Non-stop epic views on a 41 mile loop that encircles the Castle/Conundrum ridge, and takes us down passed the Hot Springs on Sunday. Lake-side camping, and opportunities to bag a 13er or two while we're at at.
We'll ride out toward Aspen early Friday morning. Head up Castle Creek Rd and stash a car at the Conundrum TH that we'll end at on Sunday. Then we'll pile into the remaining cars and drive to the top of Little Annie Rd where there are a few places to leave cars by Upper Hurricane. This will save a lot of unnecessary vertical. Anyway, once atop, we'll be walking along Richmond Hill around 12,000 ft for several miles. Views of the 14ers and valleys everywhere as we make our way to Taylor Pass and the smallish Taylor Lake where we'll make camp.
12 miles, 2,700 gain.
*Depending on weather and our energy level, we could attempt to summit 13er Taylor peak still that evening. Or hang by the lake and enjoy dinner.
Saturday - Established trail takes us past Taylor and Star Peaks. Then we've got a pleasant off-trail to wrap around to Pearl Pass area. Maybe we climb up to check it out before reacquiring trail/road which up down and around eventually lands us at Twin Lakes on the Crested Butte side for the night.
16 miles, 4,200 gain.
Sunday - Funday. Up and over Coffeepot Pass. At the top, we may as well tag 13er Triangle Peak. It's right there. Then descend Conundrum Creek the whole way down. And yep, we'll be passing the hot springs! Want to spend an hour or two washing away the past couple days' grime? I do. And nope, we don't need a permit, since we're not camping in the zone. Pretty sneaky huh? After the springs, it's about 8 miles downhill back to the car. The drivers will ride back up and retrieve the car(s) we ditched at the top on Friday.
13 miles, 1,800 gain.
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/taylor-conundrum-loop-205c360
I can provide GPX if anyone needs that.
