Fall Backpacking Adventure 🎒

Backpacking Adventure!

🍂 Join us for a scenic late fall adventure in the Roosevelt National Forest!

🥾🦁 Lions Gulch Weekend Adventure – Colorado (2 Nights)

📅 Dates: Friday, November 7th – Sunday, November 9th

We will be waiting at the trailhead for an additionall 15 mins until 3:15pm.

📍 Location: Lions Gulch Trailhead, near Estes Park, CO

🌲 Trip Overview
We’ll be exploring the historic Lions Gulch Trail, which winds through beautiful pine forests, open meadows, and the ruins of early 1900s homesteads. Expect crisp mountain air, starry nights, and cozy campfire hangs with great company.
This is a 2-night camping trip, perfect for those who love hiking, photography, and unwinding in nature before winter sets in.

🧭 Details
Trailhead Elevation: ~7,200 ft
Hike Distance: ~6 miles round trip
Camping: Dispersed / primitive camping near the ruins

All trails:

Lion Gulch Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lion-gulch-trail--3?sh=xf4ekk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

🐾 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 and mountain vibes!

🎒 Recommended Backpacking Gear:

🏕 Shelter & Sleep
Tent + footprint 🏕️
Sleeping bag (10°F) 🛌
Insulated sleeping pad 💤

👕 Clothing (Layer Up)
Base layer & hiking pants 🥾
Fleece / down jacket 🧥
Waterproof jacket & pants 🌧️
Warm hat & gloves 🧤
Extra socks 🧦
Hiking boots 👟

🍲 Food & Cooking
Backpacking stove + fuel 🔥
Lighter / matches 🕯️
Lightweight meals + snacks 🍫
Water bottles / 2–3 L 💧
Water filter / treatment 💦

🧭 Navigation & Safety
Map / GPS 🗺️
Headlamp + extra batteries 🔦
Each participant should bring a headlamp for visibility in case we lose daylight, but we plan to start hiking around 3:15 PM and should reach camp before sunset.

First aid kit 🚑
Sunglasses & sunscreen 🕶️☀️

🐻 Other Essentials
Trekking poles (optional) 🏔️
Bear bag / food storage 🐾
Trowel & toiletries 🚽

⚡ Tips
Layering is key 🧥
Expect cold nights ❄️
Rain / snow possible 🌨️
Reach camp before dark ⏰

🐾 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

Please remember to pack out all dog waste and be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night. If your dog is joining, consider bringing a sleeping bag or insulated blanket for them to stay warm at camp.

🛠️ Optional but Recommended
Knife or multi-tool
Power bank
Notebook/pen
Camera or binoculars
Trash bag (pack out all waste)
Earplugs (for windy nights or snoring neighbors)

Parking & Access
Trailhead Parking: There is a small gravel lot right off Highway 36 (between Lyons and Estes Park), with space for roughly 10–12 vehicles.
Overflow Options: If the main lot fills up, there are a few pull-offs along Highway 36