Past Hikes
This page is under reconstruction
2024 Hikes
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 6, Overlook Trail, Seep Springs Area
March 13, The Anthill (Cope’s Nipple), Marsh Quarry Area
March 20, Island in the Sky, Oil Well Flats Area
March 27, Booger Red, High Park Area
March 6, 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 aravine
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 13thTheAnthill (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:3.3mile
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 20, 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:6.3Miles
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: 7784ft.
Elevation Gain:300 ft.
Distance:4.7miles
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 in to 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.
Hike Leaders for February 2024
Howard Rees:
Mike Johnson:
ALL HIKES MEET AT 9AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN
February7, South Canon Trails
February 14, Aiken Canyon
February 21, Red Canyon Park, The Narrows
February28, Section13, 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.
February7, South Canon Trails
Direction: From 1stStreet 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 14, 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 21, 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 canyon before 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 28, Section 13, Lamba Chops and Hot Shots
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.
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.
Hike Leader for January 2024
Randy Babb: babb2386@gmail.com
719-280-3714
ALL HIKES MEET AT 9 AM AT THE CANON CITY VILLAGE INN
January 3, Oil Well Flats
January 11, Royal Gorge Trail System
January 17, Rockvale’s Big Horn Mesa
January, 24 Lake Pueblo State Rec Area
January 31, East Hardscrabble Creek
January 3rd Oil Well Flats
Direction: From Canon City go east on Hwy 50. Turn left of Garden Park Road – F.R. 5940 to first parking area on the right.
Nearest City: Canon City
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Elevation:
Elevation Gain: negligible
Distance: 4 Mile loop
Description: This is a clockwise loop which incorporates sections of 5 trails. Tectonic .23 miles to Fracture 1.8 miles to Unconformity .59 miles to F.R. 5941 .3 miles to Path of Least Resistance .3 miles to Techtonic and back to parking. Mountain bike single track with good views
January 10th Royal Gorge Trail System (Dark Side of the Moon/Twisted Cistern
Nearest City: Canon City Directions: From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to CR 3 south. First left to trailhead parking.
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Elevation:
Elevation Gain: minimal
Distance: 3 mile loop (5 mile loop possible depending on weather)
Description: Hike starts on the Dark Side of Moon for 1.2 miles to a short .2 mile section of S’mores north to Dream Weaver then 1,7 miles back to parking.
January 17th Rockvale’s Big Horn Mesa
Nearest City: Canon City
Directions: From Canon City take Ash St. crossing highway 115 and stay left on CR 77 for 6.5 miles. Just past Rockvale Gun Club turn left to Big Horn Mesa.
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Elevation:
Elevation Gain: 220’
Distance: ?? miles
Description: From the trailhead gain is 220 ft in the first 1000 ft before leveling out and becoming a walk in the park. Entry level bushwacking south to a defined trail. This eventually turns north for 1.5 miles and north mesa rim. Return can involve following rim back 1.2 miles down incline to parking lot. The hike overlooks 3 old coal towns: Coal Creek, Rockvale and Williamsburg.
January 24th Lake Pueblo State Rec Area
Nearest City: Pueblo
Directions: From Canon City thru Florence to Hwy 96 east to Red Gate
Difficulty: Moderate to easy
Starting Elevation:
Elevation Gain:
Distance: 4 miles in and out
Description: Start hike on Rodeo Ridge down connecting with the areas concrete trail system. We will stop at the State Fish Hatchery which is halfway for a break and self-guided tour of hatchery. Continue down river with 2 bridge crossings ending at Goodnight Barn (1866 restored historic building). This is a shuttle hike – transport vehicles require a State Park Pass for parking access.
January 31st East Hardscrabble Creek
Directions: From Canon City thru Florence to Wetmore. West on HWY 96 to CR 387 south staying right when road splits. Take 386 west to trailhead parking. Road ends at trailhead.
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Elevation:
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Distance: 4 Miles in and out
Description: The trail consists entirely of the original CR386 road bed. Hike requires 2 dry creek bed crossings to navigate a large washed out area. In and Out of the 2016 Junkins burn scar.
2023 Hikes
January 2023
Hike Leader for January 2023
Kevin Borre
Phone:
Email: kbcanyon@rocketmail.com
Hike Summary:
January 4: Watchtower
January 11: Five Points Gulch
January 18: Shaw’s Arch
January 25: California Dance Hall
January 4th 2023 Watchtower
Directions: From Canon City, Hwy 50 to South 1st street turn left on 1st 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.
January 11th, 2023 Five Points Gulch
Directions: From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 approximately 20 miles. The entrance to Five Point Trail is about 520 feet before Hwy mileage marker 257, the entrance is on the east side of a large concrete culvert, (you could drive a truck through it). Proceed past mile marker 257 about ½ mile there is a pull off on the left used for road maintenance, turn around in this maintenance area and proceed back east on Hwy 50 passing mile marker 257 about 520 feet and park on the right side of the highway, walk back to the culvert and follow the trail on the east side down into the gulch. The trail starts at a fence that spans the gulch.
STARTING ELEVATION 6,075FT ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS 390FT DISTANCE 3.5 miles In & Out
The trail follows the streambed that formed the gulch, there are some large boulders that you will need to navigate over or around, patches of trees and a few stream crossings that can be made without difficulty. The hike can extend past the 1.75-mile point but is overgrown with vegetation and becomes difficult past this point. Steep rock walls with lots of mica and pink granite line the gulch. On occasion you may discover holes dug alongside the streambed, these are made by prospectors who then pan the sand for gold.
January 18th, 2023 Shaw’s Arch
Directions: From Canon City drive west on Hwy 50 5.1 miles to County Road 69. Go North on 69 7.1 miles to a parking area on the right, from this trailhead it is a 7.1-mile round trip to the arch, if desired continue north to a second open area found on the right from this area it is a 5.4-mile round trip to the arch. If you have a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle you can continue north to a Y in the road County 69 bends to the left and climbs a narrow one lane path, BLM 5803 goes to the right and continues through Red Canyon Park, from this entrance continue about ¾ mile to BLM 5830B (first Y intersection on the right) follow BLM 5830B about ¼ mile to the base of the hill. Parking at this point it is 1.4 miles to the arch.
STARTING ELEVATION 6,650FT ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS 290FT LENGTH 5.4 miles In & Out
From the trailhead take the trail on the north side of the parking area, this trail will connect with BLM 5830 at BLM 5830 turn right and continue to a Y in the road Take the road on the right (BLM 5830B), From the open area found past the trailhead follow county 69 north to a metal gate BLM 5830 (west entrance to Red Canyon Park) follow BLM 5830 to a Y in the road Take the road on the right (BLM 5830B), Continue following the trail up the hill to a T intersection take the trail on the left to the Arch. Expect to find amazing views from the Arch. Use caution in the winter and spring the trail up the hill can be icy in the morning and very slippery mud in the afternoon.
January 25th, 2023 California Dance Hall
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.
2022
January 2022
January 5 — Aiken Canyon
January 12 — Lamba Chops - Hot Shots – Section 13
January 19 — Red Canyon Park The Narrows,
January 26 — Canyon Rim - Far Out - LeView at Royal Gorge
January 5th — Aiken Canyon Loop Trail
Direction to Trailhead: Follow US-50 East to Highway #115 at Penrose. Then take #115 northeast toward Colorado Springs. Continue for 18 miles to Turkey Canyon Ranch Road. Turn left onto Turkey Canyon Ranch Road and continue for about 0.2 miles to Aiken Canyon Preserve Park on your right (east). About 27.8 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: 3.86 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning elevation: 6472 feet
Elevation change: 380 feet
Description: The park is owned by the Nature Conservancy and named after Charles Aiken, U.S. surveyor and ornithologist who surveyed this region in the 1870’s. The trailhead is near the Nature Conservancy field station with informative signs about this preserve. This is a maintained trail that takes you through a variety of ecosystems climbing steadily for about 1.9 miles where you reach the highest elevation of 6848 feet. The trail then steadily loses elevation as you head back down to the trail head. There are informative signs about the park’s ecology, geology and animal life along the first part of the trail, although most of the signs are hard to read because of severe weathering. The first part of the trail goes along a dry stream bed, then takes you through open grasslands and around islands of scrub oaks with interspersed junipers and groves of mountain mahogany with their characteristic long, curled seed pods (Figure 3). The trail crosses stream beds several times along the way. After about 0.7 miles the trail splits. Stay to the right. After about 0.3 miles you will see a side trail to the right. This trail takes you into a steep, narrow canyon and up to the remains of an old cabin about one mile above. As you continue north on the loop trail tall ponderosa pines will become more prominent as the trail gains in elevation. After 1.79 miles of hiking you will come to another side trail to the right (east). This short trail takes you up to the top of the hill where you have excellent views of the grasslands below and mountains further to the south. This is an excellent location to stop for a lunch break or snack and look at the rock outcroppings to the north. As you continue south you will travel under mixed forest and open areas, and along and across dry stream beds. After you reach the Y intersection turn south to the trail head and parking area.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/aiken-canyon-preserve/
January 12th, Lamba Chops, Hot Shots– Section 13
Directions to Trailhead: From the west end of Cañon City, take Highway 50 to 1st Street and turn south. Continue for 1 mile. Turn right (west) onto Temple Canyon Road (CR 3) and drive past Ecology Park to the next parking lot on the right, about 1.3 miles. (If you start going downhill on Temple Canyon Road, you’ve gone too far.) Park head-in at the small dirt parking area on the right (north) side of the road. Access the trail through the fence opening on the south side of Temple Canyon Road.
Length of Hike: 6 Miles
Beginning Elevation: 5,500
Elevation Gain: 777 feet
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Description: Section 13 offers gorgeous views of Cañon City and the surrounding areas. For hikers, this is a fairly easy escape from town, and offers some rocky terrain with a downhill return. Section 13 trails run through juniper and piñons at the base of the Wet Mountains. Lamba Chops ranges through more open terrain. Somewhere before the 2 mile mark, the trail juncts with Hot Shots which leads to the highest point of the hike – an upper meadow, which is a great spot to enjoy the scenery, and perhaps have a snack, before the descent back to the trailhead.
January 19th, Red Canyon Park The Narrows
Directions to Trailhead: From Cañon City take Field Avenue north until it intersects with Red Canyon Road. Continue north on Red Canyon Road 7 miles to the entrance of Red Canyon Park. Turn left into the park and drive 0.9 tenths of a mile to a dry creek crossing with a pit toilet and parking area.
Length of Hike: 3,25 Miles
Beginning Elevation: 6,200
Elevation Gain: 367
Difficulty: Easy
Hike Description:
From the parking area follow the dry creek bed west. Stay on the main stream bed. The stream follows a red rock canyon and at times passes through rock cuts no more than 4 ft. wide. Continue
following the main stream bed for about 1.25 miles where it intersects with a dirt road. Follow the dirt road back to the trailhead.
January 26th, Canyon Rim-Far Out- LeView at Royal Gorge.
Directions to Trailhead: Take Highway 50 West to Royal Gorge Road – Highway 3A - turn left into the Royal Gorge. The trailhead is adjacent to the Upper Parking Lot at the Royal Gorge – the second parking lot on the right, the one with the Restroom. We will hike the Rim Trail to Far Out and up to LeView, then back the same way. Approximately 4 miles, with only modest elevation change.
Length of Hike: 4 Miles
Beginning Elevation: 6,700
Elevation Gain: 350
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Regardless of the season, this is a hike with marvelous views of the Royal Gorge and the Royal Gorge Hills. Snow only adds an additional wonderful texture to the vistas. This hike follows the contour of the Royal Gorge north rim, and great views start to appear at the 3/4 mile point. The hike reaches an apex at LeView – a rocky promontory overlooking the Gorge and the Hills in every direction. Return to the parking lot is by the same trail, or the option of following a road, but I don’t know of anyone who chooses the road.
February 2022
February 2 — Watchtower off Temple Canyon Road
February 9 — The Bank – Cactus Cliff
February 16 — Shaw’s Arch
February 23 — California Girls Dance Hall
February 2, 2022 Watchtower
Nearest City; Canon City Colorado
Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City, Hwy 50 to South 1st street turn left on 1st 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 Out and back
Description of Hike: 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 9, 2022 The Banks (Cactus Cliff)
Nearest City; Canon City
Directions to Trailhead: 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
Description of Hike: 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 16, 2022 Shaw’s Arch
Nearest City; Canon City Colorado
Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City drive west on Hwy 50 5.1 miles to County Road 69. Go North on 69 7.1 miles to a parking area on the right, from this trailhead it is a 7.1-mile round trip to the arch, if desired continue north to a second open area found on the right from this area it is a 5.4-mile round trip to the arch. If you have a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle you can continue north to a Y in the road County 69 bends to the left and climbs a narrow one lane path, BLM 5803 goes to the right and continues through Red Canyon Park, from this entrance continue about ¾ mile to BLM 5830B (first Y intersection on the right) follow BLM 5830B about ¼ mile to the base of the hill. Parking at this point it is 1.4 miles to the arch.
Starting Elevation: 6,650 ft
Elevation Gain / Loss: 290 ft
Hike Length: 5.4 miles in and out
Description of Hike: From the trailhead take the trail on the north side of the parking area, this trail will connect with BLM 5830 at BLM 5830 turn right and continue to a Y in the road Take the
road on the right (BLM 5830B), From the open area found past the trailhead follow county 69 north to a metal gate BLM 5830 (west entrance to Red Canyon Park) follow BLM 5830 to a Y in the road Take
the road on the right (BLM 5830B), Continue following the trail up the hill to a T intersection take the trail on the left to the Arch. Expect to find amazing views from the Arch. Use caution in the
winter and spring the trail up the hill can be icy in the morning and very slippery mud in the afternoon.
February 23, 2022 California Dance Hall
Nearest City; Canon City Colorado
Directions to Trailhead: 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
HIKE Length: 3.5 miles Loop
Description of Hike: 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.
March 2022
March 2 – Dark Side of the Moon
March 9 – Ecology Park - Grape Creek Trail
March 16 – Pueblo Reservoir Red Gate Trails
March 23 – Red Rock Canyon Hike
March 30 – Cotopaxi’s Mysterious “Area 51”
March 2 – Dark Side of the Moon
Directions to Trailhead: 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. It is small, and you are asked to park head-in on the north side of the lot. Cross the road to access Dark Side of the Moon.
Hike length: 2.50 Miles
Beginning Elevation: 6,530
Elevation change: 311
Description of Hike: Nice easy hike with beautiful views of the Royal Gorge Park are. Dark Side is out and back but you can connect to Maze trail to make a loop, and other trails to extend the distance. Nobody’s gotten lost on this hike, nobody’s gotten eaten. Just saying.
March 9 – Ecology Park - Grape Creek Trail
Directions: From Village Inn in Cañon City drive West on Hwy #50 [Royal Gorge Blvd] to First Street South, – take First Street south to Temple Canyon Road - turn right onto Temple Canyon Road and Ecology Park Trailhead will be on the right hand side.
Hike Length: 3.24 Miles*
Starting Elevation: 5,631 ft.
Elevation Change: 178 ft.
Description of Hike: Follow the main trail west to the bottom of the hill, proceed through a fence opening and continue in a westerly direction. *Route from here will depend on the Hike Leader’s discretion. Depending on the water level, there may be a creek crossing or two, so consider bringing hiking staff and water shoes or waders. It will be an out-and-back.
March 16 – Pueblo Reservoir Red Gate Trails
Direction: From Canon City to Wetmore on Hwy 67 for 21.8, then take Hwy 96 east – for about 21 miles; trail head ( parking ) is at the left hand side
of the highway, about 2 miles past the Voodoo Loop Trailhead and parking lot.
Total driving mileages is 42.
Length 4.0 miles*
Elevation gain: very modest
Route type: looks like a loop
Rating: Easy to moderate
Descriptio: Red Gate Trails are lightly trafficked located Lake Pueblo State Park, Colorado that features a reservoir lake. The trails are good for all skill levels. Initial plan is to hike Rock Canyon Trail to Stonehenge Trail, to South Shore Trail, to Hooter’s Edge to Arkansas Trail to The Duke Trail to Rodeo Ridge. But it will remain *Hike Leaders’ discretion as to which trails the club will take depending on conditions of the trials at the time.
March 23 – Red Rock Canyon Hike
Directions to Trailhead: Take Hwy 115 to Colorado Springs. Turn left on Cheyenne (Safeway on one corner and McDonalds on the other). Turn right onto 8th Street. Turn left on Hwy 24 west. In 3 miles turn left on Ridge Road. Park in the first parking lot past the traffic circle. Distance from Canon City is 49 miles.
Hike Length: 3.43 miles
Beginning Elevation: 6,075 feeet
Elevation change: gain of 482.
Description of Hike: Begin on Mesa Trail, then turn left on Roundup trail. Then Left on Quarry Pass Cutoff. Here we can stop for a snack or rest. Then back on Red Rock Canyon Path past pond and pavilion. Turn left to Parking lot to return to parking lot. Hope this is everything you need.
March 30 – Cotopaxi’s Mysterious “Area 51”
Directions to Trailhead: From C.C. west on Hwy 50 33M to Cotopaxi. Turn north on County 12 for 1.5 M to BLM trail 6051 (very obscure trail sign on entrance). Drive 0.6M to wide parking area at beginning of BLM 6015B which starts to 900the right (southeast).
Hike Length: 4.4 M round
Beginning elevation: 6890 ft.
Elev gain: 490 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Description of Hike: This is an ATV trail with two steep hills. Each hill about 1/4M and 13-16% grade, uphill going in. One at each end. Otherwise a 3% slope downhill going in. Not rocky. Trail is not marked. Hike 1.6M ( past insct of 6015C) to beginning of BLM6015D (marked) on right side, then 0.6M to Lone Pine river overlook. Good view, good hike.
May 2022
May 4 Hard Times via Ecology Park
May 11 Sunset City via Copper Gulch Road
May 18 Wilson Creek near Deer Haven
May 25 Newlin Creek Trail
May 4th - Hard Times via Ecology Park
Hike length: 4.0 Miles, out & back
Elevation gain: 535'
Directions to Trailhead: Drive west on Hwy 50. Turn left on 1st Street. Veer right onto Temple Canyon Road. Park in Rockafellow Ecology Park on your right.
Description of Hike: We are only hiking the black section of Hard Times. Great view of Canon City. Interesting trail, often walking on beds of sandstone. We will stop to snack at the turn-around, spreading out to find a suitable rock to sit on in a dry creek bed near 'the Shiv.' The trailhead starts 0.8 miles southwest from the parking lot. We will walk a combination of easy bushwhacking and partial trails to get to the trailhead. Good rock collecting.
May 11th - Sunset City
Hike length: 4.5 Miles, out & back
Elevation gain: 440'
Directions to Trailhead: Drive west on Hwy 50. Turn left at Parkdale/A3. At the fork, take a right, which is Copper Gulch Road. Parking for trailhead will be on your left, where the road is level with the dry creek bed, 7 miles from Hwy 50.
Description of Hike: Located in wilderness study area. Pretty valley with dry creek bed running the length. There is evidence of mining in the valley. We will be walking a mix of paths in the many small meadow areas along this dry creek, sometimes crossing to the other side. Where we meet a fork, we will stay left. The turn around point and snack stop only has one log to sit on, so if you need a cushion - bring one!
May 18th - Newlin Creek Trail
Directions to Trailhead: Drive through Florence on Highway 67 to CR15. If road isn't muddy we will drive to the furthest parking at trailhead #1335.
Hike length: 6 miles, out & Back
Beginning Elevation: 7.000'
Elevation gain: 1,735'
Description of Hike: Good hike for trekking poles due to many creek crossings. Lots of shade. We will stop for lunch and turn around where there are remains of a sawmill. Good idea to bring lunch as opposed to a snack! On the way up you will be stopping frequently to catch your breath from the elevation gain - and every stop will have memorable views: cliffs, ponds, small waterfalls, mountain flowers. Returning will seem much faster and easier. Totally charming.
May 25th - Wilson Creek Trail #T5827A - carpool please, small parking lot!
Hike length: 4 miles, out & Back
Elevation gain: about 600'
Directions to Trailhead: (Same area as Deer Haven) Go west on Hwy 50. Turn right (north) onto CO 9. Turn right onto CR 11 (High Park Road) and drive about 5.2 miles. Turn right onto CR 69 and drive about 2 miles to a dirt road on your right leading to Wilson Creek Trail/#T5827A. (We will pass the parking for Deer Haven and pass the cabin Kim & Don Nelson took us to last summer.) About 36 miles one way from Canon City.
Description of Hike: Similar views to Deer Haven, but fun to try new trail.
June 2022
1 Hardscrabble
8 Angel of Shavano
15 Beaver Creek Riparian Area
23 Marion Lake Trail
30 Water Dogs Trail / South Chandler Creek
June 1 Hardscrabble
Direction to Trailhead: From Cañon City Village Inn east 5.98 miles on Hwy #50. Turn right (south) on Co #67, and follow #67 through Florence to Wetmore (11.4 miles). Turn right (West) on Co #96 and follow #96 to County Road #386 south. Take #386 south to the trailhead – old #387.
Length of Hike: 6.0 miles
Starting Elevation: 7,513
Elevation change: 1,313
Description of Hike: The trail follows up South Hardscrabble Creek for about 3 miles between bluffs and cliffs, roughly tracking what used to be a road. Wild flowers should be in bloom and wildlife may be spotted. It is beautiful area, and the route we hike will be out and back.
June 8 Angel of Shavano Trail
Direction to Trailhead: Proceed west from downtown Cañon City on Hwy 50 past Salida to Poncha Springs for 6o miles. Turn right on Hwy 285 and then left again proceeding west on Hwy
50 to Maysville for 6 miles. Turn right on Chaffee County Road 240 and proceed 4 miles to Angel of Shavano campground per sign. Angel of Shavano is off right side of road-park
here.
Length of Hike - 5 miles or so
Starting Elevation - 9200 feet
Elevation Gain is about 700 feet.
Ending elevation: 9900 ft.
Description: This hike is moderate for 0.8 miles with a vertical climb of 450 feet and the trail is rocky in places. After 0.8 miles, the trail enters into a cool forest glade and then on to beautiful aspen groves. The trail here and beyond is well developed, easy and goes up and down gently.
A good lunch/turn around is where the Blank Cabin Trail intersects in a meadow that makes the one-way distance 2.3 miles. Since this is a part of the Colorado trail, the hikers can go further if the group would like.
This hike is well within the capability of most of our hikers. However, if you have difficulty at elevation, it is not recommended.
June 15 Beaver Creek Riparian Area
Directions: Hwy 50 East, then left CR 123. Turn right East 1/4 mile to CR 132. Upper Beaver Creek Rd. Turn left, then north to the trailhead. Drive past the first trailhead at 8.1 miles – our trailhead ios much further – the road dead-ends at our trailhead on right.
Length of Hike: 3 miles
Starting Elevation: 6,135
Elevation change: 362
Description: Hike winds northward through the Beaver Creek Riparian Area. This is a popular area for backpacking, hiking, and trail running, but is not heavily trafficked. Part of our route will parallel Beaver Creek. Hike may require several crossings, but water level should make these fairly manageable. There may be option for extra miles.
June 23 Marion Lake by way of Amethyst Creek Valley.
Directions: The trailhead is just beyond where the club traditionally embarks for St. Charles Peak, out Ophir Creek road, a drive of about 1 1/2 hours. Drive to Florence. From Florence, take Colorado 67 southwest 20 miles to Wetmore. Take a right (west) on Colorado 96 and continue 10 miles to the junction with Colorado 165. Take Colorado 165 south 10 miles to Ophir Creek Road (County 360). County 360 is just north of Bishop’s Castle. Turn onto County 360 and follow it for 8.1 miles, then turn left onto County 369 for about 2 miles to the St. Charles Peak trail head parking area (Figure 1). Our parking area is a short way further up the road on the right. About 52 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of Hike: 5 miles
Starting Elevation: 10,724 feet
Elevation Change: 249 feet
Description: Lightly traveled trail through Amethyst Creek Valley to Marion Lake. Grasslands and marsh are surrounded by woods. We will hike to the dam, and then continue to the St. Charles Trail to the east, before returning by the same route. It is a gorgeous hike.
June 29 South Chandler Creek and the Mine Ruins
Directions to Trailhead: West on Hwy 50 through Canon city to 4th Street; then South 1 mile on 4th Street to CR 143 (Oak Creek Grade); then South on CR 143 for 6.2 miles to parking lot on right, at first sharp switchback.
Hike Distance: 2.75 +/– for South Chandler Creek portion
1.75 +/– for Mine Ruins portion
Elevation change: 610 ft., (Av. Slope 4.5 to 12.9%)
Hike Description: The trailhead is northwest of the parking lot. This hike winds up hills northwesterly into a wooded area and then drops down into the South Chandler Creek valley. The turnaround point is at the creek, and this out-and-back is a little short of 3 miles, and there is some up and down climb involved. On the return trip hikers will have the option of extending the hike taking a different turn up the trail to the old Oak Creek Mines Ruins, which will add 1.5 to 2.0 additional miles. hilbegins from a point on CR143 at the first sharp switchback located near the base of the Oak Creek Grade. The route follows an old road system that was once used to access amine or mines located here. This add-on to the hike provides an opportunity to explore the workings of past mining activities, including the remains of an old ore chute. he entire hiking route is located on lands administered by the San Isabel National Forest.
Bonus Hike:
July 1st Waterdogs Lake
Directions: Drive west from Canon City on #50 through Salida to Maysville. Continue on #50 west another 8.4 miles to the trailhead on the right. Not easy to spot.
Length of Hike: 3.2 miles
Starting Elevation: 10,353
Elevation Change: 1,062
Description of Hike: Definitely not a stroll through Garden of the Gods. The hike starts at over 10,000 ft and ends at over 11,000 ft. The trail follows a river part of the way and is very pretty, then winds back through a lush green conifer forest, up rocky inclines to follow a powerline trail. It is pretty much a steady climb to the first lake. Beautiful, and some say the second lake is even more beautiful.
July 2022 Hikes
7/6/2022 Fooses Creek
7/13/2022 Bartlett Trail
7/20/2022 Marion Mine Ruins
7/27/2022 Alpine Tunnel
July 6, Fooses Creek Trail
Direction to trailhead: From Salida continue West on Hwy 50 past Ponca Springs. Turn south on CO Road 225 about 2.5 miles to the trailhead. Four-wheel drive is not needed, but some clearance is recommend as the last section is a little rocky.
4 Miles in and out
Beginning Elevation 9560 feet
Elevation Change 278
The trail climbs gently for over a mile to some beaver ponds and runs along and across Fooses Creek through the forest. It is well developed and there are bridges where crossing is necessary. The trail is a regular favorite of the club.
July 13, Bartlett Trail #1310
Directions to trailhead: Canon City east on Hwy 50, 7 miles to Hwy 67. Turn right/South on Hwy 67 and follow to Wetmore – turn right (west) onto Hwy 96, follow west to Hwy 165. Turn left (south) onto Hwy 165 and travel 16 miles to Boulder Ave in Rye. Turn right/south onto Boulder Ave for 0.9 mile to Granger Dr. Left/East onto Granger Drive for 0.2 mile, then turn south onto Hunter Rd. Follow Hunter Rd 0.7 mile to Baxter Rd. Turn west/right onto Baxter Rd and follow it 0.5 mile, then turn south/left. Follow Bartlett Trail Rd 2.6 miles to limited parking. The road prior to the limited parking area can be very muddy when wet. When this section of road is wet from the limited parking area, high clearance vehicles can follow the road another 0.3 mile to a larger parking area and the trailhead. We will be driving to the larger parking area and trailhead.
Length of Hike: 5 miles round trip - out and back
Beginning elevation: 8,000
Elevation gain: 1,200’
Rating: Difficult
Description: We will head west from parking lot to a registration box and a junction (about 2 minutes up the trail). We will take the right fork at the junction, following some switchbacks and good views. The first mile to mile and half, the trail is narrow with vegetation close to the trail. We will hike to North Apache Creek (a sizable creek) and stop there for lunch. Return the same route.
July 20, Marion Mine Trail
Direction to trailhead: From Canon City go 5.8 miles east on Royal Gorge Blvd./US 50. Turn right (south) on Colorado (CO) 67/Phantom Canyon Road. Continue on CO 67 for 11.4 miles through Florence to Wetmore. Turn right on CO 96 and continue for 11.1 miles to CO 165 (Greenhorn Highway). Continue south on CO 165 for 18.32 miles past Lake Isabel then turn right (west) at the Lake Isabel Recreational Area entrance. Shortly after you turn onto Park Road 371 you will reach a guard shack. The daily U.S. Forest Service fee is $6.00 or $3.00 if you have a National Park Service Golden Age Pass. Follow the directions to the Cisneros 1314 trail head located about 1.95 miles west. One way distance is about 48.6 miles
Length of hike: About 4. miles (round trip)
Beginning elevation: 8852 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,030
Description: This is very nice Wet Mountain hiking trail. The trail follows the Cisneros Trail (Trail 1314) for the first mile. For the first approximately half mile, it goes in a westerly direction along the north side of the St. Charles River ravine. The ascent along this section is moderate. It then turns sharply to the south continuing along the rim of the St. Charles River ravine. The trail then makes a bend to the northwest, leaving the ravine and continuing generally in a northwest direction to the intersection with the St. Charles Trail (Trail 1326). The Cisneros Trail continues to the west. The St. Charles Trail heads northwest. Continue on the Cisneros Trail. After another 0.5 miles the trail again splits. The Cisneros trail continues southwest. A smaller sign indicates the Marion cabin and mine trail heads northwest. Take the Marion trail. Follow it for 0.45 miles to the cabin, and another 0.21 miles to the mine. The trail takes you through a forest of tall white fir along the lower elevations that gradually change to Colorado blue spruce and stately aspens along the higher elevations. The picturesque St. Charles River parallels the trail on the lower part of the trail and the Amethyst Creek along the Marion Trail. There are great views of the mountains and interesting outcroppings to the east.
July 27, Alpine Tunnel- St. Elmo
Direction to trailhead: 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 parking area and trail head. You will pass over a bridge just before you reach theparking area. The trail head is located on the northwestern side of the parking area. About 98 miles one way.
Length of hike: 5.7 miles RT
Beginning elevation: 11,044 feet
Elevation change: 574 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
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 (Figure 2). In some sections railroad ties can still be seen embedded in the trail (Figure 2). 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 trail head you will reach a locked green metal
gate. Walk around the north side of the gate. Continue along the trail as is 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 (Figure 3) and the valley
below. Here wild flowers bloom in great abundance and color during late summer (Figure 4). 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 (Figure 5). 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 an early summer, and summer thunder storms
can result in water flowing across the trail in several locations and also down the trail making the trail slippery and wet.
August 2022
Hike Summary:
8/3/2022 - Wachob Trail
8/10/2022 - Deer Peak
8/17/2022 - Nadia’s Loop
8/24/2022 - Carhart Trail Loop
8/31/2022 - Mingus Ranch FS Rd 321
Wednesday, August 3: Wachob Trail
Length of trail: ~4 miles total, Difficulty: Easy
Beginning elevation 9000 ft; Elevation gain 160 ft.
Wachob Trail #1319 . The Trail is 1 mile long and starts at 9,000 ft and tops out at 9,160 ft for a gain of 160 ft. This trail is rated easy. The official trail heads up to a rocky lookout area which reveals a great view of Lake Isabel and surrounding campgrounds and cabins. There is a flagpole at the top flying the American Flag. Once we hike up to the overlook we will take off cross country to explore the area of old and recent logging roads which wrap around the West end of the Boy Scout Ranch up along a ridge, then back to the parking area. Views to the North- East towards Pueblo can be seen. This hike will be close to 4 miles as we explore this National Forest area beyond the Wachob Trail.
Driving directions: At Florence take Hwy 67 South to Wetmore. At Wetmore take Hwy 96 West/left to Mackenzie Junction. Turn Left onto Hwy 165 and travel about 17 miles to Forest Service Rd #380. It will be marked out on the hwy with a sign. Drive up the road to the end to parking, about 3.4 miles. Trailhead is located off Hwy 165 one mile North of Lake Isabel off FS Rd. #380/Boy Scout Ranch Rd. Lots of parking as this is a county road with a loop at the end.
Drive time is approximately 1.5 hrs.
Wednesday, August 10: Deer Peak Trail
Length of hike: 4.5-50 miles, Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation Beginning elevation: 10,000 ft; Elevation Gain 1500 ft
This hike will take us along Forest Service Rd #401 to the top of Deer Peak. Once up top we will have Majestic Views of the Sangres. Along the way are views of the Sangres and the valley below. We will have good footing as 401 is a service road for the transmission towers on top of the peak. The gain is gradual; return will be downhill.
Driving Directions: From Florence take Hwy 67 over to Wetmore. Turn right at Wetmore (67 and 96). Take 96 West to McKenzie Junction. Turn left onto Hwy 165. Stay on 165 until you get to Ophir Creek Rd. (Campgrounds) FS RD 360/361. Turn right onto Ophir Creek Rd. At Snyder Gulch bear left and proceed up 360/361 until the junction of 369 and 401. “Four Corners”. There is space for parking at Four Corners. Hike will begin there at FS Rd 401. Approximately
1.5 hour drive from Canon City. Ophir Creek road can be “washboard bumpy”.
Wednesday, August 17: Nadia’s Loop
Length of hike: 3.5-4.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Beginning elevation: 6700 ft; Elevation Gain: 550 ft
Little known Nadia’s Memorial Loop is a very nice 3.5 mile loop starting at the South Creek Trailhead parking off Hwy 165. Trailhead begins at 6700 ft. We will “bushwack” from the parking lot a short distance East to an old logging road. We will have to climb over some downed trees and there will be vegetation in some areas. This road will eventually turn and head North. After following it for about 1.5 miles we will come to the end of the road where we pick up a narrow single- track trail which will connect to another logging road. On a tree in this area is the sign “Nadia Brelje Memorial Loop”, watch for it. This logging road heads West down through Lion Park past the South Creek trail junction and back to the parking area. We can add another mile or so on a spur to bring the mileage up to 4.5. The hike is moderate. Beautiful aspen groves, Lots of scenery and a great view of Pikes Peak and Wet Mountains.
Driving directions:From Canon City take 115 to Hwy 67 at Florence. Head South on 67 to Wetmore. At Wetmore take Hwy 96 West to MacKenzie Junction. Turn Left onto Hwy165 and travel about 15 miles to the turnoff for the South Creek Trailhead FS Rd #327. It is marked by a sign along 165. It is on the left side of 165 just past the St. Charles trailhead parking. Drive
down to the parking area. Approximately 1.5 hrs drive time.
Wednesday, August 24: Carhart Trail Loop
Length of hike: 4.5 miles + up to 2 miles of side trips Difficulty: Moderate due to add-ons. Beginning elevation: 6500 ft; Elevation change: 800
ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Our hike will start at the Horseshoe Lodge at Pueblo Mountain Park. This hike will be a loop. We will head over to Northridge Trail, take a side trip into Devil’s Canyon. Then continue on Northridge to the top where the trail connects to Mountain Park Trail. The climb along Northridge Trail is steeper and rocky. Mountain Park Trail drops down through a forested canyon to Squirrel Creek Trail. A short trip over to the Squirrel Creek picnic shelter will add a mile or so. (This is optional.) We then take Squirrel Creek Trail to the connection with the Carhart Trail. Carhart Trail takes us back up and into Pueblo Mountain Park past the old Stock Arena and Archery Range. Follow the road back up the old stone staircase to the parking lot.
Driving directions:From Canon City take 115 to Hwy 67 in Florence. Take Hwy 67 South to Wetmore. At Wetmore turn right onto Hwy 96. Follow Hwy 96 to CR 387 towards North Creek campground and Beulah. CR 387 becomes CR 212 (Northcreek Rd.) at the North Creek Campground. Stay on it until you reach Pine Drive in Beulah Valley. Turn right onto Pine Drive and follow until you take a sharp right on Pueblo Mountain Park Rd and follow to the Horseshoe Lodge. Park at the Horseshoe Lodge.
Wednesday, August 31: Round Top Mountain w sidetrip to Mingus Homestead
Length of hike: 4.9 miles + less than 1 mile to Homestead Beginning elevation: 9423 ft; Elevation gain 465 ft.
This hike will start on FS rd 383 as we head to the Mingus Homestead from the parking area. We will then go back (1/2m) to pick up FS rd 321. Hiking up 321 we will be at the base of Round Top Mountain. This is a road leading to dispersed camping spots. As we hike up signs of the Junkins fire can be seen. At the junction of FS rd 321 and 321a we will go Left onto 321a. Follow 321a to the end where we will “bushwack” about 1/3 of a mile up through a meadow with downfall. At the edge of the meadow is the end of FS rd 321. Once on 321 again it will be downhill the rest of the way. Views of the Eastern plains and a quick view of the Sangres. Starting elevation 9423ft. 465ft elevation gain. 4.9 miles with less than a mile added to walk over to Mingus.
Driving directions: From Canon City take 115 to Hwy 67 in Florence. Take Hwy 67 South to Wetmore. At Wetmore turn right onto Hwy 96. Follow Hwy 96 to MacKenzie Junction. Turn left onto Hwy 165. Follow 165 about 8 miles to FS rd 383/Ditch Creek Rd. Turn left onto 383 to parking.
September 2022
Hike Summary:
September 7 - The Gallery at Sand Gulch
September 14 - Holbert's Cabin Trail
September 21 - Badger Creek
September 28 - Green Creek
SEPTEMBER 7 - The Gallery at Sand Gulch
Directions to Trailhead: Drive north on Red Canyon Road approx. 13 miles to the exit prior to the Banks exit. This is just before Shelf Road begins. Turn left and drive into the Sand Gulch Campground and follow signs for Day Use parking. Road can be bumpy after leaving Red Canyon Road.
Length of hike - 2.5 or 4 depending on if one adds the hike to Freeform Wall Beginning Elevation - 6,258 feet, Elevation Gain - 337 feet
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Description: We will start by following the trail that goes to the Gallery which is about .34 miles. Turn left to continue on to the Far Side Climbing Wall - about .5 miles to wall. We will hike along the wall and then cross over to the Bulge Wall - follow this for a bit and then start down. Mural Wall will be on our left but we will not hike up to that - unless you're adventurous . This hike is only 2.5 miles but it can be rocky and there is some scrambling involved. Rain has uprooted some smaller trees that we need to climb over but they are small. We will then hike back to the parking lot.
For those that may want to do Freeform and Contest Well that can be an option. There is a lot of scrambling and bouldering to do on the way down if you come down the middle between the walls. For those that like that - it is a fun option.
This hike will be shorter that we've done recently - but the options are there to make it longer - and it might be a nice break.
****Please bring hiking poles****
September 14 - Holbert's Cabin Trail
Directions to trailhead: Travel east on highway 50 to Phantom Canyon Road then turn north and continue for about 13.4 miles until you come to an rusty orange-red colored, steel, bridge curving around to the left (west). The trestle bridge is the only bridge remaining from the railroad line left that carried coal and supplies to Victor and gold ore down to Florence for smelting. It is listed on the Register of National Historic Places. Information about this bridge is provided on informative signs located directly across Phantom Canyon Road from the trail head. The parking area is on the right side of the Phantom Canyon Road just before you reach the bridge. The unmarked, gated trail head is located just north of the parking area to your right. About 19.4 miles one way.
Length of hike: 3.75 miles (round trip) Beginning elevation: 7141 feet Elevation change: 319 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Description: At the trailhead, go through the gate, closing it after you pass through. The trail parallels the east fork of Eight Mile Creek for about 0.94 miles. The creek then divides with the East Fork turning to the left (west). Holbert Cabin is located on the west side of the east fork just after the stream divides. Please do not disturb this historic cabin. The trail follows the other branch as it meanders to the right (east). The trail slowly gains in elevation and crosses the stream a few times as it passes through stands of white firs and scattered Fraser firs and ponderosa pines. Willows and cottonwood trees are scattered along the stream bank. Rocky cliffs are visible at times through the trees. Near the end of the trail you pass by a second cabin nestled in the trees so that it is easily overlooked. Just beyond the cabin is a second gate taking you onto BLM property. Again, shut the gate after passing through. The trail ends a couple hundred feet beyond the gate. The trail continues but is difficult to locate and stay on. If you want to continue further just stay close to the stream bed so you don’t get lost.
September 21 - BADGER CREEK TRAIL
Directions to trailhead: Take US 50 west from Canon City to State Highway CO 9. Drive north on CO 9 for about 10.8 miles to the intersection with Tallahassee Road. Turn left (west) and continue west on Tallahassee Road for about 25.15 miles to the unnamed entry road to the Badger Creek Trail. This unmarked dirt road is easy to miss! About 44.3 miles one way from Canon City.
Initial Elevation: 8,784 feet Elevation Change: 314 feet Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Description: This is a very pretty trail that takes you along Badger Creek as it slowly descends down a very pretty ravine, with interesting rock outcroppings and spectacular cliffs. There are several small waterfalls and ponds as well as small willow-covered marshy areas as you hike down the trail, when the stream is full of water. This is an excellent location to see bighorn sheep who come down to the stream for water.
There are some rocky ridges projecting out from the base of the mountain to climb up and over, as well as some stream crossings. The trail begins at the southwestern side of the parking area, and goes up and over two small ridges that project out from the western side of the mountain to the edge of the stream. The trail reaches its highest elevation (8,808 feet) at the top of the second ridge. From there the trail drops down the side of the ridge, reaching the stream then makes a broad curve around a large ridge that projects down to the stream from the eastern side of the ravine. It continues generally to the south, then after about 1,17 miles turns to the southeast. Around another ridge, the trail reaches a large rock formation projecting from the east side of the ravine down into the stream. There is a waterfall flowing into a picturesque pond.
This is an easy to moderate hike with no significant altitude gain. The hike follows Badger Creek with some boulder fields to negotiate but not difficult. Great scenery, good chance of spotting trout in the creek and bighorn sheep.
September 28 - Green's Creek Trail
Directions to trailhead: Take U.S. Highway 50 west past Salida to Poncha Springs. At the traffic light (intersection of U.S. 50 and State Highway 285 turn right (north) continuing on U.S. 50 for about 2.1 miles to County Road (CR) 220. Turn left on CR 220 and drive for approximately 1.76 miles where it intersects with CR 221. Turn left on CR 221 and drive for approximately 2.6 miles until you arrive at a dirt parking area and the trailhead to the Green Creek Trail. From the parking lot, walk approximately 300 feet south-west to the trailhead. About 69.8 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: 4 miles (round trip) Beginning elevation: 8551 feet Elevation change: 933 feet Difficulty: Moderate
Description: The Green Creek trail is a well-developed trail running along the north side of Green Creek. It gains about 840 feet in altitude over the 2 miles of this particular hike. This is a very picturesque hike with a variety of wild flowers and shrubs blooming including the spectacular bearberry honeysuckle with its dark blueblack fruits surrounded by bright red bracts. Among the wildflowers are wild roses and geraniums that can be seen all along the trail during the summer months. The trail winds along, at times close to the stream and at other times further inland through groves of aspens and pines. In some locations water cascades over rocks and other obstacles. The creek has several ponds located behind dams constructed by beavers. At one location an otter lodge can be seen next to the creek with its smoothed out track running from the lodge to the water’s edge. If you are fortunate you will see members of this family frolicking in the water or returning to the lodge. At the end of this 2-mile trail is a large picturesque beaver dam and pond. This is a great spot to stop and have lunch. If you want to you can continue to hike beyond this beaver pond, however, this particular hike ends here.
October 2022
Hike Summary:
October 5: The Crags
October 12: Deer Haven Trail #2 (5828B) - New hike
October 19: Turkey Rock Trail - New hike
October 26: Cheyenne Mountain State Park
October 5: 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. The Crags Trailhead is located before the loop campground.
Length of hike: 6 miles Starting elevation: 9,971ft Elevation gain: 820 ft
Hike Description: The trail starts across the street from the parking area, the trail begins with a steep incline but it soon changes to a gradual incline making for a relatively easy hike. 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 12: Deer Haven Trail #2 (5828B) - New hike
Directions to trailhead: Take US 50 west to Co 9. Turn right (north) onto CO 9 then continue to County Road (CR 11) (High Park Road). Turn right onto CR 11 and continue for about 5.2 miles to CR 69/ Turn right onto CR 69 and proceed 0.8 miles to road 5828 on your right. Follow Road 5828 for 0.7 miles through a gate to a large dirt parking area and the trailhead. About 35 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike:: 3.80 miles Beginning Elevation: 8202 ft Elevation change: 610 ft
Difficulty: Easy, some bushwacking
DESCRIPTION: This takes you along an old two track ranch road and a single track trail constructed by the BLM. It makes a large 3.8 miles loop as it passes over rolling hills covered with open forest of ponderosa pines and over grassy meadows with scattered clumps of scrub oaks, junipers, currants, gooseberries, and cinquefoils. Along the later part of the trail Scrub Pines and Colorado Blue Spruce become more common on the higher elevations. As you walk along the trail you will have great views of Pikes Peak, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Wet Mountains. There also are numerous large rock outcroppings.
October 19: Turkey Rock Trail - New hike
Directions to trailhead: From Canon City, goWest on Highway 50, 39 miles to Vallie Bridge Road (Just east of Howard) turn right and cross river (route 45) continue west 5.2 miles to Sand Gulch road and turn right. Approximately 1 mile to the trailhead.
Length of hike: Approximately 4 miles Beginning elevation: 7400 Feet Elevation change: 315 feet
Difficulty: Easy, some bushwacking
Description: This is an easy to moderate hike which will consist of bike trails, game trails, open areas, and washes. There will be gradual sloping hills, outcrops with great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Arkansas River and a few areas where you can see “Turkey Rock”.
October 26: Cheyenne Mountain State Park - Blackmer Loop
Directions: From Canon City, go east on Hwy 50 to Hwy 115 north. The State Park entrance is at the same intersection as the main entrance to Fort Carson. Turn left into the entrance and stop at the visitor's center. Parking is $9.00 per vehicle if you do not have an annual state park pass.
Length of hike: 4 mile loop Beginning elevation: 6452 ft Elevation gain: 389 ft
Description: There are numerous trails in the park, strongly suggest that you stop at the visitor's center and pick up a trail map. The map will assist you in driving to the trailhead that you desire. This hike is the Blackmer Loop, the trails are well groomed and marked. There are interpretive signs on the trails describing the surroundings.
Novermber 2022
Hike Summary:
November 2: Lake Pueblo - Pedro’s Point Trail
November 8: Moonlight Hike on Canon City Hogback
November 9: Brush Hollow Reservoir - Penrose
November 16: Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs
November 23: Salida - Tenderfoot Mountain (S Mountain)
November 30: Pulpit Rock Park Loop - Colorado Springs
November 2:
Driving Directions: From Village Inn to Florence to Wetmore. From Wetmore, take a left onto HW 96 and drive about 21.5 miles. The trailhead is on the left hand side of the road (climb a little slope - no sign). Park in a dirt parking lot on the right hand side (just off the highway), just before the eastbound HW 96 goes up. The trail head is about 2 mile west of the entrance of Lake Pueblo State Park.
Length of hike: ~4.5 miles Starting elevation: ~ 5400 feet Elevation gain: Mostly flat Difficulty: Easy
Description: Head north out of your car, across HW 96, climb a little slope, cross the guard rail, stay on the left hand trail, follow the trail going north, it meets a junction with many trails, go straight (don't go on any side trail) on Pedro's Point Trail for about 2.3 mile arriving at Pedro’s Point when you will get to overlook Lake Pueblo. Return the way you came.
November 8: Moonlight Hike to Canon City Hogback
We will have a Moonlight Hike on November 8th. Contact Sharon Whitney with questions (skw5889@gmail.comor 719-557-9320).
This will be the Beaver Moon and it will rise at 5:05pm. Therefore, we will meet at the Washington Street parking lot of the Hogbacks open space area at a little before five. Flashlights are not required but bring one if you want.
Driving Directions: Take Fifth Street north, turn left on Washington St.
Description: We will walk north on Greenhorn Trail to Graneros, northeast to Old Skyline Drive Trail then to the top of the hogbacks. Coming down we will turn right on the Store Quarry Spur back to Greenhorn Trail.
Immediately after the hike we will meet at Sharon Whitney's (1507 Central Ave) for hot cocoa, wine and if you are lucky, cookies.
Directions from the Hogbacks: Take Washington Street to 15th Street, turn right. At Central Avenue turn left. Take either the first or second driveway. Plenty of parking.
November 9: Brush Hollow Reservoir - Penrose
Directions to trailhead: From Village Inn to CR123 - (Turn left at Home Depot and then a quick right onto CR 123). Continue to drive toward Penrose from Canon City to the Brush Hollow Reservoir turnout (10.3 miles) - watch for the sign and turn left and drive to the parking area on the right.
Length of hike: 3.5 miles Elevation change: 200 feet Difficulty: Easy
Description: Hike around the reservoir.
November 16: Garden of the Gods - Co. Springs
Directions to trailhead: From Canon City to HW 115 and take I-25 north to Hwy 24 exit and turn left. Continue on Hwy 24 until you reach 26th St. Turn right onto 26th St. then turn left on Colorado Ave. Continue on Colorado Ave. and turn right on N 30th St. Drive for about 2 miles to see the visitor center is on the right hand side. We will regroup at the Visitor Center before heading to the parking area. To get to the parking area, turn left on Gateway Rd (see the dirt parking lot on the left hand side), continue on Juniper Way Loop, the main parking lot is on the left hand side.
Note: Feel free to use Google Maps to get to the Visitor Center and then follow directions to trailhead.
Length of hike: TBD
Beginning elevation: ~6400 feet Elevation change: TBD
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: We will park at the North Main Parking on NE side of the park, hike across the paved road, and start hike at Palmer Trail on the left hand side, then hike on Siamese Twins Loop Trail - option: hike to Balanced Rock in west entrance
November 23: Tenderfoot Mountain (S Mountain) - Salida
Directions: Take U.S. Highway 50 west to Salida. Turn right (east) on North F Street and drive to the end of the road at the Arkansas River. Cross the bridge and park in the large parking area. About 58 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: 4 miles Beginning elevation: 7079 feet Elevation gain: 451 feet Difficulty: Moderate
Description: To reach the trailhead, walk about 0.2 miles across the railroad tracks and dirt road. Follow the dirt road up between a cluster of buildings located at the bottom of Tenderfoot Mountain (the "S" Mountain). You will see the trail running southeast to northeast along the bottom of the mountain.
November 30: Pulpit Rock Park Loop - Colorado Springs
Directions: From Village Inn to HW 50. Take Hwy 50 to Penrose, turn left on Hwy115 and go north, all the way to I-25. Take I-25 north, and take exit #148 - N. Nevada Ave. and go right ( south). On the first block, turn left going north (same: N Nevada Ave.). The Pulpit Rock Park is on the right hand side. Distance: 52.1 miles (one way) from VI in Canon City. Use google maps to Pulpit Rock Trailhead.
Length of hike: ~3.5 miles Beginning elevation: 6100 feet Elevation gain: 550 feet Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: From parking lot, hike south on Pulpit Rock Regional Trail, to Pulpit Valley Regional Trail (turn left) going east, arrive at Spurwood DI ( resident street), walk for 250ft, turn right on Bay Springs Ln, and walk 150 ft, turn right on Canyon Springs Pl., walk for about 250 ft, the end of the street is North Meadows Trail going west until Pulpit Rock Summit Trail and hike south, and meet Pulpit Rock Summit Trail on the left hand side, and continue to hike to Pulpit Rock
December 2022
Hike Leaders for December 2022
Kim Nelsen
Phone: 719-275-6345
Email:dknelsen@bresnan.net
Jane Chess
Phone: 719-371-4034
Email: janechess5@gmail.com
Hike Summary:
December 7: Aiken Canyon Loop Trail
December 14: Section 13, Lamba Loop
December 21: Island in the Sky Plus Bentonite Mine December 28: Dakota Ridge at Hogbacks
December 7th, 2022—Aiken Canyon Loop Trail
Directions to Trailhead:Follow US -50 East to Highway #115 at Penrose. Take #115 to northeast toward Colorado Springs. Continue for 18 miles to Turkey Canyon Ranch Road. Turn left onto Turkey Canyon Ranch Road and continue for about 0.2 miles to Aiken Canyon Preserve Park on your right (east). There is plenty of parking here. About 27.8 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: 5.75 miles (round trip) Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning elevation: 6472 feet Elevation change: 509 feet
The trail starts near the Nature Conservancy field station with informative signs about this preserve. This is a maintained trail that takes you
through a variety of ecosystems. The trail crosses stream beds several times, with new signs showing where the trail continues across the stream bed.
After about 0.7 miles the trail splits, stay to the right. After about another 0.3 miles we will take another trail to the right. This will take us into a steep, narrow canyon and up to the remains
of an old cabin about one mile above. This is an out and back section. This will be a good place to stop for a snack. We will return to the main trail and turn right. After another half mile or so we
will come to another side trail the Left (east). This short steep trail is offered as a choice to go up to the top of a hill where there are excellent views of the grasslands below and mountains
further to the south. We will return to the main trail and continue to the south to the same intersection we saw on the way up. We will continue to the right to the trailhead and parking area. The
park is owned by the Nature Conservancy and named after Charles Aiken, U.S. surveyor and ornithologist who surveyed this region in the 1870’s.
Dec. 14, 2022 Section 13, Lamba Loop
Directions to Trailhead: From Village Inn, take Highway 50 West, turn L onto 1stat 1.5 miles. You will drive between two historic cemeteries. Turn R onto County Rd 3, Temple Canyon Rd at 2.6 miles. At 1.9 miles farther you will pass Rockafellow Ecology Park. Continue past a junk yard fence and 2 cell towers. You will see a BLM sign on the right. Park just past the BLM sign, on the right, just before a yellow “Narrow Rd” sign. The trail head is across the road. Watch for cars!
Length of Hike: ~3 miles
Beginning Elevation: 5,500
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Description: Section 13 offers gorgeous views of Cañon City and the surrounding areas. For hikers, this
is a fairly easy escape from town, and offers some rocky terrain with a downhill return. Section 13 trails run through juniper and piñons at the base of the Wet Mountains. Lamba Chops ranges through more open terrain and is a loop back to the parking area.
Dec 21, 2022 Island in the Sky plus Bentonite Mine
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 5.9 you will go past a rock on the L with Indian writings, which has unfortunately been defaced by graffiti. At 7.1 miles, turn R into Oil Well Flats, stay to the L on the dirt road, past the parking lots. At 8.4 miles turn slight R, at 8.5 turn slight L. We will park here.
Walk past Campsite 11, go through Green gate, through the Bentonite Mine area, then on towards Island in the Sky. We will do it counter clockwise. Island in the Sky Loop is 2.3 miles, but we will add on some more. Mileage to be determined!
Dec. 28, 2022 Dakota Ridge at Hogbacks
Directions to trailhead: Take Highway 50 West to 5th Street. Take 5th St to Washington (follow the 5th St. sign), turn west on Washington Street to the
parking lot.
Length of hike: 4 miles
Beginning elevation: 5595 feet Elevation gain: 420 feet Difficulty: Moderate
Description: Head north to the beginning of Dakota Ridge which is a 1.4 mile trail where all of the gain occurs. This is the most difficult part with some slanted rock and some loose rock along the switchbacks. On top you will see views on both sides of the trail with the city of Canon to the east and Fremont Mtn. to the west. We will take Old Skyline Drive to the Stone QuarrySpur then pick up Graneros to theFairview Link and back to the parking lot on Greenhorn. The Stone quarry spur also has some downhill slanted rock sections. This will be approximately 4 miles. Those who want to hike longer can take Graneros to the end which would add approximately 1 mile to the hike.
2021
January 2021 Hikes:
January 6 Cotopaxi’s mysterious “area 51” new hike
From C.C. west on Hwy 50 33M to Cotopaxi. Turn north on County 12 for 1.5 M to BLM trail 6051 (very obscure trail sign on entrance). Drive 0.6M to wide parking area at beginning of BLM 6015B which
starts to 900the right (southeast). Trail is not marked. Hike 1.6M ( past insct of 6015C) to beginning of BLM6015D (marked) on right side, then 0.6M to Lone Pine river overlook.
Distance: 4.4 M round Beginning elevation: 6890 ft. Elev gain: 490 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate. This is a atv trail with two steep hills. Each hill about 1/4M and 13-16% grade, uphill going in. One at each end. Otherwise a 3% slope downhill going in. Not
rocky.
January 13 Voodoo trail- Lake Pueblo State Park
Drive 6.1M east on Hwy 50 to Hwy 67. Go south on Hwy 67for 3.5M to Florence. Continue south on 67 for 11.1M to Wetmore. From Wetmore go east for 18.9 M to parking at Voodoo trail,
along Hwy 96. Voodo trail is a 8.7 M loop for the most adventurist. We will do a 5-6 M in and out round trip. (or less )
Elevation: 4900 ft Elev change: 160 ft
January 20 Shaw’s Arch. This is mostly walking a jeep road from
Cty Rd 69 to the arch. Take U.S. 50 for 5.1 miles west to County Rd 69. Go north on 69 for 7.1 miles to a Y where 69 turns left and BLM 5803 (the road thru Red Canyon Park) begins. Take 5803 ½ mile
just beyond a steel gate to parking space. Begin walking then about ¾ M to BLM trail 5830B on the right side. Follow 5830B for 1 ¼ M to the arch.
Distance: 4 M round Elev: 6650 Elev change: 290 ft
January 27 Rock Canyon& Stonehenge trails- Lake Pueblo State
Park
Drive 6.1M east on Hwy 50 to Hwy 67. Go south on Hwy 67for 3.5M to Florence. Continue south on 67 for 11.1M to Wetmore. Go east on Hwy 96 for 21.2 M to the Red Gate trailhead
parking area. We will hike a series of trails in the park called Rock Canyon, Stonehenge, Sidewinder and Broken Hip.
Distance: 4.5-5.5 M Elev: 4900ft Elev change: 180ft
February 2021 Hikes
FEB. 3. ALTA VISTA
at the royal gorge ranch and resort. 3+ miles with moderate elevation gain. the hike will follow the ‘one track mind’ trail out to point Alta vista. the owner of the resort (Ty Seufort )has given us permission to park on his property. i expect some snow and ice in spots but overall good footing. The property has several rebuilt trestles and a very scenic overlook of the gorge. Easy-peasy.
FEB. 10. FREMONT PEAK Via the old road. 4 miles r.t. Start from gorge campground parking lot. Several long climbs. Great views of the gorge and surrounding areas. Easy when dry, hard when iced over.
FEB. 17. ‘REEL CALIFORNIA GIRLS’ Leaving from the lower parking lot of the royal gorge, we will hike 3 miles up and down several short hills over uneven ground perhaps covered with a layer of snow. We will visit the ruins of an old lodge. This hike is of medium difficulty if there is snow.
FEB 24. PEGMATITE MINE. Leaving from the lower parking lot of the royal gorge. 2+ miles r.t. Following a bike path along the ridge to an old pegmatite mine. 200 ft elevation gain . Nice views of the mountains along the way. Some ups and downs but generally and easy trail.
MARCH 2021 HIKES
BOB HORN - HIKE LEADER
1-440-840-1495
Email: bobhorn@gmail.com
MARCH 3 Watchtower
DISTANCE : Approximately 4 miles.
GAIN : Approximately 200 feet
DIRECTIONS : Route 50 West to 1st Street North. Continue to Temple Canyon Road , approximately 4.5 miles. Take Temple Canyon Road 4.5 miles to BLM Road 6181. Watch for “Day Use” sign on the right side of the road. Turn right into the parking area and the trail head is on the left side of 6181.
Fairly easy hike depending on the weather. Shoe Yaktraxs and poles are recommended.
MARCH 10 Brush Hollow Reservoir
DISTANCE: Approximately 3.5 miles
GAIN: Approximately 200 feet
DIRECTIONS: Route 50 East to Route 67, North on 67 (Phantom Canyon Road) to Route 123 ( 3rd Street).
East approximately 4 miles to entrance road. Watch for sign on North side of Route 123. Go North to parking area located at the dam.
Easy hike around reservoir, at the North end we will take an ATV and game trails into the wetland area. Area should be dry now. Will walk the shoreline back to the parking area.
MARCH 17 Grave Yard
DISTANCE : 4 miles
GAIN : 350 feet
DIRECTIONS : Route 50 West towards Howard. Turn right at Howard onto Route 47 which will dead end into route 45 Turn left onto Route 45 after you cross the river and go under the bridge. Continue to the Cemetery on the right.
MARCH 24 Fernleaf Gulch
DISTANCE : Approximately 4 miles
GAIN : Approximately 450 feet
DIRECTIONS : Route 50 West to Texas Creek, North over river to trail #6026. West to Trail # 6020 which is approximately 1 mile to the parking area.
First half of the hike will be on ATV trails and the second half will be on game trails and a creek bed.
MARCH 31 Deer Haven Trail
DISTANCE : 4.2 miles
GAIN : 616 feet
DIRECTION : Take US 50 West to Colorado Route 9.
Turn right onto CO Route 9 and continue to CR11 and turn right.
Continue to CR 69 and turn right.
Continue onto RD 5828 on the right.
Turn right onto 5828 and follow to the dead end at the trailhead parking area.
APRIL 2021 HIKES
April 7th Canyon Rim Trail at Royal Gorge.
Take Highway 50 West to Highway 3A - turn right into the Royal Gorge. The trailhead is adjacent to the Upper Parking Lot at the Royal Gorge – the second parking lot on the right, the one with the Restroom. We will hike the Rim Trail to Far Out, and return to Parking Lot via the Rim Trail. Approximately 4 miles, with only modest elevation change.
April 14th Garden of the Gods
The Hike will be easy 4 miles, commencing at the Garden of the Gods North Parking Lot #2
Drive time from Cañon City is estimated to be 56 min (47.0 mi).
Directions:
Turn left at the 1st cross street onto US-50 E/Royal Gorge Blvd
Continue to follow US-50 E 9.7 mi Take the CO-115 exit toward Penrose/Colo Spgs (33.2 mi)
Merge onto I-25 N Take exit 141 to merge onto US-24 W/W Cimarron St (2.9 mi)
Take S 31st St and N 30th St to your destination in Colorado Springs 6 min (2.1 mi)
Slight right toward S 31st St (315 ft) Slight right onto S 31st St (0.8 mi)
Turn right onto Westmoor Dr (0.1 mi) Turn left onto N 30th St
April 21 Beaver Creek Wilderness area
Approximately 4 miles. Easy trail We will start on Beaver Creek Trail on the southern edge to Trail Gulch Trail.
April 28 Island in the Sky at Oil Wells Flats
Trail Distance: 4.45 miles
Starting Elevation: 6091 feet
Elevation Change: 580 feet
Trail Rating: Easy - Moderate
Travel east on US 50 to Orchard Ave.; then north 0.8 miles on Orchard to High Street; then east on High St. 0.5 miles to Field Ave.; then north on Field Ave. 2.3 miles to Red Canyon Road (County Road 9); then continue north on CR9 for 3.6 miles to BLM Road 5940. (All of the BLM roads at Oil Well Flats are narrow dirt roads and in poor condition in several locations.) Turn right (east) onto BLM Road 5940 and continue southeast for 0.65 miles to the intersection with BLM Road 5941 (Figure 1). Turn left onto BLM Road 5941A and follow it southeast for about 0.21 miles at it takes you northeast then curves sharply to the southeast then arriving at a small parking area and the trail head. This narrow dirt road is easy to miss. If you go too far you will see an elevated solar panel array to the east. There are three trailheads at this location. The Unconformity Trailhead to the north of the parking area heads northeast. You will return to the parking trail on this trail. The Anticline Trailhead to the south of the parking area goes to the southwest. Take the unnamed trail located on the east side of the parking area. You will take the unnamed trail.
About 7.9 miles one way from Canon City.
May 2021 Hikes
May 5, 2021 Ecology Park - Grape Creek Trail
Directions: From Cañon City take 1st Street south to Temple Canyon Road to Ecology Park Trailhead.
Starting Elevation: 5631 ft.
Elevation Change: 178 ft.
Distance: 3.24 miles in and out
Follow the main trail west to the bottom of the hill, proceed through a fence opening and continue in a westerly direction. Route from here will depend on the Hiker’s Leader’s discretion. Depending on the water level, there may be a creek crossing or two, so consider bringing hiking staff and water shoes or waders. It will be an out-and-back.
May 12, 2021 Royal Gorge – Made in the Shade
Directions:
Take Hwy 50 to County Road 3A 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
is immediately west.
Description:
The trail angles westward on established trails, and skirts hillsides in the Gorge, with views of the hills and gorges. This is a loop, and with be 3 -4 miles, with about 625 feet of elevation
change.
May 19, 2021 Moove Over Trail
Drive South on Field Avenue to Red Canyon Road, then follow the hike leader to the Garden Park Road parking area. Plenty of parking on the right. 10 minute drive. 7 miles.
Length 2.5 to 3.5 Miles [depending on route]
Elevation change: 450 feet
We’ll follow a steep rocky trail up from Garden Park Road to the Oil Well Flats trail system where we’ll take the ‘Moove Over’ trail. Some rate this as moderate because of the climb up.
May 26, 2021 Lion Canyon –Oak Creek Grade
Direction to trailhead: Take 9th Street South to traffic circle. Take 3rd exit (west) onto Elm Street, then to Oak Creek Grade on the left (south). Drive South on Oak Creek Grade for approximately 12 miles to Oak Creek campground entrance on left. Drive down the entrance road for ½ mile to parking area and trail head.
Length of hike: 5 miles (round trip)
Hiking Time: About 3.3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Beginning elevation: 7751 feet
Elevation gain: 1,426 Feet
Description: This hike starts on the east side of the campground where it climbs steeply as it parallels a small creek. It is littered with small rocks so care needs to be taken to prevent tripping or stubbing a toe. The trail passes through a narrow, heavily forested canyon for most of the way. Tall Aspen, Douglas fir and white fir are the dominant trees with some ponderosa pine also. Scrub oak, small cherry trees (pin cherries?), dogwoods, prostrate junipers, wild roses, gooseberries and mountain maples are frequently seen along the trail as well. Wild flowers depending on the season such as deep blue larkspur, geraniums yellow senecio, yarrow and harebells add color to the trail. Near the top, the canyon widens allowing sunlight to penetrate the forest, making it much more cheerful and bright. At the top, the trail leaves the forest and enters a very large meadow, Locke Park, with scattered pine trees. The views from here are magnificent including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This is a great location to have a picnic before heading back down the trail to the trail head and parking lot.
JUNE 2021 Hikes
June 2, 2021 The Bank at Red Canyon Park
Length: 4.16 Loop
Starting Elevation: 6,866
Elevation gain 452
Directions:
From Canon City go north on Field Avenue. 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.
Description:
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 2 miles past a stone quarry or caves to an old wind mill. At this point backtrack about 1/8 of a mile to an open area that slopes down on the south
side of the trail, look closely at the east side of the open area and find a stone campfire ring. At this point you will find a little used trail that proceeds east from the open area then turns
southward becoming a long-ago abandoned road, this trail will take you to the top of the ridge and ultimately back to the parking area. Great views of the canyon and climbing walls are
found.
June 9, 2021 Lookout Mountain by Texas Creek
Length: 3.5+ In and out
Starting Elevation: 7,298
Elevation gain: 1,094
Directions:
From Canon City, Hwy 50 west to CR3 (Copper Gulch Road)(First road on the left after crossing the Arkansas river), turn South proceed about 13 miles to CR23 (Gulch Road) turn right continue about
3.25 miles to a dirt one lane road on the right there is a forest road number 6162 posted, take the one lane dirt track about 200 feet to an area that is wide enough to park along side of the
track.
Directions:
The hike begins at the pull off area alongside of the road, continue hiking north on the road staying on the main dirt track at the end of the dirt track is a turnaround. On the north end of the
turnaround is a trail that continues north towards lookout mountain. The trail will continue to climb towards lookout mountain, take the time to rest and enjoy the views, as you near 1.2 mikes the
trail begins a series of switchbacks that take you to the base of the vertical rock formations that form the top of lookout mountain.
June 16, 2021 Granite Arch on Little St Charles Creek - San Isabel
**High clearance / 4-wheel vehicle to reach the trailhead.
Distance 4.138 [out and back]
Starting Elevation 8114
Gain [loss] 559
Directions:
Highway 50 East to Highway 67, turn right. Highway 67 south to Westmore. Turn right (west) on Highway 96, to Highway 165. Turn left [south] on drive 22 miles south on Highway 165. You will pass
Bishops Castle and Lake Isabel. There is a public bathroom immediately across [to the left, east] of the Lake. A good place for a last stop before the trailhead. Between Mile Markers 22 and 23 on
Highway 165, take a left on Robb Road. Turn left [east] on Robb Road, which is marked by a regular street sign. Take Robb Road .6 mile downhill to its intersection with Old San Isabel Road. Turn left
(northwest) onto Old San Isabel Road and follow it for .2 mile to [San Carlos Road] FSR #320. The trail is # 8032, also identified on some maps as FSR #326. Drive across the bridge and up to the
trail head.
Hike Description:
This is a 4.138 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located in the southern Wet Mountain area, and features wild flowers and picturesque vistas. The trail is primarily used for hiking,
walking, nature trips, and birding. The trail heads east and south through rolling varied forest, and then switchbacks downhill to the Little St. Charles Creek. Once at the creek, follow the creekbed
eastward to the Arch on the far side. There are ways across the creek without getting your feet wet. It is a good idea to bring hiking sticks, poles or a staff for the last part of the hike to the
granite arch, which spans 33 feet, and the height is 45 feet. The arch is truly a hidden gem.
June 23, 2021 BNSF Tunnel at Swissvale
Length: 3.63 Out and back
Starting Elevation: 6,753
Elevation Gain: 107
Directions:
From Canon City go West on Hwy 50. Turn right on Route 45 proceed About 4 miles crossing under a railroad underpass follow the road to the right to a parking area on the left.
Description:
This trail follows the Arkansas river, there are interruptive signs along the river, look closely for small signs indicating mining claims. Follow the road from the parking area back past the
railroad underpass, continue to a point where the road allows easy access to the abandoned railroad tracks, follow the tracks to and through the tunnel , you can continue on the tracks to the next
railroad bridge (crossing Badger Creek), or drop back down to the road and follow it east to badger creek. Backtrack the same route to return to the parking
area.
June 30, 2021 Bear Creek
Length: 4.09 Loop
Starting Elevation: 7,663
Elevation Gain: 696
Directions:
From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to Colorado Hwy 9. Turn right (north) continue to CR 11 (High Park Road). Turn right (east) drive about 5.2 miles to Deer Haven Park CR 69. Turn right proceed about
2.57 miles to a two-track dirt road on the left there is a trail sign T5826A identifying the area, look closely it is easy to drive past. Turn in by the trail marker sign and
park.
Description:
From the parking area follow the two-track path (Bear Hill Trail) north, it gradually ascends a meadow, after about a half mile the track crosses a more prominent two-track road, follow this road to
the left, it proceeds up a steeper grade to the top of a ridge with a view of Deer Park Road CR69. At this point turn around and return back down the trail continuing past the trail that you came in
on and bearing left following the meadow to the left side. You will find two separate ravines on the left, both ravines are worth exploring. The second ravine that you find has Bear Creek flowing
down it, there are multiple creek crossings but the creek is narrow and easily stepped over. After exploring the ravines continue following the left side of the meadow around some marshy ground cross
over the earth dam to the parking area.
July 2021
July 7 Horse Thief Falls / Pancake Rock
July 14 Hobart Canyon Trail
July 21 Angel of Shavano Trail
July 28 Browns Creek
July 7 – Horse Thief Falls – Pancake Rocks –
Direction to trailhead: Take US 50 west for 10 miles to CO 9 (Figure 1). Turn right (north) onto Colorado (CO) 9 then continue for 8.6 miles to County Road (CR) 11 (High Park Road). Drive 18.5 miles to CR 1 then turn right onto CR 1 and continue to Cripple Creek. From Cripple Creek take CO 67 north for about 8.8 miles to the old sealed up tunnel (Figure 2). The trail head and parking areas are just to the south of the boarded up tunnel (Figure 2) on the east side of the highway. About 60.2 miles one way.
Length of Hike: 6 miles out and back
Beginning elevation: 9683 feet
Elevation gain: 630 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Description: From the trailhead the trail goes southeast up a 345 foot incline (Figure 3) that parallels the highway. At the end of the ramp the trail makes a sharp curve to the north and continues for 500 feet where it turns east, following the marshy shoreline of Oil Creek. After 3/4th of a mile from the trail head, the trail intersects another trail (WP1). This other trail goes north to the Horse Thief Playground. The Horse Thief falls/Pancake Rocks trail continues east and after another 1/4th miles intersects the Pan Cake Rocks trail which heads south (WP2). Continue east on the Horse Thief falls trail for another ½ mile through a spruce forest to the water falls. As you reach the falls the trail crosses a stream then climbs up a steep, rocky ascent on the northwest side of the falls. The trail can be wet and slippery so caution is advised. Those hikers wishing to extend the hike to include Pancake Rocks may do so by taking the Pakcake Rocks trail – south for two miles to the Pancake Rocks overlook. From WP2 the trail climbs steadily and steeply for about 1.3 miles with several sharp turns, and gaining about 800 feet in altitude. This lower section of the trail goes through a spruce forest with wild flowers adding color in scattered small meadows where sunlight reaches the forest floor. As the trail gains in elevation, bristle cone pines begin to appear among the spruce. As you continue to gain in elevation they become more common and larger in size. After you reach the highest elevation (11041 feet), the trail takes some short descents and ascents, going through mountain meadows surrounded by Colorado blue and bristle cone pines. The trail loses about 134 feet in elevation as it descends to the Pancake Rocks at the end of the trail. The pancake rock formations are well worth the hike, as are the fabulous views to the south, southeast and southwest.
July 14 – Hobart Canyon Trail
Direction to trailhead: Travel e a st on highway 50 to Phantom Canyon Road then turn north and
continue for about 13.4 miles until you come to a rusty orange-red colored, steel, bridge curving around to the left (west). The trestle bridge is the only bridge remaining from the railroad line
left that carried coal and supplies to Victor and gold ore down to Florence for smelting. It is listed on the Register of National Historic Places. Information about this bridge is provided on
informative signs located directly across Phantom Canyon Road from the trail head. The parking area is on the right side of the Phantom Canyon Road just before you reach the bridge. The unmarked,
gated trail head is located just north of the parking area to your right. About 19.4 miles one way.
Length of hike: 3.75 miles (round trip)
Beginning elevation: 7141 feet
Elevation change: 319 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Description: At the trail head, go through the gate, closing it after you pass through. The trail parallels the east fork of Eight Mile Creek for about 0.94 miles. The creek then divides with the East Fork turning to the left (west). Holbert Cabin is located on the west side of the east fork just after the stream divides (Figure 2). Please do not disturb this historic cabin. The trail follows the other branch as it meanders to the right (east). The trail slowly gains in elevation and crosses the stream a few times as it passes through stands of white firs and scattered Fraser firs and ponderosa pines (Figure 3). Willows and cottonwood trees are scattered along the stream bank. Rocky cliffs are visible at times through the trees (Figure 4). Near the end of the trail you pass by a second cabin nestled in the trees so that it is easily overlooked. Just beyond the cabin is a second gate taking you onto BLM property. Again, shut the gate after passing through. The trail ends a couple hundred feet beyond the gate. The trail continues but is difficult to locate and stay on. If you want to continue further just stay close to the stream bed so you don’t get lost.
July 21 – Angel of Shavano Trail
Direction to trailhead: From Poncha Springs turn right on Hwy 285 and then left again proceeding west on Hwy 50 to Maysville for 6 miles. Turn right on
Chaffee County Road 240 and proceed 4 miles to Angel of Shavano campground sign. Trailhead is off right side.
Length of Hike: 4.6 miles round trip (In and Out).
Beginning elevation: 9200 feet
Elevation change: 70 feet Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
Description: This hike is moderate for 0.8 miles with a vertical climb of 450 feet and the trail is rocky in places. Then trail enters a cool forest glade and on to beautiful aspen groves. The trail here and beyond is well developed, easy and goes up and down gently. A good lunch/turn around is where the Blank Cabin Trail intersects in a meadow that makes the one-way distance 2.3 miles. Since this is a part of the Colorado trail, the hike could be extended if the group decides.
July 28 – Browns Creek
Directions to Trailhead: Take US 50 West past Salida to Poncha Springs. At the traffic light – intersection of US 50 and US 285 – turn right (north) and continue 17.5 miles on #285 to CR 270. Turn left (West) onto #270 and continue for 1.5 miles to a 4-way intersection. Continue west on CR 272 for 2 miles where it makes a 90 degree to the left (south) continue south for 1.62 miles to the parking area and trailhead. The trailhead is located on the northwestern side of the parking area. A restroom and information signs are located on the west side of the trailhead.
Drive Distance to Trailhead: About 85.3 miles one way from Cañon City.
Length of Hike: 6.2 Miles RT
Starting Elevation: 8912
Elevation Gain: 1053
Description of Hike: This is a fun and challenging hike to a spectacular waterfall. The hike has plenty of variety that will keep your interest including meadows, pine, and aspen forest. You will be
treated to many views of Mt Antero, and even get to test your balance by crossing Browns Creek via small log bridges. Be sure to take a lunch, your camera, good shoes, and plenty of water. The trail
starts with a moderately steep switch trail. At mile 1.4 stay left. After crossing the bridge at mile 1.7, stay right on the Little Brown’s Creek Trail. It will open up into a beautiful meadow and
crosses the creek a couple of times. After about mile 2.5, look for a sign on the left of the trail at foot level that says ’Falls’. Turn left and follow the trail for .2 miles to the falls. In the
spring and early summer, the falls are quite large and impressive.
AUGUST 2021 HIKES
August 4 Millset Trail #1317
August 11 Undine Falls #622
August 18 Bartlett Trail #1310
August 25 Greenhorn Trail #1316
August 4 - Millset Trail
Directions to trailhead: From Canon City: take Hwy 115 to Florence. From Florence drive south on Highway 67 to Wetmore. Turn right onto Hwy 96 West. Continue on Hwy 96 to Hwy 165. At Hwy 165 turn left and drive south until you reach Mile Maker 24 (you will pass Lake Isabel and Bishop’s Castle). From the Camp Jackson sign you will drive another 0.4 mile to parking area. The turn into the parking area/trailhead is on right at the mile marker. The parking area is small, so it would be best if hikers can car pool for this hike. From Pueblo: Take I25 south toward Walsenburg. Take exit 74 for Hwy 165 West. Drive west on #165 through Colorado City and Rye to trailhead on left.
Length of Hike: 4-5 miles round trip out and back, break for lunch at turnaround point.
Beginning elevation: 7,880’
Elevation Gain: 1,648 - 2,141 (depending on turnaround point).
Rating: Difficult
Description: The trail leaves the parking lot heading south through private property for 0.2
mile. The trail crosses a ridge and begins a slight downhill under a power line. From there the trail climbs steeply at times. We will hike past 3 meadows to an area with numerous downed trees where
we can stop for lunch. Return the same route. Wild flowers, scenic vistas.
August 11 – Undine Falls via 7 Bridges Trail
Directions to trailhead: Canon City – Hwy 50 to Penrose. From Penrose on Hwy 115 travel 31 miles to E Cheyenne Road. Left onto E Cheyenne Rd 3.5 miles to Cresta Rd. Turn right onto Cresta Rd. Follow Cresta Rd to Cheyenne Blvd and turn left onto Cheyenne Blvd. As you continue to follow Cheyenne Blvd it turns into Gold Camp Road. Stay on Gold Camp Road all the way to Parking lot #18 (large parking lot at the very top of Gold Camp Rd).
Length of Hike: 3.4 miles out and back
Beginning elevation: 7,520
Elevation gain: 912 feet
Rating: Easy
Description: From the parking lot walk to the Northwest end of the lot and continue NW on the gravel railway bed to the trail marker #622 on your right. Follow the 7 Bridges trail (mostly shaded and follows the creek) till you pass the 7th bridge. At the 7th bridge, go left on trail and stay alongside the creek, then take a sharp switchback to the right at the sign #622 and continue to the falls which flows over low angle slabs to the left of the trail. Numerous areas around the 7th bridge for a lunch break.
August 18 - Bartlett Trail #1310
Directions to trailhead: Canon City east on Hwy 50, 7 miles to Hwy 67. Turn right/South on Hwy 67 and follow to Wetmore – turn right (west) onto Hwy 96, follow west to Hwy 165. Turn left (south) onto Hwy 165 and travel 16 miles to Boulder Ave in Rye. Turn right/south onto Boulder Ave for 0.9 mile to Granger Dr. Left/East onto Granger Drive for 0.2 mile, then turn south onto Hunter Rd. Follow Hunter Rd 0.7 mile to Baxter Rd. Turn west/right onto Baxter Rd and follow it 0.5 mile, then turn south/left. Follow Bartlett Trail Rd 2.6 miles to limited parking. The road prior to the limited parking area can be very muddy when wet. When this section of road is wet from the limited parking area, high clearance vehicles can follow the road another 0.3 mile to a larger parking area and the trailhead. We will be driving to the larger parking area and trailhead.
Length of Hike: 5 miles round trip - out and back
Beginning elevation: 8,000
Elevation gain: 1,200’
Rating: Difficult
Description: We will head west from parking lot to a registration box and a junction (about 2 minutes up the trail). We will take the right fork at the junction, following some switchbacks and good views. The first mile to mile and half, the trail is narrow with vegetation close to the trail. We will hike to North Apache Creek (a sizable creek) and stop there for lunch. Return the same route.
August 25 – Greenhorn Trail
Directions to trailhead: Canon City east on Hwy 50, 7 miles to Hwy 67. Turn right/South on Hwy 67 for 23 miles to Hwy 165. Turn left onto Hwy 165 and travel 16 miles to Boulder Ave (Rye). Turn right/south onto Boulder Ave 0.2 mile to Main Street. Right onto Main to junction of Park Rd and Cuerno Verde Rd 0.6 mile (right fork). Follow the Cuerno Verde/Park Road for 1.5 miles, where it makes a 90-degree turn south. Continue south 0.2 mile to a small parking area. This parking area is small, it would be best if hikers can car pool for this hike.
Length of hike: 5.0
Beginning elevation: 7,475
Elevation gain: 1,254
Rating: Difficult
Description: From parking area we will descend a hill to the Greenhorn Creek crossing a bridge right away. We will stop at the registration box to sign in. We stay on the south side of the creek for the next 2 miles. At one point the trail goes down the east side of the wide creek bed and we will walk over rocks to get back to the dirt trail. The trail will cross two small side creeks (1.25 and 1.7 mile) and will split after the second crossing. At the second creek crossing we will have to cross over on a couple of logs (so poles will be helpful for keeping your balance and steading yourself walking the poles). Shortly after crossing over on the poles we will cross over another part of the creek using rocks in the creek (again poles will be helpful). We pick the main trail up again once we get on the other side of the creek and will hike till we reach the first small rockslide area. Just above the rockslide, we will come to an area with rocks, trees and shade where we can break for lunch. Hopefully, by end of August the creek flow will down and it is easier to cross.
SEPTEMBER 2021
September 1 Temple Canyon
September 8 San Carlos Trail
September 15 YMCA
September 22 The Crags
September 29 Greens Creek Trail
September 1 - Temple Canyon
Driving Directions: Drive south from US 50 (Royal Gorge Boulevard) on 1st Street for approximately 5 miles to Temple Canyon road. Turn onto Temple Canyon Road which changes from paved to gravel after 1.5 miles. At 4.0 miles you will see a Temple Canyon Park sign. Continue driving for another mile until you see a dirt road on your right (north). A brown sign located on the left side of the road reads, “Temple Ridge Picnicking and Camping Area”. This road takes you to the Temple Canyon trail head. After ¼ mile the entrance road splits, with a picnic pavilion, and camping and parking areas on the right. The two roads merge as the road continues past this picnic site. Continue driving down the road until it dead ends at a dirt parking area with another covered pavilion, and camping area. The trail head is located to your left (south) on the side opposite from Temple Canyon. About 8.5 miles one way from Canon City.
Beginning elevation: 6095 feet
Change in Elevation: 476 feet
Description: The trail descends gradually at first as it winds around the western side of the hogback mesa, then the rate of descent increases rapidly as the trail descends along a number of switch backs around the west and north side of the hogback into the valley below. The views are magnificent, as you round the end of the hillside and see the rugged walls of Temple Canyon and Grape Creek below. As you hike down the trail you will pass by Rocky Mountain junipers, pinion pines, mountain mahogany bushes with their plumose flower appendages and skunk sumac, large, three-leafed non-poisonous bushes related to poison ivy. At the bottom you pass small groves of aspen and willows as you walk along the bank of Grape Creek. The hike requires one crossing of Grape Creek. You will get your feet wet. Some folks bring water shoes or tennis shoes to switch into for the crossing. Expect the water to be around mid-calf to knee deep. Some folks are fine with bare-footing it, but the cold water numbs my feet making that method ill-advised for me. The trail up to the Temple is easy to see but rough with large rocks that have to be climbed around or over. As you reach the upper end of the ravine the trail turns to the east entering a short side ravine that dead ends at a rock wall identified by a long, thin, green, vertical, marking. The trail to the temple continues to the left of the marking with a climb of about 10 feet. The trail then continues through a narrow canyon to the Temple, a large alcove cut into the side of the granite cliff by erosion. Temple Canyon was fought over by the Ute and Apache Indian tribes before it was discovered by European settlers in the late 1800’s. Evidence still exists of old wagon train and stage coach tracks, Indian trails, and an old railroad right of way intended to connect Canon City with the silver mines in the Wet Mountains.
September 8 – San Carlos Trail
Directions to Trailhead: From Canon City drive east on Royal Gorge Blvd./US 50 to Colorado (CO) 67. Turn right (south) onto CO 67 and drive through Florence to Wetmore. Turn right (west) onto CO 96 and continue for about 11.1 miles to CO 165 (Greenhorn Highway). Turn left (south) and continue on CO 165 past Bishop’s Castle 2 miles to Co 78. Turn left (toward Beulah), The San Carlos Trailhead will be about 4 miles on the right.
Length of hike: About 4.3 miles (round trip)
Beginning elevation: 8147 feet at trail head;
Elevation Gain: -1,384
Description of Hike:
From the trailhead a slow switch-back descent to the St. Charles River. Gorgeous views and lightly traveled. Recommend footwear with good traction as there are spots with
rocks/gravel. Significant elevation change - about a 16-20% grade descent coming down and on the ascent back, which makes it a little challenging. Great scenery, some nice
vistas.
September 15 – YMCA MOUNTAIN
Driving Directions: West on Hwy 50 for 12.3 miles to CR 3 (just west of Parkdale Bridge and access to the south entrance of Royal Gorge Bridge); then south on CR 3 for 2.5 miles to junction of CR 3 and CR 28 (Copper Gulch Road); turn left at this junction and continue on CR 3 for about 3 miles to BLM Road 6100; then north on BLM 6100 for 3.25 mils to trailhead.
Hiking Distance 3.5 miles round-trip (3 hours);
Elevation at trailhead: 6,600 ft.;
Elevation at top of YMCA Mountain 6,930; total gain: 330 ft.
(Av. Slope, 3.5%). Rated 2.6
Hike Description: This hike is located in the Grand Canyon Hills area of Fremont County, south of the Arkansas River. About a third of the hiking distance is via a primitive 4WD road; the other two-thirds of the hike follows a faint game and cattle trail. Most of the hike is along a high ridge that avails tremendous vistas into the Arkansas River and Grape Creek canyons and of distant mountains and plains. The summit of YMCA Mountain provides an awesome overlook of Canon City, which is close enough that you can hear the sounds of city traffic. The most difficult part of this hike is reached near the final approach to the top of the mountain, which climbs 120 feet over a distance of about 500 feet (24% slope).
September 22 – 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 continue to Cripple Creek. From Cripple Creek take Hwy 67 north out of town continue to Teller Cty Rd 62 turn right
proceed to Craigs Trailhead. (You will pass a Mennonite Camp and the trailhead for Raspberry Mountain Trail. The Craigs Trailhead is located before the loop
campground.
Starting elevation 9,971ft
elevation gain/loss 820ft
hike length 6 miles in & out
Hike Description: The trail starts across the street from
the parking area, the trail begins with a steep incline but it soon changes to a gradual incline making for a relatively easy hike. 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 are changing colors.
September 29 -- Greens Creek Trail - Poncha Springs
Direction to trailhead: Take U.S. Highway 50 west past Salida to Poncha Springs. At the traffic light (intersection of U.S. 50 and State Highway 285 turn right (north) continuing on U.S. 50 for about 2.1 miles to County Road (CR) 220. Turn left on CR 220 and drive for approximately 1.76 miles where it intersects with CR 221. Turn left on CR 221 and drive for approximately 2.6 miles until you arrive at a dirt parking area and the trail head to the Green Creek Trail. From the parking lot, walk approximately 300 feet south-west to the trailhead. About 69.8 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: 4 miles (round trip)
Beginning elevation: 8551 feet
Elevation change: 933 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: The Green Creek trail is a well-developed trail running along the north side of Green Creek. It gains about 840 feet in altitude over the 2 miles of this particular hike. This is a very picturesque hike with a variety of wild flowers and shrubs blooming including the spectacular bearberry honeysuckle with its dark blueblack fruits surrounded by bright red bracts. Among the wild flowers are wild roses and geraniums that can be seen all along the trail during the summer months. The trail winds along, at times close to the stream and at other times further inland through groves of aspens and pines (Figure 2). In some locations water cascades over rocks and other obstacles (Figure 3). The creek has several ponds located behind dams constructed by beavers. At one location an otter lodge can be seen next to the creek with its smoothed out track running from the lodge to the water’s edge. If you are fortunate you will see members of this family frolicking in the water or returning to the lodge. At the end of this 2-mile trail is a large picturesque beaver dam and pond (Figure 4). This is a great spot to stop and have lunch. If you want to you can continue to hike beyond this beaver pond, however, this particular hike ends here.
OCTOBER 2021
October 6 – Double Rainbow Trail – Methodist Mountain - Salida
October 13 – Cabin Trail - The Bank Recreation Area
October 20 – Turret Trail (Ruby Mountain)
October 27 – The Tights - Temple Canyon Road
October 6: Double Rainbow Trail – Methodist Mountain - Salida
Direction to trailhead: Take U.S. Highway 50 west to Salida. Turn left (south) on CR 110 located just after the Silver Ridge Motel on the south side of US 50. Continue south on CR 110 for about 2.3 miles to the dirt parking area on the right (east). The trail is located just beyond the large map of the Methodist Mountain trails. About 60 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: Approximately 5 miles (round trip)
Beginning elevation: 7884
Elevation change: About 260 feet
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Description: The first section taking you in a southwestern direction across a large plateau. After about 0.6 miles the trail enters and continues in a more heavily forested landscape containing many large trees. After about 0.92 miles from the trailhead the trail reaches the eastern side of the plateau, then turns sharply taking you to the southwestern side of the plateau and the highest elevation on the trail at 8,162 feet. From there it drops southwest down into a large ravine then gradually takes you up the eastern side to the southern end of the ridge. It circles around the end if the ridge now heading generally west. After three more ravines and ridges, the trail drops down into a broader, more open valley and the end of the hike.
October 13 – Cabin Trail - The Bank Recreation Area
Direction to trailhead: Travel east on highway 50 to Orchard Ave.; then north 0.8 miles on Orchard to High Street; then east on High St. 0.5 miles to Field Ave.; then north on Field Ave. 1.3 miles to Red Canyon Road (CR9); then continue north on Red Canyon Road for about 13 miles to the Banks Recreation Area entrance on the left, about 260 feet beyond the San Gulch Recreation Area entrance road and just before Shelf Road begins. Take the first right and follow the road about 1.1 miles to the Banks day parking area. Caution this road is steep and can be rough in places. You will cross a cattle guard at the entrance to the Bank recreational site. Restroom facilities are located to the right just after you enter the recreational area. Informative signs about the recreational site and maps of the trails are located on the left side of the road. Continue on for about 0.3 miles until you reach theend of the road and the day parking area on the left. Road 5825 begins at the northwestern end of the parking area. About 16.7 miles one way from Canyon City.
Length of hike: 6 miles (round trip)
Beginning elevation: 6903 feet
Elevation change: 535 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: The first ¾ mile of Road 5825, an eroded old two track road, takes you northwest along a limestone plateau. It then starts to lose elevation, slowly at first then more steeply as it turns westerly, dropping down into a meadow and the lowest elevation of this hike (7,005 feet). You have excellent views of some of the towering cliffs as you hike down to the meadow. After you enter the meadow, Road 5825 intersects another old two track road (T5825A). Continue on T5825A which heads northwest, following a ravine upgradient all the way to the end of the hike and the highest elevation at 7,435 feet. This trail is forested with pinion oak, cedars and a few ponderosa pines, and it has some interesting rock formations and a shallow cave on the eastern side of the ravine. At about 1.4 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses a second larger meadow. At about 2.1 miles from the trailhead, it makes three broad turns then continues northwest to the end of the hike. Along the last approximately ¼ mile, there are some old livestock watering tanks and sections of black plastic water lines. The cabin, stables and corrugated metal outhouse are located on a meadow located on the west side above the ravine. The cabin was constructed in 1937 according to the date engraved on the eastern side of the cabin. It still contains a stove, refrigerator and a couple cots covered with rodent feces. Apparently, it was used until fairly recently. Other than the feces, the cabin is in a surprisingly good condition. Please leave these historic ranch buildings and their contents as you found them. They are an important part of Colorado’s ranching history
October 20 – Turret Trail (Ruby Mountain) --Browns Canyon National
Monument
Direction to trailhead: 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 north on CSH 285. Drive past Nathrop for about 2 miles to CR 301, the Fishing Bridge exit. Turn right then drive across the Arkansas River on the bridge, continuing north on this gravel road for about 0.6 miles to the intersection with CR 300. Turn right onto CR 300 then continue as the gravel road turns east then south, taking you past the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site located next to the Arkansas River. Continue past the campground on CR 300 for about ½ mile to the parking area and trail head at the end of the road. The trail begins on the south side of the parking area close to the restroom and information signs. About 75 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: 3.6 miles
Beginning elevation: 7708 feet
Elevation change: 262 feet
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Description: This hike takes you along the western side of Ruby Mountain and its extensive area of white perlite embedded with volcanic glass. At 0.2 miles from the trailhead, a side trail to the right takes you up to the top of Ruby Mountain. We will save this trail for the end of the hike. As you proceed along the main trail it takes you up along the side of Bald Mountain, first to the east and then to the south through a large area of interesting rock formations of rhyolite and granite. The trail continues to gain in elevation until it reaches its highest elevation (7970 feet) at the top of a long ridge. The trail then descends down the side of the ridge into a large ravine that opens up to the south onto the flood plain of the Arkansas River. It continues south until it reaches the River Bench Trail (T6045A). Take the River Bench Trail west and follow it down to the Arkansas River. This a good place to relax, eat a snack or lunch, and watch the floaters go by, before returning back to the short trail to the top of Ruby Mountain. The upper part is steep. You need to go up the final about 30 feet on hands and knees, then slide down this upper section as you descend back down to the main trail. The hike to the top is worth the effort. As you walk around the summit you have panoramic views of the entire area, including the majestic Sawatch mountains to the west
October 27 – The Tights - Temple Canyon Road
Direction to trailhead: Starting from the intersection of US 50 (Royal Gorge Boulevard) and South 1st Street; drive south on 1st Street approximately 5 miles to Temple Canyon Road. Turn onto Temple Canyon Road. At 4.0 miles you will see a faded Temple Canyon Park sign. This is where Temple Canyon Park begins. Continue driving for another 2.34 miles and just after you go through several sharp switchbacks you will see a bathroom and parking area to your right (north). Park here. The trail begins just across Temple Canyon Road. About 9.8 miles one way from Canon City.
Length of hike: 2.3 miles (one way)
Beginning elevation: 5866 feet
Change in Elevation: 130 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A sign located on the south side of Temple Canyon Road marks the entrance to the trail. The trail takes you south then southwest along the eastern side of the grape creek ravine and about forty to fifty feet above the creek. After 0.42 miles you will reach a green metal gate. Unhook the chain, walk through then reconnect the chain before continuing down the trail. Soon thereafter, the trail descends down to Grape Creek and the first stream crossing at 0.57 miles from the trailhead. The landscape is relatively flat and wider near this creek crossing, with willow thickets and junipers and a few cottonwoods scattered throughout.
The ravine narrows along this section with the ravine walls extending high above the creek. The trail takes you uphill along a narrow ledge until it levels off before reaching a second green metal gate located 0.72 miles from the trailhead. After you go through and close the gate, continue along the trail, crossing a small rockslide. The ravine walls decrease in height as you continue to the second stream crossing located 1.16 miles from the trailhead. This stream crossing and the next three are similar to the first one. The trail continues on the eastern side of the creek, gradually increasing in elevation, reaching the third stream crossing at 1.35 miles from the trailhead. From here until after the fifth stream crossing, the trail remains in the bottom of the ravine. Willow thickets and junipers become more common.
The trail then continues on the eastern side of the creek, soon making a broad turn to the west around the end of a ridge. If you look over to the eastern side of the stream you will see a trail that goes up a narrow ledge on the eastern side ravine wall, ending at a mining site. As you continue along the tail, you can get a good look at this site with a pair of binoculars. Just past this site and closer to the creek, you will see two caves. They are the entrances to two additional mines.
At the western end of the ridge, the trail drops down to the creek and the fifth stream crossing at 1.87 miles from the trailhead. The canyon floor is larger at this location. Just after the stream crossing, the trail continues to your right (north) going up the side of a ridge, gaining in elevation above the creek. After about 1/3 mile, you will reach an area where the trail has been washed out. To continue further up this trail, you will have to climb down this depression and up the other side.
If instead you decide to continue hiking closer to the creek, you will have to make your way through the edge of a willow thicket that extends down to the water. A short distance further, you will reach another stream crossing and find it impossible to continue further along the ravine floor.
NOVEMBER 2021 HIKES
November 3 Voodoo Loop Trail
November 10 Paint Mine Interpretive Park
November 17 Pronghorn Trail, Outer Limits TraiL
November 24 Blackmer Loop and Zook Loop at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Nov. 3 : Voodoo Loop Trail – Lake Pueblo State Park
Direction: From Canon City to Wetmore on Hwy 67 for
21.8, then take Hwy 96 east – for 18.3 miles; trail head ( parking ) is at the left hand side of the highway.
Total driving mileages is 40.1.
Length 8.7 mi
Elevation gain 160 ft
Route type: Out and Back
Rating: Easy to moderate
Description: Voodoo Trail is a 8.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Pueblo, Colorado that features a lake. The trail is good for all skill levels
December 2021 Hikes
December 1, 2021 Dakota Ridge at the Hogbacks
Directions to trailhead: Take Hiway 50 West to 5th Street. Go north to Greenwood Drive, turn west on Washington Street to the parking lot.
Length of hike: 4
beginning elevation: 5595
elevation gain: 420
difficulty: easy to moderate
Description: Head north to the beginning of Dakota Ridge which is a 1.4 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. We will 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 approximately 4
miles. Those who want to hike longer can take Graneros to the end which would add approximately 1 mile to the hike.
December 8, 2021 Wellsville Mine
Directions to trailhead: take hiway 50 west and turn left blm road 5972a after approximately 45 miles. It is just before the wellsville exit. There is a small primitive campground here.
Length of hike: 4
beginning elevation: 7244
elevation gain: 385
difficulty: easy
description: we will follow a large cliff up the canyon until we hit blm trail 5971a. We will hike on this trail until we have hit at least 2 miles from starting point. We can go further if the club
desires as this is an in and out trail.
December 15, 2021 The Gallery at Sand Gulch
Directions to trailhead: take 19th street north to central avenue, turn east (right) to fields. Turn north (left). Fields merges into red canyon road.
In approximately 13 miles exit at the sand gulch campground just prior to the banks exit.
Length of hike: 3.5
beginning elevation: 6258
elevation gain: 337
difficulty: moderate to difficult
description: we will start by following the trail that goes to the climbing wall on the left (north) side of the campground. At the top of the canyon, we will go down, cross over to the climbing wall
on the opposite side of the canyon. This trail brings us down to a wash which we will follow to the parking lot where we will do the second climbing wall. Last year we did this trail
counterclockwise, but this year we will do it clockwise.
December 22, 2021 Fire Canyon/ Unconformity at Oil Well Flats
Directions to trailhead: Go north on 19th Street and turn right on Central, Turn left on Fields, Merge unto Red Canyon
Road. Turn left at the oil well flats sign. This road is 5940, turn left on 5941 to 5941a to parking lot.
Length of hike: 4 miles
beginning altitude: 6096
elevation gain: 547
difficultry: easy to moderate
description: fire canyon trail goes up a canyon to an old two track road that joins unconformity trail. Views of the sangre de cristo range make this hike worth the effort. As the trail winds down
hoodoos appear.
December 29, 2021 Sand Gulch Road Mine
Directions to trailhead: route 50 west to state highway 9, right (north) and continue for 6.9 miles to sand gulch road on left or west side of road.
Drive through gate and park on side of dirt road.
Length of hike: approximately 4 miles
elevation gain: 450 feet
difficulty: easy to moderate (some bush whacking)
description: take the road west to the second ravine. Turn south and continue up the ravine to the end of the ravine which will end at the top of cottonwood ridge. There is an old abandoned mine and
great views from this ridge. We will continue down from the ridge into cottonwood ridge trail,left,( east) at the bottom. The old two track road will lead east back to highway 9 and then north back
to the vehicles.
2020 Hikes
January 2020
January 1, 2020 Ecology Park - Grape Creek Trail
Hike Description:From Cañon City take 1stStreet south to Temple Canyon Road to Trailhead.
Starting Elevation:5631 ft.
Elevation Change:178 ft.
Distance:3.24 miles in and out
Follow the main trail west at the bottom of the hill, proceed through a fence opening and continue in a westerly direction past the south canyon trails.At the bottom follow the dry wash to Grape Creek.Return by reversing the route.
January 8, 2020 Brush Hollow
Hike Leader:Kevin Borre
Hike Description:From Cañon City go east on Hwy 50, turn left on Hwy 67 (Phantom Canyon Road), proceed 10.7 miles to CR 123.Turn east.Proceedto F42 (Brush Hollow Nature Preserve) and follow north to Dam Area parking.
Starting Elevation:5,341 ft.
Elevation Change:138 ft.
Distance:2.58 mile loop
The trail starts by crossing the Dam, follow the trail to the left keeping the reservoir on your left. At about the ¾ mile mark you will encounter a steep downward hillside.The trail is not very clear.Use caution and pick your way down the hillside.You will end up at a boat ramp and parking area.At this point follow the road north, keeping the reservoir on your left, which will eventually bring you back to the parking area.
January 15, 2020 Narrows of Red Canyon
Hike Leader:Kevin Borre
Hike Description:From Cañon City take Field Ave. north until it intersects with Red Canyon Road.Continue north on Red Canyon Road 7 miles to the entrance of Red Canyon Park.Turn left into the park and drive 0.9 tenths of a mile to a dry creek crossing with a pit toilet and parking area.
Starting Elevation:6,187 ft.
Elevation Change:367 ft.
Distance:3.25 miles
From the parking area follow the dry creek bed west. Stay on the main stream bed. The stream follows a red rock canyon and at times passes through rock cuts no more than 4ft. wide. Continue following the main stream bed for about 1.25 miles where it intersects with a dirt road.Follow the dirt road back to the trailhead.
January 22, 2020 Pegmatite Quarry
Hike Leader:Kevin Borre
Hike Description:New Trail in Royal Gorge Area
Starting Elevation:
Elevation Change:
Distance:Drive to Royal Gorge.The trailhead is the first one found on the right.
January 29, 2020 Oil Well Flats Island in the Sky
Hike Leader:Kevin Borre
Hike Description:
Starting Elevation:
Elevation Change:
Distance:North of Cañon City off of Red Canyon Road:
February 2020
February 5 Dirty Gulch
Hike Leader:Bob Horn
Distance:Approximately 4 miles
Gain:Approximately 300 feet
Easy to Moderate
Directions to Trailhead:Drive west of Canon City on US 50 to Cotopaxi.Turn right on Rte. 12 to mile marker “6”.Trailhead is on left, parking on right in field.
Great view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
February 12 Five Points Gulch (East Fork)
Hike Leader:Bob Horn
Distance:Approximately 4 miles
Gain:Approximately 390 feet
Easy to Moderate
Directions to Trailhead:Drive west of Canon City on US 50 for about 20 miles.The entrance to Five-Point trail is about 250 feet before highway marker 257.Continue driving past the mile marker for approximately ½ mile around wide curve.Carefully make a U-turn using the wide area on right side of the highway.Drive back to mile marker 256 and continue for about 520 feet, cross bridge.Park on the shoulder of US 50 just beyond the opening to 5-Point Gulch.Go up far enough to be on level ground.
February 19 Badger Creek (SOUTH)
Hike Leader:Ron MacFarlane
Distance:Approximately 3 ½ miles
Gain:Approximately 250 feet
Rated:Moderate
Directions to Trailhead:Route 50 West for approximately 40 miles to Vallie Bridge Road just East of Howard.Take Route 45, North side of river west approximately 6 miles to parking area.
Hike Description:there will be some large boulders to climb and a few creek crossings depending on weather conditions and possible ice.
February 26 B.N.S.F. Railroad Tunnel at Swissvale
Hike Leader:Ron MacFarlane
Distance:Approximately 3 miles
Gain:Approximately 150 feet
Easy
Directions to Trailhead:Route 50 West to Wellsville approximately 48 miles.Turn off of route 50 to Route 45 East.Approximately 4 miles to parking area North side of Arkansas River.
Hike Description:We will walk the river road and the railroad track to the tunnel and then East to Badger Creek Bridge.Then we will walk back to the vehicles on the river road.This area is known as Bighorn Sheep Canyon”.
March 2020
Leaders: Chris Talbot and George Williams – all hikes
March 4: South Rim Trail
2 miles round trip
300 ft. elevation gain
We’ll park on CR 3a just before the gate to the south entrance to the Royal Gorge.The route goes North across rolling hills to a viewpoint on the south rim of the Royal Gorge.It’s a tough hike due to the poor footing (grassy tufts, rocks, wood chunks and cacti).
Follow the hike leaders west on Hwy 50 to Copper Gulch Road.Take Copper Gulch Road to CR 3a (2.5 miles).Go left onto 3a for 2.3 miles.Park near the gate.18 mile drive.
March 11:Moove Over Trail
We’ll follow a steep rocky trail up from Garden Park Road to the Oil Well Flats trail system where we’ll take the ‘Moove Over’ trail down to the cars.I rate this as moderate because of the climb up.It is steep and rocky.
Follow the hike leader to the Garden Park Road parking area.Plenty of parking on the left and right.10 minute drive.7 miles.
March 18:The ‘Promitory’ on Fremont Peak
3.5 miles round trip
600 ft. elevation gain.
We’ll hike the road or use various trails to get to Fremont Peak.There is a little used trail going east along the face leading to the Promitory.This is the trailhead for the proposed link to Tunnel Drive.This is a moderate hike.
Follow the hike leader to the east campground of the Royal Gorge.Plenty of parking available.20 minute drive.14 miles.
March 25:The Great Escape to Section 13 Parking
3.75 miles.700 ft., mostly descending.
We’ll do a car shuttle up to the head of the Great Escape.
This is an easy trail with views of Grape Creek and a slot canyon with dinosaur tracks.
Follow the hike leader to Temple Canyon Road (CR 3a) section 13 parking.
15 minute drive.
November 2020 Hikes
November 4, The Gallery at Sand Gulch
Directions to Trailhead: Drive north on Red Canyon Road approx. 13 miles to the exit prior to the Banks exit. This is just before Shelf Road begins. Trail is easy to moderate. Part of this hike will be new and part will be familiar as we have done it before
Length of hike: 4 miles???
Beginning Elevation: Unknown
Elevation Gain: Unknown
November 11, Warmer Gulch Trail Guffey
Directions to trailhead: Take US 50 west from Canon City to State Highway 9. Drivenorth on CO9 for 18.7 miles. Large dirt parking lot is inside a gate
that must be closedafter entering. The unmarked trailhead is located at a green gate in the northwestcorner of the parking area. Gate must be closed.
Length of Hike: 3.9 miles one way
Beginning Elevation: 8272 feet
Elevation Gain: 432 feet
Difficulty: Moderate.
November 18 Unconformity/Fire Canyon at Oil Well
Flats
Directions to trailhead:Go 19th Street and turn right on Central, Turn left on Fields, Merge unto Red Canyon
Road. Turn left at the Oil Well Flats sign. This road is 5940, turn left on 5941 to 5941Ato parking lot.
I don’t have details on the length of this hike or the elevation gain. It is a moderate hike.
November 25 Five Points Gulch
Drive West on Cañon City on US 50 for about 20 miles. The entrance to 5-Pont Trail is about 520 feet before highway maker 257. Continue drivingpast the mile marker for aprox. ½ mile
around the ongoing widecurve. Then carefully make a U-turn using the wide area on the east sideof the highway. Be careful because highway traffic can be heavy! Driveback to mile marker 256 and
continue for about 520 feet to the secondopening in the canyon on the shoulder of US 50 just beyond the opening to5-Points Gulch. Then walk back to the pening and down into the gulch forabout 200
feet where you will reach a wire gate. The trailhead is on theother side of the gate. Be sure to close the gate.Travel Distance 29 miles one-wayTrail Data 3.4 miles RT
Beginning Elev. 6075 ft.
Elev. Gain 390 ft.
2019 Hikes
January Hikes are as follows:
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January 2 Aiken Trail; 3-4 Miles easy forest trail, very little gain. From Penrose go north on highway 115, about 18 miles, to Turkey Creek. Turn left (west) 0.2 miles to parking lot.
-
January 9 Hogback Hike – Meeting Day. Short Hike will start in parking lot off of Washington.
-
January 16 Red Canyon Park - about 3.5 miles, easy hike. Park at bathrooms.
-
January 23 Phantom Canyon road to bridge. Park along road. about 3 mile hike, some elevation gain. We will see remains of two cabins and remains of large smelting furnace.
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January 30 Oil Well Flats - Island in the sky – hiking distance is 4.5 miles. moderate.
Wednesday February Hikes
February 6
HIKE LEADER: Ron MacFarlane
HIKE NAME: Badger Creek (New Hike)
DISTANCE: Approximately 3½ miles
GAIN: Approximately 250 feet
Easy to moderate
Route 50 West to Vallie Bridge Road just east of Howard. Take Route 45, North side of river West approximately 8 miles to parking area.
HIKE DESCRIPTION: There will be some large boulders to climb and a few creek crossings depending on weather conditions and possible ice.
February 13 MEETING DAY AND RAYNOLDS ROAD CLEANUP
Meet at the Park and Recreation district parking lot on Raynolds Avenue.
February 20
HIKE LEADER: Ron MacFarlane
HIKE NAME: Fernleaf Gulch (New Hike)
DISTANCE: Approximately 4 miles
GAIN: Approximately 450 feet
Route 50 West to Texas Creek North over river to Trail #6026. West to Trail #6020—Approximately one mile to parking lot.
The first half of the hike will be on ATV trails and the last half will be on game trails and a creek bed.
February 27
HIKE LEADER: Ron MacFarlane
HIKE NAME: Brush Hollow Reservoir
DISTANCE: Approximately 3 ½ miles
GAIN: Approximately 200 feet
Route 50 East to route 67 North on 67 (Phantom Canyon Road) to Route 123 (3rd Street)
East approximately 4 miles to entrance road. Watch for sign on North side of Route 123. Go north to parking area located at the dam.
Easy hike around reservoir. At the North end we will take an ATV trail and game trail into wetland area. (Not wet now) and walk the shoreline back to the parking area.
Road (CR 132.Turn left on CR 123 and drive 8.1 miles to the parking area and trailhead on right.
MARCH HIKES coming up - Mary McCullough, Chris Mitchell and Helene Engle
March 6th Cottonwood Ridge.
Elevation gain: 400'
Distance: just under 4 miles
Route type: out & back
Drive to trailhead: 30 minutes
Take Hwy 50 to Hwy 9. Go 6.2 miles. There will be a long, unlocked gate with a small satellite dish on your left (west). Someone needs to be sure the gate is closed after we enter and exit!
The road may be snowy - if can't go too far up the road, park on side of road where you can. The hike will be longer and more uphill in this case. Further up the road it widens for parking on the right side of the road.
Some of this is a trail, some not. We will hug the right side of the hill. When coming to dirt road to the right - we will turn left to continue down the valley; spot is marked with a green tie on a bush where we turn, there is also green tie on a tree a little further down.
When we come to an open area with large rocks to sit on we will take our snack break. We will eventually need to cross the stream. From that spot we will see high on the right the rock berms of the trail. It's tricky getting across the river with reeds growing thickly on the other side - but we had a good spot. Continuing on there will be a small waterfall, it gets swampy, and it's all bushwhacking - we will turn back at this point
March 13 Anglers Trail (no sign).
Elevation gain: 115'
Distance: just under 2 miles
Route type: out & back
Drive to trailhead: 15 minutes
Take Hwy 50 to Parkdale. Turn on County Road 3. Look for the first opportunity to turn into a parking area on the left side - it's a drive through and almost immediately after the rafting place. Path leads to the Arkansas River.
After hike: Meeting will be at Two Sisters in Florence again.
March 20 Made in the Shade - Royal Gorge area
Elevation gain: estimate 627'
Distance: 3 miles
Route type: loop
Drive to trailhead: 20 minutes
Take Hwy 50 to County Road 3A 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 - no sign, but there is a pink plastic tie on a bush.
About halfway and at the highest point there is an outcrop of beautiful pure white quartz. The second part of the hide might be quite snowy - so as an option some members may backtrack from this spot to stay on the dry trail.
March 27th Schepps Ridge, via 4 short connecting trails.
Elevation gain: minimal
Distance: under 3 miles
Route type: loop
Drive to trailhead: 15 minutes
Start at Eagle Wing Trailhead parking lot. 1st Street South to Riverside Drive. West on Riverside Drive to Colburn Lane. From Colburn Lane the sign to Eagle Wing Trailhead is on your right - west.
This hike is in the shape of an 8 because we will cross our own trail. Start on Wagon Trail to Gloria's Grove to Schepp Ridge to Mutton Bustin.
Optional, whomever wants to take a side trip up Sand Hill, they may. It's very steep with loose river rock so take caution. Panoramic view on the top of this hill.
Once on Schepps Ridge there is an unmarked trail to the right - we will stay left which goes downhill. There is another unmarked trail to the right - we will stay left which is almost level.
Schepp Ridge trail will lead us back to Mutton Bustin, which will lead us back to the parking lot. .
This will be the optional snow day hike (abbreviated) if we need to change earlier hikes due to snow or ice. Should that happen, when Gloria's Grove ends, we will retrace our steps and go back on Wagon Trail to the parking lot.
Here are the hikes for you for April.
Hikes for April 2019
4/3/2019
NAME:Banks
DIRECTIONS: Take 19thSt. an turn right on Central,
Turn left on Field, merge onto Red Canyon
Road.Approximately 13 miles is the turn off
for the Banks, just before pavement ends.
Parking in upper lot.
LENGTH 3 miles
DIFFICULTYModerate
4/10/2019
NAME:Mine Trail
DIRECTIONS: Take 9thStreet to traffic circle, makea right Oak Creek on Ash for one block with gain of 391’ then a left onto Oak Creek Grade (CR`143).
Drive south on Oak Creek for 6.2 miles.
Parking for trailhead is on the left side, trailhead on the right.
LENGTH : 2.5
DIFFICULTY: Easy
ALTITDE: Beginning 6352’
4/17/2019
NAME:Cañon Vista,
DIRECTIONS: Highway 50, left on 3A, 3miles to road
Summer Trailto campground.Parking at circle.
To Far Out, to
Le View the Rim
Trail (Royal Gorge)
LENGTH :3.39 miles
DIFFICULTY:Moderate
ALTITDE: 6753'-7052'
4/24/19
NAME:Red Rock Canyon, Open Space, Colorado Springs
DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 115 to Colorado Springs.
Turn left on Cheyenne (Safeway on onecorner and McDonalds on the other).
Turn right on 8thStreet to Hwy 24 West.In
about 3 miles turn left on Ridge Road.
Park in the first parking lot past the traffic circle.
Distance from Cañon City: 49 miles.
Start on Mesa Trail, then turn left on Roundup
Trail, then left on Quarry Pass Cutoff.
Here we can stop for snack and/or rest.
Then back Red Rock Canyon Path past pond and pavilion.
Turn left to Parking lot to return to where we started.
LENGTH: 3.43 miles
DIFFICULTY: Easy
ALTITDE: Beginning 6075’ with gain 482'
May 2019 Hikes
Remember that May will be the change of time to 8:00 A. M.
May Hikes
5/1/2019 Jerry Johnson/Pam BellamyTable Mountain Trail North – Upper Beaver Creek
Direction to Trailhead:Drive east from Cañon City on State Highway 50 to traffic light for Four Mile Lane (N/Mackenzie Blvd. (N). Turn left (N) onto Four Mile Lane then take the first (immediate) right (east) onto CR123. Continue East on CR123 for 12.2 2miles to the intersection with CR132 (Beaver Creek Road). Turn left (north) onto CR132 and drive 8.1 miles to the parking area. About 17.15 miles one-way from Cañon City.
Length of Hike:About 5 miles (round trip)
Beginning Elevation: 6131’
Elevation Change:473 ft.
Difficulty:Easy to moderate depending on weather conditions.Rel.D.=3.4
Description:The combined Trail Gulch and Table Mountain trailhead heads northeast following a dirt track. After about 0.18 miles from the trailhead, the trails split with the Trail Gulch heading north (left). The Table Mountain Trail continues northeast along the northern side of Table Mountain. It has wonderful views of Gulch Trails to the north and of the surrounding mountains. A note of caution – the first part of the trail is steep and rocky, and when the trail is wet this section can be muddy.
5/8/2019 Jerry Johnson/Pam BellamyLookout Mountain Trail (From Gulch Road)
Direction to Trailhead:Drive West on Hwy 50 to Copper Gulch Road. Turn right on Copper Gulch Road and follow it for about 13 miles to Gulch Road (CR 23). Continue for about 3.25 miles to dirt road on right (north) where you will see a trail/road sign (6162). Turn right and follow the dirt road about 175 ft. to area wide enough to park. There is not trailhead marker. Recommend 4-wheel vehicles. About 39 miles one-way.
Length of Hike:About 4 miles (round trip to peak)
Beginning Elevation:7,387 feet
Elevation Change:About 1,000
Difficulty:Moderate Relative Dif.=6.2
Description:This hike starts at the parking area. We will hike up this dirt road about two-thirds of the way then continue along a narrow trail to the summit. From there we can walk around the front of the large outcropping that is the summit of Lookout Mountain.
This is a pretty trail with great views of the Sangre and Wet Mountains. It also has lots of interesting rock outcroppings and also interesting rocks.
5/15/2019 Jerry Johnson/Pam Bellamy Squirrel Creek Trail
Direction to Trailhead:From Cañon City go 5.8 miles east on Royal Gorge Blvd. (US HWY 50). Turn right (south) on Colorado (CO) 67 (Phantom Canyon Road). Continue on Co 67 for 11.4 miles through Florence to Wetmore. Turn right on CO 96 and continue for 11.1 miles to CO 165 (Greenhorn Highway). Continue south on CO165 for 7 miles just past Bishop’s Castle. Turn left onto FSR 382 (at the trail sign) and travel 1.24 miles on the dirt road to the Davenport Picnic area. One-way distance is about 48 miles from Cañon City.
Length of Hike:About 5 miles (round trip)
Beginning Elevation: 8461 feet
Elevation Change: 930 feet
Difficulty:Easy, Relative Dif.=6.1
Description:This trail has a fascinating history. In 1919, the US Forest Service selected the Squirrel Creek area as a major recreational site. Through the vision of landscape architect Frank Waugh and the master plan of landscape architect Arthur Carhart a road from Beulah was constructed along Squirrel Creek. Also constructed was an Adirondack campground and picnic shelter and from 1923-24 the two story Squirrel Creek Lodge. Unfortunately a major flood destroyed the road, campground and lodge in 1947. Remnants of three structures including the lodge foundation and bridge supports can still be seen.
The Squirrel Creek trail loses elevation as it heads in a southeastern/eastern direction along Squirrel Creek, following ravines, crossing a rockslide area and over ridges. After about 1.75 miles from the trailhead and 10 steam crossings, the trail reaches the foundation of the old Squirrel Creek Lodge. We will continue down the trail for another 0.7 miles or so before heading back up the trail past Davenport Campground and to the parking area. The trail continues for another 1.3 miles to the intersection of Dome Rock Trail, and after another ¾ mile to the replacement Adirondack-style pavilion and picnic area. Unfortunately, this lower section of the trail and the camping/picnicking facility are infrequently used because of the distance from the Davenport trailhead. When this facility was constructed you could hike up a relatively short distance to it from the Beulah side of the creek. The current owners of the land just below the southern end of the trail will not allow hiker to cross their property.
5/22/2019 Jerry Johnson/Pam Bellamy
Little Rainbow – Methodist Mountain – Salida
Direction to Trailhead:Take US HWY 50 West to Salida. Turn left (South) on CR107 (Divide Dr). CR 107 is located at the first traffic light West of McDonalds. Continue South on CR107 for about 0.75 miles, and then continue south on Cr 108 for approximately
1.3 miles to the Little Rainbow Trail. The trail is accessed from both sides of the road. For the hike, take the trail from the Eastern side of CR 108. About 33 miles one-way from Cañon City.
Length of Hike:Approximately 5 miles (round trip)
Beginning Elevation:7643’
Elevation Change:About 110’
Difficulty:Easy , Relative. Dif= 0.8
Description: This is an easy hike with little elevation gain. The trail takes you along the Eastern side of Little Rainbow Trail and the first section of the Race Track Trail. It is located south of Salida with great views of the city located below. It also has excellent views of Methodist Mountain located to the South. There also are interesting hoodoos along a section of the Race Track Trail.
5/29/2019 Jerry Johnson/Pam Bellamy
Marion Lake from County Road 396
Direction to Trailhead:From Florence, take Colorado 67 Southwest to Colorado 96. Take a right (West) on Colorado 96 and continue to the junction with Colorado 165. Take Colorado 165 South to Ophir Creek Road (County360). County 360 is just North of Bishop’s Castle. Turn onto County 360 and follow this gravel road for 12.42 miles as it takes you over cattle guards and through gates. After about 8.16 miles and a sharp turn to the Southeast the road becomes County Road396. Continue on CR 396 and after you pass mile marker 12, look for a logging road on your left.(It is easy to miss).It splits with the left branch dropping down steeply. Take the right branch as it takes you more gradually down to a large grassy expanse with a stream flowing down the center (swale) that runs southwest to Northwest. There is room to park just after you clear the trees. About 52 miles one-way from Cañon City.
Length of Hike:About 4.8 miles (round trip)
Beginning Elevation:10,978’
Elevation Change:183’
Difficulty:Easy, Relative Dif.=1.4
Description:This trail takes you northeast down a marshy area (swale) comprised of clumped grasses and thickets of willows along the bank of the stream. After about 0.7 miles, the swale widens and turns more easterly then turning southeasterly as it continues down to Marion Lake and dam. We will cross the lake along the dam then continue east in the swale to the St. Charles Trail. Located a short distance up the St. Charles is a large rock formation that makes an excellent location fro a lunch break.
A Note of Caution: Depending on the weather the trail may be wet throughout the swale.
June hike will be posted soon --ASAP
July/2/2019Foose Creek Trail
Direction to trailhead: From Salidacontinue West on Hwy 50 past Ponca Springs.Turn south on CO Road 225 about 2.5 miles to the trailhead. High clearance vehicles are recommended.
Hiking Distance:Optional 4 to 8 miles Round Trip (In and Out)Beginning elevation: 9560 feetElevation change: 278 feet Difficulty: Easy
Description: Trail follows a creek part way. Then it passes a pond where moose have been sighted. Many wildflowers and wooded almost all the way. Bridges at the water crossings.
July/10/2019Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Direction to trailhead:Take Hwy 50 to CO 9 for 8.6 miles, turn right on High Park Rd. In 18 miles turn right onto County Rd 11. In 4.1 miles turn left unto Teller County Rd 1. In 6.7 miles Turn left. Total miles 41.Note the fee is $7.00 per person if you do not have your National Parks Card.
Hiking Distance:5. 8 or 8 miles LoopBeginning elevation: Approx. 8700Elevation change: 150 Difficulty: Easy
Description: Beginning at the Visitor Center we will head to the Stump Shelter where we will pick up the Ponderosa Loop. We will take the Sawmill Trail to the Left, then a Left at the Hans Loop. We will pass the Ponderosa Loop turnoff and continue on to the Boulder Creek Trail. When we reach the Hornbek Wildlife Loop, those who would like to do this loop and make it an 8 mile hike can do so. The other will continue on to the Pondersa Loop past the Stump Shelter Amphitheater making a 5.8 hike.
The hike features petrified stumps and fossils.
7/17/2019Holbert Cabin Trail
Direction to trailhead: Travel east on highway 50 to Phantom Canyon Road then turn north and continue for about 13.4 miles until you come to an rusty orange-red colored, steel, bridge curving around to the left (west). The parking area is on the right side of the Phantom Canyon Road just before you reach the bridge. The unmarked, gated trail head is located just north of the parking area to your right. Driving distance is about 19.4 miles one way.
Length of hike: 3.75 miles round trip (In and Out) Beginning elevation: 7141 feetElevation change: 319 feetDifficulty: Easy
Description: At the trail head, go through the gate, closing it after you pass through. The trail parallels the east fork of Eight Mile Creek for about 0.94 miles. The creek then divides with the East Fork turning to the left (west). Holbert Cabin is located on the west side of the east fork just after the stream divides. The trail follows the other branch as it meanders to the right (east). The trail slowly gains in elevation and crosses the stream a few times as it passes through stands of white firs and scattered Fraser firs and ponderosa pines. Willows and cottonwood trees are scattered along the stream bank. Rocky cliffs are visible at times through the trees. Near the end of the trail you pass by a second cabin nestled in the trees so that it is easily overlooked. Just beyond the cabin is a second gate taking you onto BLM property. Again, shut the gate after passing through.
7/24/2019 Adobe Peak (new)
Direction to trailhead:From Wetmore take Hwy 96 South to Bear Basin Ranch (Road 271). In 5.3 miles turn right onto FR road 274. Continue for 2.2 miles. Trailhead is on the right side of the road.
Length of Hike:A couple of options, 4 or 5 miles round trip Loop.Beginning elevation: 8840 feetElevation change: 703 feetDifficulty: Easy to Moderate
Description: Single file trail through aspens and pines along a small creek. Connects to a ATV road on top. Optional loop on the road and back down, or other direction on road down to single track trail.
7/31/2019Angel of the Shavano
Direction to trailhead: FromPoncha Springs turn right on Hwy 285 and then left again proceeding west on Hwy 50 to Maysville for 6 miles. Turn right on Chaffee County Road 240 and proceed 4 miles to Angel of Shavano campground sign. Trailhead is off right side.
Length of Hike:4.6 miles round trip (In and Out).Beginning elevation: 9200 feetElevation change: 70 feetDifficulty: Easy to Moderate
Description: This hike is moderate for 0.8 miles with a vertical climb of 450 feet and the trail is rocky in places. Then trail enters a cool forest glade and on to beautiful aspen groves.The trail here and beyond is well developed, easy and goes up and down gently. A good lunch/turn around is where the Blank Cabin Trail intersects in a meadow that makes the one-way distance 2.3 miles.Since this is a part of the Colorado trail, the hikers can go further if the group decides.
August Hikes –
Tom Hart Hike Leader
August 7, 2019 – Squirrel
Creek
Length of Hike: About 5
miles (round trip)
Beginning Elevation 8461
Elevation Change: 930 feet
Direction to Trailhead:East 5.98 miles from Cañon City on Hwy #50. Turn right (south) on Co #67, and follow #67 through Florence to
Wetmore (11.4 miles). Turn right (West) on Co #96 and follow #96 for 11.1 miles to co #165 (Greenhorn Highway). Turn left (South) onto #165 and follow #165 7 miles south, just past Bishop Castle.
Turn left onto FSR 382 (at the trail sign) and travel 1.24 miles on the dirt road to the Davenport Picnic area. One-way distance about 48 miles.
Description:The Squirrel Creek trail loses elevation as it heads in a southeastern direction along Squirrel Creek, following ravines, crossing a rockslide area and over ridges. After about 1.75 miles
from the trail head and 10 stream crossings, the trail reaches the foundation of the old Squirrel Creek Lodge. We will continue down the trail for another 0.7 miles or so before heading back up the
trail past Davenport Campground and the parking area. The trail continues for another 1.3 miles to the intersection of Dome Rock Trail and after another 3/4 miles to the replacement Adirondack-style
pavilion an dpicnic area. This lower section of the trail and the camping/ picnicking facility are infrequently used because of the distance from the Davenport
Trailhead.
August 14, 2019 – Duckett
Creek
Length of Hike: 5.5 miles
Beginning Elevation: 8708
Elevation Change: 550 feet
Direction to Trailhead:Take US 50 west for 26.9 miles to Texas Creek. Turn south on Colorado #69, 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 this 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. Total one-way distance is 36.3 miles
from Cañon
City.
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 very large burn area, gradually ascending up the side of a ridge reaching its highest elevation - 8,928 feet, in about
0.6 miles. From there the trail gradually descends to the end of the trail with a short climb over a smaller ridge near the bottom of the trail about 1.8 miles from the trail head. 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 Wild flowers abound during
the late spring and summer.
October 2, 2019
Royal Gorge – Made in the Shade / One Track Mind
4.3 miles
Directions:
Drive west of Cañon 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. It is small, and you are asked to park head-in
on the north side of the lot. The Made in the Shade Trailhead is there, and will lead to One Track Mind.
Description:
The newest addition to the Royal Gorge Park Trails is partially complete - but enough is there to start the packing in process. The "One Track Mind" trail departs from Made in the Shade and begins
the journey to Point Alta Vista (also currently under construction). The trail skirts hillsides in the Gorge and borders on Royal Gorge Ranch and Resort Property which is under construction. This
trail will ultimately connect to Point Alta Vista.
October 9
Temple Canyon Trail
Beginning elevation: 6095 feet
Change in Elevation: 476 feet
Directions:
Drive south from US 50 (Royal Gorge Boulevard) on 1st Street for approximately 5 miles to Temple Canyon road. Turn onto Temple Canyon Road which changes from paved to gravel after 1.5 miles. At 4.0 miles you will see a Temple Canyon Park sign. Continue driving for another mile until you see a dirt road on your right (north). A brown sign located on the left side of the road reads, “Temple Ridge Picnicking and Camping Area”. This road takes you to the Temple Canyon trail head. After ¼ mile the entrance road splits, with a picnic pavilion, and camping and parking areas on the right. The two roads merge as the road continues past this picnic site. Continue driving down the road until it dead ends at a dirt parking area with another covered pavilion, and camping area. The trail head is located to your left (south) on the side opposite from Temple Canyon. About 8.5 miles one way from Cañon City.
Description:
The trail descends gradually at first as it winds around the western side of the hogback
mesa, then the rate of descent increases rapidly as the trail descends along a number of switch backs around the west and north side of the hogback into the valley below. The views are magnificent,
as you round the end of the hillside and see the rugged walls of Temple Canyon and Grape Creek below. As you hike down the trail you will pass by Rocky Mountain junipers, pinion pines, mountain
mahogany bushes with their plumose flower appendages and skunk sumac, large, three-leafed non-poisonous bushes related to poison ivy. At the bottom you pass small groves of aspen and willows as you
walk along the bank of Grape Creek. The trail up to the Temple is easy to see but rough with large rocks that have to be climbed around or over. As you reach the upper end of the ravine the trail
turns to the east entering a short side ravine that dead ends at a rock wall identified by a long, thin, green, vertical, marking. The trail to the temple continues to the left of the marking with a
climb of about 10 feet. The trail then continues through a narrow canyon to the Temple, a large alcove cut into the side of the granite cliff by erosion
.
Temple Canyon was fought over by the Ute and Apache Indian tribes before it was discovered by European settlers in the late 1800’s. Evidence still exists of old wagon train and stage coach tracks,
Indian trails, and an old railroad right of way intended to connect Cañon City with the silver mines in the Wet Mountains..
October 16
Marion Mine Trail
Length of hike: About 4. miles (round trip)
Beginning elevation: 8852 feet
Elevation Gain: 840
Directions:
Drive east from Cañon City 5.8 miles US 50. Turn right (south) on Colorado # 67 Continue on
CO 67 for 11.4 miles through Florence to Wetmore. Turn right on CO 96 and continue for 11.1 miles to CO 165 (Greenhorn Highway). Drive south on CO 165 for 18.32 miles, past Lake Isabel, then turn
right (west) at the Lake Isabel Recreational Area entrance. Shortly after you turn onto Park Road 371 you will reach a guard shack. There will be a daily U.S. Forest Service fee unless you have a
pass or National Park Service Golden Age Pass. Drive west about 1.9 miles to the Cisneros 1314 trail head.
.
Description:
This is very nice Wet Mountain hiking trail, which should be hiked between June and October because of the snow accumulation. The trail follows the Cisneros Trail (Trail 1314) for the first mile. For the first approximately half mile, it goes in a westerly direction along the north side of the St. Charles River ravine. The ascent along this section is moderate. It then turns sharply to the south continuing along the rim of the St. Charles River ravine. The trail then makes a bend to the northwest, leaving the ravine and continuing generally in a northwest direction to the intersection with the St. Charles Trail (Trail 1326). The Cisneros Trail continues to the west. The St. Charles Trail heads northwest. Stay on the Cisneros Trail. After another 0.5 miles the trail again splits. The Cisneros trail continues southwest. A smaller sign indicates the Marion cabin and mine trail heads northwest. Take the Marion trail. Follow it for 0.45 miles to the cabin, and another 0.21 miles to the mine. The trail takes you through a forest of tall white fir along the lower elevations that gradually change to Colorado blue spruce and stately aspens along the higher elevations. The picturesque St. Charles River parallels the trail on the lower part of the trail and the Amethyst Creek along the Marion Trail. There are great views of the mountains and interesting outcroppings to the east.
October 23
Vindicator Loop
Directions:
Take Highway 50 West to highway 9 turning right. Follow Highway 9 to County Road 11 and turn right at County Road 1 to Cripple Creek. In Cripple Creek continue on to Carr Avenue turning right at
First Street. Then take the first left onto East Bennett Avenue finally turning right on state Highway 67. Continue on Highway 67 to Victor. In Victor, #67 is Diamond Ave. Follow Diamond Ave east,
and then it turns north – becomes #81. Follow #81 and Vindicator Loop will be on your left [west].
Description:
Vindicator Loop Trail is one of the best interpretive trails in the area. Maintained trails weave through the remains of the gold mines of the late 1800's - early 1900's. Old Miners homes & lots
of head frames are scattered through the area. A lot of old structures still remain, including explosives magazines. Informational signs give a short course on the story of active mining district. If
you are interested in Colorado’s gold mining history, this 2.2 mile trail is for you. An addition to the loop will put the length of the hike over three miles. Some hikers may want to return to
Cripple Creek for lunch or ice cream.
October 30
Badger Creek Trail
Initial Elevation: 8,784 feet
Elevation Change: 314 feet
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Directions:
Take US 50 west from Cañon City to State Highway CO 9. Drive north on CO 9 for about 10.8 miles to the intersection with Tallahassee Road. Turn left (west) and continue west on Tallahassee Road for about 25.15 miles to the unnamed entry road to the Badger Creek Trail. This unmarked dirt road is easy to miss! About 44.3 miles one way from Cañon City.
Description:
This is a very pretty trail that takes you along Badger Creek as it slowly descends down a very pretty ravine, with interesting rock outcroppings (Figurer 3) and spectacular cliffs. There are several small waterfalls and ponds as well as small willow-covered marshy areas as you hike down the trail, when the stream is full of water. This is an excellent location to see big horn sheep who come down to the stream for water.
There are some rocky ridges projecting out from the base of the mountain to climb up and over, as well as some stream crossings. The trail begins at the southwestern side of the parking area, and goes up and over two small ridges that project out from the western side of the mountain to the edge of the stream. The trail reaches its highest elevation (8,808 feet) at the top of the second ridge. From there the trail drops down the side of the ridge, reaching the stream then makes a broad curve around a large ridge that projects down to the stream from the eastern side of the ravine. It continues generally to the south, then after about 1,17 miles turns to the southeast. Around another ridge, the trail reaches a large rock formation projecting from the east side of the ravine down into the stream. There is a waterfall flowing into a picturesque pond.
NOVEMBER HIKES led by Kevin Borre:
11/6/2019 - Beaver Creek Riparian Area * It would be a good idea to pack water shoes. Some people have tied trash bags on their feet.
Length of hike: 4.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200’
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Directions: Hwy 50 East left on Hwy . Phantom Canyon Rd. 1.7 miles to CR 123. Turn right East 1/4 mile to CR 132. Upper Beaver Creek Rd. Turn left 8.1 miles Trailhead on right.
Description: Hike follows old roadway that parallels Beaver Creek. Hike requires crossing Beaver Creek at the beginning by crossing an old fallen tree that may or may not still be there. Old
buildings and great valley to see.
Tuesday, 11/12/2019 - Moonlight Hike - Anglers Trail.
Length of hike: 2 miles in and out.
Meeting time and place: Sunset will be at 4:51 PM. We will meet at the Village Inn at 4:15 PM.
Directions: From Cañon City, go west on Hwy 50 11.4 miles to Copper Gulch Road( the first road on left past the Arkansas River). Turn left drive 2 tenths of a mile to the trailhead parking found on
the left.
Trail begins at the south end of the parking area. It was developed with the assistance of Anglers to provide easy access to the Arkansas River for fishing.
11/13/2019 - Newlin Creek (Florence)
Length of hike: 5.4 miles in and out.
Elevation Gain: 1,450'
Directions: From Village Inn proceed to Florence on Hwy 115, turn south on Hwy 67 and proceed south for 4.3 miles to County Road 15. Turn west and follow the road past Florence Mountain View park to
the trailhead apx 3-4 miles.
Description: Newlin Creek is small. There are about 23 creek crossings. The hike ends at a saw mill built by Nathaniel Herrick in the late 1800’s. The stream boiler and flywheel are still at the
site. The mill was abandoned.
11/20/2019 - Shaws Arch
Length of hike: 7 + miles round trip
Directions: West on Hwy 50 turn right onto CR69. Go north about 6.2 miles to Trailhead on right. From the northwest corner of the parking lot take trail 5380A (unmarked) about 1 mile to road 5830
(the road that goes through Red Cañon Park). Proceed east about 1.13 miles to a large grassy meadow. Follow the road to the south of the meadow to the base of the hill where the trail to the Arch
begins. This route avoids driving on the very rough road.
December 25–Merry Christmas
Optional-- Tunnel Drive
2018 Hikes
Jan. 3 Red Canyon- CR9
Leader: ?
Length of hike: About 2.9 miles
Beginning Elevation: 6240 feet.
Elevation Gain: About 771 feet
Difficulty: Easy, but a short, steep climb is required Rel Diff. =4.5
Jan. 10, Dakota Trail/Meeting Day
Leader: Chris Talbot
Length of hike: About 2.17 miles
Elevation at trailhead: 5585 feet
Elevation gain: 419
Difficulty: Rel. Diff.=2.8Rated easy but requires walking up a fairly steep and in some places slippery initial slope. It also requires walking along the narrow spine of the hogback either at the top of the hogback or at a short distance below the top.
Jan. 17 Five Points Gulch
Leader: Chris Talbot
Length: About 4 miles (round trip)
Elevation gain: 390 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Jan. 24, Island in the Sky
Leader: Chris Talbot
The total distance of the Island in the Island in the Sky Loop is 4.5 miles, and involves an elevation gain of 640 feet.
Difficulty: Easy
Jan. 31, Great Escape South Cañon Trails
Leader: Chris Talbot
Length of hike: 3.7 miles (round trip)
Trailhead elevation 6037 feet
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy , Rel. Diff. = 2.9
Feb 7, South Canyon Trails
Leaders: George & Joy Williams
(Use sec. 13 parking) “Redemption” to Hard Times”
Returning via Dry Gulch
Est. 3+ miles of moderate difficulty Dinosaur footprints in slot canyon
Feb 14, Road Clean Up Day
Feb 21, Royal Gorge Park
(Use small parking area near Pegmatite mine)
“Dark side of the moon” returning via “not yet named” trail.
Feb 28, Royal Gorge Park
(park at east campground)
East campgrounds to 1stantenna via “Cañon Vista” to “Far Out and return
Est. 3 miles of easy hiking Nice views of the Gorge and Cañon City.
March 7, Deer
Haven T5828B
Loop
Directions to Trailhead: Take US 50 west 9.7 miles to Colorado 9. Turn right (north) onto CO 9 and continue for 8.6 miles to County Road 11
(High Park Road). Turn right onto CR11 and continue for about 5.2 miles to CR 69. Turn right onto CR69 and proceed .8 miles to Road 5828 on your right. Follow Road 5828 for 7 mile through a gate to a
large dirt parking area and the trail head. About 25.1 miles one way.
Length of hike: 3.87 miles
Beginning Elevation: 8213 feet
Elevation Gain: 253 feet
Difficulty: Easy
March 14, Hike
to be determined, Club Meeting
March 21, Warmer Gulch Trail Guffey
Directions to trailhead: Take US 50 west from
Cañon City to State Highway 9. Drive north on CO9 for 18.7 miles. Large dirt parking lot is inside a gate that must be closed after entering. The
unmarked trailhead is located at a green gate in the northwest corner of the parking area. Gate must be
closed.
Length of Hike: 3.9 miles one way
Beginning Elevation: 8272 feet
Elevation Gain: 432 feet
Difficulty: Moderate.
March 28, Grape Creek Bridge
Directions to trailhead: First street to Temple Canyon Road (3). Drive 6.3 miles to Bridge. Park in bathroom parking lot before crossing
bridge. Trail begins across the road.
Length of Hike: 4.2 round trip
Elevation gain: 2
April 4, dawson mountain (new)
Directions to trailhead: Route 50 West to 1st Street, South on 1st Street to Tempe Canyon Road and turn right approximately 3.8 miles to trailhead on left. NOTE 100 yards past Hard Times trailhead.
Length of hike: 3+ miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 620 feet
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Description: take the ravine south up to the end which puts you on an old mining road at the foothills of dawson mountain. The copper king mine is located on top of dawson mountain. We will take the road east approximately ¼ miles then take the ridge north back to tempe canyon road and the vehicles. This is very scenic and good views of wet mountains and pikes peak.
April 11, South Cañon Mutton Bustin trail (eagle wing) meeting day:
Direction to trailhead: Starting from the intersection of Route 50(Royal Gorge Boulevard) and south 1st Street: Drive south on 1st Street Approximately 0.46 miles to New York Avenue. Turn right (west) and drive about 0.62 miles to South Cañon Trails parking area on left and up a short incline on the left (south side) of New York Avenue. The well-marked trailhead is located on the southwest corner of the parking area.
Length of hike: 1.37 miles one-way.
Elevation gain: 259 feet
Difficulty: easy
Description: the trails and trailheads are well marked. From the trailhead, the trail goes southwest for about 0.14 miles then intersects the schepp ridge trail. Stay on the mutton bustin trail as it continues southwest. There are several up areas of grasses and shrubs and scattered junipers. As you travel up the trail you will have good views of cañon city and the mountains to the north and rounded hills along the valley. Return on wagon trail to parking lot.
April 18th: Sand Gulch Road (new)
Directions to trailhead: route 50 west to state highway 9, right (north) and continue for 6.9 miles to sand gulch road on left or west side of road. Drive through gate and park on side of dirt road.
Length of hike: approximately 4 miles
Elevation gain: 450 feet
Difficulty: easy to moderate (some bush whacking)
Discription: take the road west to the second ravine. Turn south and continue up the ravine to the end of the ravine which will end at the top of cottonwood ridge. There is an old abandoned mine and great views from this ridge. We will continue down from the ridge into Cottonwood Ridge Trail, left, ( east) at the bottom. The old two track road will lead east back to highway 9 and then north back to the vehicles.
April 25th: hike to be determined later
Leader, John Kearney)
Starting in April, time to change our start times to 8:00 AM. at Village Inn in Cañon City
May 9 Road Cleanup and Meeting Day
May 16 Tender Foot Mtn. Arkansas Hills
Directions, Take US Hwy 50 west to Salida. Turn right (east) on North F Street and drive to the end of the road at the Arkansas River. Cross the bridge and park in the large parking area. To reach the trailhead, walk about .02 miles across the railroad tracks and dirt road. Follow the dirt road up between a cluster of buildings located at the bottom of Tender foot Mountain (The “S” Mountain). You will see the trail running southeast to northeast along the bottom of the mountain. About 58 miles one-way from Cañon City.
May 23
Leader, Init Gain
Drive west on Hwy 50 for about 12.3 miles to CR3 just west of Parkdale Bridge.
Turn left (south) unto CR3. After 2.54 miles you will reach the intersection with CR28 (Copper Gulch Road Continue left (east) on CR3. After another 1.1 miles you will pass the intersection with CR3A, the south entrance to Royal Gorge Park. Continue southwest on CR3 for another 1.1 miles to BLM Road 6100. This road is easy to miss. It is a dirt road on your left (north). It goes through a gate with a chain that locks the gate during inclement weather. The road climbs sharply from CR3 then continues for about 2.7 miles to a Y intersection. Take the road to the left (northeast and follow as it turns southeast and after about 1.1 miles from the Y intersection, it reaches a large opening on the right. Pull into this meadow and park. It is highly recommended only 4-wheel drive high clearance vehicles are driven on this road. It is very rough over several sections and also very slippery when wet.
May 30
Leader, Init Gain
Direction 3.52M 7656 445 Easy
From Cañon City go 5.8 miles east to Royal Gorge Blvd/US Hwy 50. Turn right (south)
On Colorado (CO) 67/Phantom Canyon Road. Continue on CO67 for 11.4 miles through Florence to Wetmore. Turn right on CO 96 and continue for 11.1 miles to CO 165 (Greenhorn Highway). Continue south on CO 165 for 18.32 miles past Bishop’s Castle towards San Isabel. Continue south on CO 165 past San Isabel for 3.83 miles then turn left (east) onto Old San Isabel Road. Follow Old San Isabel Road for 3.83 miles to Forest Service Road (FSR) 320. Turn left (north) on FSR 320 and drive for 0.32 miles to parking area next to the creek and just before or after the bridge. If FSR is muddy it is recommended you park at one of the parking areas located on west side of the road just after you turn off Old San Isabel Road. It is about 0.3 miles from this upper area down to the lower parking areas next to Little St. Charles Creek. About 15.8 miles one way from Cañon City.
(Leader John Kearney)
June hike
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Lon Drennen |
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Sharon Whitney |
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6/6/2018 |
Name |
Directions |
Length |
Difficulty |
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Banks |
Take 19th Street and turn right on Central, Turn left on Fields, Merge unto Red Canyon Road. Approximately 13 miles is the turn off for the Banks, just before the payment ends. Parking lot is at the top of the hill. |
3.5 miles |
Easy |
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6/13/2018 |
Name |
Directions |
Length |
Difficulty |
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Oil Well Flats |
Take 19th Street and turn right on Central, Turn left on Fields, Merge unto Red Canyon Road. Turn left at the Oil Well Flats sign. This road is 5940, turn left on 5941 to 5941A to parking lot. |
4 miles |
Easy |
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6/20/2018 |
Name |
Directions |
Length |
Difficulty |
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Newlin Creek |
Direction to trailhead: From Florence, turn south on State Hwy 67 for 4.3 miles to
County |
6.2 Miles |
Difficult |
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6/27/2018 |
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Directions |
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Alkali Gulch |
Take Hiway 50 west to the Vallie Bridge Recreation Area Turn-off, Road 45. Cross the Arkansas River and follow this gravel road until you pass a cemetary. Small parking lot is just up the road a short distant. |
Approx 3.5 Miles |
Moderate |
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There are some large boulders in three spots at the beginning of the hike which are difficult but the remainder of the hike is easy
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July 4 “Rainbow Trail” - Hayden Creek Road, Coaldale option - Holiday
Length of hike: 5 miles
Beginning Elevation: 7708 Ft.
Elevation Gain: 1476 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
July 11“Dakota Ridge Trail” - Hogbacks – Cañon City
Length of hike: 3.98 miles
Beginning Elevation: 5560 Ft.
Elevation Gain: 440 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
July 18“Venable Falls Trail” - Westcliffe
Length of hike: 5.33 miles
Beginning Elevation: 9041 Ft.
Elevation Gain: 1410 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
July 25“Foose Creek Trail” - Monarch
Length of hike: 4.54 miles
Beginning Elevation: 9560 Ft.
Elevation Gain: 659 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
August 1 Booger Red Trail
Take US 50 west from Cañon City to CSH9.Drive North on
CSH 9 to County Road 11.Drive East 14.7 miles on CR11 to Road 5808 on south side of CR11(there is a large cross on top of a small hill just before you reach Road 5808).You will pass through an open (BLM) green gate after 0.1 mile. Continue past the gate for 0.9 miles where you will encounter another gate. You will have to open this gate. Close gate after passing. Continue for 0.9 miles to a grassy parking area. There you will have to open this gate.
Travel Distance33.9 miles one-way
Trail Data3.65 miles RT
Beginning Elev.7803 ft.
Elev. Gain120 ft.
Rel. Diff.1.2
August 08, Road Cleanup Day
Meet at CC Recreation Center to conduct quarterly cleanup of Raynolds Ave.Followed by monthly meeting at El Alazan at 11 AM10:30 for chatting.
August 15, Five Points Gulch
Drive West on Cañon City on US 50 for about 20 miles. The entrance to 5-Point Trail is about 520 feet before highway maker 257.Continue driving past the mile marker for aprox. ½ mile around the ongoing wide curve. Then carefully make a U-turn using the wide area on the east side of the highway. Be careful because highway traffic can be heavy! Drive back to mile marker 256 and continue for about 520 feet to the second opening in the canyon on the shoulder of US 50 just beyond the opening to 5-Points Gulch. Then walk back to the opening and down into the gulch for about 200 feet where you will reach a wire gate. The trailhead is on the other side of the gate. Be sure to close the gate.
Often see numerous wild animals
Travel Distance29 miles one-way
Trail Data3.4 miles RT
Beginning Elev.6075 ft.
Elev. Gain903 ft.
Rel. Diff.1.8
August 22, Green’s Creek Trail
Take US 50 West past Salida to Poncha Springs. At traffic light (intersection of US 50 and CSH285) turn right 9 (North) continuing on US50 for 2.55 miles to CR220.Turn left on Cr220 and drive for approx. 1.6 miles where it intersects with CR221.Turn left onto CR 221 and drive for approx. 0.9 miles until you arrive at a dirt parking area and the trailhead to the Green Creek Trail. From the parking lot, walk approx. 300 feet Southwest to the trailhead.
Travel Distance60 miles one-way
Trail Data3 miles RT
Beginning Elev.9863 ft.
Elev. Gain630 ft.
Rel. Diff.4.5
August 29Horse Thief Falls
Take US50 West for 10 miles to CSH 9.Turn right (North) onto CSH 9.Then continue for 8.6 miles to CR11 (high Park Road).Drive 1.8 miles to CR1 and continue to Cripple Creek. From Cripple Creek take CSH67 North for about 8.8 miles to the old sealed up RR tunnel.
This trip affords an opportunity to visit the excellent Cripple Creek Museum along CSH 67.
Travel Distance59.6 miles one-way
Trail Data3 miles RT
Beginning Elev.9863 ft.
Elev. Gain630 ft.
Rel. Diff.4.5
September 2018 Hikes
September 5Badger CreekLeaderKevin Borre
Directions:It is 30 miles to trailhead.Go West on Hwy 50 to Colorado 9 and North.It is 10 miles to Tallahassee Road. Continue 22 miles to Badger Creek.Park in area by bridge crossing.
This is an easy to moderate hike with no significant altitude gain.The hike follows Badger Creek with some boulder fields to negotiate but not difficult.Great scenery, good chance of spotting trout in the creek and big horn sheep.
Distance to be determined by energy of group.
September 12Meeting Day & Summer Picnic
Hike to Marsh QuarryLeaderBob Horn
Meet at Mountain View Park off of North Orchard Ave.Drop off your potluck dishes at the park.A local hike.We will depart from the park and return for the picnic.Drinks, burgers, brats and Boca (veggie) burgers will be provided.Bring your favorite dish to share.Remember:No alcohol beverages at the City Parks.New games and activities are planned and the monthly meeting will be held.
September 19Foose Creek TrailLeaderBob Horn
Directions: Go West on Hwy 50 though Salida.Continue West on Hwy 50 past Ponca Springs.Turn south on CO Road 225 about 2.5 miles to the trailhead.
Hiking Distance:This is a moderate hike, starting at Apx 9560 ft., with a possible gain of 278 ft. if we hike the entire first 4 miles of the trail.The distance of the hike will be determined by the energy of the group.The hike follows Foose Creek.The actual trial is over 8 miles in length.You can continue on another trail to Monarch Pass for an elevation gain of 3,192 ft., traveling over 12 miles.This section is mountain bike territory.
High clearance vehicles are recommended.
September 24Moonlight HikeLeaderKevin Borre
Meet at the Village Inn at 7 P.M. We will travel to the Eagle Wing Trailhead.
After a pleasant hike we will return to the trailhead, and dine on grilled hotdogs, chips and “soft drinks”, using the picnic shelter that our membership built.
September 26The CraigsLeaderKevin Borre
You will take Hwy 50 west to CO 9 North.Turn right on Co Rd 11.Turn right onto Teller County Road 1 (to Cripple Creek).Take Hwy 67 North (stop at Visitors Center), and then continue north.Turn right on Teller County road 62 to the trailhead (past the Mennonite Camp and Raspberry Mountain Trailhead).
The difficulty is moderate.
There is an elevation gain of 724 ft.
The trailhead is now located before the loop campground at the end of the road.The Aspens on the route to the trailhead should be turning color.There is a great group of pinnacle rock formations at the end of the trail. Depending on the group’s energy, a side trip is available.On county Road 81 in Victor there is the Vindicator Valley Trail.This is a 2-mile interruptive loop through numerous old actual gold mines.We will return to Cañon City via Phantom Canyon Road.
October 2018 Hikes
Remember – Hikes are now starting at 9 AM. in Oct.
October 3: Green’s Creek Trail – Poncha Springs (68 mile drive one way)
Leaders: George and Joy Williams
Direction to the trailhead: Take Hwy 50 west past Salida to Poncha springs. At traffic light (intersection of Hwy 50 and Hwy 285) turn right onto Hwy 50 for 2.2 miles to CR220. Turn left onto CR 220 and drive 1.8 miles to where it intersects with CR 221. Turn left onto CR 221 and drive 2.2 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
Length of Hike: 4 miles RT
Beginning Elevation: 8638 ft.
Elevation gain: 840 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
October 10 “Not Yet Named Trail” at the Royal Gorge Park (Meeting Day)
Leaders: George and Joy Williams
Direction to the trailhead: Go west from Cañon City on Hwy 50 to the North entrance to the Royal Gorge Park (CR3A). Turn left on CR3A and continue
3.6 miles to upper parking lot (trailhead on the right). This trail connects the upper (starting point) and lower parking lots
Length of Hike: Less than 2 miles (?)
Beginning Elevation: 6756 ft.
Elevation LOSS: 400 ft. (car shuttle)
Difficulty: Easy
October 17 – Voyager
Leaders: Chris Talbot
Direction to the trailhead: Take 9th Street south to traffic circle; take 1st exit (Elm St.) right, then left on Oak Creek Grade Rd. Go 7.9 miles to the dirt parking area on the left.
Length of Hike: 1.8 miles round trip
Beginning Elevation: 6374 ft.
Elevation gain: 526 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate (steep climb)
October 24: Latest “Unfinished” trail at Royal Gorge Park
Leaders: George and Joy Williams
Direction to the trailhead: Drive west on Hwy 50 to the Royal Gorge North entrance (CR3A). Turn left onto CR#A and continue for 2.75 miles until you arrive at a dirt parking lot on the right (Royal Gorge Park entrance sign). The trail begins up the hill to the right of the parking lot.
Length of Hike: Less than 3 miles (?)
Beginning Elevation: 6352 ft.
Elevation gain: 200 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate (100 ft. up-hill bushwhack in the middle of the hike)
October 31: To be announced.
November 2018 Hikes
Hike Leaders: Sharon Whitney & Helene Engle
November 7 - Devil’s Canyon and Mace Trail Loop41.8 miles one way
Length:2.6 miles
Rating:Moderate
Elevation Gain:856 ft.
Route type:Loop
Description:Devil’s Canyon and Mace Trail Loop is a 2.6 moderately trafficked loop trail located near Beulah, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and it rates as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trip and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.(Remember in our bylaws- no dogs.)
Directions from Village Inn:Take Hwy 50 to CO 67 to County Road 387 to Wetmore Follow County Road 387 and Northcreek Road to Pine Drive in Beulah Valley Turn left onto County Road 387Continue onto North creek Road Turn left onto Central Avenue Turn right onto Pine Continue on Pueblo Mountain Park Road
November 14 – Road Clean Up(Meeting Day)
Meet on Reynolds Avenue/Cañon City Recreational District Parking Area at 0900.
November 21 Beaver Creek Riparian Area(the Day before Thanksgiving)
15.7 miles one way
Length:6 miles
Rating:Moderate
Gain:212 ft.
Directions from Village Inn:Drive East from Cañon City on State Highway 50 to Phantom Canyon Road (CR67).Turn left onto CR67 and drive 1.7 miles to CR123.Turn right and drive for ¼ mile to Upper Beaver Creek
November 28 – Paint Mines Interpretive Park 79.6 miles one way
Length:3.4 miles
Rating:Easy to moderate
Gain:334 ft.
December Hike -- meet at Village Inn at 9:00 am
Details may come later
December Hikes – December 5 – The Banks - Red Canyon Hike Leader Kevin Borre December 12 – Christmas Party Hike to be announced
December 19 – Section 13 Hike Leader - Ron McFarlane
December 26 – Fire Canyon/Unconformity Hike Leader Tracy Mitchell
2017 Hikes
Jan 4, Ecology Park NW from Section 13
Leader: George Williams
This hike will be on the Section 13/Ecology Park trail
Directions: 4.6 miles from the VI. Take 1stSt. south to CR3. (Temple Canyon Road) and go right on CR3 to the Section 13 parking area on the right side of road. There will be 1.5 miles of unpaved road, but easy drive.
4.5 mile round trip
Some climbing, but overall an easy hike on good trails. A slot canyon, rock formations, and old mining traces are items of note
Jan. 11, Royal Gorge Elkhorn Loop Trail Meeting Day
Leader: George Williams
Directions: From the VI go 12 miles west on US50 to the entrance of the Royal Gorge Park. Park at the restroom/parking lot on the right just before the entrance. This trail starts across the street and goes to the right. All paved roads.
An easy hike of less than 2 miles on good trails. Very nice views of the Sangre's and the Gorge Bridge Park.
March 15,Voyager Novice – Intermediate
Leader: Chris Talbot
Walking sticks are recommended.
Parking is at Stultz trail on Oak Creek Grade.
This hike is a slow steady ascent into a very pretty canyon. We will return by the same route.
March 22, Stultz Moderate
Leader: Chris Talbot
Walking sticks are recommended.
This trail is off Oak Creek Grade. Follow hike planner to parking. This will be a steady ascent on a time basis. We will return on the same route after one hour.
March 29th, California Girls
Leader: Chris Talbot
April 5, Oil Well Flats
Leader, Sheryl Denney
Directions: Field Street to Red Canyon Road 2.2 miles
Red Canyon Road 3.7 miles – right on dirt road. First available right hand turn after crossing 4 Mine Creek.4 Mile Creek to parking lot.
Hike: 3 miles approximate – Various terrains. Will choose trail depending on road condition.
April 12, Hogbacks Open Space, Meeting Day
Leader, Sheryl Denney
Hike: Short hike Graneros Trail to Old Skyline Drive
Directions: 9th Street to Washington St. Left – ends at parking lot.
April 19, Dirty Gulch
Leader, Sheryl Denney
A moderate to easy hike – Approximately 4 miles
Directions: Take Hwy 50 west to Cotopaxi – turn right on Rt. 12 – stay on 12 to mile marker “6” – trailhead on right – Parking across the street in field.
Great view of the Sangre de Cristo range
Elevation: 8000’ start top out 8300’
April 26, Deer Haven Trail 5828B
Leader, Sheryl Denney
Moderate/Easy hike Approximately 4 miles
Directions: Take Hwy 50 west to Rt. 9Right on 9 to County Road 11. SR11 to 69 (dirt road)Turn right on 69 – Trail marker on right “5828B”.Follow to parking lot.
Elevation, Start at 8200’top out at 8400”
May 3, Lion’s Canyon Trail
Leader: Arlo Dupont
If the float is not done –work on the float
The hike at Lion’s canyon is a rigorous hike. Start at Oak Creek campground off Oak Creek Grade Road.
Moderate 6 mile. Elevation gain 1520 ft. About 40 min. to trailhead.
May 10, Road Clean-Up Meet at the Rec. District on Raynolds
Meeting Day after clean-up at El Alazan
May 17, Five Point Gulch
Leader: Arlo Dupont
Meet at Village Inn. A moderate to difficult hike.
Take Hwy. 50 to mile marker 260.Park on south side road by bridge, Trail access is beneath the bridge.Distance to trail is 22 miles. Hike distance is about 6 miles. Elevation gain 1360 ft.
May 24,West Bear
Leader: Arlo Dupont
This is a moderate to difficult hike. Meet at VI. Take Oak Creek Grade south about 12 miles. Parking is on the east side of the road.
Mar 31, Sand Creek
Leader: Arlo Dupont
This is an easy hike. It is north of Red Canyon Park off Red Canyon Road. The trail loops to three climbing wall. There are additional side trails. The distance to the trail is 14 miles. It is a 4-mile hike and a favorite of Arlo’s.
June Hikes Planned by Tim Wilder
June 7, Oil Well Flats
Leader: Chris & Karen Talbot
Directions: Field Street to Red Canyon Road 2.2 miles Red Canyon Road 3.7 miles – right on dirt road. First available right hand turn after crossing 4 Mile Creek.4 Mile Creek to parking lot.
Hike: 3 miles approximate – Various terrains. Will choose trail depending on road condition. Travel Distance: 12 miles
June 14, Royal Gorge Rim Trail
Leader:Tim Wilder
Direction to trailhead: Drive west from Cañon City on state Highway 50 to the North entrance to Royal Gorge Park. Turn onto the Park access road (CR 3A) and continue for 3.6 miles. There will be a paved parking area on your right and the park entrance is just ahead. The trailhead is just across the access road on the side opposite the parking area.
Length of hike:1.53 miles-one way.
Hiking Time:About 1.0 hours
Difficulty:Relative Difficulty: ~ 1, Easy
Beginning elevation:6742
Elevation gain: 49 ft.
Description: This is a new trail, created in late 2016 by members of the Mile High Youth Group. Funding was provided by a grant from Greater Outdoors Colorado. The clearly marked trailhead is across the road (3A) from the parking area. The trail immediately splits. Take the trail to your right (west).The first half of the trail takes you through an open forest of junipers and pinion pines along the south side of a short park road (381B) with picnic and restroom facilities. Commonly seen along this trail are Cholla, prickly pear cacti and the smaller leafed plains prickly pear, with its white needles and at times large mats growing close to the ground.This prickly pear can be hazardous since at times it can be camouflaged among grasses and other plants that make it difficult to see. You also will see interesting rocks and outcropping of pink feldspar. In some of these rocks and outcroppings you may see inclusions of silvery mica or white quartz. After you pass the turnaround loop at the end of the park road the trail takes you along the rim of the Royal Gorge. The views of Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River below are absolutely impressive. You can see far down the Arkansas River to the east, and if you look carefully, you can see the Tunnel Drive Trail on the southern side of the river,.A little further down the trail you have an excellent view of the Royal Gorge Bridge. The trail then takes a turn to the east, crosses the park road just after the loop turnaround. The trail then intersects the south side of the trail. Follow the trail back to the trailhead and the parking area.
June 21, Lion Canyon –Oak Creek Grade
Leader:Tim Wilder
Direction to trailhead: Take 9thStreet South to traffic circle. Take 3rdexit (west) onto Elm Street, then to Oak Creek Grade on the left (south).Drive South on Oak Creek Grade for approximately 12 miles to Oak Creek campground entrance on left. Drive down the entrance road for ½ mile to parking area and trail head.
Length of hike: 5 miles (round trip)
Hiking Time: About 3.3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning elevation: 7751 feet
Elevation gain: 1,426 Feet
Description: This hike starts on the east side of the campground where it climbs steeply as it parallels a small creek. It is littered with small rocks so care needs to be taken to prevent tripping or stubbing a toe.The trail passes through a narrow, heavily forested canyon for most of the way. Tall Aspen, Douglas fir and white fir are the dominant trees with some ponderosa pine also. Scrub oak, small cherry trees (pin cherries?), dogwoods, prostrate junipers, wild roses, gooseberries and mountain maples are frequently seen along the trail as well.Wild flowers depending on the season such as deep blue larkspur, geraniums yellow senecio, yarrow and harebells add color to the trail. Near the top, the canyon widens allowing sunlight to penetrate the forest, making it much more cheerful and bright. At the top, the trail leaves the forest and enters a very large meadow, Locke Park, with scattered pine trees. The views from here are magnificent including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.This is a great location to have a picnic before heading back down the trail to the trail head and parking lot.
June 28, Stultz Trail (East)
Leader:Tim Wilder
Direction to trailhead:Take 9th Street South to traffic circle. Take 3rdexit (west) onto Elm Street, then to Oak Creek Grade on left (south).Drive south on Oak Creek Grade for approximately 8.4 miles to the dirt parking area on left. The trailhead is on the east side of the parking area.
Length of hike:1.8 miles (round trip)
Hiking time: about 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy with steep and slippery slopes
Beginning elevation: 6374 feet
Elevation gain: 526 feet
Description: Although this hike is not long, the ascent to the ravine below is very steep and slippery in places. This is not a trail to hike when it is wet or covered with snow and/or ice. The upper part of the trail takes you through an arid landscape of scrub oak an mountain mahogany with scattered juniper, yucca and fragile prickly pear. As you descend the side of the hill, there are magnificent views of rock formation. The vegetation changes with Ponderosa pine and white fir dominating the landscape when you reach the bottom of the ravine. The lower part of the trail takes you along a mountain stream with a few waterfalls along the way. You have to cross the other crossings although they are not difficult. Occasionally you have to climb down up or around large boulders. Some of these locations area difficult and also can be slippery. The views of the stream with its waterfalls and the interesting rock formations on the cliffs above make this hike well worth the effort. The end of the trail opens up with plenty of places to stop for a snack or lunch. From here you turn around and hike back to the trailhead and parking lot.
July 5, Priest Cañon Road (New Hike)
Leader – Ron McFarlane
Starting Elevation: 6468 ft.
Distance: 3.75 miles
Easy to moderate
This will be a one-way hike and we will start by leaving 2 to 3 vehicles at the end of the trail inside the gate just west of the Skyline Drive entrance on highway 50. We will then drive to the Old Royal Gorge road, located by the Mica Lodge Quarry where the hike will begin.
First we will hike to the Vista Lodge that is also called the Real California Girls old building. From there we will hike down the Old Road back to the cars that were left there to shuttle us back to the starting point at the Mica Lodge Quarry. The trail has great views and for the rock hounds and Geologists, some great rocks and minerals.
July 12 Eagle Wing Trailhead Mutton Bustin Trail
Leader – Ron McFarlane
Route 50 west to 1stStreet. South to Riverside Drive,West to Colburn Lane (dirt road) Left to Trail
July 19, Barehill Mining Camp Trail
Leader - Ron McFarlane
Starting Elevation – 7800 ft.
Distance – 3.9 Miles
Moderate
Note: Dave Walker did this hike a few years ago.
Approximately 31 miles (45 minutes): West on Hwy 50 for 9.5 miles to Hwy 9. Then northwest 8.5 miles to CR11 (High Park Road); then north on CR11 for 10.2 miles to trailhead on left. (Note: Because the turnoff to the parking area is located on a blind curve, it is safer to continue north on approximately 1.5 miles to the Teller/Fremont County line where there is a wide pull-off adjacent to the highway that can be used for turning around. We will turn around there and drive back to the parking area that can be safely accessed from the southbound lane. The hike begins just off the road next to CR11 near the southwestern end of High Park. Parking area is large enough for 6 to 8 vehicles and no need for 4 wheel drive vehicles.
July 26, Fooses Creek Trail (New Hike)
Leader: - John Kearney
Starting Elevation – 9600 ft.
Distance – Approximately 4 Miles
Easy to Moderate
The Fooses Creek trail should work well for a midsummer hike. The turnoff to the trail is located about 13 miles west of Salida on Highway 50 as you go up Monarch pass. The turn is to the left (south). Follow the dirt road to the trailhead, which is 3 miles form the highway. Four-wheel drive is not needed. But some clearance is recommend as the last section is a little rocky, and there could be puddles from any recent rains.
The trail climbs gently for over a mile to some beaver ponds and runs along and across Fooses Creek through the forest. It is well developed and there are bridges where crossing is necessary. The trail eventually joins the Colorado trail and the hikers can decide when/where they want to go back.
August 16 – St. Charles Peak (west side)
Meet at Village Inn at 0800
Hike leader/Driving Distance/ Directions:
Jerry Beatty 269-8123
From VI Cañon City, drive US 50 seven miles east past prisons to CSH 67 at the stoplight. Turn right and continue 11 miles south on CSH 67 to CSH 96 at Wetmore. Continue 9 miles on SSH 16 at Mackenzie Junction. Turn left at CSH 165 and proceed to the right turnoff on CR 360 at Ophir Creek Campground. Follow CR 360 about 9-10 miles running to left at CR 369 proceeding about 4 miles to St. Charles trailhead.
Hiking Distance/Elevation gain, Difficulty Rating:
We will hike a relatively flat road for ca. 2 miles and then take the trail to the top of the peak.The gain is 300-400 ft. and RT of 5 miles.
Difficulty rating: 3.8
Bring water, lunch and snack Bring rain gear, camera and bug spray
August 23 – Booger Red Trail
Meet at VI at 0800
Hike leader/Driving Distance/ Directions:
Charles Rann Approximately 35 miles (45 min.) From VI drive west on US50 to CR 9.Turn right onto CR 9 and proceed 11 miles north to CR11 (High Park Road) to BLM 5808 on south side of CR11.Follow BLM 5808 for 1.4 miles to trail head. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Hiking Distance/Elevation gain/Difficulty Rating:
The RT for this hike is 4 miles and includes an elevation gain of 360 ft. Elevation at trailhead: 7800 ft; elevation at destination on Booger Hill is 8160 ft. The calculated relative difficulty is relatively easy: 2.The hiking route follows an old ranch/mining road from the trailhead to the summit of Booger Red Hill. There is also a short cross-country side-trip to a small cabin ruins next to Little High Creek (claimed to be the cowboy Booger Red’s cabin).
August 30 – The Crags
Meet at VI at 0800
Hike leader/Driving Distance/ Directions: Dale Bokowski 276-0974
Approx. 72 miles.
From VI take US 50 east to CSH 115 at Penrose. Take CSH 115 north past Fort Carson and exit east onto Academy Blvd. Take Academy Blvd. east to I-25.Take
I-25 north to CSH 24.Turn left (west) on CSH 24 and continue west to Divide. Turn south on CSH 67 for 4.3 miles. Look for a sign on the left for the turn to Crags Campground. Follow the road all the way to the trailhead. From the trailhead after 0.1 miles take labeled 664 A. It crosses a log bridge and begins the ascent.
Hiking Distance/Elevation gain, Difficulty Rating:
RT of 4 miles
Elevation gain: 755 ft.
Relative difficulty (RT) 4.9
This is a beautiful hike! The rock formations are spectacular and the environment is enchanting.
September 6, Fremont Peak
Difficulty/Moderate Elevation gain/450 ft. Hike distance/3.5 miles RT
Hike Leader-Jo Rann/ Dale Bokowski backup
Go west out of Cañon City on Hwy 50 to west entrance of Royal Gorge Park. Turn south onto RGP access road and continue about 3 mi. watching for picnic area. About 0.1 mi. beyond picnic area, turn left onto the middle road of three access roads. Park near this junction. This hike only gets more difficult close to the peak.It involves some scrambling, loose rock and steepness. Views are worth the scramble. Elevation of Fremont Peak (aka/the Sleeping Indian) is approx.7,00 ft. Some mentioned that there is a new trail??
September 13, Brookside Park Trail Meeting Day
Note: The day before Joanna’s birthday.
Difficulty/Easy Hike distance/2-3 miles Hike Leader-Jo Rann
Take Raynolds Ave. (turns into Ash St.) south. Cross 115 and at Pinion Ave. turn left (east).Park is at the bottom of hill on right. Park in area by the shelter and restroom facility. There are a variety of trails that we can take to fill in time before our meeting. Various mining ruins along trails.
September 20, Picnic
Difficulty/Easy – Fun
Picnic location is at Mountain View Park. We have reserved the large pavilion on the northeast side of the parking lot.(same as last year).To reach the park, go north on Orchard (north of Central) until you see park sign on the right. Bring a side dish to share. Chicken will be provided as well as drinks. (No alcohol in the Park).There will be games and prizes and lots of fun! Bring your honey and enjoy the camaraderie!
September 27, Seven Falls outside of the Colorado Springs
The Broadmoor now owns it and they have done a wonderful job rebuilding what needed to be repaired.You can pick up a shuttle at the Broadmoor and arrive at the falls site for seniors who pay $12.50 entrance fee.$14.00 otherwise. It is a one-mile hike to the falls. An elevator in the mountain will take you up to view the falls.ORyou can take 224 steps alongside the falls for a grand view.
Meet at VI to carpool to the Colorado Springs.
There is a fee of $12.50
October 4, Newlin Creek
Leader:Kevin Borre
Directions: From the Village Inn, proceed to Florence on Hwy CSH115.Turn south on Hwy CSH 67.Proceed south for 4.3 miles to County road 15.Turn west and follow the road past Florence Mountain View Park to the
trailhead. Apx. 3 to 4 miles
Hiking Distance:5.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1,450 ft. Moderate Hike Rel. Difficulty: 8.1 Newlin Creek is small. There are about 23 creek crossings. Some say 26 crossings. The hike ends at a sawmill built by Nathaniel Herrick: in the 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.
October 11, Angler’s Trail, Meeting Day
Leader: Kevin Borre
Directions: Go west on US Hwy 50. 11.4 miles to Copper Gulch Road. It is the first road past the Arkansas River. Turn left 2 tenths of a mile to trailhead.
Hiking Distance:2 miles round trip Easy hike
The trail was developed with the assistance of Anglers to provide access to the Arkansas River. Rumor has it that there are active Gold mining claims along the river in this area.
October 18, Temple Canyon
Leader: Kevin Borre
Directions: Go US Hwy 50 west, left on 1stStreet to Temple Canyon Road. Go 5 miles west to trailhead. Turn right at Sign: “Temple Ridge Picnic & Camping”. Drive to the end.
Hiking Distance:2 to 3 miles
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
The trail starts at a picnic area at the tip of the ridge. The trail descends about 200 ft. to the valley where it crosses Grape Creek. It is a short hike to the “Temple”.The trail into the temple area requires navigating some minor rocks. The return trip is a reverse crossing Grape Creek and climbing the ridge to the picnic area.
October 25, Trick or Treat (Halloween Gathering)
Leader & Host: Kevin Borre
Directions: Leave Cañon City south on Raynolds Ave. Continue south through Brookside. The first gravel road on the left is County Road 79.Turn left and at the bottom of the hill is a gated entrance (Aukland Ave).Proceed 2 miles on Auckland to 10501 Aukland Ave. The Borre Residence.
Activities for the Day: A Potluck Dinner, Poker Hike on the trails in Chandler Heights, Costume Contest, Games of “skill” and bring a carved pumpkin for a pumpkin carving contest.
November 1, Beaver Creek Riparian Area
Hike Leader, Kevin Borre
DIRECTIONS: Hwy 50 East, left on Hwy 67 (Phantom Canyon Rd) for 1.7 miles, Turn right on CR 123, East ¼ mile to CR 132 (Upper Beaver Creek Rd), left 8.1 miles with trailhead on the right. Beaver Creek Riparian Area is a 4.5- mile hike with 200 ft. elevation gain. It follows an old roadway that parallels Beaver Creek and required a creek crossing that has a fallen log across it.
November 8, Raynolds Road Clean-up
Hike Leader, Kevin Borre
Kevin advised members to stay on the left side of road for safety. Meet at Raynolds and split in two groups, one going north the other going south.
November 15, Hobart Cabin Trail
Jerry Johnson, Hike Leader
Hobart Cabin Trail is 3.75 miles with an elevation gain of 319 feet.
DIRECTIONS: West on Hwy 50 to Phantom Canyon Rd, 13.4 miles to a steel bridge. Parking and trailhead on the right before the bridge.
November 22, Sand Gulch
Kevin Borre, Hike Leader
Sand Gulch hike will start at the top of the Banks Campground and finish at the lower campground area. There will be rocks to navigate. One vehicle will be left at the lower campground to take drivers back to the top. DIRECTIONS: North on Red Canyon Rd to the Banks turnoff, this is the last left before Red Canyon Rd turns into Shelf Road.
November 29, Brush Hollow Reservoir
Kevin Borre, Hike Leader
Brush Hollow Reservoir hike will begin at the dam and loop around the lake. DIRECTIONS: East on Hwy 50 to Hwy 67 to CR 123 for 3.9 miles and left into parking lot.
December 6, Aiken Canyon
Leader: Arlo Dupont
Description: About a four-mile hike with very little elevation gain. An easy hike. Take 115 north, about 18 miles to Turkey Creek Road. Left to parking area.
December 13, Annual Christmas Party
Sharon Whitney has offered her home. She will need tables and chairs.
Bring your food over to Sharon’s at 10 AM. We will carpool to Washington Ave. parking lot and then hike the Hogbacks.
Sharon’s address is 1507 Central just east of the convenience store and set back on the north side of Central.
December 20, The Banks
Leader: Arlo Dupont
Description: Take the next left turn past the Red Canyon Park. Easy hike of about 4 miles.
December 27, Oil Well Flats Island in the Sky Trail
Leader: Arlo Dupont
Description:4 ½ miles with a gain of about 500 feet.
Rated: Relatively difficult
2016
January 6, 2016 –Girls from California Dancehall
Leader: Dave Walker
Driving Directions: From Village Inn go west on Hwy 50 approximately 9 miles to the turnoff to the Royal Gorge Bridge (County Road 3a); then go southeast on County Road 3a for 2.25 miles to County Road F30; turn left onto County Road F30 and continue eastward .6 miles and park next to the roadway. Total driving distance is about 12 miles.
Total Hiking Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 560 feet
Located along the northeast side of Royal Gorge Park, this hike begins from a roadside parking area on County Road F30, which is the access road to the Mica Quarry. From the parking spot we will hike northward for about one-quarter mile across a low ridge to the old Priest Canyon Road. Then we follow the Priest Canyon Road eastward for approximately one-half mile to the ruins of the California Girls Dancehall. We will return to the parking area by climbing the high ridge to the south of the Dancehall and follow the ridgeline westward to the vehicles. I rate this hike moderately difficult because a lot of the hiking will be off-trail. The main attractions of this hike are the story of the California Girls and their dancehall; seeing the effects of the 2013 wildfire and the hydro-axe/revegetation operations; and great scenic views.
January 13, 2016 –Royal Gorge South Rim Scenic Vista Point (Followed by Business Meeting)
Leader: Dave Walker
Driving Directions: From Village Inn go west on Hwy 50 approximately 12 miles to the Parkdale Bridge; at the west end of Parkdale Bridge turn south onto County Road 3 and drive 2.5 miles to the intersection of County Road 28 (Copper Gulch Road); turn left at the intersection and continue eastward on County Road 3 for 1.1 miles to the intersection of County Road 3a. Turn left onto County Road 3a (Access Road to the South Rim of the Royal Gorge) and drive 2.3 miles to a dirt road that joins the County Road from the left, just west of the steel gate. Total driving distance is about 18 miles.
Total Hiking Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 270 feet
This is a new hike. Located along the south rim of the Royal Gorge, this hike begins from a parking area near County Road 3a, which provided access to the south end of the Royal Gorge Bridge. From the parking spot we will hike eastward along a high ridge for approximately 1 mile to the edge of the south rim overlooking the Royal Gorge. We will return to the parking area by the same route. This hike is rated easy. The main attractions of this hike are seeing the effects of the 2013 wildfire and the hydro-axe/revegetation operations; great scenic views; possible viewing of bighorn sheep.
January 20, 2016 –Garden Park Escarpment
Leader: Dave Walker
Driving Directions: From Village Inn go north on 19thStreet for .75 miles to Central Avenue; turn right onto Central and go 1 block to North Orchard Avenue; go north on North Orchard for approximately 1 mile to High Street. Turn right onto High Street and go one-half mile to Field Avenue, then left onto Field and go 1.4 miles to where Field Ave. merges with Red Canyon Road; then continue northward on Red Canyon Road for about 3 miles to BLM Road 5935. Turn left onto BLM 5935 and drive approximately 3 miles to parking area located near the end of the road. Total driving distance is about 9 miles. Driving on BLM 5935 will require high-clearance vehicle.
Total Hiking Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
This hike was only done once before. I think it was the first hike that I led for the club and while I was still working for the BLM. It starts from the extreme north end of the Dinosaur Flats portion of the Garden Park Fossil Beds and goes northward along the high escarpment that overlooks the west side of Garden Park. Much of the hike is off trail, but the terrain is not especially difficult. The hiking route offers incredible views of Garden Park and of the upper Fourmile Creek drainage. I rate this hike as moderately difficult due the portions which are off developed trails or roads.
January 27, 2016 – Deer Haven Loop
Leader: Dave Walker
Driving Directions: From Village Inn, go west on Hwy 50 for 9.5 miles to Hwy 9; then northwest 8.5 miles to CR 11 (High Park Road); then north on CR 11 for 5.2 miles to CR 69 (Entrance to Deer Haven Ranch); then south on CR 69 for 0.8 mile to BLM Road 5828; then west 0.8 mile to trailhead at gate.
Total Hiking Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,130 feet
This hike is located in the Deer Haven Ranch area. It follows a loop route of developed trails that we have taken in the past and includes a short side trip to the top of Dave’s Peak. This hike is rated as difficult, due to its distance and elevation gain.
February 3, Skyline Drive
Hike will be from the parking at on Washington Street to the tower on top of Skyline Drive and return. The city has improved the trail to the top of Skyline.
February 10, Trash clean up of Raynolds and monthly meeting.
Meet at the Recreation District parking lot at 9 AM.
February 17, Hike will start at Curt Sorenson’s North of Cañon City. Curt will lead the hike. We will hike through his place to the cabin he built on his property and return to his house. Ken will furnish chicken chili and a beer after the hike.
February 24, Pueblo River Walk Ken will have more details on parking and hiking later.
March 2, Intermann trail section 16 in Colorado Springs
Leader: Hon Chu
To get to the Section 16 Trailhead, (Directions) from Cañon City drive North on CSH 115 to I-25.From I-25 take Cimarron Street exit west. Cimarron Street will turn into Hwy 24.Turn south on 26thSt. from US Hwy 24 near Old Colorado City in Colorado Sprigs. Continue on 26thto 5-way intersection with Gold Camp Road, Wheeler, and Bear Creek Road. Take Upper Gold Camp Road (turn Right) and follow to the parking lot with the big sign for Section 16.
The section 16 trailhead has plenty of off-street parking. However, if necessary, there is an auxiliary parking lot (really just a big turnout) a 100 ft. or so up the road on the left.
There are no sanitary facilities.
Hiking Distance: Roughly 5 miles
Rate: Moderate (Difficult) – a lot of uphill
March 9, Pueblo Community College Crossroads Through Time Trail (meeting day)
New trail, not yet complete. This will be a guided tour of the project.
March 16, Palmer Lake in Monument
Leader: Hon Chu
Drive to Palmer Lake, north of Monument, CO. through I-25 north, exit on I-105, turn left, and drive about five or so miles and Palmer Lake is on right hand side. This is an out and back hike that means you hike as much as you can and hike back.
March 23, Pueblo Lake in Pueblo
Leader: Hon Chu
Drive to Lake Pueblo in Pueblo, CO to hike at South Shore Line Trail
CAUTION!!!DON’T go in at north entrance because of a lot of road constructions.
Starting at South Shore Trail at the west side of the campground (south marina) passing by Skull Canyon Trail: we will turn left on Broken Hip Trail, hike up a hill and arrive at the sign call Roller coaster on a fire road. Option: Turn left on the fire road, and hike for 15 mins. (half hour round trip) to the dead end bench where you can rest, eat see the lake, Pueblo West and take pictures: get back to Roller coaster and choose Roller coaster, not Skull Canyon Road Trail (there are two signs); continue to hike, you see the sign called Hooter Canyon Trail and follow that (downhill) and will arrive at the fire road (to the right is a big water tank) and cross the fire road at Conduit Trail: follow the Conduit Trail, we will get back to the camp ground.
Note: There is a daily parking fee for this hike
Rate: Moderate
March 30, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
Leader: Hon Chu
Drive to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs by way of CSH 115 to I-25. Take I-25 north to Fillmore St. Take Fillmore west to Garden Of the Gods – Plan to hike on Palmer Trail.
Rate:Moderate
April 27, Copter Point
Hike Leader: Forrest Borre
Driving Directions: Drive to Forrest Borre’s house (just down the road form Kevin’s house), hikers will need to follow someone that knows the way. Hike starts out easy and finishes with some scrambling as it approaches Copter Point. Lots of good views. This is an out and back, about 2 miles round trip. Following the hike will be an opportunity to work on the club float for the Blossom Parade
May 4, Newlin Creek
Leader: Arlo DuPont
South from Florence on CSH for ca. 4.5 mi. , west on CR 15 ca. 5.5 mi to Florence Mountain Park. Trailhead is on the west side of the park. parking area. Moderate hike with elevation gain to old steam engine.
May 11, Meeting Day at El Alazan
Road cleanup day. Meet at the Rec. District on Reynolds at 8 AM.
May 18, The Banks
Leader: Forrest Borre
Easy hike, about 4 miles round trip. Near Red Canyon Park.
May 25, Five Point Gulch
Leader: Arlo Dupont
Moderate 4.5 round trip. Some elevation gain
Directions: Highway 50 west toward Cotopaxi to mile marker 260.Park on South side of road, by bridge.The trail access is beneath the bridge. Travel distance from VI is ca. 22 mi. RT distance of hike: 6 mi.. Elevation gain: 1360 ft. Relative Hike difficulty: 8.6.
June 1, Castlewood Canyon State Park East Canyon Preservation Trail
This is a 4-mile trail of moderate difficulty.
Directions: US 50 to C115, to I25.Take exit 153 for Inter Quest Parkway. Continue onto CO 83 to the Park, about 1.5 hours. Address of park office is 2989 South CO 83, Franktown, CO 80116. $7 Daily fee will be required for each vehicle.
June 8, Tunnel Drive Meeting Day at El Alazan
4 miles round trip, easy walk
June 15, Florissant Fossil Beds National Park
Directions: US50 west to CO 9,then right on CO11 (High Park Road) to Matterhorn Dr. in Teller County, follow Matterhorn Dr. Red Cloud Road and Saddleback Dr. to Black Mesa Circle. Address is 496 Black Mesa Circle, Florissant, CO.
We will start with the Petrified Forest Loop - 1 mile – Easy
This trail leads through the bed of ancient Lake Florissant. It passes numerous giant petrified redwood tree stumps. Including the colorful “Big Stump”.The trail also passes the historic “Scudder” excavation pit.This trail starts behind the outdoor exhibit area.
Then we will move on to the Hornbek Wildlife Loop – 4 miles Moderate Difficulty
Following meadows, the trail to the Hornbek Homestead crosses land once covered by ancient lake Florissant. The return route overlooks the ancient lake bed and the mountain ranges beyond Florissant.
June 22, Brush Hollow Reservoir
Hike will be around the reservoir. About 1.5 miles. Difficulty is Easy to Moderate, depending on lake levels, the hike varies to avoid the water.
Directions: East on US 50, North on CO 115, West on 3rd Street in Penrose, right on F42. Don’t take the road to the boat ramp (east side).We will park at a picnic area on the east side. The road is often very rough including driving over some bare rock. Recommend a higher clearance vehicle.
June 29, Rainbow Gulch
Hike will be from the trailhead 1.3 miles to the reservoir. Uphill easy hike. Depending on the feeling of the group we may continue alone the reservoir a bit. This is an out and back hike.
Directions: A little over 1.5 hour drive. US 50 to CO9, north on CO 9 to CO 11.Turn right on Teller CO 42 (twin rocks road) to US 42.Turn right toward Woodland Park. From Highway 24 in Woodland Park turn of the highway at the stoplight next to McDonalds. (only one choice of direction to turn).This road becomes Rampart Range Road. Follow this road as it takes you North through the town. After the road gets past town it will come to a Y just after some large water tanks. Take the right branch of this Y and continue to a 4-way intersection. This intersection will have a sign directing you to turn right to go towards Rampart Reservoir. Turn right. After a few miles keep an eye out for a large parking area on the left side of the road with a large fence and gate. This is the parking for Rainbow Gulch trail.
July 5, St. Charles Peak
July 13, Meeting Day: Oak Creek Grade Mine Ruins
July 20, West Bear
July 27, Horse Thief's Trail
August 3, Newlin Creek
Leader: Tammy Hodge
South from Florence on CSH 67 ca. 4.5 mi., west on CR 15 ca 5.5 mi. to Florence Mtn. Park. Trailhead is on west side of the park. The trail is easy for approximately the first .5 miles. It becomes moderate after that. There are single track and loose stone areas. The trail was formerly a logging road, although impossible to tell now!An old steam boiler, flywheel, and chimney are all that remain of a sawmill operation at the destination. Round trip distance: 6 miles. Starting elevation: 6750 ft. Ending elevation: 8110 ft. Elevation gain: 1360 ft. Relative Hike Difficulty: 8.2
August 10, Road Clean-Up & Meeting Day
August 17, Canyon Rim Trail at the Royal Gorge
Leader: Ron MacFarland
August 24, Angel of Shavano Trail
Leader: John Kearney
(1)Proceed west from downtown Cañon City on Hwy 50 past Salida to Poncha Springs for 6o miles.
(2)Turn right on Hwy 285 and then left again proceeding west on Hwy 50 to Maysville for 6 miles.
(3)Turn right on Chaffee County Road 240 and proceed 4 miles to Angel of Shavano campground per sign.
(4)Angel of Shavano is off right side of road-park here.
(5)This hike is moderate for 0.8 miles with a vertical climb of 450 feet and the trail is rocky in places.
(6)After 0.8 miles, the trail enters into a cool forest glade and then on to beautiful aspen groves. The trail here and beyond is well developed, easy and goes up and down gently.
(7)A good lunch/turn around is where the Blank Cabin Trail intersects in a meadow that makes the one-way distance 2.3 miles. Since this is a part of the Colorado trail, the hikers can go further if the group would like.