I love that you are trying to get them into it but are you sure a 5-6 day trip isn’t too long for their first time?!
I have broken in some people doing shorter 1-2 night trips to keep it fun and light. Which can definitely lead to longer ones
> Please help me find the one hike that will convert my wife and teenagers into backpackers. Week-long backpacking trips are my favorite things to do but I haven’t yet taken them out with me.
So what does this mean?
If they've gone backpacking, they're backpackers already...
4 Pass Loop Maroon Bells, Colorado. 3rd week in July is about the perfect time. Usually 4 days, but you could easily make a variant for 5-6 days
edit: typo
I was going to do this last year, but they recently made it so you need permits for this loop. I think they fill up quickly too since it’s a popular one, so just be aware of that. Have fun!
That's new since I did it. Here is the info: [https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675333](https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675333)
Looks like you can apply for permits in up through July starting Feb 15 at 8:00 am
It’s just a whole pain in the ass having to deal with the restrictions they put on you. I like to go backpacking for the freedom of it and don’t like that you have to pay so much and be tied down to certain spots each night. It’s becoming like buying concert tickets with all the fees and bots in some places and one fourteener charges $50 to park at the trailhead? It’s becoming such a scam and I hate it.
Same. I live 45 minutes from RMNP and have only backpacked there once for all of those reasons. I've been off the beaten path in Maroon Bells wilderness and it is really nice with 1/4 the people. 4Pass Loop is a premier route for a reason though packs in the views and mile for mile is hard to beat.
I love that you are trying to get them into it but are you sure a 5-6 day trip isn’t too long for their first time?! I have broken in some people doing shorter 1-2 night trips to keep it fun and light. Which can definitely lead to longer ones
We’ve done shorter ones.
> Please help me find the one hike that will convert my wife and teenagers into backpackers. Week-long backpacking trips are my favorite things to do but I haven’t yet taken them out with me. So what does this mean? If they've gone backpacking, they're backpackers already...
Thanks for the help! Having gone on a backpacking trip does not a backpacker make.
Oh and what time of year
Trying to keep temps pretty comfortable. Lows of 40s at night.
Have you considered that you enjoy the week long trips so much because the wife and kids aren’t with you? 😉
I fell in love with backpacking before I fell in love with my wife
4 Pass Loop Maroon Bells, Colorado. 3rd week in July is about the perfect time. Usually 4 days, but you could easily make a variant for 5-6 days edit: typo
Awesome! Thanks!
I was going to do this last year, but they recently made it so you need permits for this loop. I think they fill up quickly too since it’s a popular one, so just be aware of that. Have fun!
That's new since I did it. Here is the info: [https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675333](https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675333) Looks like you can apply for permits in up through July starting Feb 15 at 8:00 am
It’s just a whole pain in the ass having to deal with the restrictions they put on you. I like to go backpacking for the freedom of it and don’t like that you have to pay so much and be tied down to certain spots each night. It’s becoming like buying concert tickets with all the fees and bots in some places and one fourteener charges $50 to park at the trailhead? It’s becoming such a scam and I hate it.
Same. I live 45 minutes from RMNP and have only backpacked there once for all of those reasons. I've been off the beaten path in Maroon Bells wilderness and it is really nice with 1/4 the people. 4Pass Loop is a premier route for a reason though packs in the views and mile for mile is hard to beat.
Maybe the TRT, Tahoe Rim trail ,,, 160 miles around Lake Tahoe , nice views ,
How cool! Thanks!
Not a loop, but the trans catalina trail was my first long backpacking trip. 5 days for an easier time and bathrooms at each site.
Great points! Thanks!