It's pre-pre-Friday and you know that that means: campsite research and weekend planning are in full force. Here's some staff recommendations.

Zirkel Circle, Zirkel Wilderness

(pictured above and blog cover)

Foiled no more. The rivers are no longer impassable and the snow is now merely an opportunity to glissade. The Zirkel Circle has it all: log crossings that will raise your heart rate, wildflowers that will make you hum Tom Petty and two Alpine Lakes to make you swoon. Our team did this one in the counter-clockwise direction and clocked a Fastest Known Time (to this author, at least). Added bonus for the wetter-than-average spring and summer: mosquitoes. Bring your bug spray.

What we wore: 37.5 sport pop top ultra light

 Three Island Lake, Zirkel Wilderness

(pictured above)

If you've been reading these (hi!), you'll know that we spend a lot of time in the Zirkels. This wilderness area is just an hour from Steamboat and has countless gems to discover. Three Island Lake is a moderately trafficked 6.3 mile out and back with 1500' of vertical gain. This weekend, the wildflowers were on point and Squints (pictured above) was in heaven. With plenty of water and shade, this is great hike for your friend beast or just your friend.

What we wore: 37.5 active life peak ultra light no show

Mount Kearsarge North, Winslow State Park

(pictured above)

Mount Kearsarge North is a heavily trafficked out and back in New Hampshire's Winslow State Park. At the top of this 5.7 mile climb, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Presidential Range in NH, the coast of Maine, and more. The fire tower up top is a great spot for lunch and is also open for camping.

What we wore: 37.5 hiking light mini crew