r/coloradohikers

I was trying to buy an online reservation for the Mt. Blue Sky road when it reopens for the season May 22, but couldnt find the entry for passes. I learned federal passes are no longer accepted for Blue Sky access because the entrance gate switched from federal administration to the city of Denver. So its $22 on recreation.gov (the website the feds mainly use).

It looks like you can still hike or bike for free. Hikers can also access alternative trails from Chicago Lakes and Mt. Bierstadt for free.

Different parts of the Mt. Blue Sky are owned by different government agencies: the parking lots and lakes by the City of Denver, the road by the state of Colorado, and most of other land is federal.

Hi- read related posts but I feel like I still did not find an answer so here goes

My partner and I are trying to plan a budget trip throughout Colorado (teacher salaries) and I would love to do the west maroon pass starting in Aspen and ending in CB. However, we are MT based and would have only one car and no one to shuttle with. I saw suggestions for shuttle options that can drive you all the way back to Aspen from CB but the prices I was seeing were crazy - I get its a long drive but that $ is not something I plan to swing. We're not incredibly active (highline trail in gnp kinda kicked our asses- we did about 15mi), and while I know we're capable of hiking it, idk if we'd be up for it two days in a row. Is there a more affordable and practical way to shuttle? Tia.

I’d like a recommendation for a 3 season bivy. I’m thinking about doing the Colorado trail this summer, and I want to save weight. I’ve slept in a tent a lot, slept in a hammock w a tarp above a lot, and I’d like to go lighter. I need one that’ll fit a 6’3 guy. To be clear, I’m looking for a regular use Bivy, not an emergency Bivy. I’d go with a hammock but obviously you can’t string a hammock up above treeline.

I’ll pair it with a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and likely a tarp as well.

If anybody has a good recommendation for a ~30-40F (if that’s even a good temp?) sleeping bag as well, that’d be great. My 0deg bag is great but too heavy/bulky and no doubt too warm.

I’m a pretty seasoned backpacker and have slept above treeline before on a few occasions. I’m good on clothing management and navigation. Food seems like one of the more challenging supplies to manage. I’m thinking lots of sugar for the calorie density. I’m hoping the late snows will increase water access but I’ll be doing my due diligence before setting off. Any other tips are welcome.