re: Colorado Mountain Town Mid September

Dude, appreciate the info. This is above and beyond. As for vehicle, I have a 2WD 4Runner (I know, oxymoron).

Mayflower Gulch looks perfect. I also have my eyes on Herman Gulch and Shrine Ridge as casual weekday/weekend hikes. Will be talking to some Copper folks tomorrow during beers. Hope Pass looks awesome; I may do that this Saturday or Sunday.

I will look into the 14ers. Now that I look at Mt Elbert, that looks intense. 5,100' climb over 11 miles I feel we can handle it, but need to test the waters with an easier 14er or similar hike first. In Oregon last month, we did a 6 mile out and back covering 3000' elevation gain for the 3 mile clikmb - that was a grind. Another note, I did find Mt Elbert via Blackcloud Trail on Alltrails (it's labeled Mount Elbert Southeast Ridge Trail).

Will check out Angry James. I've been enjoying some Outer Range so far. We were gonna head into Frisco Main St tomorrow for dinner.

Last, I was following the Colorado Trail thru-hiking thread and saw you're in Twin Lakes. I'll owe you a beer for the recs if you're around when making our way through.