I thought the 'Mile High Loop' in Colorado was just a crowded tourist trail, but the backside section changed my mind completely.

Everyone talks about the main pass, but I took a spur trail near the third lake that was barely on the map. Camped at 11,200 feet with no one else around for two nights. The view east at sunrise was insane. What other 'overhyped' routes have a secret quiet section like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sam1mo ago

Ever try the Mist Trail in Yosemite? Everyone stops at Vernal Fall, but if you keep going up the granite steps past Nevada Fall, you hit the quiet part of the John Muir Trail. You can find a spot on the river with no one around while the crowds are all packed together below. It's like a totally different hike five minutes off the main path.

ruby4941mo ago

You ever get that feeling when you find a quiet spot like that? It's the best part of hiking for me. Makes the whole trip worth it.