Zirkel Circle- Zirkel Wilderness

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Description:

The Zirkel Circle is a moderate trail that climbs through the Zirkel Wilderness up to Gilpin Lake. The trail is surrounded by meadows of wildflowers, views of Mount Zirkel and follows a mountain stream with waterfalls for the entire loop. There are chances to view wildlife, including black bears, marmots, pikas, elk and mule deer. The loop is climbs 2,300 feet with the main climb being to lake Gilpin and then over a mountain pass but is well suited for beginners.

Itinerary

Full Trip Outline

  • 10am: Meet at trail head, go over gear and assemble packs (30 minutes)

    10:30am: hit the trail

    Distance: 6 miles

    Elevation gain: 2,300 ft

    The trail head is relatively remote but very popular. There are typically a good number of day hikers encountered but very few backpackers. We’ll hike to Gilpin Lake (mile 4) and stop there for lunch and swim if you’re interested. Then continue up an over the pass to our campsite to settle in, relax and enjoy for the rest of the night.

  • Elevation Loss: 1,500 ft

    No hard start time in the morning. We’ll get up, make breakfast and camp coffee and pack up gear. Then hike the remaining 4 miles out.

    Lunch at Back Door Grill

 Trip Details & Logistics

    • Gear: including multi-day pack, cooking implements, top of the line 1 person backpacking tent, sleeping pad, and Synthetic 30 degree sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) See link for full list of supplied gear.

    • Trekking poles

    • Meals: Breakfast on second day, lunch both days and dinner.

    • Backpacking guide with years of hiking and backcountry experience and Wilderness First Responder Certification. Guide also carries Garmin In-Reach for emergency communication.

    • Lessons in Leave No Trace Principles

    • Ursak and bear spray

    • Transportation to/from trail head from Steamboat

    • First aid kit

    • Kula cloth- yours to keep

    • Lots of nature!

    • Airfair/travel to Colorado

    • Transportation to the shuttle location

    • Sturdy hiking boots or shoes

    • Clothing; layers

    • Personal hygiene items; Rx medications, sunscreen, feminine products, contact solution/case, tooth brush and tooth paste, lip balm with SPF

    • You can view the full details of the trip and the packing list here.

    • Any and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated for (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, egg allergy, nut allergy)

    • GoodTo-Go Dehydrated Meals for dinner

    • High protein snacks

    • If you have something you want in particular, let us know

    • Deuter womens multi-day pack (60-70 liter)

    • Kelty or Mountain Smith 1 person backpacking tent

    • Kelty or Mountain Smith 30 degree synthetic sleeping bag

    • Cooking stove and supplies

    • REI Flash Sleeping Pad

    • Backpacking pillow

    • Ursak bear bag

    • Bear spray

    • Black Diamond headlamp

    • Trowel and toilet paper

  • Weather in the Colorado mountains is unpredictable. Thunderstorms often roll in during the afternoon and even in July, temperatures can fall down to 40 degrees at night. Making sure to have appropriate clothing packed is important as the trip will not be cancelled if there is rain forecasted.

    Below are the average temperatures for weather in the rocky mountain backcountry.

    May:

    Low- 20-30F/

    High- 60F/

    June:

    Low 30-40F/

    High 70F

    July & August:

    Low 40F

    High 75F

    September:

    Low 30-40F

    High 70F