Dubbvision

Backpacking in High Mountains

The high mountains of Colorado still had a lot of snow in mid June. In fact, the Arkansas river was close to flooding here in Canon City, despite there being no rain in weeks. The snow melt was enough to raise it to its highest level in years. But my friend Mike and I were still hoping to go backpacking up high.

We had been up to 9,000 feet a couple weeks earlier and saw just one snowbank in the woods. Driving home we could see that though there was a lot of snow in the high peaks of the northern Sangre De Christo mountains, it was in patches. There were large areas without snow, even above 13,000 feet. It was time to give it a try.

We decided on a two night trip to Bushnell Lakes and possibly to the top of Bushnell Peak (13,105 feet). About this time I received a phone call. I own a backpacking website, so I get emails with questions all the time, but this was only the second time someone had called me at home. The man on the other end was calling from Texas, wondering about the conditions in the Sangre De Christos – was there too much snow?

“I hope not,” I told him. “Me and a friend are headed up there tomorrow.” He said he had called the forest service rangers for an area south of where we would be, and they had told him everything was still snowed in up high. He was going for a week, starting a few days after us, and wondered if they might be exaggerating. We agreed that they probably were.

Challenges Of High Mountains

It was hot when we started, even with only 13 pounds on my back (I like to go light). Where the trail split we decided to go to the Stout Lakes instead, by the Twin Sisters Peaks. This was the next valley over from Bushnell Lakes, and a shorter hike. When we came to a trail register we noted that only a couple people had been up there this year. One had left an entry on the way down: “Lost the trail in the snow at 10,800 feet.” It was dated just a few days earlier.

We headed up the trail, soon hearing the roaring stream it follows. We saw the first small patches of snow before we crossed it at about 9,600 feet. Then we were hiking on a trail that doubled as a stream itself, complete with small waterfalls. The snow patches were more frequent, and we walked over the stream/path on a snow bridge at one point before realizing that it was a three-foot fall if it had broken.

Several hours up the trail there was no trail. It was somewhere under several feet of snow. It is hard to get too lost following a stream up a valley, though, so we kicked steps into the hard snow and continued on. In places we found the trail again, and even had long dry stretches to hike. The melting process is very irregular. In one of our photos Mike is standing on dry grass next to a seven-foot high wall of snow. In another, I’m trying to climb a twenty-foot snow-cliff.

Then there is the photo from the first lake. It is of myself, standing on it. There was dry ground around half of it, but it was frozen. We headed back down to a small pond that was only partially covered in ice. It had been a hot day of backpacking in deep snow. We put our water bottles in a snowbank and set up the tarp on the grass. Marmots came near to investigate.

The next day we hiked up past the first and second lakes, both above tree line. We followed a stream up a steep hill and into a meadow full of wildflowers at about 12,000 feet. There were frozen lakes below, flowers around us, and a 13,012-foot mountain waiting above, past rocky climbs and slippery fields of snow. We made it to the top – the highest Mike had ever climbed – and signed the register. We could see mountains in all directions, some of them over 60 miles away.

By the time we made it back to the camp, I was sick. I hadn’t anticipated the effect of the sun. I had a hat and sunglasses, but the sunlight reflects at you from all sides when you cross snow and ice. It wasn’t just a sunburn, but sun-sickness. I spent the night alternating between feeling on fire and having chills run through my body. Mike got the chills the following day. With that in mind, here are some tips for backpacking in the high mountains.

1.  Call the forest service. Find out what the conditions are where you plan to hike, so you can bring the proper equipment and clothing.

2. Have a good map and know how to use it. This is especially important in early summer, when you might lose the trail in the snow.

3. Sun block is just a start. Where a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves.

4. GPS your car location. If you have a GPS device, mark your car in case you lose the trail.

5. Check the trailhead register. Those backpacking before you may have stopped on the way out to note that a bridge is washed out, fallen trees have covered the trail, or something else you should know.

6. Climb high early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in many high mountain ranges. If you want to go to the summits and high ridges, it’s best to do it early and be lower before noon.

It’s great to have meadows and valleys to yourself. That’s one of the advantages of backpacking in the high mountains early in the season. Just be ready for a wide variety of hiking conditions.

About the Author

Copyright Steve Gillman. To get an ebook on Ultralight Backpacking for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Canon Camera Bag )

CANON DELUXE PHOTO BACKPACK 200EG for EOS DSLR Camera $69.99

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200 EG Canon EOS SLR Camera $47.87

Canon Deluxe 9246/200EG Photo Backpack for EOS SLR Cameras Olive/Black $29.00

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras $49.95

Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW Camera Backpack Case Orange +Canon Cleaning Kit $109.95

B600A Deluxe Backpack Shoulder Bag Photo Camera Canon $83.00

Tamrac Adventure 8 DSLR Camera Bag Backpack Photo Daypack (fits Canon Nikon) $0.99

Lowepro Photo Sport 200AW Backpack for Canon Nikon#A138 $192.00

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW DSLR Digital Camera Backpack for Nikon Canon Sony SLR $139.95

CANON EOS DELUXE PHOTO BACKPACK GADGET SLR CAMERA WATERPROOF BAG EXTRA DURABLE $53.99

Tamrac 5373 Travel Pack 73 Photo Backpack for Canon Digital SLR Camera Black Kit $84.95

Tamrac 5373 Travel Pack 73 Photo Backpack Canon Digital SLR Camera Black/Blue $84.95

Canon 200EG Deluxe Photo Backpack w/Accessories Kit NEW $54.95

NEW Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG 4 EOS SLR Camera $46.25

WB1633B Camera Backpack Back Pack Photo Video Canon $59.98

WB1633R Camera Backpack Back Pack Bag Photo Video Canon $53.98

WB1633Y Photo Video Camera Backpack Back Pack Bag Canon $53.98

ROLLING CAMERA BACKPACK PHOTO DIGITAL VIDEO BACK PACK Fit Sony Canon $53.99

ROLLING CAMERA BACKPACK PHOTO DIGITAL VIDEO BACK PACK Fit Sony Canon $53.99

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for EOS SLR Cameras $59.99

Canon 200EG EOS SLR Camera Deluxe Photo Backpack $45.35

ROLLING CAMERA BACKPACK PHOTO DIGITAL VIDEO BACK PACK Fit Sony Canon $54.00

Tamrac 5789 Evolution 9 Photo/Laptop Sling Backpack for Canon Digital SLR Camera $199.95

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG f/ SLR 6229A003 NEW $52.97

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack Bag 200EG EOS SLR Camera $49.90

Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW Backpack Bag Digital Camera CANON NIKON SONY $145.37

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Backpack Bag Digital Camera CANON NIKON SONY OLYMPUS $171.05

WB1619BS Photo Backpack Back Pack Camera Bag Canon $29.00

WB1619BR Photo Backpack Back Pack Camera Bag Canon $29.00

WB1619BN Photo Backpack Back Pack Camera Bag Canon $29.00

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Backpack Bag Digital Camera CANON NIKON SONY OLYMPUS $160.69

Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW Backpack Bag Digital Camera CANON NIKON SONY $137.59

Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW Backpack Bag Digital Camera CANON NIKON SONY $135.90

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Backpack Bag Digital Camera CANON NIKON SONY OLYMPUS $159.90

Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW Camera Backpack Case Black + Canon Cleaning Kit $109.95

NEW Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG Canon EOS SLR Cameras Black Green Accent $49.94

CANON DELUXE PHOTO BACKPACK 200EG BAG-NEW $51.03

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Camera Backpack Case Kit Black + Canon Cleaning Kit $159.95

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Camera Backpack Case Kit Orange + Canon Cleaning Kit $159.95

Canon Deluxe Back Pack 200EG for Photo and Camera Gear – 6229A003 $46.98

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW DSLR Digital Camera Backpack for Nikon Canon Sony SLR $139.95

Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG, Black with Olive. #6229A003 $39.00

CANON EOS SLR CAMERA WITH 3-4 LENSES DELUXE BACKPACK PHOTO BAG WATER REPELLANT $50.99

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW DSLR Digital Camera Backpack for Nikon Canon Orange $139.95

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW DSLR Digital Camera Backpack for Nikon Canon Orange $139.95

Canon 200EG Deluxe Photo Backpack $34.90

ROLLING CAMERA BACKPACK PHOTO DIGITAL VIDEO BACK PACK Fit Sony Canon $53.99

Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW Backpack Bag Digital Camera CANON NIKON SONY $145.37

Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and 15.4-Inch Laptop Backpack (Black) $63.03 Case Logic SLR Camera/Notebook Backpack SLRC-206 BLACK Electronic Gadget Cases…

Lowepro Fastpack 250 Camera/Laptop Backpack $98.44 On streets or trails, you can shoot all day when you wear the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 250 backpack by Lowepro. It protects a digital SLR with an 18-55mm or 17-85mm kit lens attached, plus 15.4″ Widescreen notebook, and extra storage for 2-3 additional 105mm f/2.8, 18-200mm f/3.5, or 70-300mm f/4.5 lenses, flash, and other personal accessories. You won’t miss a shot, because side-entry co…

Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot $99.99 The Kata 3N1 Sling / Backpacks provide photographers with the quick access of a sling and the comfort of a backpack. The 3N1 with laptop slot has the unique ability to be used as a right-handed sling, left-handed sling and backpack In addition to different carrying options, the 3N1 includes ample storage for photo and personal gear. Photo equipment is stored in the bottom main compartment of the p…

Vivitar DKS-25 Photo/SLR/Laptop Sling Backpack – Large (Black) The lightweight and extremely durable Vivitar One DSLR Sling Backpack (VIV-DKS-25) fits one DSLR camera with lens attached, a 17-in. laptop computer, 1-4 extra lenses, a flash unit and numerous accessories. Features adjustable foam padding, adjustable straps, tripod holder, trolley sleeve, and removable rain cover. Interior Dimensions: Laptop Compartment: 18 x 10.5 in. (45.7 x 26.7 cm) / Top Compa…

DAKINE Sequence Pack DaKine Outdoor Camera Backpack…

DAKINE Mission Photo Pack Based in Hood River, Oregon, DAKINE was founded in Maui, Hawai’i in 1979 by longtime surfer, Rob Kaplan. DAKINE’S first product, a revolutionary new surf leash, quickly gained worldwide popularity. This first leash led to more surfing related products, built to withstand the punishing conditions of the surf on the north shore of Hawai’i. In Hawaiian slang, “Da Kine” means the best and the company …

Sling Shoulder Digital Video Photo Backpack Bag 3 Lenses $29.95 A perfect combination of quick access and weather protection, this compact sling shoulder bag with 2 compartments. Fast-access front zipper pocket with inner organizer for cables, adaptors and small items. Removable padded Velcro camera dividers to protect camera gear. Front straps with buckles prevent zippers from completely opening while accessing camera. Extra cloth beneath zippers provides wat…

Adjustable Divider C1000 Photo Digital Camera Sling Shoulder Backpack Bag 3 Lenses $29.95 A perfect combination of quick access and weather protection, this compact sling shoulder bag with 2 compartments takes photo or digital SLR with attached compact zoom lens, 1-2 extra lenses or flash unit and accessories.Camera Compartment: 6.9″ W x 4.5″ D x 9.4″ H. Approximate Pack:9″ W x 7.1″ D x 14.6″ H inches. Reinforcement at all stress points….

Targus DVBP02 Universal Camera/Video Backpack – Black with Gray Accents (Nylon with Diamond Nylon Ripstop) $30.40 The Targus Universal Camera Backapack meets all the requirements one might have for portable and managable storage of their camera or video equipment. This durable and versatile backpack allows you to care all of your video and photo necessities in one convenient case….

Case Logic DCB-304 High/Fixed Zoom Camera Case (Black) $10.00 Accented with vibrant red detailing, this camera case is tailored to fit most high zoom digital cameras. Carrying options include a convenient belt loop or detachable lanyard. Storage options provide a home for your cords and accessories….

Canon – Matte photo paper $13.36 Canon – Matte photo paper

Canon Photo Paper 1335B001 $36.68 Canon Photo Paper 1335B001

3380 Aero 80 Photo/Laptop Backpack (BLACK) $119.95 The Aero 80 is a sleek and lightweight backpack designed for the SLR photographer with a digital SLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D Series) with a grip and a 4″ lens attached, a couple additional lenses, a flash, accessories and a 17″ screen

3380 Aero 80 Photo/Laptop Backpack (RUST) $119.95 The Aero 80 is a sleek and lightweight backpack designed for the SLR photographer with a digital SLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D Series) with a grip and a 4″ lens attached, a couple additional lenses, a flash, accessories and a 17″ screen

Dakine Mission Photo Backpack $124.95 The Dakine Mission Photo Backpack is perfect for photographers on the move

Canon / CANON PHOTO PAPER GLOSS / 4479A292 $58.51 Canon – CANON PHOTO PAPER GLOSS – 4479A292

Canon / PAPER, CANON INKJET, PHOTO PAPER / 2768B015 $42.11 Canon – PAPER, CANON INKJET, PHOTO PAPER – 2768B015

Canon / CANON PHOTO PAPER PLUS / 1686B017 $22.84 Canon – CANON PHOTO PAPER PLUS – 1686B017

Canon / INK, CANON, PHOTO GRAY, PFI-103PGY, / 2214B001 $91.68 Canon – INK, CANON, PHOTO GRAY, PFI-103PGY, – 2214B001

Canon / PAPER, CANON, PHOTO PAPER GLOSSY, / 0775B021 $19.95 Canon – PAPER, CANON, PHOTO PAPER GLOSSY, – 0775B021

Canon / PAPER, CANON, MATTE PHOTO, 4X6, / 7981A014 $22.84 Canon – PAPER, CANON, MATTE PHOTO, 4X6, – 7981A014

Canon / PAPER, CANON, PHOTO PAPER GLOSSY, / 0775B023 $27.33 Canon – PAPER, CANON, PHOTO PAPER GLOSSY, – 0775B023

Canon / PAPER, CANON INKJET, PHOTO PAPER / 2768B019 $32.5 Canon – PAPER, CANON INKJET, PHOTO PAPER – 2768B019

Canon / PAPER, CANON INKJET, PHOTO PAPER / 2768B014 $32.5 Canon – PAPER, CANON INKJET, PHOTO PAPER – 2768B014

3370 Aero 70 Photo Backpack (Black) $74.95 The Aero 70 is a compact, sleek and lightweight backpack perfect for photographers carrying a DSLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D Series) with a grip and 4″ lens attached, an extra lens or two, a flash, accessories and personal items. The com

3370 Aero 70 Photo Backpack (Brown/Tan) $74.95 The Aero 70 is a compact, sleek and lightweight backpack perfect for photographers carrying a DSLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D Series) with a grip and 4″ lens attached, an extra lens or two, a flash, accessories and personal items. The com

3370 Aero 70 Photo Backpack (Rust) $74.95 The Aero 70 is a compact, sleek and lightweight backpack perfect for photographers carrying a DSLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D Series) with a grip and 4″ lens attached, an extra lens or two, a flash, accessories and personal items. The com

3380 Aero 80 Photo/Laptop Backpack (BROWN/TAN) $119.95 The Aero 80 is a sleek and lightweight backpack designed for the SLR photographer with a digital SLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D Series) with a grip and a 4″ lens attached, a couple additional lenses, a flash, accessories and a 17″ screen

5549 Adventure 9 Photo/Computer Backpack(RED /BLACK) $149.95 The Adventure 9 is a modern backpack designed for the photographer with a pro digital SLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D2 Series) with a grip and 5″ lens attached, several additional lenses, a flash, accessories and a laptop. The completely f

5549 Adventure 9 Photo/Computer Backpack(GRAY /BLACK) $149.95 The Adventure 9 is a modern backpack designed for the photographer with a pro digital SLR (such as Canon’s EOS 1D Series or Nikon’s D2 Series) with a grip and 5″ lens attached, several additional lenses, a flash, accessories and a laptop. The completely f

CANON CL52 PHOTO INK CARTRIDGE $44.99 CANON CL52 PHOTO INK CART

Canon / PFI-101PM PHOTO MAGENTA / 0888B001AA $91.68 Canon – PFI-101PM PHOTO MAGENTA – 0888B001AA

Canon / Magenta Photo Tank-S400,S450 / 4484A003 $25.11 Canon – Magenta Photo Tank-S400,S450 – 4484A003

Canon Inkjet – Photo Cyan 0904B001 $304.41 Canon Inkjet – Photo Cyan 0904B001

Canon Inkjet – Photo Gray 2214B001 $90.33 Canon Inkjet – Photo Gray 2214B001

Tags:   backpack · bags · camera · canon photo backpack · canon photo backpack 200eg · canon photo backpack amazon · canon photo backpack deluxe · canon photo backpack review · photo · photographyNo Comments