May 2025 Hikes

Hike Leader: Grant Schemmel, 719-431-3186

 

 

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 8AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

 

May 7^th: Island In the Sky

May 14^th: Hard Time Loop

May 21^st: Lion Canyon

May 28^th: Crystal Falls

 

 

May 7^th   Island in the Sky

 

Nearest City: Canon City

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 6,016’

Elevation Gain: 618’

Distance: 5.1 Miles Loop

 

 

Directions to trail head: From Canon City take Field Ave. north until it intersects with Red Canyon Rd/Garden Park Rd.  Continue North on Red Canyon Rd., 3.5 miles to the entrance of Oil Well Flats.  Turn right and follow the rd.  At the first intersection, turn right.  At the next intersection, turn left.  Follow the road until encountering a boulder on the right with a short road leading to a parking area which also contains the trail head.  High clearance vehicles strongly recommended.

 

The Trail: Leave the parking area Eastbound on what appears to be an abandoned trail.  This will head East across a meadow and joins the “Fire Canyon” trail.  Continue Eastbound on the Fire Canyon Trail which will intersect with Island in the Sky.  Follow Island in the Sky to the right, which will climb to the top of the mesa and wind around to the back side, eventually re-joining Fire Canyon trail and returning to the parking lot.

 

 

May 14^th   Hard Time Loop

 

Nearest City: Canon City

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 5,830’

Highest Elevation: 6,100’

Lowest Elevation: 5,700’

Distance: 5.0 Miles Loop

 

Directions to trail head: Head West on Hwy 50 to 1^st Street then turn South on 1^st Street and continue on 1^st Street until Temple Canyon Road, then turn right onto Temple Canyon Road.  Drive 1.89 miles to the Section 13 Trails parking lot and park there.

 

The Trail: Leave the parking area to the North following the Redemption Trail.  The first part is downhill to a dry creek bed.  At this point, you can look across the creek bed and see a slot canyon which can be taken up to meet Redemption again (rock scrambling required, but way cool). Otherwise, you can continue on the trail and it will wind around the hill and join up with “The Shiv” trail on the right.  Turn right and follow The Shiv.  After a short distance, The Shiv meets Hard Time trail where you will turn left.  Follow Hard Time around and it will meet up with the Great Escape.   You can continue on the Great Escape and then Redemption again to the left.  Turn left on Redemption and follow Redemption back to the parking lot.

 

 

 

May 21^st   Lion Canyon

 

Nearest City: Canon City

Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult due to steep climb

Starting Elevation: 7,751’

Elevation Gain: 1,472’

Distance: 6 miles, in & out

 

 

Directions to trail head:   From Canon City, take 9^th Street South to the traffic circle.  Exit the circle onto Elm Street and then proceed West until Oak Creek Grade and turn left.  Follow Oak Creek Grade Road 12 miles South until you come to the turn off for Lion Canyon campground.  Turn left into the campground and follow the road until meeting the parking lot at the trail head.

 

The Trail: The trail starts at the right side of the parking lot where it climbs steeply as it parallels a small creek.  Near the top the trail widens and becomes more exposed and eventually emptys out onto a large meadow with wonderful views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.  Return the same way you came.

 

 

 

May 28^th   Crystal Falls

 

Nearest City: Westcliffe

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 9,260’

Elevation Gain: -50’

Distance: 6.4 miles, in & out

 

Directions to trail head:   Head East on Hwy 115 to Florence, then take Hwy 67 South from Florence until intersecting Hwy 96 in Wetmore.  Follow Hwy 96 until you get to Westcliffe.  In Westcliffe, turn South onto CO 69 for 4.5 miles then turn right onto Colfax Ln (CR 119).  Drive 5.6 miles to a T intersection then turn left onto South Colony Rd (CR 120) and go 0.7 miles to rejoin CR 119.  Go 4.5 miles and enter the San Isabel National Forest and parking at the Grape Creek trail head.

 

The Trail:  Turn right at the outhouse to follow the Rainbow Trail North.  There will be an ascent for the first ¼ mile, then the rest of the way will be all downhill.  At the 2^nd culvert, you will reach Crystal Falls creek.  On the North side of the creek there will be a trail that leads to the actual falls, maybe 100’ from the Rainbow Trail.  Return the way you came.

 

 

 

APRIL HIKES 2025

 

Sandy and Bob Dorr - hike leaders

 

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 9AM MEETING AT THE VILLAGE INN

 

PUEBLO NATURE CENTER LOOP

                                                  APRIL 2^ND 2025

 4 MILES       FLAT TRAIL     EASY        SOME BUSHWHACKING

We will park at the Pueblo Nature Center Parking Lot. (free). Meet Bob and Sandy here.

Hike begins at the Nature Center heading West along the bike path for a short distance. Trail then heads into the old gravel pit, through a treed and bushy area.  We then head up and across the bike path to  the old “Honor Farm Road”; now just a little used service road for the pipeline.  Still heading West, we come to the “Osprey” picnic area.  Lunch at “Osprey”.   2.0 miles.  (Vault Toilets here). The return trip follows the Arkansas river on the North side back to the Nature Center on dirt trails for a total of 4 miles.  

Directions:  From Canon City:   37 miles      40 minutes

Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center-River Campus

5200 Nature Center Road, Pueblo, Co. 81003

Hy 50 East to Pueblo Blvd.  (Hy 45 S.)  Turn South.  Continue to 

Nature Center Rd.  (traffic light).  Turn right and follow to the Parking Lot

 

LOWER LIBERTY POINT

        April 9th

 4 miles - easy, rolling terrain

The hike begins in a cul-de-sac at the end of Greenbrier Dr. in Pueblo West.  The service road takes us below Liberty Point.  We head SE to the Honor Farm area where we have lunch, turn around and make our way back along the high ridge forming a partial loop.  The surface is dirt and gravel.   We will head out for two miles, then come back.  There are many trails out there so if we want we can add more miles.  There are views of the rock cliffs, valleys, and a good lake view.  

Directions from Canon City:         32 miles      37 mins

Take Hy 50 East to S. McCulloch Blvd W. (first McCulloch, no light).  Turn Right onto McCulloch.  There is a dirt lot on the right, pull into the lot to meet Bob and Sandy.  We will caravan to the parking area.  From the lot follow McCulloch to S. Sweetwater Ave.  Turn right, follow Sweetwater to W. Linden Ave.  Turn left onto Linden, follow Linden to S. Greenbrier Dr., turn right, follow Greenbrier to the corner of Saddlewood.  We will park here.  

Address:  1298 S. Greenbrier Dr.     (Google will suggest a different route than we will take).  

 

 

PUEBLO MOUNTAIN PARK

Horseshoe Lodge; Fire Tower Trail to Camp Burch

APRIL 16^TH 2025

4.5 miles       Moderate    Elevation Gain: 564ft

Parking will be at the Lodge.  Meet Bob and Sandy here.  

The hike will head over to Tower Trailhead.  We will hike up to the Fire Tower, then head down to the junction with the Ranger Trail.  Hike down Ranger to South Creek to the site of the old Camp Burch.

Camp Burch was an early Boy Scout camp that served boys from the Pueblo area. The camp was built in 1918 on Forest Service land, immediately to the west of what would become the Pueblo Mountain Park, and just south of Squirrel Creek. The camp was closed in 1947.  The camp had a large lodge, a dining hall, and tent sites. The site is located on the east side of South Creek, just before the creek enters the scenic Devil’s Canyon. All that remains today are foundations and an enormous stone fireplace. In the 1910s and 1920s, many Boy Scout camps like Camp Burch were built. 

 The Fire Tower was built in 1937 by a Civilian Conservation Corps crew, as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal to create jobs related to the conservation and development of natural resources in rural lands owned by federal, state, and local governments.   At approximately 7,400 ft elevation, the Fire Tower is the highest point of the park.

Directions:  From Canon City:      62 miles  1 hr 9mins   via Hy 50 East to Pueblo Blvd,  South to Hy 78  West into Beulah to the Park.  

Or:  Through Wetmore, South on Hy 67 then West on 96 to Rd 387. South on 387 into Beulah.    42 miles 1 hr 6 mins.  (Rd 387  is gravel for most of the way into Beulah)

9112 Pueblo Mountain Park Rd, Beulah, CO 81023

 

UTE VALLEY PARK 

APRIL 23, 2025

UTE VALLEY TRAILS TO RATTLESNAKE RIDGE

 5.4      MILES      MODERATE      Elevation gain 435-500ft

We will start at the SOUTH ROCKRIMMON TRAILHEAD located on UTE VALLEY TRAIL just off  Rockrimmon Blvd.     Meet Bob and Sandy in this lot.

 The hike will follow established park trails West for approximately 2 miles.   At the junction with “Rattlesnake Ridge South” we will turn and head back.  The trail then follows the ridge back East down to “Nachos”.  A short connector trail brings us to “BeaUTEiful Loop” which takes us back to the parking lot.  Prepare for single track mountain type trails. Roots sticking out, rocks, and possibly some mud. Mountain Bikes also use these trails.  Good hiking boots and poles suggested.  The leader will stop at each trail junction so no one gets lost or left behind.  Lunch will be at an overlook on “Rattlesnake Ridge” with a nice view of Pikes Peak.  And, yes, watch for Rattlesnakes.

Directions:

From Canon City:   54 miles     1 hr. 6 mins.  Park in  “South Rockrimmon Trail Head” lot.

115 N. to I-25 N.  Take Exit 148;  Rockrimmon.  Turn left onto Rockrimmon and look for “Ute Valley Trail”.  Turn left, (left turn lane, no traffic lights).  Follow through a roundabout bearing left to the parking lot.   

 

 

COLORADO CITY HILLS

APRIL 30^TH 2025

4.5 MILES         ROLLING HILLS     EASY     

We will park at the South end of Lake Beckwith.   From the parking lot we will follow the water intake ditch Southwest crossing Hy 165. Following the ditch until we cross Greenhorn Creek and hike up into the “Hills”.  Most of the hike will be on undeveloped Colorado City roads and Metro Open Space.  There are hills to climb and some very nice views.  The hike will be between 4 & 5 miles with a loop and then return back along the ditch.  

 

Directions:  From Canon City:     1 hr 5 mins.     65 miles 

 

Take Hy 50 East to I-25 at Pueblo.  South on I-25 to the Colorado City exit,  Hy 165.  Immediately turn into the Rest Stop.   Meet Bob and Sandy here on the West side of the building. (car parking).  We will caravan over to the parking lot at Lake Beckwith to begin our hike

 

 

 

 Hike Leader for March 2025

Mike Johnson

 

 

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 9 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

 

March 5^th     Canon Vista

March 12^th   Penrose Commons

March 19^th    Sand Gulch

March 26^th   Duckett Creek

Alternate for March 26^th:  YMCA Mountain

 

March 5^th  Canon Vista 

 

Nearest City: Canon City

Season: All Year

 

Directions: From Canon City, go west on Hwy 50 to the north entrance to the Royal Gorge Park CR3A, turn left onto CR3A and continue to the first camping area found on the left side of the road, a sign will indicate the campground follow the dirt road back to the camp ground continue following the dirt road south where it ends at the trailhead.  

 

 STARTING ELEVATION: 6753ft

 ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: 397ft

 DISTANCE HIKED: 3.4 miles Loop

 

Description: The hike starts at the south end of the parking loop, there are numerous trails that intersect with the main trail, follow Canon Vista all the way to the radio antennas, continue past the antenna site the trail loops west giving a great view of the Arkansas river far below in the canyon, the trail will intersect with a trail on the left follow this a short way to a great vantage point, return back on the same trail and continuing to your left you will join “Far Out” and the Rim Trail follow these back to the parking area. If at any time the trails become confusing simply follow the dirt road (that you would have crossed several times), downhill, this road will take you within eyesight of the parking area.

 

 

March 12^th  Penrose Commons    

 

Nearest City:  Canon City

Season:  All Year

    

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City go East on Hwy 50, turn left on Hwy 67 “Phantom Canyon Road” proceed 1.7 miles to CR 123 turn East proceed to E Street (CR127) (Brush Hollow Boat Ramp Sign), turn left drive north, continue north to the large Extreme Off Road information sign, park in this area. From Hwy 115 in Penrose go west on third street to E Street and turn right “north”.   Caution High Clearance Vehicles are recommended. 

 

Starting Elevation: 5680’

Elevation Gain: 455’

Distance: 4.5 mile loop

 

Description: The trail starts by continuing north on the road (6102) to 6101A. Follow 6101A north to a green gate and ATV fence bridge follow the trail over the ATV Bridge about .2 miles down to a creek at this point there is a sign indicating that the creek (Usually Dry), “Is Not a Designated Route”.  Follow the creek south about 1.6 miles where the creek bed turns into the Independence Extreme Jeep Trail. Continue South to the second extreme Jeep rock climbing exit, at the top is Freedom trail, an extreme jeep trail, follow it up to the parking area. 

NOTE: Use extreme caution on weekends, this is a very popular extreme jeep trail. Stay well clear of any vehicle using the extreme portion of the trail. Take the time to watch any vehicle attempting to navigate the trail.

 

 

March 19th^th Sand Gulch

 

Nearest City: Canon City

Season: All Year

 

Directions to trailhead: From Canon City drive north on Red Canyon Road to the Banks turnoff. This is the last road on the left before Red Canyon Rd turns into Shelf Road. Park at the first parking area for a 2.9-mile hike or continue to the top of the hill (campground area) for a 1.94-mile hike (this requires leaving a vehicle at the lower parking area). 

    

Season: All Year

Elevation: 6424’

Elevation Gain/Loss: 482’

Distance: 2.9 Miles 

 

Description: Park in the lower parking area. Start the hike by proceeding on the road up to upper parking area about 1 mile, the trail starts about 200 feet west of the upper parking area, the first section of the trail is narrow switchbacks that can have loose gravel on them, the switchback trail will end at Sand Creek, follow Sand Creek downstream, (Sand Creek is usually dry), there are several large rocky areas that you will encounter that are easily climbed down or hiked around. Keep an eye open for a trail sign on your left that will lead to a climbing wall following this trail will take you along the base of one of the areas famous climbing walls and lead you to a meadow that is across from the lower parking area, cross the meadow back to the lower parking area. If you choose not to take the climbing wall trail, follow the creek further downstream, you will encounter a sign on your left that will lead to the lower campground, follow the trail to the lower campground then cross the meadow to the lower parking area. 

 

 

March 26^th Duckett Creek    

 

Nearest City: Hillside, Colorado

Season: Spring Summer Fall

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City take Hwy 50 west for 26.9 miles to Texas Creek. Turn south on Co69 and drive 11.3 miles to Hillside. Turn West on Cr 198. There is a large sign showing this is the Duckett Creek and the Lake Creek campground exit. Drive west on the dirt road for 4.1 miles past the Lake Creek campground to the campground at the end of the road, The Duckett Creek Trail begins on the east side of this campground, The Rainbow Trail begins on the west side both are well marked.

 

Starting Elevation: 8708 ft.

Elevation Gain/Loss: 550 ft.

Distance: 5.5 miles in and out 

 

Description: This section of the Rainbow Trail takes you south along the lower part of Eagle Peak, one of the mountains in the Sangre de Christo chain. It takes you through a wooded area, across Duckett Creek, over a wooden bridge, then turns to the east. It then enters a large burn area, gradually ascending up to the side of a ridge reaching its highest elevation 8,928 feet, in about 0.6 miles. From this point the trail gradually descends to the end of the trail with a short climb over a small ridge near the bottom of the trail about 1.87 miles from the trailhead. Much of the burn area has been recolonized by scrub oak and aspen, with the charred remains of the trees scattered among the more recent growth. Wildflowers abound during late spring and summer.  

 

Alternate for 3/26/2025 - YMCA Mountain

 

Nearest City: Canon City Colorado

Season: All Year

 

Direction: From Canon City, go west on Hwy 50 to CR 3 (just west of the Parkdale Bridge over the Arkansas River). Travel south on CR 3 for 2.5 miles to CR 28 (Copper Gulch Road, first road found on the left), turn left onto CR 28 Take CR 28 to the first gravel road found on the right (Temple Canyon Road) turn onto the gravel road and continue east to BLM Road 6100 (the road is identified by a gate that will advise that if the road is wet it is closed), turn onto BLM 6100 and continue 2.1 miles to a “Y” intersection, stay on BLM 6100 to the left 1.1  miles to the trailhead. The trailhead is not marked as such but it is a large open area found on the right, there are several stone made fire pits in the area. The trail is found by a trail marker at the rear of the area.  Use caution BLM Road 6100 is a single lane jeep track, recommend using a high clearance vehicle. 

 

STARTING ELEVATION: 6600ft

ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: -400ft 

DISTANCE HIKED: 3 miles In & Out

 

Description: The trail winds through the burn scar from the 2013 Royal Gorge Fire, in the Grand Canyon Hills area of Fremont County. The trail starts at the back end of the parking area. The beginning of the trail has been obscured by wildfire mediation action, as you look to the left of the trail marker you will see an area where the vegetation has been cut and ground up, this wildfire mediation covers the trail, start hiking to the left maintaining about the same level as when you start, after about 1/8 mile the mediation area will present an area that goes downhill to a tree line and top of a ridge, you will find a faint trail that follows the ridge easterly, the challenge is to stay on top of the ridge continue in an easterly direction until the ridge blends into YMCA mountain, there is a trail but it is not well used so it can be overgrown or hidden by fallen trees. Once at the junction of the ridge and YMCA Mountain the trail will wind its way up to the top, once on top follow the ridge to the east to a large pile of rock, a sign in jar can be found in the rock pile. The summit of YMCA Mountain provides an awesome overlook of Canon City, on clear days, on the eastern horizon you can see the smokestacks of the old steel mills along Hwy 25 in Pueblo. It is not uncommon to see Big Horn Sheep. The Arkansas River, Tunnel Drive and the Royal Gorge Railroad can be found at the bottom of the canyon on one side and the proposed new gold mine is on the other side. 

                                                                 

Note: Strongly recommend marking your trail on your way in to ease your return trail

 

 

 

FEBRUARY HIKES 2025

Hike Leader - Kevin Borre

 

February 5,2025

Watchtower

Nearest City;     Canon City Colorado

    Season;    All Year

    Directions;    From Canon City, Hwy 50 to South 1^st street turn left on 1^st street proceed to Temple Canyon Road (CR3) turn right onto Temple Canyon Road, At 4.2 miles on the right is a small sign “Day Use Parking”, this is the east end of the trail. For the west end of the trail continue about 1.5 miles west to a Sign “Temple Ridge Picnic and Camping” turn right at sign, drive to end of road. 

STARTING ELEVATION 6,095ft ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS 476ft HIKE LENGTH 5 miles In & Out

    Starting the trail from the east end parking area look for the trail to start on the west side of the parking area. The trail generally has a downward trend heading west, at around the two-mile mark look down into the canyon to find an old mine. Continuing west bound the trail runs into Temple Canyon Road, follow Temple Canyon Road west and the trail will pick up again on the right side of the road. The trail will pass a picnic pavilion on the left using the pavilion as a destination will result in a 5 mile in and out hike, continuing westbound on the trail will take you to the western trailhead and the trailhead and picnic area of the Temple Canyon Hike, at about 4 miles one way in length the hike returning to the east parking area results in an 8 mile hike, if you decide to follow the road from the trailhead out to Temple Canyon Road and hiking east to the east parking area on the road it will shorten the hike by about 1 mile. Great scenic views. If hiking this trail in the summer bring extra water. 

 

February 12, 2025

The Banks (Cactus Cliff)

    Nearest City;     Canon City

    Season;    All Year

        Directions;    From Canon City go north on Dozer Ave. to Field Ave. Turn right (north) continue to Red Canyon Rd turn right (north) continue past the entrance to Red Canyon Park to where Red Canyon Road turns into Shelf Road, entrance to the Banks is on the left. Follow the gravel road about 2 miles to the top of the mesa and parking area.     

STARTING ELEVATION 6,866ft ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS 588ft HIKE LENGTH 3.12 miles Loop

    The trail starts on the north side of the parking area, a service road leaves the parking area to the north and proceeds down into the canyon, it is common to find climbers scaling the rock walls on the north side of the canyon. Continue on the road past a trail entrance on the right that proceeds down to Cactus Cliff climbing area, (we will return up this trail), go .43 miles where the dry wash is close to the road leave the road north (right) and follow the dry creek bed downstream to about the .8-mile mark finding a trail that crosses the stream bed, follow the trail north (left) up the hillside, at the first intersection stay to the right and follow the trail to where it ends on a dirt road. Follow the dirt road to the left until you arrive at a rest room. The trail to the Cactus Cliff climbing wall is on the north side just before the rest room. Follow this trail up to the climbing area and back down to the dry stream bed, cross the streambed and follow the trail back up to the service road that you first came in on, follow the service road to the left to the parking area. Great views abound on this hike.

 

February 19, 2025

Historic Railroad Grade at Texas Creek

    Nearest City;    Texas Creek Colorado

    Season;    All Year

    Directions;    From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 approximately 26 miles to Hwy 69 (first road on the left as you come up to Texas Creek). Turn left on Hwy 69 towards Westcliffe, continue for .6 miles, just past a double guardrail guarding a dry creek bed is a pull off on the right (West). Pull in and park.   

STARTING ELEVATION 6,190FT ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS 410FT DISTANCE 4.25 miles In and Out

    This hike starts on the east side of the road, cross the road and hike back down the road to the dry creek bed. Leaving the road hike east up the gully created by the dry wash, continue up the dry wash until you spot what looks like an abandoned mine found on your left. At this point leave the dry wash and hike up towards what looks like an old abandoned mine. In reality this is the remains of the west end of a large Railroad trestle that once spanned the valley. Once up on top you are on the old railroad bed, and you can see across the valley the remains of the east end of the trestle. Now follow the old railroad bed west it will end overlooking Hwy 69 and What is left of the town of Texas Creek and the ATV trails and Fernleaf Trail across the Arkansas river to the north. Hike back to the trestle area and continue across the valley to the east side of the old trestle, if you approach the east side of the trestle on the left you can avoid the steep climb to the top by following the railbed east for a gradual climb to the railbed. Continue following the railbed at one point it will seem to disappear, look to your right and there is a dry wash closer viewing reveals a large cut in the rocks where the railbed continues. This rail line once serviced Westcliffe a good turnaround point is where the railbed makes a sharp left turn. Retrace your route back to the old trestle area, drop back down into the dry wash that is to the left of the trestle area and follow it back to Hwy 69 and the parking area. 

 

February 26, 2025

California Dance Hall 

Nearest City;    Canon City Colorado    

Season;    All Year

    Directions;    From Canon City, go west on Hwy 50 to the north entrance to the Royal Gorge Park, CR3A, turn left onto CR3A and continue to the first Parking area on the right, just past the entrance sign for the Royal Gorge Park.   

STARTING ELEVATION 6455ft ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS 395ft DISTANCE HIKED 3.5 miles Loop

    The hike starts at the west side of the parking area, follow the trail through the stone passageway under the road, at the first trail intersection follow “Dream Weaver” to the left. Continue on Dream Weaver as it crosses a road and climbs up a hill, upon reaching the top of the hill look down into the valley and to the east at far end of the valley as it climbs you will be able to see the ruins of the “California Dance Hall”, “bushwhack” a route down to the bottom of the valley, you will come to a barbed wire fence, (the fence was put up to keep cattle off of the trails), on the other side of the fence is the remains of parts of the “Priest Canyon Road” which was built in 1911 to make it easier for folks to get to the Royal Gorge. Follow the fence line east as some point you will need to cross over the fence to access the remains of the “Vista Lodge” which was owned and operated by the “Reel California Girls” two women that worked in the silent movie productions that were filmed in the Canon City area in the 1920s. The building caught fire in 1925 under questionable origins, some believe that the local KKK had some involvement in the fire. When leaving the ruins go south again crossing the fence line, bushwhack up to the top of the ridge where you will find a stone foundation of an observation platform that was built as an attraction for the Vista Lodge’s customers. Continue south, there is an old track to follow, over the crest of the ridge and down the other side where you will rejoin the Dream Weaver Trail, follow it to the right back to the trailhead.

 

 

 

Hike Leader for January 2025

                                Jane Chess Ph: 719-371-4034

Hikes for January 2025

January 1- FAR Resolution Run/Walk 5-10k or Dakota Ridge at the Hogbacks

January 8 – Shaw’s Arch (Seep Springs Area)

January 15 – Cooper Mountain Trail (Oil Well Flats Area)

January 22 – Oil Well Flats (Uncomformity to Anticline to Fire Canyon)

January 29 – Worley Allotment Trail (new) (Seep Springs Area)

 

January 1—The FAR Resolution Run is a Community-focused running/walking event on Jan 1, 2025. 

This event starts at Pueblo Community College in Canon City, CO at 9:30 a.m.

Register online, only $15.00, plus fee. If you want a t-shirt its $25.00, if you want a hat its $20.00 Get a free t-shirt if you volunteer instead of run/walk.

 

Alternate: Dakota Ridge at the Hogbacks (No leader)

Length of Hike: 4

Beginning Elevation: 5595

Elevation Gain: 420

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Village Inn travel West on Highway 50 West to 5^th St. Go north to Greenwood Drive, turn West on Washington St to the parking lot.

Hike Description: Walk north to the beginning of Dakota Ridge which is a 1.4 mile trail where all of the gain occurs. On top you will see views on both sides of the trail with the city of Canon to the east and Fremont Mt to the west. Take Old Skyline Drive to the Stone Quarry Spur then pick up Graneros to the Fairview Link and back to the parking lot on Greenhorn. This will be approx. 4 miles. Those who want to hike longer can take Graneros to the end which would add approx. one mile to the hike.

 

Difficulty: Easy with one steep hill

Starting Elevation: 5595 ft

Elevation Gain: 420 ft.

January 8—Shaw’s Arch (Seep Springs area)

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City Village Inn drive west on Hwy 50 for 5.1 miles to CR 69 (3 Mile Rd). Go north past both Seep Springs Parking areas, to Stone House. Turn Right and park here.  Gravel road, good condition, except last half mile. High clearance vehicle recommended for this section.

 

Length of Hike: About 5 miles

Beginning Elevation: 6500

Elevation gain: 712

Difficulty: Moderate--Long steep hill, some rocky single-track

 

 Hike Description: We will start on a single track, North past the Stone House, onT5830K for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto 5830D, downhill to 5830 B.

Continue following BLM 5830B up the hill and across a flat to a T intersection. Take the road to the left at the T. Continue past the end of the road on a single track to  the Arch. Return to 5830 and follow it back to the cars.

 

January 15, 2025

Cooper Mountain Trail

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Village Inn go 3.6 miles to Red Canyon Rd, then at 4.6 cross the cattleguard, the road turns into Garden Park Rd. At 7.1 miles, Turn R into Oil Well Flats. Stay to the L on the dirt road, past the parking lots. We will park at 8.4 miles, by campsite # 11. (1.4 miles past the entrance to Oil Well Flats.) High clearance vehicle recommended.

 

Length of Hike: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1289 ft.

Difficulty: Difficult due to steep and rocky hill.

 

Hike Description: Walk up the steep road to the Green gate, continue on T5940 then stay L at intersection, about .7 miles on Cooper Mtn Trail. Continue on old two-track up hill towards Cooper Mtn. The views get better the higher we climb. The trail is rocky and steep at times. At two miles we will stop at a small clearing for a snack, then return the same way.

 

 

January 22, 2025

Oil Well Flats, Unconformity to Anticline to Fire Canyon

 

Driving Directions: From Village Inn, go 3.6 miles to Red Canyon Rd, then at 4.6 cross the cattleguard at Garden Park Rd. At 7.1 miles, turn R into Oil Well Flats. Stay to the L on the dirt road past the parking lots. We will park at 8.4 miles, by campsite #11. With high 4x4 you can turn R just before Campsite #11 and go up a very rough road to a large parking turn-around area. Uncomformity Trail starts on the East side. 

 

Hike Description: Continue on Uncomformity past intersection with Fracture. Turn left on Anticline, then left on Fire Canyon. Stay on Fire Canyon when it intersects with Island in the Sky. Turn left at the next Y, there is no sign. Continue back to cars.

 

Length of Hike: 3.1

Elevation gain: 420 ft

Difficulty: Moderate (some rocky hills)

 

January 29^th: Worley Allotment (Seep Springs Area)

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City Village Inn drive west on Hwy 50 for 5.1 miles to CR 69 (3 Mile Rd). Go north to first Seep Springs Parking Area, about 7.1 miles.

 

Length of Hike: About 4 miles

Beginning Elevation: 6650

Elevation Gain: 359 ft.

Difficulty: Easy

 

Hike Description: From Seep Springs Parking Area walk around gate in the SE Corner. Walk .9 miles through a pasture on a well-defined two-track. We will pass a windmill with a solar panel. My expert tells me it doesn’t work. At .9 miles you will see the old Worley homestead on the L with two foundations, a corral, a windmill tower with well and what looks like a wooden horse trailer converted into a shed. Slightly to the NE of the corral a cowpath follows a dry creek bed. We will follow this path about .5 miles then turn R onto a two-track up a short steep hill. We will follow this two-track as it meanders over a wooded ridge then down to another pasture. Continue on this two-track to the south where it meets the original two-track, and follow this back to the vehicles. I saw a coyote! Short hike, easy and beautiful!

 

 

 Kim Nelson Ph: 719-371-3820       Hike Leaders                                                       Jane Chess Ph: 719-371-4034

 

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 9 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

December 4^th     Booger Red Mountain

December 11^th    Trail T5830E (near Sweep Springs)

December 18th    Table Mountain SWA

 

Dec 4, Booger Red (to top of Booger Red Hill)

Directions to Trailhead: From Village Inn travel West on Highway 50 to State Highway 9, 10.3 miles. Turn R on SH 9 for 8.3 miles, turn R onto CR 11. Drive west for 14.75 miles on CR 11 to Road 5808 on south side of CR 11. (There is a large cross on the right on top of a small just as we reach CR 5808. Turn R at the 30 MPH and Left Curve signs. It’s a dirt road, it’s hard to notice). We will pass through an open (BLM) green gate after .1 miles. Continue past the gate for 0.9 miles where you will encounter another gate. Continue for .26 miles to a grassy parking area. The trail starts north of the parking area. Driving distance about 34 miles one way.

High Clearance Vehicle Recommended

 

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 7784 ft.

Elevation Gain: approximately 700 ft.

Distance: 4.5 miles

Description: Follow an old ranch/mining road from the trailhead to the summit of Booger Red Hill. On the way back we will make a side-trip to the ruins of a small cabin next to Little High Creek (claimed to be the cowboy Booger Red’s cabin).

 

December 11^th - Trail T5830E (Seep Springs area)

Directions to Trailhead:  From Canon City Village Inn drive west on Hwy 50 for 5.1 miles to CR 69 (3 Mile Rd). Go north to first Seep Springs Parking Area.

Length of Hike: 6 miles

Beginning Elevation:

Elevation gain:

Difficulty: Easy, long gradual uphill, then return.

Description of Hike: This is an OHV trail, with views of Shaw’s Arch and mountains, then an overlook into Garden Park Area.

 

December 18^th - Table Mountain State Wildlife Trust

Directions to Trailhead: Go East from the Village Inn Parking lot on Highway 50 to Highway 67. Turn L on 67 to CR 123, turn right, then L on 132. Follow 132 10.5 miles to Beaver Creek Trailhead, end of the road. There will be a sign for Table Mountain State Wildlife Trust.

Length of Hike: 3 miles

Elevation Gain:

Difficulty: Easy

Hike Description: Hike through gate by sign for the State Wildlife Trust. It will be a two-track at first, then follow the dry streambed for 1 ½ miles. Interesting rock formations, maybe turkeys, and a small scramble. We will pause for a snack at a small clearing on the right, with a tractor tire water tank, an old trough, and a cable holding an old water tank. Return by taking a two-track up the hill on the left, follow back to the parking area. 

 

 

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 9 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

 

 

November 6^th     Babcock Hole

November 13^th   Warmer Gulch South

November 20^th   The Boneyard

November 27^th   Schepps Ridge to Grape Creek from Eagle Wing Trailhead

 

 

November 6^th  Babcock Hole (Shelly Means)

 

Closest Town:  Wetmore

 

No information provided

 

 

November 13th  Warmer Gulch South Ron MacFarlane

 

Closest Town:  Guffey

 

Directions:  From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to CO 9 north.   Drive north on CO 9 for 18.7 miles.   Shortly after cresting the hill and entering into Park County the trailhead is found on the west side of the road midway down the hill.  The entrance is gated.

 

Difficulty:  Easy

Starting Elevation:  8272 ft

Elevation Gain:  432 ft

Distance:  5.1 miles in and out

 

Description:  The trail starts at the west side of the parking area.   Follow the trail down to the creek and follow the creek south for an easy scenic hike.  There are numerous creek crossings but, in most cases, you can easily step over the creek.  Hike as far south as you want, keep in mind that you will be returning by retracing your route. 

 

    NOTE; this is State Trust land, it is open only from September 1^st to May 31^st. Also starting July 1^st 2020 hikers are required to have in their possession a hunting or fishing license to use the State Trust Lands.

 

 

 

November 20^th  

 

West McCoy Gulch Granite Quarry

 

Nearest Town:  Texas Creek

 

Directions:  From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 approximately 27 miles to CR 37.  Turn left and continue 4 miles to Trail # 6210.  Look for a cattle water tank powered by twin solar panels on your right. The trail will start by the solar panels. 

 

Difficulty:  Moderate

Length of hike: 3 miles in and out

Beginning elevation: 6769 ft 

Elevation Gain:  600 ft

 

Description:  This hike follows an old road that dead ends at the quarry. Some sections of the road are steep, and sections of the road are rocky. The entire hiking route offers great views of the Sangre De Cristo and the Wet Mountain ranges. The quarry includes large blocks of granite that were abandoned after the quarry ceased operations. Hiking this area during the summer months could be uncomfortable due to the heat. 

 

 

11/27/2024   Schepps Ridge to Grape Creek from Eagle Wing Trailhead  (Shelly Means)        

 

No Information

 

 

OCTOBER 2024 HIKES

 

Hike Leader:  Kris Gunsten 

                     540-797-4123

                     askcg@aol.com

 

All hikes begin at 9 AM at the Canon City Village Inn

 

 

OCTOBER 2 - ANGEL OF SHAVANO

 

Directions:  Take highway 50 to Salida and then continue west on highway 50 about 12 miles to Maysville.   Turn right on CR140 and continue 4 miles to trailhead.

 

Difficulty:  Moderate

Starting Elevation:  9200 ft

Elevation Gain: approximately 500’

Distance:  4.6 Miles in and out.

 

The hike starts with a moderate/steady uphill climb until reaching the forest glade and on to Aspens where it moderates to gentle ups and downs. (There will be pauses to catch your breath!)  There is a nice aspen grove and a meadow at about 2.3 mile which makes for a good turnaround point.

 

OCTOBER 9- THE CRAGS

 

Driving Directions: From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to Co 9 north, turn right onto Cty Rd 11, continue to Teller County Road 1, turn right and continue to Cripple Creek. From Cripple Creek take Hwy 67 north out of town continue to Teller Cty Rd 62 turn right proceed to Crags Trailhead. (You will pass a Mennonite Camp and the trailhead for Raspberry Mountain Trail.)

 

Length of hike: 5 miles   Difficulty - Easy to moderate           Starting elevation: 9,971ft    Elevation gain: 820 ft

      

Description: Rock formations called “Crags” and aspen trees line the route on the way to the end of the trail where a “Dome” rock formation with views of the Rampart Range, Ute Pass and the Reservoirs that service Colorado Springs can be seen. Highly recommended trail in the fall when the aspen trees are changing colors.

 

 

OCTOBER 16 - BADGER CREEK

 

Directions to trailhead:  Take US 50 west from Canon City to SH CO 9.  Drive north for about 10.8 miles to Tallahassee Road.  Turn left and continue for approximately 5 miles watching for the right turn that continues Tallahassee Rd.  Go approximately 20 miles more to trailhead on the left.  It is an unmarked road easy to miss.  

 

Difficulty:  This is a short hike which encompasses all degrees of difficulty due to some scrambling and parts of the trail being gravel.  

Elevation:  8,784 with 314 ft elevation change

Distance:  3ish miles out and back

 

Description:  This is a pretty trail that takes you along Badger Creek as is slowly descend down a ravine with interesting outcroppings and spectacular cliffs.  There are several small waterfalls and ponds as well as small willow-covered marshy areas.  There are some rocky ridges projecting out from the base of the mountain to scramble over as well as 3 stream crossings (all doable!).  Great scenery and good chance of spotting trout and bighorn sheep!

 

Please bring poles and shoes with a good grip.  

 

OCTOBER 23 - MADE IN THE SHADE

 

Directions:  Take Hwy 50 to County Road 3A and left towards the Royal Gorge for 2.5 miles. It's the first parking lot on the right (west) and the trailhead starts immediately west of the parking lot.
Drive west of Canon City on Hwy. 50 to Hwy #3A - entrance of Royal Gorge Park. Turn left [south] and continue to the lower County Road 3A parking lot - first parking lot on the right - the trailhead.

 

Starting elevation:  6530ft.     Elevation gain:  341

Distance:  3.4

Difficulty:  easy 

Description:
The Made in the Shade Trail explores a side canyon north of the Royal Gorge.  The loop has wonderful views of the canyon as well as wonderful views off to the west of the souther tip of the Front Range, the Sangre De Cristo's and on a clear day, the Sawatch Mountains far to the west.  Look for the trail sign to the left of the map and information kiosk.  The trail starts easy enough following the rock terrain through scrub oaks and short evergreen trees.  Before long the first views of the side canyon become apparent and the westerly views start to materialize.  

The trail generally follows the southern edge of a ridge along the canyon wall.  At the far end of the ridge the trail crosses over to the northern edge of the rim and begins turning back to the east.  You'll soon see the first views of the Point Alta Vista Overlook in the distance.This loop is a nice way to see a seldom visited area of this park. 

 

 

OCTOBER 30 - WRATH OF GRAPES

 

Directions:  From CC, take Hwy 50 W approximately 10 miles

(Parkdale) and turn left onto CR3. In 2.5 miles the road forks and there is a fire danger sign - go left to stay on CR3.  In another mile turn right to stay on CR3.  In another 3 miles you will pass the Temple Canyon Park sign, then .5 miles to a parking lot with toilets on the left.   If you want you can also go Temple Canyon Road from Canon and meet us there!  

 

Difficulty: - easy to moderate

Starting Elevation 5,806’

Elevation Gain:  535’

Distance:  4.6 miles

 

Description:  Trail begins across the road and from parking lot to the South, with view of Grape Creek.  “The Wrath of Grapes” trailhead begins .3 miles down the riverside path - forks to the left.  Trail has a gentle elevation.  At a mile we will cross Temple Canyon Road and continue on for another mile or so and snack by the trail.  If some want to continue on to the picnic tables - they can! This will add about another mile to your hike.   Will return the same way.

 

*****************************************************************************************

 

 

Hike Leaders September 2024:

                                       Terry Glidden, Sharon Whitney and Rona Knapp

 

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 8 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

 

September 4th Holbert Cabin Trail

September 11th Cheyenne Mountain State Park – Blackmer Loop via Zook Loop and Talon Trail

September 18th Turkey Gulch

September 25th Greens Creek

 

 

September 4th Holbert Cabin Trail

 

Directions: East on Hwy 50 to Phantom Canyon Rd. Drive 13.4 miles to a steel bridge. Parking and trailhead on the right before the bridge.

Nearest City: Canon City

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation: 7500 ft

Elevation Gain: 400 ft

Distance: 4 Miles in and out

Description: We will follow trail along the creek and go past Holbert Cabin. There are a few water crossings. Beautiful forest trail.

 

 

September 11th Cheyenne Mountain State – Blackmer Loop via Zook Loop and Talon Trail

 

Nearest City: Colorado Springs

Directions: East on US 50 to Penrose, then North on Hwy 115. Turn Left on JL Ranch Heights RD (across from Fort Carson Main gate.) Follow Rd to past entrance gate to 2nd Roundabout. Take 2nd Exit to parking lot. Colorado State Parks pass required.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Starting Elevation: 7500 ft

Elevation Gain: 636 ft

Distance: approximately 5 miles

Description: We will hike on 4 different trails. Start out on Zook Loop, then veer left onto Talon trail, then right on Sundance, back to Zook and Blackmer Loops.

 

 

September 18, 2024 Turkey Gulch

 

Nearest City: Cotopaxi

Directions: West on Highway 50 26 miles to State highway 69 and turn south for 5.2 miles to County Road 28 (Gulch Road). Turn left (east) and drive 300 feet to BLM road 6220. Follow to gate, parking area on left.

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation: 7000 ft

Elevation Gain: 350 ft

Distance: 5 miles

Description: Walk along road. Then we will veer to the left to follow a dry creek bed. We will parallel BLM Rd 6220. Nice rock formations and some mountain views

 

 

September 25 Greens Creek

 

Nearest City: Salida

 

Directions: Take Highway 50 to Salida. We will stop in Salida at the McDonalds for a rest room break. Continue on Highway 50 to Poncha Springs. From Poncha Springs travel west on Highway 50 for approximately 2 miles. Turn left on County Road 220 and travel west on this road for about 1.75 miles to the junction with CR 221. CR 221 travels southwest for approximately 2 miles to the trailhead. A small pull-off is located on the right side of the road. High clearance vehicles recommended

 

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 9000 ft

Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Distance: Approximately 5 miles out and back

Description: We will hike about 2 ½ miles one way, generally along the creek with beaver ponds, aspens and wild flowers. Typically beautiful fall foilage at this time of year

 

 

 

 

Note: Due to long drive, meet at 7 am for Alpine Tunnel on August 28

 

August 7 - Waterdog Lakes

August 14 - Rainbow Trail from Horn Creek TH to Macey Creek

August 21 - Narrow Gauge RR Trail

August 28 - Alpine Tunnel

 

August 7 - Waterdog Lakes

Nearest City: Poncha Springs

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Village Inn go west on Hwy 50 (80 miles) through Salida and Poncha Springs. Follow Hwy 50 west up Monarch Pass. After passing the mile marker 203 (they count down this direction, not up), look for a pull off area on the left . The trail is across the road. If you reach the ski area, you have gone 1.5 miles too far.

 

Beginning Elevation: 10,340’

Elevation Gain: 1050’

Difficulty: Difficult due to high elevation and elevation gain

Hike Length: 4.0 miles in and out

 

Description: The trail heads immediately uphill next to a creek. The steep and rocky trail crosses Waterdog Creek twice before leading to the scenic lakes nestled beneath the Continental Divide. First mile gains 700’, then a short break, then another 350’ in the next half mile. Upper Waterdog Lake offers great views of Bald Mountain and Banana Mountain to the north. This route leads to the first (lower) lake. There is no designated trail to the second lake, but if you follow the fishing trails to the left, you will get to the 2nd lake in about ⅓ of a mile with little elevation gain. Both lakes are popular fishing spots. Bring your fishing kit! The first (and largest) lake, Waterdog, is named for the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) or “waterdog”. Return to the trailhead on the same trail.

 

 

 

August 14 - Rainbow Trail from Horn Creek TH to Macey Creek

Nearest City: Westcliffe

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City go east to CO 67 and turn right (south). Proceed to Hwy 115 (Main St. Florence) and go left. Turn right on 67 and proceed south to Wetmore. Turn right on Hwy 96 and take all the way to Westcliffe. Turn left onto CO 69 and follow for 3.4 miles. Then turn right on Schoolfield Rd. After 1.8 miles, turn left onto Macey Lane. After 2 miles turn right onto Horn Rd. and follow to the trailhead after a couple 3 miles. Be sure to go to the second trailhead with the roundabout. There is a bathroom at the trailhead.

Difficulty: Moderate, due to some rocky sections and length.

Starting Elevation: 9100’

Elevation Gain: 900’

Distance: 6.2 miles

Description: Start up the rocky steep trail for about 0.6 miles until you meet the Rainbow Trail. Head left (south on the Rainbow Trail for about 2.5 miles to get to Macey Creek. It is a steady uphill on a wide trail with nice shade and several viewpoints of the valley and mountains. Turn around at Macey Creek. If desired, you can stay on the trail at the Horn Creek TH cutoff for a short distance to see Horn Creek. Since this is an out and back trail, it can be shortened to 4 miles roundtrip by turning around at a nice valley viewpoint.

 

 

August 21 - Narrow Gauge RR Trail

Nearest City: Nathrop

Directions to Trailhead: Take Highway 50 west to Salida. Take a right onto CR 291 through downtown Salida until you reach Hwy 285. Turn right on 285 and follow for 8.5 miles. Turn left onto CR 162 (Chalk Creek Dr.) headed for Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. Pass through the Hot Springs and turn left onto CR 290 (5.6 miles from 285). Take CR 290 to the end of the road.

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation: 8740 ft.

Elevation Gain: 500 ft.

Distance: 4.5 miles

Description: Easy gravel path along the old Denver-South Park-Pacific narrow gauge railroad grade. The elevation gain is gradual and there is only one short rocky portion. Enjoy views of the Chalk Creek Valley and a few waterfalls along the route. Trail ends at CR 162 at the Cascades section of the creek where we can have a snack before returning on the same route. This is like walking the Riverwalk with better views! Easy for everyone. Thanks, Howard, for finding this route.

 

 

August 28 - Alpine Tunnel - Note Meet at 7 AM at Village Inn for this hike!

Nearest City: Nathrop

Directions to Trailhead: (High Clearance Vehicle recommended) Take U.S. Highway 50 west past Salida to Poncha Springs. At the traffic light (intersection of U.S. 50 and Colorado State Highway (CSH) 285 turn right (north) and continue for 0.58 miles. Turn right onto CSH 285 and drive for 15.59 miles to Chalk Road (County Road)162 just before Nathrop, CO. Turn left (west) onto Co 162 and continue 15.5 miles to Forest Service Road 295. (There will be a large brown sign indicating St. Elmo is straight ahead and FSR 295 goes to the left) Turn left on FSR 295 and drive for approximately 5.6 miles to the parking area and trailhead. You will pass over a bridge just before you reach the parking area. The trailhead is located on the northwestern side of the parking area. About 98 miles one way.

Difficulty: Moderate, due to length and beginning elevation.

Starting Elevation: 11044 ft.

Elevation Gain: 574 ft.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Description: This is an especially scenic, interesting and historic trail. It follows an old narrow gauge railroad bed about 3 miles to the site of the south portal of the Alpine Tunnel. In some sections railroad ties can still be seen embedded in the trail. The tunnel connected St. Elmo and Pitkin, Colorado although the railroad continued to Gunnison, Colorado. Construction of the tunnel began in 1879 and the tunnel was open to traffic in 1891. Due to a series of avalanches, accidents and fatalities the tunnel was abandoned in 1910. This tunnel is still the highest in altitude and longest in North America. About 0.4 miles from the trailhead you will reach a locked green metal gate. Walk around the north side of the gate. Continue along the trail as it slowly gains in elevation through a Colorado blue spruce forest. After about 0.33 miles, the trail makes a broad curve to the south then continues back to the northwest. This curve, known as Sawmill Curve, was infamous because of the several train wrecks that occurred here as the trains descended downhill from the south portal of the tunnel. An information sign describes the curve in more detail. After about 1.27 miles the trail turns west and continues in that direction to the end of the hike. After about 2 miles the trail leaves the forest and goes through a much more open area to the end of the trail. This section provides excellent views of the mountains to the east and northeast and the valley below. Here wildflowers bloom in great abundance and color during late summer. They are found all along the trail. At the end of the trail you will reach the location of the southern portal of the tunnel. There are two information signs just beyond the portal location that describe the tunnel and the difficulty workers faced during the construction. Return the way you came for a round trip distance of 6 miles. A note of caution, snow melt in late spring and early summer, and summer thunderstorms can result in water flowing across the trail in several locations and also down the trail making the trail slippery and wet.

 

 

July Hikes

 

July 3rd Granite Arch

July 10th Spruce Mountain

July 17th Monarch Crest Trail

July 24th Lewis Creek #1331

July 31st Newlin Creek

 

 

 

 

July 3rd Granite Arch (Kevin Borre)

 

Nearest City: San Isabel

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City go east to CO 67 and turn right (south). Proceed to Hwy 115 (Main St. Florence) and go left. Turn right on 67 and proceed south to Wetmore. Turn right on Hwy 96 and continue 11.1 miles to CO 165 (Greenhorn Hwy) and turn left (south). Go past Bishops Castle and through San Isabel and continue about 1.3 miles to Old San Isabel Road on your left. Follow Old San Isabel Rd. 2.06 miles to Forest Service Road – FSR 320. Turn left onto FSR 320 and drive down to the bridge. Cross the bridge and continue about .04 miles to the parking/picnic area on the right. From parking area hike about ¼ mile further on FSR 320 to the trail head. You will find two dirt berms blocking the beginning of the trail.

 

Beginning Elevation: 7656’

Elevation Gain: 445’

Difficulty: Easy

Hike Length: 3.1 miles in and out

 

Description: The trail leads down to the St. Charles Creek. The arch in visible from the creek but take the time to carefully cross the creek and climb the rocks to the arch. Use caution as some of the rocks are loose. Wild raspberries can be found in the area when they are in season. Take the time to check out the views of the valley that can be found on the trail about ½ way to the arch. Return to trailhead on the same trail.

 

 

July 10th Spruce Mountain Open Space (Sandra Dorr)

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Village Inn take Hwy 50 east to 25 north. Continue N to County Line Rd/Palmer Divide exit and go west. Continue about 2 miles to South Spruce Mountain Rd. Turn right – NE – and continue about 3 miles to the Parking Lot on the west/left side of the road. 13415 South Spruce Mountain Rd., Larkspur CO. Trail is found on All Trails APP. You can also search Spruce Mountain Open Space, Douglas County for more information.

 

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation:

Elevation Gain: 557’

Distance: 5.3 miles

 

Description: Just East of the Rampart Range section of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains the plains limestone buttes rise randomly across the plains. One of the largest of these rocky islands is Spruce Mountain, situated west of I-25 and north of the small town of Palmer Lake, CO. Spruce Mtn. provides a delightful opportunity to enjoy views of Pikes Peak, Rampart Range, the Greenland Open Space, and the Palmer Divide. Douglas County has provided an excellent trailhead which includes a toilet. From the trailhead you can ascend to the top of the butte by a long shallow trail or by a short steep trail. The longer trail adds about a half mile to your hike. On the top of the butte is a shaded loop trail that allows for a tranquil

walk among pine and fir groves. Punctuating the stillness, in the spring and summer, is a riot of wildflowers. The trail eventually takes you to Windy Point, where you can look over the edge at the valley 200 ft below or look out to the south and marvel at Pike's Peak. From the parking lot/trailhead on S. Spruce Mountain Rd we will discover the 5.3-mile Spruce Mountain loop trail. Hiking Eagle Pass Trail and Spruce Mountain Trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November.

 

 

July 17th Monarch Crest Trail (Grant Schemmel)

 

Nearest City: Maysville

 

Directions to trailhead: From Village Inn go west on Hwy 50 (80 miles) through Salida and Poncha Springs. Follow Hwy 50 west until you reach the top of Monarch Pass. Park in the lot on the south side of the road by the small gray building.

 

Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation

Starting Elevation: 10833’

Elevation Gain: 1047’

Distance: 2.8(ish) Miles in and out

 

Description: We will catch the trailhead behind the small gray building and follow it up through trees until it joins up with a forest road. Follow the forest road continuing South and paralleling the continental divide. We will go around the slope of 12,205’ Mt. Peck up to the point where the trail meets just short of the continental divide. At this point it should be about 2.8 mi and the group can then decide to continue further or turn around and return the way we came. Expect truly impressive views of both sides of the continental divide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 24th Lewis Creek #1331 (Randy Babb)

 

Nearest City: Wetmore

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City go east to CO 67 and turn right (south). Proceed to Hwy 115 (Main St. Florence) and go left. Turn right on 67 and proceed south to Wetmore. Turn right on Hwy 96 and continue 3 miles to Forest Rd indicating Lewis Creek T.H. on right. Proceed to trail head at the end. (High Clearance Vehicle recommended)

 

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Starting Elevation: 6800 ft.

Elevation Gain: 1300 ft.

Distance: 4 miles in and out

 

Description: Two miles of the 4.7 mile trail is in heavy timber and follows Lewis Creek drainage. The water flow is sporadic – disappearing at times but about 5 crossings possible. Steady elevation gain is about 12%.

 

 

July 31st Newlin Creek

 

Nearest City: Florence

 

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City go east to CO 67 and turn right (south). Proceed to Hwy 115 (Main St. Florence) and go left. Turn right on 67 and proceed south 4.3 miles to County Rd 15. Turn west and follow the road to Florence Mountain View Park. Follow the road 3-4 miles to trailhead.

 

 

 

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Starting Elevation: 6993 ft.

Elevation Gain: 1570’

Distance: 5.4 miles in and out

 

Description: The trail follows Newlin Creek (the actual creek is very small). Expect 18 stream crossings on the way to the top. There are numerous waterfalls to explore as you hike the trail through a pine forest. The hike ends at a sawmill built by Nathaniel Herrick in the late 1800’s. The steam boiler and flywheel are still at the site. The mill was abandoned and never operated due to Herrick’s untimely death. Remains of Herrick’s cabin (the fireplace is just about all that remains) can be found about 100 yards further down the trail past the mill site.

 

June 5th Marion Mine

June 12th Horsethief Falls/Pancake Rock

June 19th Venable Falls

June 26th St Charles Creek Falls & St Charles Peak

 

 

June 5th Marion Mine

 

Distance: 4.16 miles in and out

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Starting Elevation: 8851 ft

Elevation Gain: 1047 ft

 

Nearest City: San Isabel

 

Directions: From Canon City go east on Hwy 50 to CO 67 and turn right (south). Proceed to Hwy 115 (Main St in Florence) and go left. Turn right on 67 and proceed south to Wetmore. Turn Right on Hwy 96 and continue 11.1 miles to Hwy 165 (Greenhorn Highway) and turn left. Drive 18.3 miles to the east side of Lake Isabel and turn right at the Lake Isabel recreational entrance. Shortly after you turn onto the park entrance road you will find a guard shack. There is a daily forest service fee unless you have a pass or a National Park Golden Age Pass. Continue past the guard shack about 1.9 miles to the Cisneros 1314 Trailhead.

 

The Hike: The trail follows the Cisneros Trail #1314 for the first mile. For the first ½ mile the trail follows the north side of the St. Charles River Ravine. The ascent in this section is moderate. The trail intersects with the St. Charles Trail – stay on the Cisneros Trail. After about another .5 miles the trail intersects with the Marion Mine Trail. The Cisneros Trail heads southwest (the Marion Mine Trail has a small sign indicating the trail and heads northwest). Follow the trail about .45 miles to the cabin (check out the area for other cabin ruins). Continue .21 miles to the mine. Follow a trail located behind the mine to a small waterfall. Great views of the valleys along the trail.

 

 

 

 

 

June 12th Horsethief Falls/Pancake Rock

 

Distance: 6.6 miles in and out

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Starting Elevation: 9711 ft

Elevation Gain: 1692 ft

 

Nearest City: Divide

 

Directions: From Canon City go west on highway 50 CO 9 and turn right (north), Turn right onto County Rd 11 and continue to Teller County Rd 1 and turn right to Cripple Creek, From Cripple Creek take Hwy 67 north out of town to the trailhead located by the Little Ike Tunnel – Little Ike Tunnel is an old single lane tunnel that was in use before the current Hwy 67 was established.

 

The Hike: The trail starts going up steeply for about .8 miles then it somewhat levels out. At about 1.85 miles the trail to Pancake Rock joins with the Horsethief Falls trail. At this point it is about ¾ miles to the falls. The trail to Pancake Rock is approximately 2 miles in length and adds about 1,141 feet of elevation gain. This is an in and out trail returning to the intersection of Horsethief Falls trail. Continue up the trail to the falls. Return to the trail head by returning on Horsethief Falls Trail.

 

Note: Horsethief Falls Trail ends at the falls. The trail does continue past the falls and becomes Sentinel Point Trail. Sentinel point trail is about 5.8 miles long with an altitude gain of 2772 feet. The trail does loop back to the Horsethief Trail. Sentinel Trail is generally considered a challenging trail.

 

 

June 19th Venable Falls

 

Distance: 5 miles in and out

Difficulty: Hard

Starting Elevation: 9043 ft

Elevation Gain: 1440 ft

 

Nearest City: Westcliffe

Directions: From Canon City go east on Hwy 50 to CO 67 and turn right (south). Proceed to Hwy 115 (Main St in Florence) and go left. Turn right on 67 and proceed south to Wetmore. Turn Right on Hwy 96 and continue to CO 69 (in Westcliffe) and turn left (east) onto CO 69. Proceed east to County #140 (Schoolfield Rd.) and turn right. Follow it past the Alvarado Campground to the trailhead.

 

The Hike: The trail to the falls starts at the west side of the parking area. The trail is a steep rocky trail with some loose rock. The trail to the falls is a good work out due to the beginning altitude and the 1440 feet altitude gain. Make sure to explore the falls as most hikers will agree the climb is worth the effort. Return to the parking area by backtracking the trail. If you hike up to the falls and you still have some energy you can continue up the trail for another 2.5 to 3 miles to the Venable lakes area.

 

 

 

June 26 St. Charles Creek Falls and St. Charles Peak

 

The St. Charles Creek Falls is found at the rear of the campground off Ophir Rd. It is a short hike following the creek to the falls. We will hike to the falls then continue to the St. Charles Peak trailhead and hike to the top of St. Charles Peak.

 

Distance: 7.78 mi

Difficulty: Hard

Starting Elevation: 11,203 ft

Elevation Gain/Loss: 585 ft

 

Nearest City: San Isabel

 

Directions: From Canon City go east on Hwy 50 to CO 67 and turn right (south). Proceed to Hwy 115 (Main St in Florence) and go left. Turn right on 67 and proceed south to Wetmore. Turn Right on Hwy 96 and continue 11.1 miles to Hwy 165 (Greenhorn Highway) and turn left. Drive 10 miles to Ophir Creek Road (County 360) and follow it for 8.1 miles to County 369. Turn left and follow County 369 about 2 miles to the St. Charles Trailhead.

The Hike: A dirt road (Forest Road 335) starts at the northwest side of the parking area. Walk up this road about 300 feet to a wire gate. Pass through the gate and follow the road as it winds through the forest. At about 2.1 miles you will find a sign designating the St. Charles Trail. Take the trail to the left. In .15 miles you will find another wood sign – at this point take the trail to the left. Continue for about .5 miles coming to an old hitching pole structure. This is a good place to bushwhack up to the top of the peak. The views from the peak are amazing. There is a rock pile at the top where you will find a plastic jar where you can leave your name. Retrace your route back to the parking area.

 

 

May Hike Leaders:

Judy

Grant

 

 

May 1^st Undine Falls

May 8^th Browns Creek Falls

May 15^th Newlin Creek

May 22^nd Crystal Falls (updated – replacing Balman Reservoir Loop)

May 29^th Harvey Carter Falls

 

 

May 1^st Undine Falls

 

Distance: 3.4 mi. + optional 3 mi.

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation: 7,520 ft

Elevation Gain: 760 ft

 

Nearest City: Colorado Springs

 

Directions to the hike: 1 hr 4 min and 48 miles from Canon City. Depart Canon City on Hwy. 50 East exiting to Hwy 115 North. Follow Hwy 115 North to the intersection of Cheyenne Blvd., then turn left. Follow Cheyenne Blvd. West, thru a couple of roundabouts and making a slight right onto N Cheyenne Canyon Rd. Continue 3 mi, past Helen Hunt Falls parking lot and parking in the large lot where the pavement ends.

 

The Hike: If you have spikes or chains for your shoes, you may want to bring them along for this hike. Follow the Gravel Gold Camp Road across N Cheyenne Creek then turn off to the right onto Seven Bridges Trail (Trail #622). There is a sign after a short distance that gives distances. From there, follow the left side of the creek and cross a total of seven bridges from one side of the creek to the other and passing rapids in the creek. Just past the 7^th bridge, go left and stay alongside the creek then take a sharp switchback to the right at the sign for Trail #622 and continue the ascent along Kineo Mountain. Undine Falls flows over slabs on the left side of the trail. Extra credit for those not afraid of really skinny trails with loose gravel slopes – continue past the falls an additional 1.5 miles to a mountain meadow at Jones Park on connecting trail #667 and the ruins of historic Loud’s Cabin past the North end of the meadow.

 

 

May 8^th Browns Creek Falls

 

Distance: 5.8 mi

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 8,980 ft

Elevation Gain: 850 ft

 

Nearest City: Nathrop

 

Directions to the hike: 1 hr 44 min and 78 mi. From the Village Inn, head West on Hwy 50 to Poncha Springs then turn right onto Hwy 285 North. Continue North to Nathrop and turn left onto Co. Rd. 270. The road turns to gravel at 1.5 mi and you continue straight to get onto C. Rd. 272. Bear left after 2 miles then another 1.6 mi to Browns Creek Trail head.

 

The Hike: From the trailhead parking lot, head out on the trail past the outhouse and the sign with the maps on it. Follow the trail signs for Browns Creek Trail past the two intersections where the Colorado trail joins and then exits the trail. There will be a couple of log bridges to cross, then a wide spot in the creek. At this point, turn right and follow the creek around the bend where there will be another log bridge so you won’t have to get your feet wet. Shortly after this there will be hitching posts then a little further, a stump with the word “Falls” carved in it and an arrow pointing to the left. Follow the indicated trail and after a short uphill climb the falls will be visible. Return the same way we came in.

 

 

May 15^th Newlin Creek

 

Distance: 6.2 mi

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Starting Elevation: 6,788 ft

Elevation Gain: 2,125 ft

 

Nearest City: Florence

 

Directions: 21 miles and 32 min. From the Village Inn, proceed East on Hwy 50 until the intersection of Hwy 67 then turn right. Follow Hwy 67 into Florence then turn left onto Hwy 115 at the traffic light. Follow Hwy 115 East to the next traffic light and Hwy 67 then turn right.

Continue on Hwy 67 to Co. Rd. 5 and signs for Florence Mountain Park, turn right. Continue on Co. Rd. 5 West, following signs for Florence Mountain Park and the Newlin Creek trail head. The road will end at the trail head parking lot.

 

The Hike: The trail is easy for the first .5 mi, then becomes moderate with many water crossings depending on the water level in the creek. All crossings can be made on rocks or logs unless the water level is really high. At the end there is a meadow with the remains of a steam engine and some cabin foundations. The return will be by the same way we came up.

 

 

May 22nd Crystal Falls (updated – replacing Balman Reservoir Loop)

 

Distance: 6.4 mi

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 9260 ft

Elevation Gain: 725 ft

 

Nearest City: Westcliffe

 

Directions to the hike: 1 hr and 26 min. and 66 mi. from Canon City. From the Village Inn, take Hwy 50 West to Texas Creek and CO Hwy 69 then turn left. Follow Hwy 69 South through Westcliffe. From Westcliffe, go South 4.5 miles then turn right onto Colfax Lane (Co. Rd. 119). Drive 5.6 miles to a T intersection then turn left onto So. Colony Lakes Rd (Co. Rd. 120) and go another 0.7 miles to rejoin Co. Rd. 119. Go 4.5 miles and enter the San Isabel National Forest to parking at the Grape Creek Trailhead.

The hike follows the Rainbow Trail Northwards going in and out of the forest and through meadows. If we are lucky, there will be Crocus flowers still out and Grouse to see. The hike follows the Rainbow Trail Northwards going in and out of the forest and through meadows. If we are lucky, there will be Crocus flowers still out and Grouse to see. The first mile has a moderate climb of around 350 ft then it’s a long gradual descent to the Falls. There is one minor water crossing with rocks to step on, then another crossing for Crystal Falls Creek. Immediately after the creek turn left on the obvious trail and it’s a short distance to the actual Falls following the North side of the Creek. Return the same way we came in.

to the actual Falls following the North side of the Creek. Return the same way we came in.

 

 

May 28^th Harvey Carter Falls

 

Distance: 4 mi

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation: 10,220 ft

Elevation Gain: 40 ft

 

Nearest City: Divide

 

Directions: 1 hr 27 min and 63 mi. from Canon City. From Village Inn, take Hwy 50 West to Hwy 9 North. Continue on Hwy 9 North to the intersection of High Park Rd. turn North. Follow High Park Rd. for 18.5 mi then turn right onto Co. Rd. 11. Continue on Co. Rd. 11 for 4 mi then turn left onto Co. Rd. 1. Continue on Co. Rd. 1 for 6 mi then turn right onto Twin Rocks Rd. Take Twin Rocks Rd. for 5.8 mi then turn right onto Hwy 24. Follow Hwy 24 East for 1.5 mi then turn right onto Hwy 67 South. Follow Hwy 67 for 4.2 mi, just past Mueller State Park turn left onto unpaved FR 383 and follow signs for Crags Campground. Drive 3.8 mi on FR 383 past the Mennonite Camp and the Crags Campground to parking at the end of the forest road. The trail head is on the WSW corner of the parking lot.

 

The Hike: From the trail head, follow the green trail markers denoting a CCW direction on the Ring The Peak trail system and avoid unmarked trails. After reaching a switchback to the left near the trail high point you cross an aspen grove and a flat open area. There are two more switchbacks, a left and a right then a couple of creek crossings. At the next right switchback you may be able to hear the falls. Leave the trail for a wide path straight ahead which leads to the base of the waterfall. There are trails on both sides of the falls that lead towards the top, which is about 0.2 mi and 150 ft up. Return by the same way we came in.

 

 

 

 

Hike Leaders April 2024: Sandy and Bob Dorr

sandydorr@gmail.com

719-252-3757

falconcliff@gmail.com

303-817-5602

 

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 9 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

April 3rd Clear Spring Ranch El Paso County Open Space

April 10th West Camino Pablo Avenue State Park/SWA Access

April 17th Pueblo Reservoir SWA Northwest

April 24th Arkansas Valley Conduit. “Ten Trail” Lake Pueblo SWA

 

April 3rd Clear Spring Ranch El Paso County Open Space

Directions: 1 hr 7 min and 54 miles from Canon City. Clear Spring Ranch Open Space can be reached from Interstate 25, Exit 123; proceed to east side of Interstate, cross the railroad tracks, and enter the property heading East. The parking lot is on the north side of the entrance road.

HWY 50 E. to Purcell. Purcell N/E to I-25, exit 108 (tunnel). I-25 N. to Exit 123. At the exit proceed East to parking lot.

Search Clear Spring Ranch for more detailed information.

https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/clear-spring-ranch/

Nearest City: Fountain

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation:

Elevation Gain:

Distance: 4 Miles

Description: Owned by Colorado Springs Utilities and managed by El Paso County Parks, Clear Spring Ranch Open Space is a 930-acre linear park situated along Fountain Creek south and the city of Fountain. This open space features active farming, grasslands and foothills ecosystems and riparian habitat as well as the southernmost extent of the Fountain Creek Regional Trail and Colorado Front Range Trail in El Paso County. Besides four miles of trails, the recreation facilities include a pavilion, picnic tables, restroom, and parking.

TRAIL USERS, PLEASE NOTE: Clear Spring Ranch Open Space contains active farming. Please stay out of farm fields and farm homestead and remain on all marked trails and roads. The Fountain Creek Regional Trail / Front Range Trail is located nearest the creek.

Search Clear Spring Ranch for more detailed information.

https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/clear-spring-ranch/

 

April 10th West Camino Pablo Avenue State Park/SWA Access

Nearest City: Pueblo

Directions: HWY 50 East to S. McCulloch Blvd. W. Turn right onto McCulloch; follow to S. Avenida del Oro West. (storage facility). Turn right onto S. Avenida del Oro West; follow to W. Camino Pablo Ave. Turn right and follow to parking lot at the end.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Starting Elevation:

Elevation Gain: 400 ft

Distance: 5+/- miles

Description: Hike begins in the State Park Access parking lot at the West end of W. Camino Pablo Avenue in Pueblo West. Trails are on Lake Pueblo State Park and SWA properties on the North side of the Lake in Pueblo West. Hike will follow social trails from the parking lot in a northwest direction crossing Turkey Creek and back using multiple trails. There will be some bushwacking. Rolling Hills; easy creek crossing; short climbs; views.

 

April 17th Pueblo Reservoir SWA Northwest

Nearest City: Pueblo

Directions: HWY 115 to HWY 67 in Florence, Co. Turn South on HWY 67 to Wetmore. At Wetmore turn East onto HWY 96. Follow HWY 96 to the Pueblo State Wildlife Area (SWA) Rd. Turn North and follow paved road to the entrance to the SWA. (on left). Gravel Road; Signs; Gate. Turn Left or West and follow gravel approx. 8 miles to the very end, to a parking lot (Trail Head).

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation:

Elevation Gain: flat

Distance: 6 miles

Description: Hike begins at the farthest West parking lot in the State Wildlife area off HWY 96. Approx. 8 miles in from HWY 96.

This is a flat in and out trail along the old railroad bed of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. This was once narrow gauge track which hauled coal from Florence to Pueblo Steel mill.

Easy hiking along the Arkansas river. Good views of the river and bottom lands.

 

April 24th Arkansas Valley Conduit. “Ten Trail” Lake Pueblo SWA

Nearest City: Pueblo

Directions: From Canon City: HWY 115 to HWY 67 in Florence, Co. Turn South onto 67 and proceed to Wetmore, Co. at Wetmore, turn East or left onto HWY 96. Continue East until you arrive at the Entrance to Lake Pueblo (SWA) Rd. Turn North/left and follow paved road to the entrance to the SWA. (on left). Gravel road; signs; gate. Turn Left or West and follow gravel road approximately 5 miles to parking in area of the Vault Toilet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation:

Elevation Gain: Flat with rolling hills and some steep areas

Distance: 4 miles

Description: Built by Colorado Fuel and Iron in the early 1900’s to provide a water supply for the Pueblo Steel Mill. The construction of the conduit seemed to be an engineering marvel. The conduit was built for $850,000 and it was 37 miles long and it carried 70 to 80 cfs, or over 52 million gallons of water per day. The headgate was located just below Florence, Co. In all, 27 siphons were constructed to carry the water down and then up, at times through very deep arroyos. 43,000 ft of pipe was built through rough terrain. In addition, five tunnels had to be bored for the ditch to reach its target reservoir #3 at Stem Beach. Use of the Arkansas Valley Conduit ended in 1944 with the collapse of a major syphon. Other maintenance, such as ice buildup was an issue. Water was then diverted into the newly constructed Minnequa Canal.

THE HIKE will be 4 miles in length. It will be a combination of two tracks, then rolling hills with Cedar/Pinion. After two miles we will connect to the Ten Trail and follow this old trail through and around part of the old conduit. This section is near 2 miles. There are some steep grades. The views are awesome and the history is very interesting. We will be doing some minor bushwacking through weeds.

 

 

 

Hike Leaders for March 2024

Jane Chess Ph: 719-371-4034, janechess5@gmail.com

Kris Gunsten Ph: 540-797-4123, askcg@aol.com

 

 

ALL HIKES MEET AT 9 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

March 6th   Overlook Trail, Seep Springs Area

March 13th   The Anthill (Cope’s Nipple), Marsh Quarry Area

March 20th Island in the Sky, Oil Well Flats Area

March 27th Booger Red, High Park Area

 

 

March 6th   Overlook Trail, Seep Springs Area

Nearest City: Canon City

Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City Village Inn drive west on Hwy 50 for 5.1 miles to CR 69 (3 Mile Rd). Go north 7.1 miles past Wilson Creek and Stone House. Turn right and continue to 5830E and park here.

 

Beginning Elevation:  6650’

Elevation Gain:

Difficulty:  Moderate .  Some rocky parts, short hills and a short bushwhack across a ravine

Hike Length:  about 3 mile

 

Description: We will hike on 5830E to T5830C to T5830B. There are beautiful views, and a large cairn with an old hand-made cross on it, with some evidence of solar lights. We will continue hiking to the intersection with 5830F and turn L and walk a few yards to a narrow ledge which looks over Garden Park. From here we will hike on 5830F to T5830B, turn Right. We will bushwhack across a small canyon, back up to 5830E and back to the cars.

 

March 13th  The Anthill (Cope’s Nipple), Marsh Quarry Area

Nearest City: Canon City

​

Directions to Trailhead: From Village Inn, travel 3.6 miles to Red Canyon Rd, where Field ends. At 4.6 miles, across the cattle guard, the road becomes Garden Park Rd. At 5.1 miles, look to the Left, you will see a plaque describing the first Oil Well in the West, the second place in the US to produce petroleum from wells, discovered in 1862. At 6.4 miles there are some Native American writings on a rock, which unfortunately have been defaced with graffiti. At 7.3 miles there is parking on the Left, by a “Marsh Quarry” sign, we park here.

 

Difficulty:  1st and 3rd mile are difficult up a steep rocky hill and then back down the same hill

Starting Elevation:  5500’

Elevation Gain: 660’

Distance:  3.3 miles 

 

Description: The first and last parts of this hike are the same as Mary took us last year in May. From the parking area we will hike to the right a short distance on fairly level ground, then we will hike up a steep rocky trail past an area where dinosaur fossils were discovered in 1877. At about .8 miles we will turn right and bushwhack towards the Anthill. We will break there, then continue a short distance to view a small dinosaur quarry. We will continue out to trail #5935E and #5935, then down a draw which leads downhill to the trail we came up on, through Marsh Quarry, and back to the cars.

 

 

March 20thth   Island in the Sky and Bentonite Mine, Oil Flats Area

Nearest City:  Canon City

 

Directions to trailhead: From Village Inn, go 3.6 miles to Red Canyon Rd, then at 4.6, across the cattle guard, the road turns into Garden Park Rd. At 7.1 miles, turn R into Oil Well Flats, stay to the L on the dirt road, past the parking lots. We will park at 8.4 miles.​

​

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting Elevation:  

Elevation Gain:  848’

Distance: 6.3 Miles 

 

Description: Walk through the Red Gate, through the Bentonite Mine area, then on towards Island in the Sky. We will do it counter clockwise. Beautiful views.

 

 

March 27  Booger Red​

Nearest City: Canon City, Colorado

 

Directions to Trailhead: Take Hwy 50 west from Canon City to State Highway 9, 10.3 miles from Village Inn. Drive north on SH 9 to County Road 11 for 8.3 miles. Drive west for 14.75 miles on CR 11 to Road 5808 on south side of CR 11. (There is a large cross on the right on top of a small hill just as we reach CR 5808. Turn R at the 30 MPH and Left Curve signs. It’s a dirt road. It’s hard to notice.) We will pass through an open (BLM) green gate after .1 miles. Continue past the gate for 0.9 miles where you will encounter another gate. Continue for .26 miles to a grassy parking area. The unmarked trail begins at the gate west of the BLM information sign. Open this gate and close it after you pass through. The driving distance is about 34 miles one way.

 

Difficulty:  Moderate

Starting Elevation:  7784 ft.

Elevation Gain:  300 ft.

Distance:  4.7 miles 

 

Description:  Follow an old two track uphill for a short distance through an open forest of scrub oak and scattered pinion. The trail enters a large mountain meadow with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Continuing south, you will see a trail marker where the trail splits, with one trail going along the plateau to the east and the other continues along the plateau to the south. Follow the eastern trail. As it leaves the meadow, it enters a thin strip of open forest then enters into another long meadow. The trail follows the eastern edge of this meadow close to the border of a pinion and ponderosa pine forest. At the southern end of the meadow, the trail enters the forest and continues southeast along the edge of a deep ravine. There are open locations along this section of the trail with magnificent views of the canyon and mountains beyond. At .6 there is an old mine shaft on the Left. At .95 there is a very nice view on the Left. We will do a loop and return to parking area and cars, then an additional out and back to an old cabin.

 

 

February

 

Hike Leaders for February 2024

Howard Rees: howardrees18@gmail.com

620-338-5098

Mike Johnson: esausdad@yahoo.com

719-429-9670

 

ALL HIKES MEET AT 9 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN

 

 

February 7th  South Canon Trails

February 14th Aiken Canyon

February 21st Red Canyon Park, The Narrows

February 28th Section 13, Lamba Chops and Hot Shot

 

 

NOTE:  February is sometimes a snowy month so be prepared.  If you have microspikes for your boots be sure to bring them.

 

February 7th South Canon Trails

Direction: From 1st Street drive south to Temple Canyon Rd.  Turn west and proceed to the parking lot at the Redemption trailhead.  Total driving distance about 3 miles

 

Nearest City:  Canon City

 

Difficulty:  Easy

Starting Elevation:  5800’

Elevation Gain:  400’

Distance:  5 miles

 

Description: The hike is about a 5 mile loop along the Redemption, Hard Time and Shiv trails.

 

 

February 14th   Aiken Canyon

 

Nearest City:  Penrose

​

Directions:  Highway 50 east to Penrose.  North on 115 about 18 miles to Turkey Creek Rd and the trailhead

 

Difficulty:  Easy 

Starting Elevation:  6500’

Elevation Gain:  400’

Distance:  3.25 mile loop

 

Description: The hike is a fairly easy loop of about 3.25 miles with an option of adding about 2 additional miles hiking up canyon to an old homestead.   

 

 

February 21st    Red Canyon Park – The Narrows 

​

Nearest City:  Canon City

​

Directions:  Take Field Ave north of Canon City until it reaches Red Canyon Rd.  Continue north for 7 miles to Red Canyon Park.

 

Difficulty:  Easy   

Starting Elevation: 6200’

Elevation Gain:  370’

Distance:  3.25 miles

 

Description:  The hike follows a wash thru a narrow redrock canyonbefore topping out at the road.   Follow the road back or if conditions allow, scramble up to the small arch and then make way back down to the road.  

 

 

 

Febuary 28th Section 13, Lamba Chops and Hot Shots

 

Nearest City:  Canon City 

 

Directions:  Same driving directions as February 7th.   First street to Temple Canyon Rd.  Then west to the Redemption parking lot.   Trail starts across the road.

Difficulty: Moderate to easy  

Starting Elevation: 5900’

Elevation Gain: 500’

Distance: 3.25 and 2.25 mile loops – 5.5 miles if you do both

​

Description: Lamba Chops is the lower loop and is about 3.25 miles.  Hikers can then turn back or continue up Hot Shorts for an additional 2.25 mile loop and top out at about 6400 feet before continuing down to rejoin Lamba Chops.