The Never Summer Mountains: A Comprehensive Guide for Hiking, Camping, and More

Nestled in the heart of Colorado, the Never Summer Mountains stand as a testament to the state's rugged beauty, offering a diverse range of outdoor adventures for all levels of enthusiasts. From tranquil hikes amidst alpine lakes to challenging climbs up soaring peaks, this mountain range has something for everyone.

Hiking Trails for Every Ability

With over 100 miles of well-maintained trails, the Never Summer Mountains offer a wide selection of hiking experiences.

For Beginners:

• Lake Agnes Trail: A short and easy 1-mile loop, this trail leads to the picturesque Lake Agnes, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Fern Lake Trail: A 3-mile out-and-back trail, this hike winds through a lush forest to reach the crystal-clear Fern Lake.

For Intermediate Hikers:

• Mount Nimbus Trail: A 4-mile loop, this trail ascends to the summit of Mount Nimbus, offering panoramic views of the Never Summer Wilderness.
• St. Louis Peak Trail: A 5-mile out-and-back trail, this hike leads to the top of St. Louis Peak, providing breathtaking views of the Continental Divide.

For Experienced Hikers:

• Mount Richthofen Trail: A 6-mile loop, this trail climbs nearly 2,500 feet to the summit of Mount Richthofen, the highest peak in the Never Summer Mountains.
• The Devil's Thumb Loop Trail: A challenging 10-mile loop, this trail traverses a rugged landscape, passing by several alpine lakes and waterfalls.

Camping and Backpacking Adventures

The Never Summer Mountains offer ample opportunities for camping and backpacking, with designated campgrounds and backcountry areas available throughout the range.

Campgrounds:

• Big Meadows Campground: Located near Cameron Pass, this campground offers 75 tent and RV sites, as well as picnic areas and restrooms.
• Lake Agnes Campground: Situated near the Lake Agnes Trailhead, this campground provides 20 tent sites in a secluded setting.

Backcountry Camping:

• Never Summer Wilderness: This vast wilderness area covers over 150,000 acres and allows for backcountry camping with a permit.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: The eastern slopes of the Never Summer Mountains are within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, which also offers backcountry camping.

Fishing and Water Recreation

The Never Summer Mountains are home to numerous lakes and streams, offering excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

• Lake Agnes: Known for its rainbow trout, this pristine lake is accessible from the Lake Agnes Trailhead.
• Big Meadows Reservoir: This large reservoir offers a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout.
• St. Louis Creek: This creek is a popular spot for fly fishing for brook trout and rainbow trout.

Other Outdoor Activities

In addition to hiking, camping, and fishing, the Never Summer Mountains offer a range of other outdoor activities:

• Wildlife Viewing: The mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears.
• Horseback Riding: Guided horseback riding tours are available within the Never Summer Wilderness.
• Mountain Biking: Several designated mountain bike trails traverse the mountains, ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging.

Trip Planning and Safety

Before venturing into the Never Summer Mountains, it is essential to plan your trip carefully and prioritize safety:

Planning:

• Obtain necessary permits: The Never Summer Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park require permits for backcountry camping.
• Check weather conditions: The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for all types of conditions.
• Pack appropriate gear: Essential gear includes hiking boots, layers of clothing, water, food, a first-aid kit, and a map.

Safety:

• Stay on designated trails: Venturing off-trail can increase the risk of injury or getting lost.
• Be aware of wildlife: Observe wildlife from a safe distance and never approach animals, especially bears.
• Practice Leave No Trace: Respect the natural environment by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the wilderness.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Hiking Trails by Difficulty

Table 2: Campgrounds

Table 3: Fishing Opportunities

Humorous Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

Two inexperienced hikers set out on the Mount Richthofen Trail. After several hours of climbing, they realized they had taken the wrong turn and were now lost in the wilderness. As darkness approached, they began to panic. Fortunately, a park ranger eventually found them and led them back to safety.

Lesson: Always stay on designated trails and carry a map and compass.

Story 2:

A group of backpackers were camping in the Never Summer Wilderness when they encountered a curious moose. One of the hikers decided to approach the moose for a closer look, despite being warned by the others. To their horror, the moose charged at the hiker, forcing them to flee back to their campsite.

Lesson: Never approach wildlife, especially if they appear curious or friendly.

Story 3:

A mountain biker was riding down a steep trail when he lost control of his bike and went flying over the handlebars. He landed in a pile of rocks and injured his arm. Luckily, another biker came along and helped him back to the trailhead.

Lesson: Wear appropriate safety gear and ride within your ability level.

How to Plan a Trip to the Never Summer Mountains

1. Determine your goals and activities: Consider what you want to experience, such as hiking, camping, fishing, or other activities.
2. Choose trails and campsites: Select trails and campsites that meet your ability level and interests.
3. Obtain necessary permits: As mentioned earlier, permits are required for backcountry camping in certain areas.
4. Plan your itinerary: Determine your daily schedule and the number of nights you will spend in the mountains.
5. Pack essential gear: Make sure to pack all necessary gear, including hiking boots, layers of clothing, water, food, a first-aid kit, and a map.
6. Check weather conditions: Monitor the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
7. Notify someone of your plans: Inform a friend or family member of your itinerary and expected return date.

Call to Action

The Never Summer Mountains offer an unforgettable outdoor experience for adventurers of all levels. Plan your trip today and embark on a journey of breathtaking scenery, challenging trails, and thrilling activities. The mountains await!