."

Download the GPX track here:

http://www.casafuturatech.com/Personal/Boulder_Creek_2016.GPX

Dogs are allowed.

We'll meet at 7:45am and leave at 8am. I'm changing the meeting location to the Justice Center. You don't have to meet there if you don't want to carpool, you can meet me at the Boulder Creek parking area. I have a gray Subaru Outback and large black and white dog.

If you want to carpool or need to be picked up please message me or post a request in the comments.

Rules on my backpacking trips:

1. You must have a bearproof food container. I have bearproof food containers to loan you.
2. If you're not sufficiently fit I will ask you to camp at Lower Boulder Lake.
3. If you are new to backpacking message me in advance.
4. You must bring a map and compass. I recommend bringing a GPS device or GPS app with the GPX track downloaded. If you don't know how to navigate tell me and I will teach you.
5. You must bring a whistle (preferably clipped to your pack's shoulder strap). One whistle is "where are you?" Two whistles is "I'm here" or "I'm coming." Three whistles is you need help.
6. I recommended bringing a walkie-talkie. Walkie-talkies cost as little as $10 and weigh three ounces. I have some to loan out.
7. If you're late to the start text me at (720) 217-6589. My satellite messenger email is kehoe@inreach.garmin.com. I use walkie-talkie channel 1.