
The Little Red
Writing Book
Adventure Planning Document
Volume 0: The art of adventure
General Outdoor Advice
1
Wherever you go always keep a hand spade, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. In your car, or in your pack. This allows you to poop in any place you might find yourself. When digging, follow the principles of Leave no Trace. Dig the hole 6-8 deep, unless in the desert, then 4-6 inches deep. Select a place that has the maximum exposure to the sun to speed up decomposition. Don’t poop or pee within 100 feet of a water source. Even if you don’t fancy yourself doing this, it’s important to keep these three things on you, as many a times, the porta potties available at your trailhead will be out of toilet paper/hand sanitizer, and you’ll find yourself in a shitty situation.
2
If you have an iPhone, you should have a “Compass” application. In this compass application, you are able to view the coordinates of your current location. This generally works even in areas of low service. I highly recommend taking a screenshot of the coordinates of where you parked your car, along with familiar landmarks on your journey, such that if you get lost, you can use the compass app to guide you back. For example, if you parked your car at 36 N, and you are lost at 37 N, proceed south. If you have a coordinate tracking device, the same advice goes. Write down the coordinates somewhere, and use a compass to guide you back.
3
Consider packing a drawstring/fanny pack in your big pack. This way, if you want to go tag a summit, or climb to a cool place, and you just want the essentials, you can abandon your big pack, bring your essentials in the smaller bag, and make faster time to your place of interest. After this, you would obviously return to your big pack.
4
You’ll want sweet, salty, and fatty foods for the hike, as you lose a lot of salt and fat on a hike. Here is a list of foods I’ll bring on a day hike: granola bars, pepperoni packets, dried fruit, PBJs, summer sausage, trail mix. For an extended trip, I’ll bring all those things along with: tortilla wraps, tuna packets (buy these instead of the cans to make packing the pack easier), olive oil, peanut butter cups, and boil-in-a-bag rice. The boil-in-the-bag rice is only if you have a portable stove. Olive oil is a great way to add more calories to your meal without making it much harder to eat, as it has 120 calories per tablespoon. Mix the tuna, rice, and olive oil in a container, and you’ve got yourself a meal! Remember, we burn a lot of calories on these adventures, so you’ll want to pack foods that’ll deliver the most amount of calories, without taking up too much space. However, MAKE SURE you have foods that you enjoy eating, instead of gross protein cookies that are unnaturally dense with calories. Your body might find itself nauseated after the fifth protein cookie, and soon you can’t eat the only thing you brought.
5
Doesn’t matter how in-shape you are, a sprained ankle can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Strengthen your ankles. I also advise strengthening your knees to stave off injuries. Checkout the Fitness Section Below. Additionally, learn how to wrap a sprained ankle, and make sure your first aid kit has a wrap. Additionally additionally, consider wearing ankle supports if you are susceptible to such injuries. Over the ankle waterproof-boots are a must in my opinion.
6
While on an adventure, you might come across an artsy stack of rocks that looks human-made. You’ve most likely come across a cairn. Cairns are used to show you that you are headed in the right direction, when the trail becomes less clear.
7
Helpful to keep a waterproof bag (even a ziploc bag) on you for your wallet, keys and phone as you trek along.
8
Always carry a headlamp on you. This unlocks 12 more hours of adventure for you. Night hikes are the most undeniably beautiful thing a person can experience. Stars and shadowy mountains are a hell of backdrop. Advice: don’t look directly at anyone while wearing a headlamp, it’s not fun for the eyes. Additionally, if wearing a headlamp, be mindful that this can ruin other peoples built up night vision. If you notice someone is trying to hike without a headlamp, be respectful and turn yours off for a second as they pass. Highly recommend the Petzl headlamp. Headlamps are also a non-negotiable piece of emergency equipment, in case you get stuck for the night accidentally.
9
When using coordinates to traverse from point to point, keep in mind that latitudes and longitudes are not evenly spaced out, as they are derived from a spherical coordinate system. For example, the distance between 118 W to 119 W becomes larger the closer you get to the equator. Use this website to find the distance between coordinates.
10
Use this website to check the weather of your area of adventure. The advantage of this website is that once you have searched the general area of your mission, you can use a tool at the right to click on a specific location, and the website will tell you the location there. This is incredibly helpful for mountaineering, as you can drag the tool to the summit of the mountain, to see what the worst of the conditions will be like.
11
Hiking with a backpack that doesn’t have a chest strap or a waist strap can get intensely annoying. The chest strap is a bare minimum to ensure enjoyability. You’ll be much better at navigating your environment with your pack secured to your body. Of course, a hiking backpack is your best bet here.
12
On that note, when packing your pack, keep the heavier stuff closest to your body, anywhere from the middle of your back to your shoulders. This is best for your back.
13
Don’t eat anything spicy after a hike, your lips are most likely chapped from the lack of hydration and exposure to sun. It’ll make your lips feel not good!
14
Always shake out and look in your shoes before you put them back on again, in case something/someone crawled in while you weren’t wearing them.
15
Here is what you should do if you encounter a bear: bear protocol.
16
When storing water in two or more containers during an expedition, do not fully deplete one before moving to the next. Instead, deplete both at the same rate, pulling water from Container A the first time, Container B the second time, Container A the third time, and so on. This way, incase one of your containers is compromised in some way (like a leak) you will at least still have the water in the other container available.
Hiking/Camping/Backpacking Advice
1
Check ahead of time and see if a permit is required for you to overnight camp. If it is a park, you’ll likely need a permit.
2
A headlamp is critical to the safety and enjoyment of your camping experience, such that are not using your name phone or a flashlight to light up an area, causing your hands to not be free. I highly recommend this headlamp.
3
Generally not a good idea to keep your food near you while camping as animals might be drawn to the scent, and you might wake up to a bear. If in an area with dangerous animals, food storage should be in a bear vault, kept at least 100 feet away from camp, in a place where it can’t be rolled away easily (wedged between some rocks). If no dangerous animals, just keep the food with you, not a big deal honestly.
4
Adventure Insurance - See #6 under Mountaineering/Winder Advice
5
When using a compass to direct yourself, find a large object in the distance to use as your waypoint. That way, as the surrounding area gets more confusing, you can realign yourself to the large object.
6
Specific foods that I like to pack on the trail include...
- Tuna (not in a hard container, but rather the plastic sleeve)
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Beef Jerky
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Trail Mix
- Lara Bars
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
- Peanut Butter Cups
- Pepperoni Packets
- Dried Mango
- Sour Patch Kids
- Olive Oil (adds a lot more calories to any meal)
- Boil-in-a-bag Rice (need a water boiler for this)
- Salt Stick Chews (incase of dehydration)
Mountaineering/Winter Advice
1
Breaking in the Trail: While attempting a summit through areas of snow, to save energy within a group of people, all walk in a single file. This way, only the leader of the group expends the energy of crushing down the snow and then lifting up their feet out of the snow, while the rest have a broken-in-trail. Frequently switch out the leader of the group. (Thanks Prof. Jarvis)
2
In colder conditions, keep the metal part of your portable camping stove in the tent with you in your sleeping bag, that way the ignition switch doesn’t freeze overnight. Keep in mind that your water might also freeze as well during the hike, which would make it undrinkable of course. Therefore, find a way to insulate your water container.
3
If you're climbing any peak Class 2 or higher, pack a helmet. Rock fall is possible, and honestly likely on more advanced peaks. If you are climbing with other people, proceed upwards in a staggered formation, such that you don’t kick rocks down at each other.
4
Don’t wear cotton socks, or cotton anything really, in cold conditions. The cotton will soak up the sweat, and get you on a quicker path to hypothermia. I enjoy smart wool socks.
5
Many deaths in the mountains are caused due to lightning strikes. When Colorado mountaineering, LEAVE the summit by 11 AM at the latest. Thunderstorms generally hit that region anywhere from 12 PM to 1 PM. You want to be below the tree line before thunderstorms hit. This means commencing your summit attempt anywhere from 2 to 5 AM, depending on the peak. In other regions of America, do your own research, and check the weather forecast.
6
Before leaving on an especially isolated/dangerous adventure, it’s a good idea to purchase adventure insurance. Adventure insurance will cover the cost of medical evacuation, something that can cost up to $100,000 depending on where you are being rescued from. Of course, you need a way to contact emergency services, as your phone won’t have a connection. I recommend the Garmin In-reach Mini, boasted to work anywhere in the world. As far as an insurance company goes, I recommend Ripcord. They’ve got good customer support. Once you purchase a plan, you can set a “preset” message on your Garmin that you can send to Ripcord in case of an emergency. They’ll handle the rest.
7
Whatever you do, ONLY double sock to keep your feet more warm in extreme cold conditions IF your feet still have wiggle room. I would be very cautious with this, as double socking can cut off blood circulation, which is a quick road to frostbite. Personally, never doing that shit again.
8
The face of the mountain is the direction that it is looking. For example, the West face of a mountain is the side of the mountain that is looking west.
9
My phone instantly dies every time conditions get too cold, no matter what the battery percentage was. I don’t recommend having any reason to rely on your phone in cold conditions. Additionally, try keeping it insulated by wrapping it in extra socks, and keeping it close to your body.
10
Be sure to check for avalanche likelihood before embarking on your journey.
11
To mitigate post-holing, use snowshoes!
12
Your ice-axe might come with some sort of leash, wrist or waist. I recommend making sure that the leash is attached to your waist using a locking carabiner, to ensure you won’t lose it. You can attach to a belt loop, or even better, a loop on your pack.
13
Wear some sort of sun protection for your eyes, like sunglasses or ski goggles, as you traverse through snow packed regions. Snow is highly reflective, and the sun’s light can blind you as you stare unprotected at the snow for hours.
14
This one might seem obvious, but don’t split up with your partner, ever. Just a bad idea. Speaking from experience, as is the nature of this whole document.
15
The “San Juan Slap” - Common practice in the San Juan mountain range, but highly applicable to any other mountain. As you climb and look for handholds, do not pull on a rock to see if it is strong enough, unless you are in a very safe position. Instead, slap the rock in a few directions to see if it moves. If it moves, don’t use it. If it stays, it’ll probably suffice.
16
When getting close to the summit, I recommend staying on the ridge line as opposed to a little below it, if it makes sense to. Reason being, though the ridge feels more exposed and scary, the rocks are far sturdier and should make for a safer climb then the looser rock directly below it.
General Car Camping/Road Advice
1
When constructing a more permanent car-camping set-up, ensure that in case of an emergency, you will still have access to the spare tire.
2
Finding parking in a town near your nature destination can oftentimes be intimidating, as you don’t want to get a ticket for parking overnight. However, it seems that these towns are always so small, with just one main road. Don’t park in any of these commercial building’s parking lots. Instead, take a turn off the main road, and just drive until you find a residential area. Then, park on the side of the street, and spend the night. No one gives tickets for overnight parking in a residential area.
3
Safety corridors on the interstate are parts of the interstate where accident and fatality rates are higher than average. So, traffic violations are typically doubled in this area to further encourage safe driving.
4
Grab a six pack of sodas or energy drinks from your local grocery store before departing on a trip. These drinks will be much cheaper at the store than at every gas station you stop at along the way, and you’ll need something to keep you awake, likely.
5
California gas prices are stupid high. If you can, wait to fill up in another state. I’m almost positive it’ll be cheaper as soon as you cross the border.
6
When parking your car in the wilderness on a hill, put large rocks behind each tire to prevent any sliding.
International Travel Advice
1
When booking pickup time for car rental, give a healthy hour and a half after landing, since clearing customs can be a whole thing.
2
Notice who’s one the plane as you land, so that when you go to baggage claim, if you’re having a hard time finding the right carousel, you can recognize where the people from your flight went.
3
If renting a car, do plenty of research about where you are allowed to park before you go, as parking signs in a different language are sufficiently confusing.
4
Put something, like a bright tag, that is easily identifiable on your bag so that when at baggage claim, it will be easy to know which one your bag is.
5
Research what time the sunrise and sunset is in your country. This can affect planning of events.
6
Download google maps offline for all the places you want to go, and you never have to worry about using data. Just favorite a lot of places on the map, and you can drive from one to the other offline, and Google maps will still direct you.
7
If you want to go to more low-key areas, just find where you can do off-roading in the country.
8
Honestly, if you want to have a guaranteed good time, just Google what the best hikes you can do in a country, and then do the wildest/longest one. No tourists, guaranteed.
9
There are SO many cheap flight tickets out there. Just travel to places where you can get cheap tickets. I love using this website to find cheap tickets.
10
If renting a car, look up towing companies beforehand. Just so that you can call the one you know is cheapest if you are in a bind.
11
Get car rental insurance, your American insurance probably doesn’t cover international travel.
12
I wouldn’t prepay for gas on rental cars, it seems they will charge you as if the entire tank is empty.
13
Pack a trash bag for your dirty clothes.
14
Pack a master lock. Totally could come in handy at a hostel or anywhere really.
General Fitness Advice
1
I use this ankle strengthening video and this ankle mobility video to build ankle strength. Don’t sleep on this, a sprained ankle can leave you stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Gear
1
Essential on every adventure
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The Backpack
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Sweet and salty snacks
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1 Liter water bottles
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Waterproof trail boots
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Extra Pair of Socks
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Battery Pack
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Multiple iPhone/micro-usb chargers
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First Aid (example)
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Emergency Sleeping Bag (example)
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Pocket-Knife
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Lighter
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Headlamp (example)
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Spare headlamp batteries
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Toilet Paper
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Hand Spade
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Hand Sanitizer
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Bags for Trash
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Air Horn or whistle
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Signal Mirror
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Ziplock bag/waterproof container for keys and wallet
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Waterproof phone case
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Glasses case
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SOS GPS device (advanced) (example)
2
Nice to have on the adventure but not necessary
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Wide brimmed hat
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses
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Change of Clothes
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Journals
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Energy supplement/Caffeine Pills
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Camera tripod
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Go Pro
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Lotion
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UV Umbrella
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Drawstring/Satchel
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Binoculars
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Athletic Tape
3
Supports Based on Personal Preference
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Hiking Poles
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Knee Braces
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Ankle Supports (example)
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Heel Gels
4
Camping/Backpacking
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Water Filtration System (example)
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Water Purification Tablets
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Anti-chafing and anti blister balm
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Portable Camping Stove (example)
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Fuel Canisters
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Toiletries
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Compass
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Portable Saw
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Copy of Map
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Calculator
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Critter bag/bear canister (example)
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Tent
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Sleeping bag
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Pillow (example)
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Sleeping pad (example)
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10 Liter Bag of Water (example)
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Gear Tape (example)
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Aqua Seal
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Bivy Tent
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Multivitamins
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Salt Stick Chews
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Listerine Strips (here)
5
Mountaineering/Winter Conditions
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Ice Axe
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Crampons
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Locking Carabiner
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Expedition Sled
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Rope
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Gloves
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Hand-Warmers
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Gaiters
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Balaclava
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Ushanka-hat
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Ski Jacket
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Ski goggles
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Snowshoes
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Climbing Helmet
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Snow Pants
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Microspikes
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Mountaineering Boots
6
Car Camping
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Ukulele
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Car charger for usb and three prong plug
Some of My Past Adventures
1
Here’s a link to my APD for the Grand Canyon. Highly recommend the Rim to Rim, or even just camping in the Grand Canyon, it’s stunning, obviously. Lots of helpful information on that document on how to plan that trip.
2
Here’s a link to my APD for crossing Death Valley. Feel free to check it out. Though I can’t say I recommend it.
Colorado Recommendations
1
Here’s how to have an all around phenomenal time in Colorado.
Step One: Drive to the trailhead of a mountain. Spend the night at the trailhead in your car. Keep in mind it gets colder at these high elevations. Pack blankets, a sleeping bag, a pillow, and warm clothes.
Step Two: Wake up at 3 am. Begin hiking by 3:30, 4 at the latest. This is because you want to be leaving the summit before 11, to avoid thunderstorms. If you haven’t summited by 11, turn around. If you see thunderclouds approaching, turn around. You’ll need a headlamp, as shown in the gear section, for the start of the hike. The best part is catching a view of the sunrise from high up.
It won’t be too cold, but you’ll want a windbreaker, a long sleeve, and then a t-shirt, and maybe another long sleeve. You can always shed layers. Key is lots of thin layers that you can shed as opposed to one big layer.
Step Three: Summit the mountain.
Step Four: Descend the mountain, come back to the car, and take a nap.
Step Five: Drive to the nearest mountain town. Park in a spot that allows overnight camping (see car camping section). Grab dinner. Find a bar. Have the night of your life. Come back and sleep in your car.
Step Six: Wake up, grab breakfast, walk around the mountain town, check out some thrift stores, maybe grab lunch, and then go back to Step One. Repeat back down to Step Six.
2
Specific Places?
Leadville
Bars to checkout include Manhattan Bar (locals head here, with some outsiders), Elks Lodge (this one is straight up local folks, but I also don’t think you can get in unless you are a member), Scarlet Tavern, and The Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon (this ones more pricey, but it’s a cool experience). Restaurants: You gotta check out High Mountain Pies. Tennessee Pass Cafe is also fantastic.
Empire
Bars: Hardrock Cafe of Empire CO - this place is awesome because it has a porch in the back with just a beautiful view, great place to sip on a beer. Note: This is more of a relaxy type town, Leadville is where you would party.
Georgetown
Don’t really know any great places, but definitely worth checking out. To get into the heart of town, set your GPS to Evergreen National Bank. From Georgetown, you can go up Guanella Pass, and you can summet Mt. Bierstadt if you want. NOTE: You can’t car camp anywhere in the Bierstadt. You’d have to drive up. I car camp at Loveland Pass before heading to this area.
Buena Vista
This place is cool, but I don't have many suggestions.
Frisco
The Moose Jaw is a fantastic time. Additionally, Frisco is super car camping friendly. As soon as you enter the town from I-70, there is a parking lot with a porta-potty that you are allowed to park overnight in. From this parking lot, the main strip is just a five minute walk, as you continue down the street.
3
Manageable 14ers?
Decalibron is a loop of four 14ers. I highly recommend. Just 8 miles total. Here’s the link for decalibron. It’s a 3 dollar day fee, 12 dollar nightfee to park at trailhead, in cash. I parked a mile down the road for free (and because my car could not make it). Of course, that added a mile to my hike. This is near Fairplay, which is another cool mountain town, where South Park (the show) is based. No permits needed.
Quandary Peak - really easy 14er, i’ve seen families and kids doing this one. Still badass and dope views too, generally lots of billy goats. Pretty close to Decalibron. Here’s the link for quandary. No permits needed.
If I wanted to ever show someone a place, it’s this one. Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks are two dope mountains, but the drive to the trailhead is genuinely my favorite Colorado road I’ve ever been on. It’s scary, you have to drive really slow, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless your car is at least All Wheel Drive and you feel comfortable driving near big drop offs. Seriously one of the most beautiful roads I’ve ever been on in my life. No permits needed to be here. Here’s the link to redcloud and sunshine.
4
Other
Don’t feel like climbing a mountain, but want to see something beautiful? Go to Lake Isabelle. Easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. There is a $12 parking fee. Super chill hike, approximately 7 miles. Here’s the link.
Place to always park: if you ever simply can’t find a place to park for the night, go here: Loveland Pass. I’ve parked here overnight a few times, never been hassled. And, it’s got some great trails in the area.
Whatever you do, please for the love of God whatever you do, don’t go to RMNP. That place is a tourist/money trap filled with people who want a quick picture, who don’t respect nature. That place, though beautiful, sucks, because it is a tourist zoo. All the other places I listed will allow you to feel fairly alone, without being scared, as there will be others. And will still be gorgeous.
This is Randy
