My brother and I will be coming from Lakewood (Denver) and obviously don't mind driving a couple hours W/SW. We're looking for a multi-day hike that will take us up to the top of a mountain. Time of year will be July-ish. We're both beginner hikers I suppose, but both young, in shape and no stranger to the outdoors. Though real rock climbing is a no-go, anything short of that is fine. We'd like a hike that takes a solid 1.5-2 days up and then probably that back down (I guess downward is probably faster than up?). Something no further south of the Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak/Buena Vista latitude would be preferred, unless it's REALLY worth it. Ideas?

Chicago Basin might be a good one, but it can be crowded. Here is our trip report if you are interested:

http://www.summitpost.org/three-generat ... dom/208495

The Four Pass Loop in the Elk Range is a good one, but also popular.

If you want something with more solitude, try the Flat Tops or non-14er areas of the San Juans.

you may look into Lost Creek Wilderness or Buffalo Peaks Wilderness - both offer loop options

Rawah Wilderness in Northern Colorado would be another option

Rawah Wilderness would definitely be a great area. We have a group going in August doing a 5day 35 mile loop
and I'll be happy to share our google earth kmz file with you. Lots of lakes and good fishing.

PM me your email info and I'll be happy to sent it to you.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll give them all a look and post back up.

Thanks for the offer elcy. I may take you up on that.

Time to get serious about planning this. Any more input?

Blanca peak is a rock scramble (much less than "rock" climbing although still fun and exposed). Ellingwood is another 14er connnected to Blanca by a 1/4 mile saddle. You could bag both of those with your mentioned skills. Approach is up a jeep road called Jaws, pretty awesome. If you park at the bottom, it's a 1 day approach to camp at lake Como high up. Then another day to climb Blanca and Ellingwood and return to camp. Then another day to get back to the bottom of the trailhead. Cool option, might have to drive a little to get there. And wherever you go, if you plan on climbing high read up on and remember about afternoon T-storms and lightning and all that stuff.......etc.