Winter Backpacking Adventure – Advanced Backpackers Only ❄️

❄️ Winter Backcountry Adventure – Advanced Backpackers Only
King Lake – Roosevelt National Forest (2 Nights)

📅 Dates:

• Start: Thursday, Dec 18 (morning)
• Nights: Dec 18 & Dec 19
• Return: Saturday morning, Dec 20
  📍 Trail: King Lake Trail, Roosevelt National Forest, CO
🥾 Link:

King Lake Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/king-lake-trail?sh=xf4ekk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

🌲 Trip Overview
Kick off the winter season with a challenging high-country adventure into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. We’ll follow the King Lake Trail into alpine terrain, gaining some elevation before camping in winter conditions for two nights.
Expect snow, sub-freezing temps, navigation challenges, and serious backcountry travel above 10,000 ft if snow allows. This trip is intended for experienced backpackers comfortable with winter travel, cold-weather camping.
This is not a beginner trip.

🧭 Route & Stats (Approx.)

• Trailhead Elevation: ~9,200 ft
• High Point: ~11,200 ft
• Mileage: ~11–12 miles round trip (depending on camp location & snow conditions)
• Camping: dispersed / snow camping options near or below King Lake
  Terrain includes forested trails, steep climbs, and exposed alpine areas. Snow, ice, wind, and white-out conditions are possible.

❗ Difficulty & Requirements
Advanced – Winter / Alpine Conditions
You should be comfortable with:

• Full winter gear & layering
• Carrying heavier packs (food, winter sleep system, traction, etc.)
• Hiking on snow/ice
• Managing cold-related risks (frostbite, hypothermia)
• Setting up camp on snow
• Filtering or melting water in freezing temps
  Microspikes required; snowshoes likely.

❄️ Recommended Winter Backpacking Gear
🏕 Shelter & Sleep

• 4-season or solid 3-season tent
• Sleeping bag 0°F or lower
• Insulated sleeping pad (R-value 4+)
• Groundsheet / footprint
  👕 Clothing (Winter Layers)
• Wool / synthetic base layers
• Hiking pants + puffy insulation layer
• Down jacket
• Hard-shell waterproof jacket & pants
• Warm hat, gloves & liners
• Extra socks
• Gaiters recommended
  🥾 Footwear
• Waterproof boots
• Microspikes required
• Snowshoes recommended depending on conditions
  🍲 Food & Cooking
• Stove + winter fuel (isobutane may struggle)
• Windscreen
• Lighter/matches
• High-calorie meals + snacks
• Hot drinks recommended
  💧 Water
• 2–3 L capacity
• Filter and/or snow melt setup
  🧭 Navigation & Safety
• Map + GPS/GPX
• Headlamp + extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Emergency/insulation layers
• Whistle + emergency shelter
  🐻 Wildlife Management
• Bear canister or hang kit
• Odor-proof bags

⚡ Winter Tips

• Expect sub-zero nights
• Wind can be high above treeline
• Hydrate aggressively – cold dehydrates fast
• Keep fuel, filters, and water from freezing
• Know your limits—turnarounds are okay in winter

🛠️ Optional but Encouraged

• Trekking poles with winter baskets
• Power bank
• Snow shovel / saw
• Camera / night photography gear

🚗 Access & Parking
Trailhead is typically accessible in winter but may have snow, ice.
AWD/4WD recommended.

⚠️ Disclaimer
Winter backcountry travel carries inherent risk. Participants should be self-sufficient, prepared, and capable of making safe decisions in cold, snowy, potentially