Backpacking is not for the weak. Even a one night adventure can be grueling. Over the Labor Day weekend my husband Ben and I, along with our golden retriever Karl, attempted our first backpacking trip. Sure, we have camped before even without fancy gear but we had never fully packed it in and out before.

Sunday morning we trekked out into the wilderness on Rabbit Ears pass and set up camp at a beautiful high mountain lake called Lost Lake. After turning into the Dumont Lake campground we followed a winding, super bumpy dirt road (it required 4wd for sure) for about four miles to the last possible parking spot. From there we hauled our gear on our backs in our packs on the two hour hike to the lake. Who knew the necessities could be so heavy?!

The views were spectacular, the sunset breathtaking, the camp food…well, it was not too shabby considering it was freeze dried. After a chilly night when it seemed like summer and fall were skirmishing (read: wind and rain) we woke up to a brisk hike back out in full winter gear—hats and gloves included. It was hard to imagine that hiking in we were both wearing summer gear. We should have expected it. After all, we are Coloradans. And now, officially, we are backpackers. I must say, with the aching back and all, it was well worth it.

Blogger, Meagan Coates, Chamber Staff Member