First Backpacking Trip - Lost Creek Wilderness

The big kids and I had a chance to go on their first true backpacking trip last weekend. They both did really well! We went to this great wilderness area called Lost Creek, which is a convenient two hours from both Colorado Springs and Denver.

There was a massive fire that burned through here back in 2002. Miraculously, it spared the vast majority of this wilderness, running right up to its eastern border.

It's tough to hike five miles in a day when you're only four feet tall!

Dinner couldn't come soon enough. I think the kids enjoyed the novelty of these pre-made camp meals.

The structures in the background were part of an old mining camp. Luckily they had no success damming Lost Creek and abandoned the effort.

This dog was in absolute heaven. So many boulders and creeks to explore.

Devil's Head Fire Lookout

I had the opportunity to hike up to Devil's Head with Yukon the other day. It is a spine of rocky protrusions clearly visible to the west along the Front Range as you travel up I-25 to Denver and my attempt to hike it in early spring was thwarted due to the Forest Service roads being closed due to snow. 

Wildflowers on the way up the trail.

The views start to quickly open up. There are 360-degree views of the surrounding Rockies and plains. Apparently you can see for 100 miles on a clear day.

My trusty hiking companion. She is a great scrambler! But like a good Welshie, the heat takes its toll.

First view of the fire tower. It was built around the turn of the 20th century and manned by a pioneering woman for the first 3 years who kept a vigilant eye out for forest fires. It has actually remained a functioning fire tower ever since and I believe is the last standing among a constellation of old lookouts along the Front Range. 

View to the southeast. This is the eastern edge of the Front Range looking out over the plains that stretch all the way to Kansas.

Great view of Pike's Peak to the south framed by the fire tower and a boulder.

I believe this gentleman's name is Billy Ellis. He has been manning the tower for 32 years and totally looks the part. He said the lookout is typically manned from May to September. 

Adventurous hiker out on a ledge.

The view toward Denver.

143 steps.