Gibraltar Lakes & Red Deer Lake-Indian Peaks Wilderness-Colorado-Backpacking 3 days-2 Nights

On August 15-17, 2024 We backpacked to Red Deer Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado. On our second day, we hiked to Gibraltar Lakes. This was the first time for us to hike in this area of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It was so beautiful. We thought the hike up to Red Deer Lake, even with packs on, was fairly easy. Although it is 7 miles one way, there is only 1817 feet of elevation gain. The hike up to Gibraltar Lakes was so fun. There is a creek crossing, so make sure you bring sandals and poles to cross. You will need to be familiar with route finding and GPS to make it to Gibraltar Lakes. The last 1.5 miles is off trail. Although there is a faint social trail up the ridge to the south where you cross the saddle to the right and drop down into the basin that holds Gibraltar Lakes. Once down in the basin you must hike up to the Gibraltar Lakes. Our total milage was 23 miles and 4117 feet of elevation gain. You do need a permit to camp in this area. There are only 3 or 4 good campsites at Red Deer Lake. Weekdays are better than weekends for camping. The parking lot does fill up early on weekends too. Middle St. Vrain backcountry zone.

https://www.recreation.gov/permits/46...