BPX 3-Day: Parika and Bowen Lakes via Baker Gulch and Bowen Gulch

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1: From the Bowen / Baker TH go right at the Y-junction and hike up the Baker Gulch Trail (#29). At the intersection with the Baker Pass Trail (#29.1) at about 4.3 miles go left. At just over 5.25 miles at the junction with the Parika Lake Trail (#29.2) go left on the Parika Lake Trail (#29.2) to Parika Lake and camp near the lake. (5.5 miles, +2,710/-198 ft.).

Route: Day 1

Day 2: Start early because of the possibility of afternoon storms and climb over the Continental Divide on the Parika Lake Trail (#29.2). At 1.0 mile turn south on the Never Summer Trail (#1141) and climb back to the divide, at about 2.25 miles turn right onto the Bowen Pass Trail (#1136.1). Follow the Bowen Pass Trail (#1136.1) up to Bowen Pass (3.1 miles). At the pass take the Bowen Gulch Trail (#119) down to the intersection with the Bowen Lake Trail (#130) (4.5 miles). Turn right onto the Bowen Lake Trail (#130) and follow it to Blue Lake and establish camp. (5.75 miles, +2,007/-2,290 ft.) 

Route: Day 2

Day 3. Hike north on the Bowen Lake Trail to the Bowen Gulch Trail (#119). Turn right on that trail and return to the trailhead.  (7.8 miles, +377/-2,687 ft.’)

Route: Day 3

Overall Route: 19.1 miles, +-5,119 ft.

NOTES:

1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
2. General Requirements: The Bowen-Baker trailhead is in the Rocky Mountain National Park which requires an entrance fee and dogs are not allowed. However, nearly all of the hike is not in RMNP.
3. Please view this document with everything you need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park.
4. For information on obtaining a RMNP wilderness camping permit, click on this LINK.
5. An early start is essential on the second day to avoid storms.
6. Driving Directions: From Granby follow Highway 40 west to Highway 34. Go north on Hwy 34 to Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. From the park entrance, follow Trail Ridge Road for 6.4 miles to the Bowen/Baker Trailhead parking area.
7. Google Map Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Bowen / Baker TH.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 20.2 mi
• Elevation Gain: 5,900 ft
• High Point: 12,200 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Never Summer Wilderness Area, Sulphur Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fees
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12