Backpack – BPX Backpack, Flat Tops Deer Lake, Flat Tops Wilderness, 3-day Out & Back

Contact the trip leader using the info provided above.

Itinerary: 
Day 1: From the Stillwater Reservoir TH, hike up the East Fork Trail 1119 along the north shore. Continue along the lake shore on the Bear River Trail 1120. At the top of the mesa, take the Chinese Wall Trail 1803 to the left (due south). At the next intersection, bear left onto the Deer Lake Trail 1802. From the top of the escarpment south of this intersection, you will see two good size lakes about half a mile to your left (39.968008°N 107.16°W; see photo below). Hike off trail to those lakes and set up camp for 2 nights. (6.3 miles, 1,500 feet up and 400 down).
https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38044?t=c654vBKJtqhZI09bi7ko
Day 2: Day hike, continue south on Deer Lake Trail (Trl 1802) until its intersection with Trail 1842 (the Island Lakes Trail). This section of the loop is particularly spectacular. Turn left on 1842 and soon afterwards south on South Derby to go admire Upper Island Lake, then retrace your steps and turn left on 1842 to continue the loop clockwise. Hike west on 1842 to climb out of the Island Lakes basin. Pass the junction with 1817 (West Mountain Trail) and stay on 1842 until you reach the junction with 1803, the Chinese Wall Trail; take 1803 straight ahead. Follow 1803 north and enjoy expansive tundra views on the western mesas and the Trappers Lake drainage. Follow 1803 north until its intersection with 1802, then turn south on 1802 and return to camp. (10.4 miles, 1,900 feet up and 1,900 down).
https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/38045?t=8si9BHu1Z7h5ixouwUOG
Day 3: Retrace your Day 1 steps and return to Stillwater reservoir and your vehicles via 1803 north, then 1120, and 1119.
General Requirements: Hiking conditions are best from mid-June after major snow has melted through October. July can be buggy, but the flowers are best then.

BPX is a community of backpackers who respect, trust, help each other, and honor our commitments. By registering for this trip, you are committing to going on the trip and will cancel only for a true emergency. And if absolutely necessary, you agree to cancel as early as possible so another member may take your place on the trip.

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CMC BACKPACKING SECTION (BPX)
https://cmcdenver.org/specialinterests/denver-backpacking-section-bpx

COVID-19 and Colorado Mountain Club Programming

https://cmc.org/COVID-19andCMCProgramming.aspx

Meeting location and carpooling info will be provided via email prior to trip date.

Driving Directions: From Wooly Mammoth PnR take I-70 to Silverton and then north on highway 9 to Kremmling and then highway 40 north approximately 6 miles to left at highway 134 to Toponas. At Toponas go north on highway 131 to Yampa and turn off at the Sinclair station (last good stop and cell phone reception). Take Moffat Ave. and CR 7 to the end of FS RD 900 and Stillwater Reservoir. The road is mostly good gravel but takes time. Restrooms available at TH.