Backpack – Meadow Creek Trailhead

This trip is an optional celebration trip for 2026 backpacking school students, particularly Group 2 students. If you are in a different group or were a student in a previous year, you are eligible for this trip, but you must email the trip leader and get permission. There are only a couple spots available after priority placements. 

Description: 

A moderate 2 night backpack featuring high passes, alpine lakes, epic views, meadows, creeks, maybe some high peaks! and hopefully still some wildflowers! This spot gives us the best of the Eccles Pass area in the Gore Range while offering various difficulty side hikes and easy in/out to the TH and I-70. 

With a full pack, we'll do 8-9 miles. The side hikes could add 2-9 miles to the trip, depending on your interest! 

The plan:

Day 1: Hike 4 miles up meadow Creek TH to south of Eccles Pass and make camp. ~4 miles, 2200 feet gain. A tough day for elevation gain, so we'll take it as it comes and take breaks. 

Day 2: Take slack packs and explore Eccles pass, Red Buffalo Pass, and potentially Red Peak (a 13er) or Eccles Peak (12er). There could be up to 7 miles of alpine exploration for those who want to participate. An easier option will also be provided. Head back to camp, break down, and hike down Meadow Creek TH about 1.5 miles and make camp for Night 2. 

Day 3: Hike 2.5 miles back to car and get through the Eisenhower tunnel before traffic gets bad. 

Info sent to participants. We'll meet up around 8 am on Friday July 31.