I enjoy bike packing on dirt roads and have used a BOB trailer. I have also tried a beam rack with gear on that, plus a backpack. I would really like to try using panniers instead, since this might make my bike more stable/comfortable than the beam rack and backpack combo. I recently tried the new Thule rack designed for full suspension bikes, but my bike frame was too small and my heels were hitting the panniers. Is there a good system for panniers on a smaller full suspension bike? Anyone had luck using panniers on a hard tail mt bike?
Thanks,  Lisa

Rollins Pass to Winter Park is a good idea, starting near the east portal trailhead. But you will encounter lots of jeep traffic. You could construct some kind of loop at Buffalo Creek, using the CT and other trails. But the scenery is mostly woods, not alpine views. You might be able to do some kind of loop on the Montezuma loops outside of Keystone- they are all very scenic, jeep roads with lots of climbing. But you don't need to do mega miles to get to scenic camping areas.  Don't forget the bug repellant and your raingear!!

If you have 4-5 days, you can start in Lake City and go over one pass a day. Day one LAke city over Engineer pass to Ouray. Day 2 Imogene pass to Telluride. Day 3 Ophir Pass to Silverton. Day 4 Cinnamon pass to Lake City. Get early starts to avoid lightning. And be prepared for a lot of jeeps!!! But, they often carry ice cold sodas and will give you one if you look sad and pathetic enough....

Has anyone bikepacked the Colorado Trail or the Great Divide Trail in Colorado in early July?? I am aware of the wilderness bypasses that are required on the Colorado trail. My husband and I have bikepacked Molas Pass to Durango on the CT and loved it!! We have a week off in early July and we understand the northern Colorado mountains have record snowpack this year. We are thinking of doing the Great Divide from Steamboat towards Salida, or perhaps a section of the CT.