5 Backpacking Merit Badge Trails in Colorado
If you, or your scouts, are working on their Backpacking merit badge you have probably realized how challenging this merit badge actually is. Once this merit badge has been earned, you will definitely know more about backpacking, being on the trail and the fun that can be had outdoors. It may even stir up a passion for the rest of your life, like it did with me.
There are many things in the Backpacking merit badge that you will learn, such as safety on the trail, how to pack a backpack, what gear to take and even how to find your way around the wilderness. Some of the hardest requirements for this merit badge are actually getting out on the trail, as it requires you to do 3 (15-mile) backpacking trips that span across 3 days and then a 30-mile trip that lasts at least 5 days. If you are planning to attend Philmont Scout Ranch, then you can gain the majority of these requirements with your training trip and your time at Philmont. If you plan to do this, make sure your Philmont trek is at least 30 miles long, as they do have some smaller treks.
Here is a list of 5 different trails in Colorado that can meet the requirements of the 15-mile trips. These can also be used for your training/shakedown trips to get ready for Philmont.
1. Wigwam, McCurdy and Brookside McCurdy Trail
The Lost Creek Wilderness is an amazing area not far from Denver located within Pike National Forrest. The Lost Creek Wilderness was given its name because of a perennial stream that appears and disappears within the valley. This trail can be a bit challenging logistically because you have to hike multiple trails in order to make the loop, but can also be one of the first trails to clear of the snow in late spring / early summer. The trail is a 20-mile loop with over 3,600 feet of elevation gain. This is not a beginner’s trail and should only be attempted after completing multiple training hikes. The trailhead starts just past Lost Park Campground and is about 2 ½ hours from Denver.
2. Devils Thumb Pass and King Lake Trail
This trail is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and located near Nederland, Colorado. The trail is 15.3 miles with 3,300+ elevation gain. The trail has a continuous incline for the first half of the trail, but when broken into 3 days this can be a really nice weekend trip. Local regulations do require a permit to camp overnight on the trail, and have a limitation of 8-12 people for larger groups. You should plan to get this permit early, as they will only allow 1 large group a day and weekend book up quickly. Permits can be found here.
3. North Inlet Trail to Lake Nokoni
This trail is in the Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail is not a loop trail, but an out and back. The trail is 20 miles with 2,913 feet elevation gain and has some of the most amazing views. There is a fee to enter Rocky Mountain National Park unless you have a park specific annual pass. Water can be a bit more challenging on this trail, so do some research first.
4. Payne Creek Trail and Craig Creek Trail
This trail can be done in a couple options. You can either do Payne Creek Trail as an out and back trip, which will be 18.6 miles and 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Or you can do Payne Creek Trail to Craig Creek Trail for a change in scenery. This option is just over 15 miles long with about 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Unless you have pickup and drop off support you will need to place vehicles ahead as this would be a one way trail.
5. The Colorado Trail: Segment 4
There are many segments of the Colorado Trail that can make nice weekend backpacking trips, but I chose Segment 4 as it is close to Denver and meets the mileage requirements. This trail is 16.1 miles and has 3,231 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts at FS-560 (Wellington Lake Road) Trailhead and goes to Long Gulch. This portion of the trail goes through the Lost Creek Wilderness. You will need to have pickup and drop off assistance for this trail, or you will have to place vehicles ahead of time.
In Colorado there are so many backpacking trails to choose from that it was really hard to only list 5. I would love to hear about some of your favorite trails in Colorado, so feel free to comment below. Get Outdoor and lets have some fun!
