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 UNBURDENED

Men’s Backpacking Trip … Monarch Pass, Colorado … August 3-7, 2026

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Itinerary

Mon (8/3) … Drive to Westcliffe Colorado. We’ll spend the night at Dann Ainsworth’s house acclimatize a bit to the altitude, make last-minute gear checks. Location = Higher Ground, 309 county road 203, Westcliffe CO, 81252 … 38° 14' 50.53” N, 105° 34’ 0.98” W.

Tue (8/4) … Transport to the Monarch Pass trailhead. We’ll hike a couple of miles and set up camp for the night. (I have included a map and elevation profile below)

Wed (8/5) … Hike to Boss Lake and set up camp for the night

Thu (8/6) … Hike down to the Hwy 50 trailhead and transport back to Higher Ground. Spend the night telling stories and comparing aches and pains.

Fri (8/7) … Drive back home

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Plan on bringing your own food, backpacking stove for cooking (no open fires allowed), and water treatment/filtration system

Pack your gear as if this was a solo hike in the outback. (This trip will be at high elevation, likely windy during the day and cold at night)

I have included a brief list of gear (below). I’ll add to this list in response to questions or suggestions.

There is a possibility for fishing at Hunt Lake and Boss Lake

The route may change, based on weather and possible snow

There is usually phone coverage for the entire route

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Trips of this activity level will require some physical preparation in order to maximize your enjoyment of your time in wilderness. You should be prepared to do the following:

  • Carry a loaded backpack for 2-5 miles each day of your trip

  • Complete around 2,000 ft of elevation gain

  • Hike and camp at elevations of 10,000 ft. and up

  • Complete up to 11 miles of total hiking

Write to me at berry@stonefoot.org with your comments or questions and I’ll update this information page.