Ultralight Backpacking

Ultralight Backpacking is a style of backpacking where you bring the smallest and lightest supplies needed for a backpack trip. The general weight for an full ultralight pack is less than 20 pounds(Regular packs weigh as much as 70 pounds). This type of hike allows for the hiker to clear more distance because of the amount of weight they shaved off. Most ultralight hikers spend more money than usual to ensure they have the lightest equipment possible. I would not recommend this type of backpacking unless you are an experienced hiker but it is an interesting concept. Happy Hiking!

Mount Sopris

Mount Sopris has become the symbol of the roaring fork valley. It is located south of Carbondale, CO and accessible through Prince Creek road. The trail starts near Dinkle Lake, and proceeds 2 miles up to Thomas Lakes at treeline. From there you proceed to the peaks which is about another 3-4 miles of strenuous hiking. From the summits you can see great views of the valley and beyond. This hike can be hiked in a day but the weather usually starts getting bad in the afternoon. To avoid this start hiking in the morning. If you want to make this an overnighter, there are many camping sites at Thomas lakes. Happy Hiking!

Ditch the trails!

Lets all be honest; life is short. Sure you can hike on marked trails an be safe, or you can go out and explore the untamed wilderness! What sounds like more fun? Although it might not be as safe(check previous post about safety tips) and easy going as a short day hike, you might find things you will never forget. So get outside and explore the woods! You might be surprised.

Walking/Hiking Sticks

Also known as "Trekking Poles", hiking sticks are extremely useful when venturing out into the wilderness. One of the first things you will notice when using a hiking stick is that you are using your upper body and taking some of the stress off your legs. This will help you hike faster especially up hills and avoid many injuries due to the pounding of hiking. Everyone one sometime in their life will twist or sprain their ankle or have another injury associated with their legs and hiking poles act as another pair of legs to relieve the pressure. So where do you get a pair of these fancy sticks? Actually a straight, sturdy stick will suffice just fine or you can use a pair of old ski poles before you go spend $100 dollars on a shiny new pair from Northface. Happy Hiking!

Dangers of Hiking Alone

The woods are as dangerous as they are beautiful. This year alone, there have been 7 deaths in Colorado from avalanches. This is just the number they know. Many cases go unreported because the skier/hiker was alone. Experts mountaineers will tell you that you should never go on a hike alone. Sure if an avalanche gets triggered, there is not much a hiking partner can do but alert authority to give you a better chance of surviving. Even a hike as short as 3 miles can turn into a catastrophe. If you must hike alone follow these guidelines:

1) Try to hike on a trail with high activity 

2) Plan for any types of weather 

3) Let someone know where you are planing on hiking

4) Bring more supplies than you think you need

5) Know your limitations 

http://solofriendly.com/10-tips-for-hiking-alone-safely/

Osprey Day Pack Review

Osprey is a popular outdoor backpack manufacturer. Having used a osprey day pack for snowboarding and hiking, I have found may advantages and disadvantages with the bag. Lets be real here; a backpack is made to hold items. Osprey day packs biggest  issue is how little you can put in them. Sure you can put a water bottle, some snacks, and a small first aid kit but that's about it. If you are wearing a sweater and you want to put it away, it wont fit very easily. The reason they do this is to eliminate the bulge that other backpacks have. The backpack straps are extremely comfortable and it doesn't bounce around. I usually only use this backpack in the summer because of the amount I can fit in them. Im sure not every osprey day pack is not like this and I would buy another that would be able to put more in them. I would give my osprey day pack 3.5 stars. 

For more information on Osprey backpacks go to:http://www.ospreypacks.com/

Never Stop Exploring

This video sums up the reasons I love exploring the outdoors. I hope you will find motivation after watching this and go out and explore on your own!

Mushroom Rock, Carbondale, Colorado

Carbondale Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With great views of Mount Sopris, this hike proves to be one of my all time favorite. From start to finish, the hike takes at most 2 and a half hours. It is an out and back hike and accessible all year around(These photos were taken over the weekend and there is no snow!).

For directions to this hike go to:
 http://www.mapmyhike.com/us/carbondale-co/mushroom-rock-hike-in-carbondale-route-64558548

Happy Valentines Day!

Edible Cacti (Part 2)

     Hey! A more common cactus you see is the Opuntia phaeacantha  or the prickly pear cactus. There are many kinds of  Opuntia  but they are all easy to identify. With their big, green, fleshy pads, you cannot miss them. These cacti are extremely beautiful when they are in full bloom with flowers that are red and yellow. It is all edible aside from the spines, but most people remove the seeds by cutting them in half. I have found that this type of cactus is best with mexican dishes. Enjoy!

For more information:

http://www.desertusa.com/cactus/prickly-pear-cactus.html

Choosing the Right Hiking Footwear

Hey! The right hiking boots are one of the best investments you can make as a hiker. When choosing a hiking boot, take into account where you plan to hike, the seasons you plan to hike, and how long you plan to use your shoes or boots. Lets be honest, hiking is just a fancy word for walking in the woods or outdoors. This in mind you MUST get a pair of boots or shoes that fit you properly and are comfortable! Without the right sized footwear you will be in a world of pain on your longer hikes! Another point to address when choosing hiking footwear is the different types of terrain you might face all year around. My first pair of hiking shoes were low cut around the ankles and I couldn't use them in the winter without my ankles freezing off due to the snow! The last thing to take into account is how long you plan on using your hiking shoes for! The saying "you get what you pay for" is especially true when choosing a type of footwear! You can buy a cheap pair of boots, but they will most likely be uncomfortable and fall apart before you can even get them worn in! If you have questions about what footwear I use contact me at elevatehikingtrips@gamil.com! Thanks!

Edible Cacti (Part 1)

Hello everyone! Each week I will be doing sections on edible plants in Colorado. This week and next week I will focus on edible Cacti(Cactus). Many people don't know that many types of cacti are in fact edible and even available in your local supermarkets! Today lets focus on Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa. Try saying that 3 times fast! Despite being found on rocky and dry hillsides, this cactus is high in calcium and has been used by the natives in the dry seasons. Although not an everyday food, many people still pit roast or boil the buds and claim it tastes like asparagus. I will have to try it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylindropuntia_acanthocarpa

About Me

Hello! My name is Wyatt and I am a Colorado native. Having been born and raised on the Western Slope, I have grown up outdoors. My hobbies include running, hiking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, swimming, rafting, and exploring the untamed woods. As a senior in high school, I recently had an idea to start up a hiking/backpacking business. It is still in planing but I hope it will be a success! I will post pictures and videos of my hiking trips on this blog as well! Let me know what you think at elevatehikingtrips@gmail.com!