{"id":2375,"date":"2019-11-01T00:00:01","date_gmt":"2019-11-01T00:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitgrandcoun.wpengine.com\/articles\/backpacking-in-colorado-one-night-trips\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T12:30:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T19:30:13","slug":"backpacking-in-colorado-one-night-trips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/blog\/backpacking-in-colorado-one-night-trips\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacking in Colorado: One Night Trips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Looking for a quick and adventurous weekend getaway? Fall asleep under starry skies and wake up to a peak-silhouetted sunrise on a backpacking trip in Grand County. Spend the day hiking through wilderness areas or the national park, and then unwind at your chosen campsite. Get ready to elevate your\u00a0hiking experience<\/a>\u00a0with these three one-night backpacking trips in Colorado, all less than two hours away from Denver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: <\/em><\/strong>For trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, please <\/em>read the current fire information<\/em><\/a> and check to see if you require a <\/em>timed-entry permit<\/em><\/a>. For additional information, see the <\/em>current conditions trail report by Headwaters Trails Alliance<\/em><\/a>. Please review trail conditions and closures before heading out.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One-Night Backpacking Trips in Colorado<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trail<\/strong><\/th>Distance<\/strong><\/th>Difficulty<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Watanga Lake via Roaring Fork Trail<\/a><\/td>7.9 miles<\/td>Hard<\/td><\/tr>
Monarch Lake to Crater Lake<\/a><\/td>14.8 miles<\/td>Moderate<\/td><\/tr>
Devil’s Thumb Loop<\/a><\/td>14 miles<\/td>Moderate \u2013 Hard<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Watanga Lake via Roaring Fork Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: 7.9 miles | Difficulty: Hard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting at the Roaring Fork Trailhead in the Arapaho Bay Campground near\u00a0Granby<\/a>, follow the\u00a07.9-mile trail toward Watanga Lake<\/a>. Beginning with a steep incline, Roaring Fork is a difficult hiking trail that is rewarded with rushing waterfalls, burbling streams, and a reflective high-alpine lake. The scenic pathway winds through the\u00a0Indian Peaks Wilderness,\u00a0which requires a permit for overnight camping between June and mid-September. Between mid-September and May, permits are not required for groups of seven people or fewer. There are no designated campsites at Watanga Lake; however, look for established sites to minimize impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monarch Lake to Crater Lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: 14.8 miles | Difficulty: Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0Monarch Lake<\/a> Trailhead leading to Mirror Lake and Crater Lake\u00a0is a popular backpacking hike in Colorado\u2019s Indian Peaks Wilderness. Follow the Cascade Trail, which features two shimmering lakes, steep waterfalls, and stream-side walks. The moderately rated trail ends at Crater Lake with Lone Eagle Peak soaring above at 11,920\u2019. Established campsites around both Mirror and Crater Lake welcome permitted backpackers for an overnight stay near the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devil’s Thumb Loop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distance: 14 miles | Difficulty: Moderate – Hard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located near\u00a0Fraser<\/a>, the\u00a0Devil’s Thumb Trailhead<\/a>\u00a0leads to a portion of the Continental Divide Trail known as the High Lonesome Trail. This trail connects the Devil’s Thumb and King Lake trails to create a\u00a014-mile backpacking loop<\/a>. The route is rated between moderate and difficult, presenting backpackers with panoramic summit views, as well as multiple high-alpine lakes, including its namesake, Devil’s Thumb Lake, and a granite spire. This area is also within the Indian Peaks Wilderness area, requiring a permit for overnight trips. Set up camp near Devil’s Thumb Lake or King Lake, where you can cook up some dinner with a view and plan the next day\u2019s hike out. In the Diamond, Jasper, Crater, and Caribou Lake zones, camping is only allowed in designated sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leave No Trace on Your Backpacking Trip<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

No matter where you choose to spend time in the great outdoors, always remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles<\/a>. Make sure you\u2019re fully prepared for your trek with the right equipment, trail knowledge, and plenty of snacks and water. Take the trails less traveled to avoid overcrowding \u2014 and while you\u2019re there, stay on those defined paths to avoid ecosystem damage. Anything you pack in should get packed out (including waste). Be super careful with fire, minding local laws and fire danger alerts. Keep wildlife wild, giving them plenty of space if you spot them and cleaning up any food scraps. Finally, share the area. Yield to uphill hikers and bikers and be mindful of your noise levels so everyone can enjoy the tranquility of Colorado\u2019s nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the full breakdown of the seven Leave No Trace Principles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Planning Your Colorado Backpacking Trip<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Prepare to experience Grand County\u2019s picturesque views, diverse terrain, and welcoming mountain towns. Start planning your overnight backpacking trip by\u00a0applying for a permit\u00a0and choosing a trail. Then, end your weekend getaway with a well-deserved meal at one of the\u00a0local restaurants<\/a> in Grand County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover More Grand Adventures<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Fill up your Colorado itinerary with these resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n