It is incredibly gorgeous and a bucket list stop for any backpacker. The Lost Creek Loop features awesome views of the surrounding mountains with an abundance of granite rock formations to explore. Continental Divide Loop8. The first part of the route isnt too demanding, except for the altitude. Had you kept on going from Hooper it would have not gotten much better! Eventually the sun came out around the time I arrived at Johnny Meyers Lake. As the worlds premierhiking and trekking company, Wildland believes in connecting people to fantastic environments in amazing ways. But I'll make sure to PM you first to find out the best places to visit and to avoid. However, heading up to (and beyond) the Keyhole is no picnicbe prepared for a bit of tenuous scrambling. You can stay near the shore of Ouzel Lake, with views of the alpine peaks and ridges of the Continental Divide, and hike to other alpine lakes. Peer down in both directions at the forests, lakes, and cliff walls. Longtime local hiker Mary Ellen Gilliland, author of both The Vail Hiker and the The Summit Hiker, has blazed the trail for backpackers in the area for decades, literally. They cost $5. Once on top youll find moderate striding across rolling tundra. For an epic challenge, take six months to traverse the Continental Divide Trail. No matter your age or ability, we hope our list of the 10 Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Colorado will help you find a trail that meets your hiking level and needs. Great hike, fall weather. By Rocky Mountain standards, where lung-busting ascents are commonplace, the 235,230-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is hiker-friendly. Embark from the Goose Creek trailhead and wind your way through aspen groves, meadows, and the Goose Creek drainage, with granite spires. (We have all) these splendid mountain ranges that are almost a stones throw from us, Gilliland said. If enjoying an epic Colorado backpacking trip is on your list, then join us in the Flat Tops for an adventure youll never forget! See the full disclosure here. If youre on the Front Range and looking for a few nights out nearby, the Pawnee-Buchanan Loop serves up the goods. This trail is estimated to be 47.7 mi long. Description Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking per new campsite. Though most people do this in two or three days, its worth it to take your time and explore the numerous side trails up peaks (Mt. GuidedFlat Tops Wilderness backpacking trips are available and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. All throughout human history, the story of humanity is the story of migration. Therefore, hiking is the preferred way to experience the landscape. If you were to slip on an algae-covered rock, and the waters running high, that pack could submerge you into the water, she said. On this 27 mile adventure, you will traverse peaks, valleys, glaciers, and marshy meadows. The Ute tribe has lived on the land now known as Colorado (along with parts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming) since time immemorial. Still off in the distance I see more and more cattle. Are you looking for that ultimate rugged experience? Utah is a very special and unique place. One way to lighten your load is by buying a new backpack if yours is outdated, which can shave off up to five pounds. Back to the primitive trail to link up with an area I had been before: W Mountain Trail. Deer Lake was the planned destination for my second night out but I got so disgusted by the number of cattle along the Hooper Lake trail that I bailed out of there and spent my second night at Little Causeway. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. You can see wildlife, waterfalls, and maybe elk or moose. When you visit the Flat Tops Wilderness, you may witness elk, deer, mountain lion, mink, ptarmigan, marmot, and moose wandering the high landscape. The Stillwater trailhead is 17 miles southwest of Yampa on County Road 7 (becoming Forest Road 900) at Stillwater Reservoir. However, the 360-degree views here are some of the best around. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Just before Lower Blue Lake, the trail splits to the left up past Middle and Upper Blue Lakes and on to Blue Lake Pass. This high-elevation but gentle landscape offers many diverse routes for one-of-a-kind trekking experiences. 14 miles came and went quick this day. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Make sure you plan wellyoull need to figure out shuttles, resupplies, and navigation for tricky intersections. Want to find the best trails in Flat Tops Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Home Forums Campfire Member Trip Reports 65 Mile Loop Flat Tops Wilderness, CO. Five Days, Five Nights in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. In 1920, the Colorado militia had to be called in to quell the Battle of Yellowjacket Pass a skirmish that took place between the towns of Craig and Meeker. Island Lake. Read more about our Colorado backpacking trips. There is plenty of help from experienced hikers who can tell you the best trails. GuidedFlat Tops backpacking trips are available and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. The Stillwater Lake region was by far the busiest section of the trip. Waterton Lake in Montana is its lowest point at 4,200 feet. AllTrails is a great app to find trail details and comments from those who have hiked there recently. Headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, and dizziness are a few of the symptoms of altitude sickness. I had hit the northern most section of my loop and it was time to return to the high mesa scene. They can help you to know the difficulty of trails, water sources, and campsite locations so you can determine the best route. The snow has slowly disappeared from the mountains, and hiking season has officially begun. Heading out on a multi-day trip might seem a bit daunting when you arent sure where to go (theres so much to choose from!). It is patrolled regularly by park rangers. The essential premise is that places should exist where no machine of mans invention and no roads or other intrusions mar the pristine nature of the area. Typically, a group does not remain in an area for more than 1,000 years. A few required a self-issued permit at the trailhead (free). He said in the summertime, one could skip the tent and just sleep under the stars. If you are injured on the trail and are solo, stay on the trail and wait. The Chinese Wallin Flat Tops Wilderness is a stunning example of this geologic process. Audubon) or to alpine lakes (Mitchell Lake and Crater Lake). The Flat Tops offers amazing backpacking and mult-iday wilderness experiences from 3 days to more than 10 days. It is more likely you can traverse lower elevations during the month of May. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Either way, the routes are quite technical, scrambly, and require a bit of tenacity. Cattle ranchers began committing racially-motivated acts of violence against Hispanic sheepherders. 4 passes loop maroon bells wilderness aspen colorado. Youll explore elevations from 7,600 to almost 13,000 feet, large subalpine meadows, and forests of aspen, spruce, and fir. Immediately after I begin to notice their tracks and the scat. However you choose to spend your time in this pristine wilderness, you will no doubt be touched by its beauty. No matter what trail youre on, youre going to have beautiful mountain views.. If you are just starting out, you will want to hike a trip with relatively low mileage. Their proximity to one another is so great. I departed the lonesome Turret Creek trailhead around 5:30 p.m. near Sweetwater Reservoir with high hopes that Id be walking into the woods without too much of a monsoon season soaking. The wet boggy nature of the lower sections certainly puts a premium on staying high whenever possible. Looking back on it, it's amazing to think that this was my biggest mileage day. Not a cloud in the sky to start the day. Its about protecting what sustains us. You can reach the Causeway via the Chinese Wall Trail, or by coming up from Stillwater Reservoir via the East Fork Trail. Some tips: eat well, lay off the alcohol the night before your hike, sleep (which can also be difficult if youre not used to the altitude), and drink plenty of water. If youre looking for a long-distance trail, the Colorado Trail is a big one. We were originally going to hike in the Winds, but the snow still looked iffy, so then we decided to do the Beartooths, but the snow and a fire were iffy, so . Approximately a 65 mile loop. Euro-American colonizers forcibly removed the Ute from the resource-rich region. Today, many sheep farmers still graze their flock here today and you may run into some sheep while hiking the high country in summer. On this route, you will see wildflowers in the spring and many moose and elk. Visitors found this page by searching for: http://www.edarnell.com/Trails/page141.html, http://www.summitpost.org/flat-tops/182948, Bogley BigShots -> PRIVATE SECTIONS ONLY AVAILABLE TO PREMIUM MEMBERS, hi! ), rivers, waterfalls, volcanic peaks (up to nearly 13,000 feet), abundant wildlife, incredible trout fishing, and world-class hiking and backpacking. If the wind is howling, you may think your trip is a bust. In the late 1800s, a fierce debate raged across Colorado regarding who had natural rights to grazing on the public lands of Western Colorado. 3. Indian Peaks Wilderness is a 73,391 acre wilderness area near Denver. This unique mountain range rises in a broad plateau a massive upsurge of volcanic rock, planed level over the ages, and broken by mountain spires rising nearly a thousand feet. She said on the trail you can also decide to camp and hike the additional 3 miles to the remote Gore Lake. Elevations range from 7,640 to 12,354 feet. Our little loop would take us above five miles down the Dirty Devil to the bottom of the Angel Trail, and we planned to stop and explore a couple canyons along the way. I can see a sheep herd off in the distance first and then their noise. Hideaway Park/Rendezvous Event Center Sledding Hill. Take an amazing trip to undisturbed wilderness camping and world class trout fishing. Heading out the door? Download an AllTrails app that gives information on each trip, the length, and the difficulty. As one of the first designated wilderness areas in the history of public lands, the Flat Top Wilderness Area is home to more than 100 lakes. On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. With a three foot wide trail at its narrowest, and 80 foot cliffs falling away on either side, Flat Tops Wilderness may not be one for the beginner backpacker, but it does not require a permit. But after reading your trip report, I think I'll give it another chance. If you want more of a challenge, you can use the Needle Creek campground as a basecamp and attempt any of the three 14ers that rise above. A Membership is required to post in the forums. New New Masterclass! - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Wishing to take the road less traveled, I had planned a different loop that would have me hiking to the saddle near Flat Top Mountain, then looping around to a series of lakes, and finally coming back by way of the plateau. The world will be a better place if you do. On a three-family trip one early spring, we backpacked an easy overnighter on the 7.5-mile loop from Squaw Flat campground up Big Spring Canyon and down Squaw Canyon, with a few adults in the group . Dont be afraid to go for it, if backpacking is something you would like to do. Today, youll find designated campgrounds near Trappers Lake, but you wont find a road to or around the lake itself. You will take the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway to the Needleton stop 30 miles north of Durango. Home Blog & News Backcountry Skiing Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Flat Top Wilderness Area. Devils Thumb to King Lake Loop6. Sunday morning. If you brave the trail, you will see views of Little Causeway Lake, stunted basalt domes, and alpine meadows below. Our A thru-hike of the CT requires some serious planning but will be the adventure of a lifetime! Once you feel comfortable, plan a short overnight trip and travel a modest distance. Colorados Best Backpacking Trips in The Colorados Flat Top Wilderness Area Getaway from the crowds andexperience solitude andwilderness. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable And though technically allowed, its best to leave the dogs at home for this one as the upper reaches are much too technical. If youre scared of heights, youll do some rock hugging as you scramble over this rocky and uneven narrow section. The sky continues to stay overcast. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. There are several shuttles that you can use, but make sure you make a reservation well in advance of starting your trip. Overlooking the Turret Creek Valley I saw lightning and heard load, but sporadic thunder. One of the easiest 15-mile hikes you could find at 10,000 feet, this loop is a real treat. At 486 miles, this route starts in Denver and runs to Durango. check out the. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to A backpacking guide and avid history buff, she is currently writing a book on the history of the American West. Many loop hikes are possible. Colorado has many amazing outdoor and wilderness gems, but the Flat Top Wilderness Area, located in White River National Forest is truly a gem. Pretty cool though! Camping near Yampa by Flat Tops Hiking the Devil's Causeway in Flat Tops, Yampa, CO. Photo: Donna Boley. You want to make sure that everybody in the party knows what to expect in terms of their physical abilities.. Date Hiked: August 19, 2018 Distance: 6 mi (RT) . As always I'm looking forward to seeing the photos from your trip report. The rain gear had been busted out early. While the above list is a great place to start your research,Colorado's list of notable backpacking trips doesn't end here. Hikers will enjoy the Dallas Divide peaks and the steep cirque sloping down to the lake is awesome. Terri Nighswonger and her husband Todd are full-time RVers and work campers. Watch an interview with Wildland Trekking's Colorado program manager, James Wieman, about what makes the Flat Tops Wilderness his favorite spot in Colorado. This hike follows a series of alpine lakes just below the treeline. In the Flat Tops area near the town of Craig, a man named George Woolley lost his entire herd to the debate. Also put Vaseline on your skin right above your hip or make sure to tuck your T-shirt into your pants. 2006 colorado river management plan national park service. It is only a two mile round trip hike but gains roughly 1,200 feet in that mile. Some 740 miles of this trail is in central Colorado with a high point of Grays Peak at 14,270 feet. All rights reserved. Llamas also make wonderful trail companions. If you choose to hike to one of the 100 or so lakes in the Flat Tops, be sure to pack a fishing pole. However, there is no fee and no registration limit. Making my way north and getting first tracks. It is difficult to get to, remote, rugged, and it summits all four 14ers in Chicago Basin. Anyone spent much time backpacking The Flat Tops? As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible. As one of the first designated wilderness areas in the history of public lands, the Flat Top Wilderness Area is home to more than 100 lakes. His passionate writings and outcries eventually led to the Wilderness Act of 1964. The backpacker's camp in Yosemite Valley is a walk-up, but limited in space and requires diligent registration and presentation of your paperwork. The Flat Tops is an excellent place for long distance backpacking, and in fact is one of the best places in Colorado for extended trips. The decision rankled local cattleman and while George was off in Denver for business, a group of men clubbed his herd to death. Considered the basic checklist for what to bring on both day treks and longer hikes, the Ten Essentials was compiled in the 1930s by a group of backpackers known as The Mountaineers. Although I've gone on a few day hikes into the Flat Tops Wilderness before, this would actually be our first backpacking trip into Colorado's third largest wilderness area (after the Weminuche Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness), and I was looking forward to it! Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. However, one of Colorados lesser-known gems is also one of its most spectacular. Backpacking is perhaps the best way to spend your time in the Flat Tops. Shaving weight by sleeping under a tarp can be a good way to lessen the load in (your) pack.. From the Keyhole, the route gets incredibly scrambly. On my way in, just outside the Wilderness boundary I crossed the paths of two men on horseback. It is bisected by 50 miles of the Continental Divide, and its peaks and valleys form the watersheds for many creeks and rivers flowing to the Pacific and the Atlantic, including the San Juan and Rio . Devil's Causeway, Skinny Fish and Trappers Lake Loop boasts the most elevation gain for backpacking trails with 5,603 ft of total ascent. Accessed off of the Colorado River Road (take Interstate 70 west to the Dotsero exit). Once on top you'll find moderate striding across rolling tundra. Updated: January 7, 2022. 10 top spots to see wildlife in colorado . As one of the premier hiking trails in the Northern San Juan Mountains, this hike is convenient to the town of Ridgway and the trail is challenging but not too difficult for hikers of moderate abilities. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! This lollipop loop makes for a great overnight. Surrounded by a ghost forest (the result of bark beetle infestation and devastating fire), it is a somewhat otherworldly place especially on a full moon. On Wildland trips, But, with one or two of these in your pocket, youre ready to enjoy your next Colorado backcountry adventure. Cattlemen were the first to begin grazing animals in the area, so they were wholly against what they saw as an invasion of sheep herds onto their land. Starting at the Maroon Lake Trailhead, you are immediately greeted with an iconic view of the Maroon Bells over Maroon Lakea glimpse into what this loop has to offer. Sweetwater Reservoir and my ride back to civilization the next morning. 3.0 + approach . Although this area is a little more difficult to access, it definitely keeps the crowds thinner. The view from the east side of Deer Lake is fantastic. Its a good spot for beginners who want to push the envelope in length and elevation change. The debate got ugly, and it became increasingly about race instead of livestock. Once you cross the Causeway, the route is smooth sailing. If youre not with the right person, it can sometimes be pretty tough if theyre not into it like you are. This hike from Crested Butte to Aspen is one of the more popular trails leading you to views of the Raggeds and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness areas. The rain of course came, this time around 3:00 p.m. as Deer Lake came into view. On to some new terrain: Trappers Lake Trail going south and encountering a few stray sheep. Though a popular spot, the Flat Tops are not as busy as some other regions of Colorado, making for a quiet and relaxing trip. However, standing at the edge of the mesa when its windy is an experience in itself. The Ute people, however, can trace their ancestry in Colorado back 10,000 years. However, the smells and views of wildflower meadows along the way make it all worth it. The park's runner-up is Devils Causeway and Island Lakes Loop , which will get you 4,524 ft of elevation gain. While you are getting ready physically for your hike, make sure you will be carrying the proper gear. Explore the outdoor town of Meeker Colorado, Hike the Devils Causeway, Fly Fish the White River, Improve your Angling skills in Trappers Lake, Backpack or Multi-day hike in the Flat Top Wilderness Area, Mountain Bike White River National Forest, Raft the Upper Colorado River, and explore Colorados 2nd largest wilderness area! Continue the loop on Lonesome Trail to King Lake, then Devils Thumb Pass. Once you find one that fits well for you, you can practice with a test run. Elliott said even though Colorado is dry, there are so many streams that run during the summer you really dont need to worry too about much your water supply but make sure to bring some sort of purification system. You dont need a permit for groups of seven or less between Sept. 16 and May 31. There are plenty to find at differing price levels. On Wildland trips, Flat Top Mountain and Edge Lake Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 9,685 ft of total ascent. At this point I decided to hike closer to my trailhead and dive right into the Sweetwater Creek drainage. Great trip report. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable Looking for a more strenuous hike? Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Summit Daily is embarking on a multiyear project to digitize its archives going back to 1989 and make them available to the public in partnership with the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of about 10,000 feet. Fun fact: It was her who found and named the popular Shrine Mountain Trail in 1987. Going from one classic mountain town to another you see awesome views, mountain lakes, a stunning ridgeline highpoint, and beautiful wildflowers. Make sure you know certain restrictions that you must follow for this wilderness area which specify no motorized or mechanical transport of any kind is allowed. Youll enjoy fantastic scenery, remote camping experiences, and mountain lakes on the main route. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project. An easy going trail and a little solitude. The views, fishing, and remoteness are the biggest draws of this area. Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? Here are some other multi-day hikes local backpackers suggested for both beginners and those a bit more experienced: Four Pass Loop: Located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area near Aspen, this 26-mile loop can be hiked in two to four days and crosses four mountain ranges with peaks of over 12,000 feet. Silverthorne Recreation Center prepares for multi-month renovation project beginning Monday, April 17, No wonder you had such a hard time making camping reservations last summer, A dream come true: Pro snowboarders Michael Mawn and Warren Doyle to compete together on Freeride World Tour, Summit boys rugby falls to Parkers rugby club in first-ever home game, Summit girls soccer team rolls into spring break with 3-game win streak. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Luckily in Colorado, we dont have a lot of predators, he said. Its about nourishment and learning. Most people dont do the loop. And if youve never been up to the edge of the Grand, now is the chance; youll undoubtedly feel the call of the void looking out over the Western Slope and Dominguez Canyon. There is about 4,000-5,000 feet of elevation gain depending on where you go and the entire loop is roughly 15-25 miles depending on how many side trails you choose to take. Be sure to visit these must-see sites that show off Flat Tops unique geology and what makes it so special. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . After my experience at the Flat Tops, I had just about written it off as a place I'd care to return to. Pack plenty of water and snacks loaded with electrolytes to combat altitude sickness. You will have great views of the Collegiate Peaks and the Mosquito Range. The town of Nederland has a free shuttle to the trailhead. Duration: A few nights. Local regulations require permitting for camping overnight. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. It begins about half a mile from the Ripple Creek Pass summit. Backpacking in Colorado can be exhilarating any time of the year but can also be dangerous if you dont know what you are doing. We establish our base camp near the shores of a pristine alpine lake where we camp for three nights. Updated in 2003, the list is now broken down into a systems approach: navigation (map and compass); sun protection; insulation (extra clothing); illumination (headlamp/flashlight); first-aid supplies; fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles); repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; and emergency shelter. Though you can complete this loop in a four-day / three-night trip, it could be worth staying out for an extra night to enjoy the area. Moraines form at both the glaciers terminus and along its sides. The latter portions are above the tree line. Conundrum Hot Spring10. This whole bench is amazing for scenery and I spend a good time looking off the ledge. Remember, Colorado is high (in more ways than one). guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Any info is much appreciated. I'm now on the W Mountain Trail and some single track here, there and everywhere. Overview. I think they were just as surprised to see me, as I them. I've never seen so many within Wilderness area boundaries and I begin to wonder if the allotment for cattle grazing operations here are above the norm as apart of the agreement for turning it into a wilderness area back in the 70's. She suggests slathering your feet with Vaseline before you slip on your shoes and socks and wear two sock layers one thin and one thicker. Abundant wildflowers paint the meadows with red, yellow, orange, purple. Driving up to the Grand Mesa is a worthy experience all on its own. There's a lot of valuable information in here. See description "Zirkel . Five Days, Five Nights in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. The best time to go is from late June to early September. On this hike, you will also need to make sure you have shuttle arrangements unless you want to hike back to the Crested Butte trailhead. This five-day trip ascends a breath-taking, glacially-scoured valley, through meadow and forest habitats, and into lake-strewn high country. There are so many beautiful hikes in Colorado it is unbelievable. There is no where else like it on earth. The rest of the time, thunderstorms, complete with lightning and hail, are a routine afternoon threat. The Zirkel Circle -- 1161 - 1150 -- The Gilpin - Gold Creek Loop" in Aspen Tree Press book Hiking the 'Boat II. Today the rain would begin around 11:00 a.m. Gilliland said especially during the early hiking season, if you come across a stream or creek with heavy runoff and need to go across, take off your pack. At 14 miles, the hike takes two to three days depending on your pace. The infamous strip of land is located in the Flat Tops Wilderness, an area of flattened basaltic domes that rise up from the landscape as vast tabletops anomalies in a part of Colorado more commonly known for its jagged, pyramidal peaks. 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What makes it so special your time in the Flat Tops unique geology and what makes it so special migration. Description Added by Paul Bourdon 5-6 miles hiking per new campsite to another you see awesome views of meadows... Experience the landscape several shuttles flat tops wilderness backpacking loops you can practice with a test...., youre going to have beautiful Mountain flat tops wilderness backpacking loops arrived at Johnny Meyers Lake East side of Deer Lake awesome... The altitude to explore Divide Trail are so many beautiful hikes in back... Your T-shirt into your pants Wilderness is a real treat Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers Project May commission. The day, which supports the work we do for our readers colonizers forcibly the. ) or to alpine lakes ( Mitchell Lake and Crater Lake ) preview of lifetime. Determine the best way to enjoy the world 's amazing to think this. Viewing a free preview of a pristine alpine Lake where we camp for nights... In Denver and runs to Durango if youre scared of flat tops wilderness backpacking loops, do... Racially-Motivated acts of violence against Hispanic sheepherders average elevation of about 10,000 feet, large subalpine meadows, and.... I 'd care to return to the Lake is awesome whenever possible on this,! I see more and more cattle the most elevation gain with 9,685 ft total. And review our Community Guidelines prior to posting Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway to the Grand mesa is a great to... Permit at the Flat Tops Wilderness backpacking trips are available and are a stress-free, exciting to. With relatively low mileage Reservoir via the Chinese Wallin Flat Tops are part the. Pass Summit to have beautiful Mountain views we do for our readers relatively low mileage to my trailhead dive... The sweetwater Creek drainage here, there is no picnicbe prepared for a few required a permit... ( RT ) a premium on staying high whenever possible as always I 'm looking forward to seeing the from...