Epic 4th of July Backpacking Adventure in Salida! 🇺🇸🎒

🇺🇸 4th of July Backpacking Adventure!
Hosted by Big Mountain Adventures Denver

🗓️ Trip Overview

Dates: Thursday, July 4 – Saturday, July 6 (2 nights)
Meetup Time: 9:00 AM on Thursday, July 4
Location: Fooses Creek Trailhead, near Salida, CO (off Highway 50)

Fooses Creek Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/fooses-creek-trail?sh=xf4ekk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

38.54342° N, 106.24273° W

https://www.facebook.com/share/16mPjT89Dg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Trail Info: Fooses Creek Trail

🥾 Hike Details

Distance: ~17 miles total round-trip with exploration)
Elevation Gain: ~3,000 ft
Pace: ~3 mph
Difficulty: Moderate to hard – expect some steep sections
Scenery: Forested trails, alpine creeks, wildflowers, and sweeping mountain views
Conditions: Snow-free trail with water/creek access along the way

🏕️ Camping

We’ll be camping along or near the trail for 2 nights under the stars
🐾 Dog Friendly!
Leashed, well-behaved dogs who are trail-capable and friendly are welcome. Owners are fully responsible for their dogs.

🌄 Come enjoy a beautiful high-country adventure with a friendly group of hikers. Great for anyone ready for a moderate challenge, big views, and mountain vibes!

🎒 Recommended Backpacking Gear

Backpack (45–65L recommended)
Tent (lightweight backpacking tent or shared)
Sleeping bag (rated to ~30°F or lower)
Sleeping pad
Trekking poles (helpful for the elevation gain)
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
Map or GPS (AllTrails app with offline maps is a plus)

🧥 Clothing

Moisture-wicking base layers
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
Rain jacket & rain pants (weather can change fast!)
Hiking pants / shorts
Wool or synthetic socks (2–3 pairs)
Hat & gloves (for cold nights)
Sun hat / Buff / bandana
Camp clothes (something dry and comfy to sleep in)
Extra underwear

👟 Footwear

Hiking boots or trail runners (broken in)
Camp shoes (light sandals or crocs)

🍴 Food & Water

Food for 3 days (meals, snacks, trail food)
Stove & fuel (shared OK—check with the group)
Lighter/matches
Mess kit (bowl, spoon, mug)
Bear-proof food storage (bear canister or Ursack)
Water filter/purifier
2–3 liters water capacity (hydration bladder + bottles)

🧼 Toiletries & Hygiene

Toilet paper & trowel (Leave No Trace)
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Small quick-dry towel
Wet wipes

🐾 If Bringing a Dog

Leash (required)
Dog food & bowl
Poop bags (pack it out)
Sleeping pad/blanket for dog
Plenty of water or purification option

🛠️ Optional but Recommended-
Will bring most of this:

First aid kit
Knife or multi-tool
Power bank
Notebook/pen
Camera or binoculars
Trash bag (pack out all waste)
Earplugs (for windy nights or snoring neighbors)