Backpacking Adventure!
🌲 Backpacking Adventure
Hosted by Big Mountain Adventures Denver
📅 Trip Dates:
Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13 (2 nights)
Meetup Time: 9:00 AM, Friday, July 11
Location: Fancy Creek Trailhead near Minturn, CO
39.39069° N, 106.47055° W
📍 AllTrails Link
Missouri Lakes, Fancy Lake, Holy Cross City, and Fancy French Loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/missouri-lakes-fancy-lake-holy-cross-city-and-fancy-french-loop?sh=xf4ekk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
🥾 Hike Overview:
Trail Distance: ~15 miles round trip (with exploration)
Elevation Gain: ~3,500 ft
Pace: ~3 mph
Difficulty: Moderate to hard (some steep sections)
Scenery: Forested trails, alpine creeks and lakes, wildflowers, mountain views
Conditions: Snow-free trail, water/creek access available throughout
🏕️ 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-
I will bring most of this:
First aid kit
Knife or multi-tool
Power bank
Notebook/pen
Camera or binoculars
Trash bag (pack out)
Meetup Link:
https://www.meetup.com/big-mountain-adventures-denver/events/308783496/
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Vail.
