2010

 

 

March 3: Temple Canyon Road to the dinosaur tracks.

              Leader: Dave Walker

 

March 10: Meeting Day - Ash Street – ‘Bill’s Trail’

                Leader: Bill Slaichert

 

March 17: Cheyenne Mountain Park south of Colorado Spring.

                Changed to Espinosa Gulch due to weather.

                Leader: Dave Walker.

 

March 24: Aiken Canyon if weather permits.

                 Leader: Jerry Beatty. Cancelled due to weather.

 

 

March 31: VolksMarch(tentative)at Fort Carson

                Leader: Bev Essex

 

April 7:    Adopt-A-Trail, clean up on the Riverwalk, hike and lunch.

               Coordinators: Molly Eaves and Marvin Carter.

 

April 14:  Meeting Day, Parkdale Hike. Leader Charles Rand.

 

April 21  Hike: Fluorite Mine through Sand Creek Gulch area.
              Leader: Dave Walker

April 28   Hike: Five Points Gulch
               Leaders: Jerry Beatty and Dave Bell.

 

May 5     Hike: Upper Beaver Creek
              Hike Leader: Marlow Cassetti

 

May 12   Hike: Meeting Day, Tunnel Drive
              Hike Leader: None required

 

May 19   Hike: The Arch at Red Canyon (Seep Springs)
               Hike Leader: Dale Bokowski

 

May 26  Hike: Hoodoos; Changed to Oil Well Flats due to high runoff

               in Fourmile Creek, unable to cross.
              Hike Leader: Dave Walker

 

June 2    Hike: Duckett Creek Hike on the Rainbow Trail       

               Hike Leader: Bill Slaichert

June 9    Hike: Skyline Openspace/Hogbacks area

 

June 16  Hike: Crags Trail
               Hike Leader: Jerry Beatty

June 23  Hike: St. Charles Peak Trail from west side

               Hike Leader: Jerry Beatty, East side: Dave Bell

June 30  Hike: Booger Red Trail

               Hike Leader: Dave Walker

 

July 7     Hike: Newlin Creek 

               Hike Leader: Jerry Beatty & Dave Bell

         
July 14   Hike: Pegmatite Quarry             

               Hike Leader: Roger Bernard

 

July 21   Hike: Swim Day BBQ/Potluck at Barb's House
               Hike Leader: Barb Capozzella 275-1007

July 28  Hike: Browns Creek/Falls

              Hike Leader: Doug Mack, Dave Bell

                                    Roger and Sharon Bernard

Aug 4    Hike: Badger Creek

               Hike Leader: Dale Bokowski

 

Aug 11 Hike: Ash Street Walk-Meeting Day

                Hike Leader: Bill Slaichert

 

    

Sept 01 Hike: Music Pass

                        NOTE: MEET AT VILLAGE INN AT 7:00 AM
              Rating: 4-5
              Directions: South of Westcliffe on CO 67. Watch for signs to

              trailhead.           

              Distance/Time to Trailhead:1 hour, 30 minutes.

              Hike Leader: Jerry Beatty

              Description: Three mile round trip from pass to trailhead. 

              Hardy hikers may wish to continue on to Alpine Lakes, 6 to 8                       miles round trip. Beautiful view of the Sangre De Cristo Mtns.

              and the Wet Mtn Valley

                      

Sept 08 Hike: MEETING DAY- Tunnel Drive
              Rating: 1
              Directions: West of Hwy50 onto Tunnel drive on west end of                       Canon City.

              Distance/Time to Trailhead: 5 minutes

              Hike Leader: none needed

              Description: Lovely hike along and above the Arkansas

               River, 4 miles round trip.

 

Sept 15 Hike: Greenhorn Peak Trail

              Rating: 3

              Directions: Take CO Hwy 67 south from Florence, turn right 

              onto CO Hwy 96 and travel west and turn left onto CO Hwy 165

              Drive 10 miles sout to Ophir Creek turnoff onto Greenhorn

              Road and proceed to parking area.

              Distance/Time to Trailhead: 1 hour

              Hike Leader: Dave Walker

              Description:Fantastic views of Sangre Cristo Mtns, 5 miles RT.

 

Sept 22 Hike: Lion Canyon Trail

              Rating: 3

              Directions: Hike starts at Oak Creek Campground off of Oak                          Creek Grade Road.  Hike to the meadow on top called

              Locke Park.

              Distance/Time to Trailhead:40 minutes

              Hike Leader: Bill Slaichert

              Description: Great views of Sangre de Cristo Mts., 6 miles RT

 

Sept 29 Hike: Cooper Mountain

              Rating: 4-5

              Directions:Approx. 8 miles north of Canon City on Garden

              Park Road to Curt and Peggy Sorenson's (5054GPR).

              Distance/Time to Trailhead: 20 minutes

              Hike Leader: Curt and Peggy Sorenson

              Description: Old cattle trail to top of Cooper Mountain.

              Great view of the Garden Park area.  6 miles RT

 

   

  

 

Oct 06 Hike: St. Charles Arch

             Rating: Easy to moderate

             0000ff;">Directions: One mile past St. Isabel Lake, turn left

             onto Old San Isabel Peak and continue for 2.3 miles, left onto

             San Carlos Trail access road to parking area (last 0.7 mile is

             easy 4 wheel drive)

             Distance/Time to Trailhead: 1hr 30 minutes

             Description: 3 miles RT. Trail follows old road , then descends

            600 ft into a creek bed to massive arch in gulch.

            Hike Leader: Dave Bell   275-3523

 

Oct 13 Hike: Meeting Day- Brookside Park Trail

            Rating: Easy

            Directions: South of Highway 115 to Brookside

            Distance/Time to Trailhead: 5 minutes

            Description: New!

            Hike Leader: Caddy Roberts-Williams

Meet behind the Village Inn @ 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

The Planners for the Months of September, October and November are: Curt and Peggy Sorenson 275-2142

 

 

 

Oct 20 Hike:              Little Mack Gulch (New)

            Rating: Moderate

            Directions: North on Hwy 9 to Park Co. line, then on BLM road

            to trailhead. 

           Distance/ Time to Trailhead: 35 minutes

           Description: Picturesque hike to old homestead and on to 

           overlook south toward the Arkansas River.

           Hike Leader: Dave Walker 275-2054

 

Oct 27 Hike:          Upper Beaver Creek

            Rating: Easy

            Directions: Located Northeast of Canon City

            Distance/Time to Trailhead: 25 minutes

           Description: 

           Hike Leader: Joe Rausch 275-2186

 

 

 

 

       Wednesday Hikes for November

Meet behind the Village Inn @ 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

 

Nov 03 Hike:            Fremont Peak

     Rating: Easy

     Directions:  West of Canon City on CSH 50 to east entrance

     of Royal Gorge Park.  Turn south onto RGP access road and

     continue about 3 miles watching for picnic area. About 0.1 mile

     beyond the picnic area, turn left onto the middle of three

     access roads. Park near this junction. 

     Distance/Time to Trailhead: 3.5 miles/20 minutes

     Hike Leader: Marvin Carter 275-3423

     Description: Elevation gain: 500 ft. 3 miles RT. Begininng elevation:

     6787', Ending elevation: 7238'. Calculated Rating: 1.89.

 

Nov 10 Hike:      Ecology Park (Meeting Day)

     Rating: Easy

     Directions: Reclaimed landfill southwest of Canon City. 

     Distance/Time to Trailhead: Various trails/15 minutes

     Hike Leaders: Roger and Sharon Bernard

     Description: Hike to Grape Creek/Dinosaur tracks.

 

Nov 17 Hike:         Five Points Gulch

     Rating: Easy/Moderate

     Directions: West of Canon City on CSH 50 about 20 miles to 

     marker #260 between Canon and Cotopaxi. west of Five Points

     Recreation area. Parking on south side of Hwy 50 east of 

     bridge over CSH 50 with trail access beneath bridge.

     Distance/Time to Trailhead: 40 minutes

     Hike Leader: Jerry Beatty 269-8123

     Description: Elevation gain: 700ft. Lovely hike along a

     meandering stream through meadows and fascinating rock 

     formations. Lots of animal life and collectible rock specimens. 

     About 5.8 miles RT.  Calculated rating: 2.87

 

Nov 24 Hike:                Priest Canyon

     Rating: Easy/Moderate

     Directions: West of Canon City on CSH 50 to Royal Gorge Park.

     Turn south onto RGP access road and continue for 1.6 miles, 

      then left onto quarry access road. 

      Distance/Time to Trailhead:4 miles/20minutes

      Hike Leader: Curt and Peggy Sorenson 275-2142

      Description: Hike to California Girls' Dance Hall and on down 

      the old Royal Gorge Road.  We will park cars at the east end,

      drive  to the west end(RGP), and hike downhill, past CGDH, 

      to parked cars. Everyone may be required to sign a release

      order in order to cross private property. 

           

                     Wednesday Hikes for December 2010 

               Meet behind the Village Inn at 9:00 a.m. 

            The planners for the months of Dec.,

            Jan., and March are the Bernards at 671-7120                       

 Dec 01 Hike:       The Arch at Red Canyon 

            Rating: Easy to moderate.  500 ft elevation gain.

            Directions:  North on Red Canyon Road to Red Canyon Park

            turn left through the park 3.6 miles to a meadow. A 2 or 4 

            wheel high clearance vehicle is needed for for the 0.6 miles.

            Continue through the meadow 2 miles to the parking area.   

            Distance/Time to Trailhead: approx. 5 minutes.

                Description:  2-3 mile round trip, uphill climb at the beginning,

            beautiful views of the arch and surrounding area.

            Calculated Rating:  1.89

            Hike Leaders: Curt and Peggy Sorenson 275-2142

 

Dec 08                                Christmas Party

               The Christmas Party will be held at the Bokowski's 1530

                Phelps Ave. We will walk downtown that day. Meet at the

                parking lot east of the library at 0900. This will be a

                potluck luncheon.           

          You can bring your goodies to the house before we walk uptown.

            We will also have our traditional White Elephant Gift Exchange,

            so dig up a gift that Great Aunt Sophie sent you last year, wrap it

            pretty and, bring it along or choose something interesting or

            perplexing for amusement. The home is off 15th Street due

            east of St. Thomas More Hospital. We are directly across the

            street south of the Odd Fellows High Rise and complex. Across

            from the Odd Fellows chapel is a bridge that you will cross and

            you are there.  Party to begin at 10:30-11:00.

 

Dec 15   Hike:       Pueblo Reservoir (North Shore)           

            Rating: Easy to moderate.

            Directions:  Go east on US 50 to McCullough Blvd in Pueblo

            West. South on McCullough to the ,5 miles west, then right on

            Nichols Road to the Lake Pueblo Ranger Station. We will get

            together at the nearby Marina.

            Distance/Time to Trailhead:  Approx. 1 hour

            Description:  Several meandering trails with some elelvation

            gain.

            Hike Leader:  Connie Jack 647-0834

            Description:  Connie will provide the hot dogs, buns and  

                condiments. If you like bring a dish or dessert. You can buy

                drinks at the Marina or bring your own.           

 

DEC 22  Hike:        Brush Hollow Reservoir Trail

            Rating:  Easy

            Directions: East of Canon City on US 50, north on Phantom

            Canyon Road(Hwy 67), east on CR 123, follow around 2

            curves, turn left (north) into the reservoir.

            Distance/Time to Trailhead: 30 minutes

            Description: Hike around the reservoir, no significan elevation

            gain, great mountain and water views.

            Hike Leaders: Marvin and Paula Carter

 

DEC 29 Hike:           Hogback/Skyline Drive

           Rating: Easy

           Distance/Time to Trailhead: 10 minutes

           Description: 3-4 mile round trip hike through the hogbacks

           and up the backside of Skyline Drive, on top see the

           Dinosaur tracks and vista views of Canon City. Can continue

           along the top of Skyline Drive.

           Leader: Charles and Joanna Rann

 

 

2011

 

 

FEBUARY 9:  Brookside Park Trail – Meet at the Village Inn at 9:00 am
Rating: Easy with some uphill climb
Directions:  Take Raynolds Ave(turns into Ash St.) south to Pinion Ave.  Take a left(east) . The park is at the bottom of the hill on the right.  You will see the toilets, a shelter and a parking area.
Distance/time to Trailhead:  15 minutes
Description:  newly built scenic trail of the area, approx 2-3 mile – shows what can be done with “GOCO grant money” (possibilities for our Skyline/Hogback area).
Hike Leader:  Marvin Carter – 275-3423 

 

 

FEBRUARY 16:  Conduit Nature Trail -   Meet at the Village Inn at 9:00 am
Rating:  Easy
Directions: South through Florence to Wetmore, East to Pueblo Reservoir – follow the signs & leader to park.
Distance/Time to Trailhead:  Approx.  45 minutes
Description:  3-4 miles – trail was constructed to follow the conduit that brought water from the river to the “old CF&I Steel Mill’ in Pueblo – an engineering feat, also note the sandstone limestone & shale that were once the bottom of a large shallow, shallow ocean.  Nice views of the Arkansas River Valley & Pikes Peak.  Bring snacks water and Yaktrax.

 

FEBRUARY 23:  Ophir Creek Snow Shoe or the Banks (Red Canyon Rd.)
Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am

Directions: South through Florence to Wetmore, west on 96 to 165 south, turn on Ophir Creek Road.
           The Banks – North on Red Canyon Rd.  10 miles (approx.) turn at the Banks sign.
Distance/Time to Trailhead:  1-½ hours to Ophir Creek  & 30 minutes to the Banks area.
Description:  Snowshoe the trails in the beautiful Sangre De Cristo Mountain area, 3-4 mile, bring snowshoes, water and lunch-for the Banks bring Yaktrax, water and lunch or eat in town.
Hike Leaders:  Doug Mack/Dale Bokowski

 

FEBRUARY 23:  Ophir Creek Snow Shoe or the Banks (Red Canyon Rd.)
Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am

Directions: South through Florence to Wetmore, west on 96 to 165 south, turn on Ophir Creek Road.
           The Banks – North on Red Canyon Rd.  10 miles (approx.) turn at the Banks sign.
Distance/Time to Trailhead:  1-½ hours to Ophir Creek  & 30 minutes to the Banks area.
Description:  Snowshoe the trails in the beautiful Sangre De Cristo Mountain area, 3-4 mile, bring snowshoes, water and lunch-for the Banks bring Yaktrax, water and lunch or eat in town.
Hike Leaders:  Doug Mack/Dale Bokowski

 

 

 

MARCH WEDNESDAY HIKES

 

PLEASE NOTE:  THE MEETING TIME AT VILLAGE INN IS STILL 8 AM.  THIS IS AN HOUR EARLIER THAN LAST MONTH.

 

MARCH 2:  Air Force Academy –Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM   (Notice Time)

Information on this hike will be given as soon as it is available.

Hike Leader:  Bev Essex  

 

 

Hike Leaders/Driving Distance/Directions:  Bev Essex & Ken Holm   Approximately 55 miles (80 minutes);  East on Hwy 50 for 12 miles to Hwy 115 (Penrose/Florence exit);  then north on Hwy 115 to Academy Blvd to I25 North.  Exit 156B to North Gate Blvd.   This takes us onto the Academy and to the B52 Exhibit on the left where we'll need to leave some vehicles (as this is where our hike ends).  We'll then proceed to the Visitor's Center for restrooms before going to the trailhead, less than a mile away.

 

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  The Falcon Trail is a 13 mile loop BUT we will walk about 5 miles total; elevation at trailhead:  7,240 ft.; elevation at the B52 is 6,660 ft. for total elevation difference of 580 ft.   Small climb at beginning of walk but then levels off.   Not difficult.

 

Hike Description:  This abbreviated hike begins at the parking area for the Natural History Trail (Environmental Overlook) on top of the hill south of the Cadet Area.  The Falcon trail runs due west, then turns sharply north and descends thru the forest down into Lehman Valley.  It crosses  Interior Drive, the little creek named Lehman Run, and Cross Drive, then climbs up to a high narrow ridge and continues eastward with views of the golf courses.  We'll take the B-52 Spur (.6 mi) off the main trail to end the hike.

Once at the B52, we'll drive back to the Visitor's Center where there are displays, a Subway Sandwich Shop, Gift Shop, and theater with an optional short presentation on the academy.  There is a picnic area if you prefer to bring a sack lunch.  Then we'll take a short 1/4 mile loop walk to the Cadet Chapel, one of the most distinctive buildings in our country, offering excellent views of the cadet area.    (Chapel is open 9-5 unless a special event is scheduled)

IMPORTANT:   We will go thru the Pass/ID Section to get to the trailhead, so all visitors need a picture ID.   Drivers should have vehicle registration and insurance proof - although we weren't asked for either on our visit.   Seatbelts required on base; no public service station available.

 

 

MARCH 9:  Holcim Wetlands – Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am  (Notice Time)

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker – 275-2054.   Approximately 17 miles

(30 minutes);  East on Hwy 50 for 12 miles to Hwy 115 (Penrose/Florence exit);  then south (towards Florence) on Hwy 115 for 2.8 miles to CR 120; then 2.5 miles on CR 120 to parking lot on left.

 

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, difficulty Rating:  1.5 miles round trip (1 to 1.5 hours); elevation at trailhead, 5,050 ft.; elevation at the Arkansas River, 5,000 ft. total elevation difference, 50 ft. (Av. Slope, <1%).  Rated 1.0 (Easy) – (Comparable hike – Canon City River Walk).

 

 

Hike Description:  This hike begins from the parking lot for the Holcim Wetlands.  The route follows a constructed trail that encircles a 23-acre pond and marshlands and a short spur to the edge of the Arkansas River.  The property is owned by the Holcim Cement Company but is open to the public for walking and viewing wildlife.  The hike offers an excellent opportunity for viewing birds and other wildlife in a beautiful riparian setting, so bring binoculars.  In addition, we will take a short side-trip to see the place where on of Colorado’s worst train wrecks occurred.

 

 

 

 

MARCH 16:  Oil Well Flats Loop-   Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am (Notice Time)

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Forrest Borre 784-2246.  Approximately 9 miles (25 minutes); North on 19^th Street 0.75 miles to Central Ave.; then east on Central 0.1 mile 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 of Red Canyon Road 3.7 miles to BLM Road 5940; then east on BLM 5940 for .75 miles to BLM 5941; then south on BLM 5941 for 0.7 miles to BLM 5941A; then east on BLM 5941A for 0.25 miles to trailhead.

 

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: 4 miles round-trip (3.5 hrs. including lunch); elevation at trailhead, 6,100 ft.; elevation at top of butte, 6,780 ft.; total elevation difference, 680 ft. (Av. Slope, 7%).  (Moderately Difficult) -  (Comparable hike – YMCA Mountain)

 

Hike Description:  This hike begins from the trailhead for the Wildfire Trail and reaches the top of a prominent butte located in this area.  The Wildfire Trail is the trail that the hiking club helped to build in 2005.  The hiking route also follows some of the old roads in this area that have been closed to motorized uses.  There is also a 0.5 mile-long cross-country segment of the hike that is off developed trails.  The most difficult part of this hike is the last 0.25-mile climb to the top of the butte, which gains 290 feet (22% Slope).  The return trip to the trailhead follows a different route that involves about a half-mile cross-country travel.  On the drive out to the county road we will also stop along the way to take a short walk to the Small Quarry.  This is the Dinosaur quarry (named after its discoverer, Mr. Small) where a nearly complete stegosaurus was excavated back in the 1990’s.

 

 

 

MARCH 23:  Cottonwood Creek to Twelve Mile Park

Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am (Notice Time)

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker 275-2054.  Approximately 27 miles

(45 minutes); West on Hwy 50 for 10.5 miles to Hwy 9; then north on Hwy 9 for 6.5 miles to BLM road on left (Access Road to the Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area).  Park Shuttle Cars here.

Then continue north of Hwy 9 for 4.5 miles to CR2; then west on CR2 for 5.2 miles to CR 21; then south on CR21 for 0.8 miles to BLM road and trailhead on left.

 

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  6 miles total (4 hrs. including lunch); elevation at trailhead, 8,040 ft.; elevation at Hwy 9 where shuttle cars are parked, 6,560 ft.; total elevation difference, - 1,480 ft. (Av. Slope – 4.7%). Rated Easy – (Comparable Hike – a little more difficult than hiking the Canon City River Walk form Centennial Park to Santa Fe Drive parking lot and back.

 

Hike Description:  This hike requires leaving a few cars at the bottom to shuttle drivers to retrieve vehicles left at the top.  The top end of the hike begins on BLM Public Lands located about 0.5 miles south of Barb Capozzella’s house.  The route follows the abandoned right-of-way of the original County Road that went directly from Hwy 9 up Cottonweed Creek to the upper Cottonwood and Tallahassee Creek areas.  It was abandoned many years ago after a torrential flood destroyed portions of the roadway.  Good foot and horse trails exist, however, connecting those sections of the roadbed that were left undamaged by the flood.  Except for a one mile-long segment that passes through the Cottonwood Creek State Wildlife Area, the entire hiking route is located on BLM Public lands.  The road and trail system above the Wildlife Area is closed to motorized uses.  Hikers will enjoy an easy downhill walk along the stream through a mixed riparian and forest ecosystem with numerous small meadows.  There are also sections that pass through impressive granite boulders and outcroppings. You will also see the remains of the County maintenance building that once stood here.  There are only two uphill sections along the route, both they are both short and not excessively steep.   Bring YakTraks in case of snow and ice.

 

 

 

MARCH 30:  Penrose Community Area

Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am (Notice Time)

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Forrest Borre – 784-2246

Approximately 16.5 miles (25 minutes); East on Hwy 50 for 10 miles to Hwy 115 (Penrose exit); then north 2.5 miles on Hwy 115 to 3^rd Street (look for direction sign to Brush Hollow Wildlife Area); then west on 3^rd Street for 0.2 miles to CR 127 for 3.1 miles to BLM gate next to toilet building; then proceed north on BLM Road for 0.5 miles to trailhead on right.

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  5 miles round-trip (3 hrs); elevation at lower trailhead next to toilet, 5,740 ft.; elevation at upper trailhead, 5,820ft. elevation at overlook of Beaver Creek,

6,209 ft.; total elevation difference from lower trailhead, 469 ft. (Av. Slope 3.2%); total elevation difference from upper trailhead, 410 ft. (Av. Slope 3.1%).  Rated 2.74 Easy – (Comparable Hike –

Oil Well Flats)

Hike Description:  This hike is on BLM Public Lands located north of Brush Hollow Reservoir: and is known locally as the Penrose Commons Area.  The area is managed by BLM for motorized recreational uses and most of the hike follows some of the extensive network of roads and trails that have been established throughout the area for users of 4WDs, ATVs, and motorcycles.  Several short sections of the hiking route, however, are located off established trails.  The hike is planned to start from a trailhead located about one-half mile north of the entrance gate located near the BLM boundary, In the event the entrance gate is locked, the hike will start from the lower trailhead, which will add another mile to the round trip distance.  The high point of this hike is a vista located on the edge of a rock escarpment that overlooks Beaver Creek.  The hiking route passes through varied terrain, including pinion pine and juniper forest, deep gulches, and open meadowlands that afford excellent views across the Arkansas River Valley.  Many sections of the hiking route are covered with loose rock and require care when walking; especially where steep slopes are encountered.  YakTraks are a must if we encounter snow or ice.  The area attracts large numbers of motorized users, mostly on weekends and holidays. Because we will be hiking in the middle of the week it should be pretty quiet, but we could encounter a few ATV or motorcycle riders.

April 6 – Texas Gulch – Reese Gulch Loop

Meet at VI at 8:00am.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:

Dave Walker – 275-2054

Approximately 28 miles (35 minutes); 

West on Hwy 50 for 26 miles to CR 27 at the Texas Creek Store; then north on CR 27 for 0.6 miles to lower parking lot (park shuttle cars here);  then continue north on CR27 for 1.4 miles to trailhead on left.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, and Difficulty Rating:

5 miles (3hrs. including lunch)

Elevation at trailhead, 6,720 ft.; elevation at crest of ridge between Texas and Reese Gulches, 7,110 ft.; max. elevation gain, 390ft. (Av. Slope 5 %).

Rated 2.97 (Moderate) – (Comparable Hike – Table Mountain Quarry).

Hike Description:

This hike is located in the Texas Creek Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area that is managed by BLM for motorized recreation: however, many of the ATV and motorcycle trails in the area are also suitable for hiking.  This hike involves a shuttle between the lower and upper trailheads.  From the upper trailhead the loop route crosses the ridge that separates Texas and Reese Gulches and then re-crosses the ridge back to the shuttle vehicles.  The most difficult section of the route is between the upper trailhead and the crest of the ridge that separates the two gulches, which gains 390 feet in 0.9 mile (8% Slope).  The section of the trail that descends from the ridge top to the bottom of Reese Gulch is also quite difficult due to the steepness of the grade and the abundance of loose rock.  This section is only 0.25 miles long and descends 430 feet (20% Slope).  The remaining part of the hike is fairly easy.  Hikers will need to be very careful when making the descent from the ridge to Reese Gulch and Yaktraks will definitely be needed if there is snow or ice.

 

April 13 – Mine Ruins on Oak Creek Grade

Meet at VI at 8:00am.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:

Dave Bell  275-3523

Approximately 9 miles (15 minutes)

West on Hwy 50 for 1.5 miles to 4^th Street;  then South 1 mile on 4^th Street to CR 143 (Oak Creek Grade); then South on CR 143 for 6.2 miles to trailhead on right.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, and Difficulty Rating:

1.5 to 2 miles round-trip (1.5 hrs.);

Elevation difference, 410 ft. (Av. Slope 12.9%)

Rated 2.61 (Easy) – (Comparable Hike – Ash Street from chandler Road to Mind Ruins and back).

Hike Description:

This hike begins 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.  The entire hiking route is located on lands administered by the San Isabel National Forest.  This short hike provides an opportunity to explore the workings of past mining activities, including the remains of an old ore chute.  Bring YakTraks in case of snow and ice.

 

April 20 – Cooper Mountain from Phantom Canyon Road

Meet at VI at 8:00am.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:

Dave Walker  275-2054

East  on Hwy 50 for 6 miles to Hwy 67 (Phantom Canyon Road); then North 17 miles on Phantom Canyon road to trailhead.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, and Difficulty Rating:

7 miles round-trip (4.5hrs., including lunch);

Elevation at trailhead, 8,080 ft.; elevation at summit of Cooper Mountain, 9,146 ft.: total elevation difference, 1,066 ft. (Av. Slope 5.8%).  The most difficulty section is 0.75 miles long, 680 ft. elevation gain (17.1%), with loose rock.  Rated 6.6 (Moderately Difficult) – (Comparable hike – Little Mack Gulch.)

Hike Description:

This hike begins from a point on Phantom Canyon Road located about 2 miles south of Nipple Mountain.  The first 0.75 miles is the most difficult part of the hike; the remaining distance is quite pleasant.  The route follows an old system of horse trails and primitive roads that are known to very few and that are not regularly maintained.  The entire hiking route is located on BLM Public Lands that have been closed to motorized uses.  This hike offers an opportunity to visit a part of our local region that very few Fremont County

residents will ever experience; spectacular and memorable terrain and vistas.  Try not to miss this one, Bring YakTraks in case there is snow and ice.

 

 

April 27 – Deer Haven Ranch – Thompson Mountain

Meet at VI at 8:00am.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:

Roger Bernard  671-7120

Approximately 25 miles (30 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 5.2 miles to CR 69 (Entrance to Deer Haven Ranch); then south on CR69 (Entrance to Deer Haven Ranch); then south on CR69 for 0.8 miles to BLM Road 5828; then west 0.8 miles to trailhead at gate.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, and Difficulty Rating:

5.8 miles round-trip (3.5hrs., including lunch)

Elevation at trailhead, 8,205 ft.; elevation at summit of Thompson Mtn., 8,720 ft.;  Elevation difference, 515 ft. (4% Av. Slope).  Rated 3.9 (Moderately Difficult) (Comparable Hike:  Wildfire Trail at Oil Well Flats)

Hike Description:

This loop hike is located within the western portion of the Deer Haven Ranch, which is no longer a ranch but consists of BLM Public Lands and State Trust lands that are managed for wildlife and non-motorized recreation uses.

Except for the short approach to the top of Thompson Mountain Peak, the entire route follows a network of old ranch roads and foot and horse trails.  The Deer Haven area contains a diverse landscape of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-fir forests that are interspersed with large open meadowlands and small streams.  The area provides outstanding habitat for a variety of critters, including deer, elk, turkey, coyote, fox, mountain lion and black bear.  Bring YakTraks in case of snow and ice.



MAY 4:  YMCA Mountain ,Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker 275-2054.

Approximately 22 miles (45 minutes); 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, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  3.5 miles round-trip (3 hours); elevation at trailhead, 6,600 ft.; elevation at top of YMCA Mountain 6,930; total elevation difference, 330 ft. (Av. Slope, 3.5%).  Rated 2.6 (Moderately difficult)

(Comparable hike – Oil Well Flats Loop).

Hike Description:  This hike is located in the Grand Canyon Hills area, 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).



MAY 11:  California Gals Dance Hall –Meet: Village Inn at 8:00 am 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker – 275-2054.   Approximately 12 miles

(20 minutes);  West on Hwy 50 for 9.3 miles to CR 3A (north access to Royal Gorge Bridge);  then south on CR 3A for 2.2 miles to gravel road on left (CR F30 for 0.5 miles to parking on right.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  1.5 miles round trip (1.5 hours); elevation at trailhead, 6,520 ft.; elevation at Dance Hall, 6,680 ft. total elevation difference, 160 ft. (Av. Slope, 4%).  Rated 1.0 (Easy) –

(Comparable hike – Fishing Access Trail to Arkansas River at Parkdale).

 

Hike Description:  This hike leads to the ruins of an old lodge that was built in 1921 by two ladies from California.  It sits near the top of the old Priest Canyon road at a place known as Vista Point.  Hikers will enjoy imagining what the lodge must have looked like when it was operating as well as viewing the gorgeous scenery from the rock outcrop at Vista Point.  About 0.25 miles of this hike, both going and returning, involves an easy cross-country climb over a low ridge.  The remaining 1.25 miles are along the old Priest Canyon Road.

 

MAY 18:  Lookout Mountain  - Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker – 275-2054.  Approximately 33 miles (45 minutes); West on Hwy 50 for 26 miles to Hwy 69 at Texas Creek; then south on Hwy 69 for 4.4 miles to BLM road on left (Rogers Gulch); then east on BLM road 1.5 miles to trailhead.  The last 1.5 miles requires 4WD.

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: 5 miles round-trip (4 hours, including lunch); elevation at trailhead, 7,160 ft.; elevation at vista point on Lookout Mountain, 8,280 ft.: elevation difference, 1,120 ft. (Av. Slope 8.5%).  The most difficult section is the first part, which is 0.70 miles long, 520 ft. elevation gain (14.4%), with loose rock.  Rated 7.0 (Difficult)

(Comparable hike – Lion Canyon).

Hike Description:  This hike begins from a point on the western flank of Lookout Mountain.  The first 0.70 miles is the most difficult part of the hike; the remaining distance is comparatively easy. The route follows an old primitive road for most of the way.  The last 0.5 mile-long segment follows a user created ATV trail that requires some off-trail bushwhacking.  The entire hiking route is located on BLM Public Lands.  The road is open to motorized uses, however, is only used occasionally by ATV and motorcycle riders.  This hike terminates at a vista point located near the summit of Lookout Mountain, which lies at the head of Five Points Gulch.  From here hikers will enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Arkansas River Canyon, Pikes Peak, Wet Mountain Valley, and the Sangre de Cristo mountains.  It’s a beauty to behold!  Someone will need to bring a rope for tying Doug so that he can’t try to climb to the very top of the peak.

 

 

MAY 25:  Rudolf Mountain - Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Willard Gordon 275-6709.  Approximately 31 miles

(1 hour); East on Hwy 50 for 6 miles to Hwy 67; then south of Hwy 67 for 3.5 miles to Hwy 115 (Florence); then east on Hwy 115 for 0.3 miles to Hwy 67; then south on Hwy67 for 11.25 miles to Hwy 96 (Wetmore); then southwest on Hwy 96 for 4.25 miles CR 387 (Beulah Road); then south on CR 387 for 3.4 miles to CR 386 (South Hardscrabble Road); then west on CR86 for 2.6 miles to trailhead on right.

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  8.4 miles round-trip (6 hrs., including lunch);  elevation at trailhead, 7,980 ft., elevation at summit of Rudolf Mountain, 10,334 ft.; total elevation difference, 2,354 ft. (Av. Slope 10.6%).  Rated 15.5 (Very Difficult) –

(Comparable hike – Curly Peak via Stultz Trail)

Hike Description:  This hike begins from a point on South Hardscrabble Road and ends at the summit of Rudolf Mountain. The route follows a Forest Service horse trail that is not annually maintained; consequently we may encounter trees that have fallen across the trail.  Except for the summit of Rudolf Mountain, which is on private land, the rest of the hiking route is on the San Isabel National Forest.  The first 2.4 miles between the trailhead and the 10,000-foot contour line is the most difficult part of this hike.  The average slope along this section is 18.7%.  From the 10,000-foot contour line the trail descends 320 feet over the next 0.6 miles, then climbs the last 1.2 miles to the summit of Rudolf Mountain at an average slope of 9.6%.  Due to the steepness of the trail we should probably plan on splitting hikers into two groups: those who plan to compete the entire hike to the summit and back, and those who plan to only go part of the way, the trail passes through a forested mountain landscape consisting of mixed Ponderosa Pine and Douglas fir, large stands of Aspen; slopes covered with Gambel Oak; and occasional stringer meadows.  The summit of Rudolf Mountain affords spectacular views of the surrounding Wet Mountains

 

MAY WEDNESDAY HIKE FOR THE 25^TH

This is a change.  Dave Walker feels that Rudolph Mountain may be too aggressive for some hikers.

Cooper Mountain East Trail from Phantom Canyon   Meet at VI at 8:00 a.m.

This hike, a new one starts in Phantom Canyon proceeding up the East side of Cooper Mountain.

 

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance /Directions:   - Dave Walker  - 275-2054 

Approximately 23 miles (45) minutes);  East on Hwy 50 for 6 miles to Hwy 67 (Phantom Canyon Road); then north 17 miles on Phantom Canyon road to trailhead.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  7 miles round-trip (4.5 hrs., including lunch); elevation at trailhead, 8,080 ft.; elevation at summit of Copper Mountain, 9,146 ft., total elevation difference, 1,066 ft., (Av. Slope 5.8%).  The most difficult section is 0.75 miles long, 680 ft. elevation gain (17.1 %), with loose rock. 

Rated 6.6 (Moderately Difficult) – Comparable hike – (Little Mack Gulch)

Hike Description:  This hike begins from a point on Phantom Canyon Road located about 2 miles south of Nipple Mountain.  The first 0.75 miles is the most difficult part of the hike; the remaining distance is quite pleasant.  The route follows an old system of horse trails and primitive roads that are known to very few and that are not regularly maintained.  The entire hiking route is located on BLM Public Lands that have been closed to motorized uses.  This hike extends along the major ridge that separated the Eightmile Creek (Phantom Canyon) and Fourmile Creek (Garden Park/Shelf Road Canyon) drainages.  This hike offers an opportunity to visit a part of our local regions that very few Fremont County residents will ever experience; spectacular and memorable terrain and vistas.  Try not to miss this one.  Bring YakTraks in case there is snow , ice or mud.

 

JUNE 1:  Cheyenne Mountain State Park Colorado Springs  Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Jerry Beatty (269-8123)

Approximately 40 miles   Take US 50 to Penrose then North 30 miles on Hwy 115.  Entrance is across from Army’s Fort Carson Main Gate.  All visitors are required to display current Colorado State Parks pass on Vehicle windshield.  A daily pass may be purchase at the Visitor Center  (CWH will pay) . 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  We will hike some of the upper trails.  On past hikes, during colder months, we hiked the lower trails.  The upper area is forested with pines and large oak brush.  There are many trails with varying difficulty but all trails are easy to moderate.

 

JUNE 8:  Meeting Day–Tunnel Drive-Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Arlene Slaichert (276-0542).  

Return for Club Meeting at 10:30 am.



JUNE 15:  Five Points Gulch  - Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Jerry Beatty (269-8123).  Approximately 20 miles (25 minutes); Take Hwy 50 west about 25 miles (proceeding past the Five Points Recreation Area about 3 miles) to the steel bridge on a gentle left turning curve.  About ½ mile past the bridge is a place to make a safe U-turn (left side of Hwy 50) and proceed back to the bridge off of the highway on a wide shoulder.  A short dirt road on the south side leads to the trailhead, again south.  We hike up the gulch about two miles along an easy trail with a pleasant stream.

Calculated Rating: 2.87



JUNE 22:  Booger Red Trail - Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dale Bokowski 276-0974. 

Take Hwy 50 west of Canon City to CSH 9.  Proceed North on State Hwy 9 to County Road 11.  Proceed west on County Road 11 to Forest Designated Road 5808 on South side of CR11.  A four-wheel drive vehicle is best for accessing the trail for Booger Red.  A very nice hike of easy to moderate difficulty.  No significant elevation change.

Bring lunch/snack and water.

Calculated Rating: 3.2

 

JUNE 29:  Newlin Creek with optional overnight backpack via Lion Canyon - Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am for Newlin Creek

 



Hike leaders:  Jerry Beatty 269-8123, Doug Mack 315-2078

Dave Bell  275-3523

This two part hike consists of the usual hike up Newlin Creek from CSH 67 side(bring lunch/snack and water) and a hike from Lion Canyon off of Oak Creek Grade.  Call Dave Bell to get details on gear, car pool arrangements, etc. Dave will lead this part of the hike up Lion Canyon, across Locke Mountain and down Newlin Creek to meet the group from the east side (Florence).

The usual hike is about 5.4 miles (CSH 67 side) round trip of easy to moderate difficulty.

Elevation gain:  1,360 ft.  Av. Elevation: 7,680 ft.

Newlin Creek is small with many crossings, waterfalls, cliffs, and deep woods.  The hike ends at an old saw mill with some of the steam engine parts intact. 

From the Village Inn, proceed to Florence on Hwy 115, turning south on State Hwy 67 for 4.3 miles to County Road 15.  Turn west and follow the road past Florence Mountain Park to the trailhead (3-4 miles).

The backpackers will meet the group at the sawmill for lunch.

Calculated Rating: 8.13



Note from Dave: The Lion Canyon to Newlin Creek hike is approximately 8.5 miles. After Lion Canyon it is mostly downhill. We plan to hike in 5 miles Tuesday afternoon, camp, then hike about 1 to 1.5 miles to the steam engine the next morning. From there we will join the rest of the group and hike down Newlin Creek.

 

 

JULY 8:  Green’s Creek-  Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Joe Rausch (275-2186)

Take Highway 50 to Salida.  We will stop in Salida at the swimming pool for a rest room break.

Continue on Highway 50 to Poncha Springs.  From Poncha Springs travel west on Highway 50 for approximately 2 miles.  Turn left on County Road 220 and travel west on this road for about 1.75 miles to the junction with CR 221.  CR 221 travels southwest for approximately 2 miles to the trailhead.  A small pull-off is located on the right side of the road. 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  The starting elevation is 9,000 ft. with a gain of around 500 ft.  The difficulty is rated as moderate.  We will hike about 2 ½ miles one way, generally along the creek with beaver ponds, aspens and wild flowers. 

Bring water and lunch for a stop at a series of beaver ponds. Calculated Difficulty : 4.1.

ALSO:  DO NOT FORGET:  Rain gear and bug spray.

 

JULY 13:  Meeting Day – Ecology Park  -  Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 am  or at the trailhead at 8:15 am

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Bill Slaichert (276-0542).  

There are several options for easy hikes to the dinosaur tracks or Grape Creek.  Bill will select the route.  Return to the parking lot by 10:15 am for our monthly meeting at Canon Coffee at 10:30 am.

 

 

JULY 20:  ST. CHARLES PEAK (WEST SIDE)   - Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Jerry Beatty (269-8123)/Doug Mack (315-2078)

 

NOTE:  If this is your first driving trip we recommend that you follow someone who knows the route. 

Take Hwy 115 to Florence, then right at Carl’s Jr. on Hwy 96.  Proceed to Wetmore and keep right on Hwy 96 to Mackenzie junction.  Turn left on Hwy 165 and proceed to the right turnoff on CR360 at Ophir Creek Campground.  Follow CR 360 about 9-10 miles turning to the left onto CR 369 proceeding about 4 miles to the St. Charles Peak trailhead. 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  We will hike a relatively flat road for about 2 miles and then take the trail to the top of the peak.  The gain is 300-400 feet and the round trip distance is 5 miles.  This hike is rated as easy to moderate. Calculated Difficulty: 3.8.

Bring water and lunch/snack.



JULY 27:  Brown’s Creek - Meet at the Village Inn at 6:30 am or at the trailhead at 8:00 am

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Jim Mathis  (276-0696)

From Canon City proceed to Salida on Hwy 50.  Continue west to the junction of Highways 50 and 285.  Take 285 north (out of Salida toward Buena Vista) for 13 miles, turn left on CR 270.  Go 1.5 miles to the 4-way stop and then continue straight on CR 270 for 2 miles.  At the CR 274junction, turn left and stay on CR 272 for another 1.7 miles to the trailhead. 

We will meet the hikers camping at Cascade Campground.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  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.

Take your lunch and your camera, relax for awhile and enjoy the falls and the wild flowers.  This hike is about 11.8 miles round trip. Beginnng elevation: 8970 ft, Ending elevation: 11,280 ft.   

Calculated Difficulty: 13.7.

Bring lunch/snack and water.

 

 

JULY 28:  Alpine Tunnel Trail (to coincide with Cascade Campout)  - 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Roger Bernard (671-7120)

This is a Thursday hike to correspond with the campout at Cascade Campground or for those who drive from Canon City.  From Canon City, leave directly from town and drive west on highway 50 to Salida.  From Salida take highway 285 North to Nathrop, CO.  Turn West on CR 162; travel 9 miles to the Cascade Campground.  Meet the camping group for the drive to the trailhead by continuing on CR 162 to St. Elmo.  Bear/turn left at St. Elmo on CR295 and continue several miles to the trailhead. 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  This hike is about 5 miles round trip and follows an old railroad grade (2 % slope).  The elevation gain is less than 300 feet.  At the tunnel entrance, now closed by blasting, the trail proceeds steeply about ½ mile to the Continental Divide for a grand view to the West and the tunnel portal. Calculated Difficulty: 3.8

This hike is rated easy to moderate.  High clearance/4WD vehicles are recommended from St. Elmo to the trailhead.  After the hike return to St. Elmo for ice cream.

 Bring Lunch and Water.

ALSO:  DO NOT FORGET:  Rain gear and bug spray.



AUGUST 3 – VICTOR TRAILS – Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions: Joe Rausch – (275-2186)

This Hike replaces the scheduled Duckett Creek Hike because of uncertainty in that area, due to the recent fire.

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.  There are several trails in the area.  Joe will select one for our hike.  Bring water and lunch/snack.  Some hikers may want to return to Cripple Creek for lunch or ice cream.



AUGUST 10 – Meeting Day -New Trail from Dawson Ranch-

Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions: Bill Slaichert (276-0542)

Meet at village Inn at 8:00AM for briefing by Bill.

 

AUGUST 17 – The Crags –Meet at the Village Inn 8:00AM

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions : Arlo Dupont (275-0531)

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:

Follow this trail along Fourmile creek all the way up to the Crags.  The trail is well traveled and easy to follow.  At about the ¾ of a mile mark there is an alternative trail that heads off to the left.  This trail will also take you to the Crags, just the southern end of them. As the trail nears the Crags you will se lots of large rock formations. The last part of this trail gains a lot of elevation. But it is worth it since the views from the top are wonderful.

Bring lunch, snacks and water.

 

 WEDNESDAY HIKES FOR AUGUST

 

AUGUST 24 – Devil’s Head and fire lookout – Molly Eaves

Meet at the Village Inn at 7:00AM – Note Change in Time

A possible alternate local hike for those who prefer not to make the drive to be decided upon is being considered.

Hiking Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Molly Eaves (275-3400)

To get there, take Rampart Range Road south nine miles from Highway 67 near Sedalia (between Denver and Colorado Springs).

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:

This is a new hike 2.8 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 950 feet. The trail is very well constructed and popular.  The climb to the fire tower consists of 143 metal stairs with handrails.  The 360-degree view from the San Juans to the South and Wyoming to the North is spectacular.



 

AUGUST 31 – Greenhorn Mountain

Meet at the Village Inn at 7:00AM – NOTE TIME CHANGE

NOTE: Since this is a long drive over remote and somewhat rough roads, ensure that your spare tire is in working order, up to pressure and, that your jack is serviceable.

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker (275-2054)

Take CO 67south from Florence, turn right onto Hwy.96 and travel West and turn left onto CO 165.  Drive 10 miles South to Ophir Creek turnoff onto Greenhorn Road and proceed to parking area.  Recommend new driver follow someone familiar with the drive.

1-½ hours to trailhead.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:

Fantastic views of Sangre de Cristo Mts., 5 miles roundtrip.  Easy to moderate hike.

 



 WEDNESDAY HIKES FOR SEPTEMBER

 

SEPTEMBER 7:  Fremont Peak   - Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Joanna Rann 276-9008

3.5 miles RT/ 20 minutes to trailhead.  Go west of Canon City on Hwy. 50 to west entrance of Royal Gorge Park.  Turn south onto RGP access road and continue about 3 miles watching for picnic area.  About 0.1 miles beyond picnic area, turn left onto the middle of three access roads.  Park near this junction.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Hike 1.5 miles to top of peak.  Great views of area.

Rating: Easy/ elevation gain of 450 feet.

 

September 14:  Meeting Day – River Walk   Meet at Duck Park/Centennial Park 8:00 AM:

Hike Leader: Not needed

 

SEPTEMBER 21:  WORK DAY    RIVER WALK CLEAN UP AT RAYNOLDS BRIDGE

We will be clean and painting the of the trail bridge under the Raynolds bridge.

We will meet at the River Walk across the street from the Recreation Center at 8:00 AM instead of the Village Inn.

We will first walk to the Duck Pond on the Riverwalk and return to the bridge ( Round Trip + 4 miles.

We are scheduled to begin work on the bridge at 10 AM.

We can possibly picnic at the site, if you so choose, however there are only two picnic tables.  This fact was brought out at the meeting but there was no consensus



 

SEPTEMBER 28: Lewis Creek   Meet at the VI at 8:00 AM

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Flanders  651-1961

Car pool with members who have similar hiking plans!  Take CO 115 from Canon City to Florence.  Take CO 67 south to Wetmore and junction with CO 96.  3.2 miles to the Lewis Creek Trail (Forest Road 310).  A parking area is 0.4 miles.  (Use caution with low-clearance vehicles.  Occasionally there is a nice creek and good views from the higher elevations.  8 miles round trip.



 

OCTOBER 5:  Horse thief Falls/Pancake Rock- Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Bring Lunch

This trail (#704) is part of Ring the Peak system.  It’s only ½ miles east to reach Horse thief Falls (#704b).  Pancake Rock trail (#704a) is about 2.2 miles long (one way).  At first you will climb up through series of switchbacks and then follow an easy trail until you reach an interesting rock outcropping at the end.  Rocks seem to be stacked on each other - hence the name.  This trail offers great views south and west towards Cripple Creek.  The trail does not continue further south and you must turn back and return to the trailhead. 

Leader:  Dave Bell     275-3523

 

OCTOBER 12:  Meeting Day – Tunnel Drive   Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00am

 Leader: Not needed

 

OCTOBER 19:  BADGER CREEK Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 AM

Bring Lunch

Take US 50 west to CSH9.  North on 9 to Tallahasse Road.  West on Tallahasse Rd to Badger Creek.

The trail is an easy to moderate hike, including boulder fields, proceeding south from Badger Springs, which are the source of the creek.  Beautiful scenery with a good chance of spotting Bighorn Sheep.

Leader: Marvin Carter – 275-3423



OCTOBER 26: Beaver Creek Riparian Walk   Meet at the VI at 8:00 AM

Bring Lunch

Walk to Beaver Creek (one half mile) – then wade creek or walk up creek to huge log over creek – Cross the creek and head down the creek  past an old homestead.  Easy walk for 4 miles in fantastic riparian area.  Well know bird area – bring binoculars.

NOTE:  this area will need a HABITAT STAMP, which can be purchased at any outlet that sells fishing licenses.  For those 65 or older the fishing license is free and the habitat stamp is $1.00.

Leader:   Joe Rausch    275-2186



 

NOVEMBER   2:     NEW HIKE  Two for One Sale  McCoy Gulch, Granite Quarry  

This is 29 miles west of Cañon City on Hwy 50.  The hike is 3 miles round trip, 600 ft.elevation gain.  There is a vista of the Arkansas River valley. Hike Leader:  Dave Walker



NOVEMBER   9:     Meeting Day   Ash Street Hike

Hike Leader:  Bill Slaichert

 

NOVEMBER   16:     Shelf Road Recreation Area

          2.7 miles past Red Canyon Park on Red Canyon Road.  Hike 1.2 miles to the Banks Camping Area.  Views of mountaintops are spectacular.  Warm up by a small campfire or toast a marshmallow and return.  Dress Appropriately.

Bring water and snacks (marshmallows?)

Hike Leader:  Dave Flanders



     

NOVEMBER   23:     Happy Thanksgiving

 

NOVEMBER   30:     Brush Hollow Reservoir

          Go 5.7 miles west on Hwy 50 from the Pancake House.  Then turn left on Highway 67, 1.5 miles to CR 123.  Then 3.9 miles on CR 123.  Take the left turn to reservoir 0.8 miles to the dam parking lot (excuse his language).  Cross the dam and follow the east ridge to north parking lot, then follow the lakeshore back to the dam.  Easy one-hour loop.

Hike Leader.  Jerry Beatty



DECEMBER 07: 

NEW HIKE  Two for One Sale  McCoy Gulch, Granite Quarry  

This is 29 miles west of Cañon City on Hwy 50.  The hike is 3 miles round trip, 600 ft.elevation gain.  There is a vista of the Arkansas River valley. Hike Leader:  Dave Walker

 

 DECEMBER 14:  This will be the Christmas Party.  It will be in Dupont’s basement.  We will meet at the Dupont’s at 9:00 am to drop off pot luck dishes and white elephant gifts, then carpool to the Lakeside Cemetery area for a short hike, returning to the DuPont's around 11:30. 

For the party:  Bring a dish to share.  We will have our annual white elephant gift exchange  It was decided that the gifts were to be something that you no longer wanted, but nice enough that someone else might want it.  Beverages, plates, cups etc will be furnished by the club.

 

DECEMBER 21:  This is our annual walking  downtown and eating at a restaurant of our choice.  The eating place will be decided and posted at a later date.



 

DECEMBER 28: Aiken Canyon Preserve, Leader Joe Rausch

Directions:  East on Hwy 50 to Penrose and CSH 115.  North  for 17.9 miles to Turkey Creek Ranch Road, turn left and travel 0.2 miles to parking area on right. Elevation gain 920 ft.

 

2012



01/04/12  RUNYON LAKE   

Location: In Pueblo south on I-25 to exit 98A, south on Santa Fe to Runyon Field.  Leaders: Roger/Sharon Bernard

 

01/11/12 MEETING DAY-ECOLOGY PARK,  Leader:  Bill Slaichert ?

 

 

01/18/12  NORTH MONUMENT VALLEY TRAIL  

Directions: HWY 50 to Penrose, north on CSH 115 (turns to Nevada Ave in Colo. Springs) Turn on to I-25 north through Colo. Springs  to the Uintah exit (#143).  At end of ramp turn east (away from mtns.). Turn left at Cascade Ave.  Turn left at Fontanero St. Turn left at Culebra Place.  The staging/parking area is in large grassy area south of the ball field.  Description: Beautiful park, with great view . We will take the 4.3 mile Monument Creek Trail.  Leader: Joe Rausch



01/25/12 SNOWSHOE ADVENTURE( for those so inclined) FREMONT PEAK TRAIL, OR THE BANKS (non snowshoers)

Directions to Fremont Peak Trail: West on US 50 7.7 miles to Royal Gorge Park entrance.  South on park access road(Fremont Co. 3-A) 2.7 miles to park boundry.  Up hill 0.1 mile to picnic area at top of hill.  Firepits and facilities.  Can bring wieners, buns, etc. for lunch if desired.   About 2 miles. Will only be using trail, not climbing Fremont Peak.  Leader: Marvin Carter.

Directions to the Banks: Take North Raynolds Avenue from US50, 0.7 miles north, then 0.1 miles west on Pear Street to Field Avenue.  North on Field Ave. 2.4 miles until it becomes Fremont Co. #9.  Continue north to where the road splits into Shelf Road on the right and Road 5820 on left.  Take 5820, to the Bank Campground.  Note: It is advisable to bring crampons, e.g. “Yax Trax” for possible icy conditions.  Leader:     Open

FREMONT PEAK SNOWSHOE HIKE CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF SNOW. THE BANKS WILL BE HIKED AS SCHEDULED.

 

 

 

02/01/12 PUEBLO RESERVOIR HIKE  The leaders are exploring various hike routes about the reservoir and will name and describe the chosen one prior to the scheduled date. Directions:  Specific directions will be provided when the trail is chosen. Leader: Debbie Whitt, Carol Farren.

 

02/08/12 MEETING DAY-ARKANSAS RIVER WALK meet at the Duck Pond at the south end of the park and west of the Scenic Railway Depot.  Leader: Dale Bokowski NOTE: MEETING TIME AT K-BOB'S HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 11:00 AM

 

02/15/12 PALMER PARK, COLORADO SPRINGS Description: Highly rated park for hiking right in the middle of Colorado Spgs! Great views and scenery.  Directions: HWY 50 to Penrose, north on CSH 115 past Ft. Carson.  Leave CSH 115 to Academy Blvd. to your right and continue north on Academy until Maizeland Road on your left.  West on Maizeland Road to 3650 Maizeland. Leader: Jim Mathis.  Trail is 4.2 miles. Remember to bring your “YAX  TRAX”.

 

02/22/12 CLEVELAND AND MARSH QUARRY@ RED CANYON Directions: Take Raynolds Ave. north for US50 0.7 mile and then west on Pear St. for 0.1 mile to Field St. North on Field St. 2.4 miles till it becomes Fremont CO #9.  The Cleveland Quarry is about 3.3 miles north on #9. There are tables and restrooms on the right side of the road. The Marsh Trail is a little farther north and on the left.  A world famous area rich in fossil finds and more still to be exhumed.  Leader: Dave Walker



02/29/12 GARDEN OF THE GODS HIKE Directions: Go east of Canon City on US50 to Penrose. Turn north on CSH 115 till it becomes Nevada Ave. in Colorado Springs. North on Nevada Ave. Leave Nevada Ave and take Interstate Highway 25 north several miles to US 24. Take US24 west(Cimmaron St.) to 35^th St.  Turn onto North 35 St.  and continue north to 1805 N. 35^th St.  Turn left on Gateway Road to Garden Of The Gods.   Description:  A stunning collection of natural sandstone formations, easy hiking, great photographic opportunities.  Leader: Marlowe Cassetti.

 

 

MARCH WEDNESDAY HIKES

 

 

 

March 7  - Red Rock Canyon Open Space  Colorado Springs

 

Meet at the Village Inn Parking Lot         9:00 A.M.

 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Jim Mathis 276-0696    (Approx. 50 miles to trailhead) From I-25 take the Cimarron St. exit – west.  Cimarron St. will turn into Hwy. 24.  After the 31^st St. light, turn left onto Ridge Road.  Red Rock Canyon will be on the south side of the street.  The parking lot is located at the end of Ridge Road.  Leader will choose trail. 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Trails are easy to moderate.  300’- 400’gain.  Approx.  2-2-½ mi. RT   Average Elevation 5900 ft.  Calculated Difficulty: 3.1

 

Hike Description:

 

 

March 14   Parkdale  Meeting Day

 

Meet at the Village Inn Parking Lot         9:00 A.M.

 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Charles Rann  276-9008     US. 50 west about 12 miles. To where US. 50 crosses the Arkansas River.  Take the next left and travel ¼ mi. on Copper Gulch Rd.

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Easy

 

Hike Description

 

 

March 21   Big Horn RV Park (Workday at Doug and Judy Dalton’s) with overnight camping for those who are interested.

 

The 1st Annual Spring Fling at the Big Horn RV Park!

Happening??  March 21st and March 22nd
What's happening??  Some work projects, hiking, eating, camping and the ultimate social gathering at Doug & Judy Dolton's Bighorn RV Park.
Located??  Approximately 45 min. west of Cañon City, 4 miles past Cotapaxi, near mile marker 242 on U S Highway 50 in Coaldale, CO

Everyone planning to CAMP at the Bighorn should call the Ranns at - 276-9008 - so we can get a count.  If you leave a message, let them know what size camper you will be bringing.  No tent camping (at this time). There will be no charge for camping (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday).  Plan to bring your own food, as you would if going camping anywhere else. Judy writes: "our bathroom/shower facility won't be up and running. But, we have a restroom in the store.  Just need to know how many hook-ups we'll need. 

• Note from Judy, "No tent camping (at this time), however, there are 4 Bunkhouses available, bring your sleeping bags".

• Those wanting to "car pool for the day only" or drive for a "car pool" should meet at VI at 8:00am.  There will not be a leader at VI, so just head out shortly after 8:00am

On Wednesday, the Dolton's will provide a cook-out with burgers & dogs and fixins.  Please bring a potluck dish to pass and your own beverages.  

 
The workday portion of the day will include raking of RV sites, bunkhouses and the hotel rooms clean up and work on a walking path.  We need to bring rakes, shovels, buckets, gloves, etc.  Roger & Sharon Bernard and Marvin Carter will be our hike leaders.  The Dolton’s have graciously offered us free campsites for all of our hard work.  Camping: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. We should all take our own food & beverages.  

• The Big Horn is located on the River, so bring your fishing gear for catch & release. 
• Rainbow Trail hike may have some snow...bring your Yak Trax or even snow shoes.

 

March 28   No Hike!  Senior Mini-College

 

 

APRIL WEDNESDAY HIKES

PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE  8:00 A.M.  VILLAGE INN PARKING LOT





April 4   Beaver Creek Trail   VI  8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Forrest Borre  784-2246  Take Phantom Canyon Rd. (CO67) north 1.7 mi. to Fremont Cty. Rd. 123, turn right (east) and drive 0.3 mi. to Fremont Cty. Rd. 132.  Turn left (north) and continue 10.8 mi. to parking area.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:    RT 7 mi. Beginning elevation: 6,100 ft.  Highest elevation:  7,500 ft. 

Average elevation:  6,800 ft. 

Calculated difficulty:  8.2

Hike Description:  The trail begins as a road through a meadow at the end of Upper Beaver Creek Road.  At 0.1 miles from trailhead a road splitting off to the right leads to Banta Gulch.  Stay to the left.  Cross a dry creek bed, after 0.3 miles is a second junction.  Keep to the right. 

 

April 11  Riparian Park  (Holcim Wetlands)   Meeting Day.  VI 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Leader: Dale Bokowski 276-0974  Drive east on US. 50 for 12 miles, exit onto 115 and go south for 2.8 mi. to CR 120, turn left and go 2.5 mi. to parking lot on left side. Opportunity to possibly observe many different and interesting bird species in a special environment.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  easy

Hike Description





April 18  Shaw Park Natural Arch (Red Canyon)  VI  8:00A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:   Charles Rann  276-9008  West on US 50 3 ½ miles. Turn right on CR 69.  Go 4 miles to trailhead. 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Beginning elevation – 6,400 ft. 

Ending Elevation: – 6,900 ft. 

Average Elevation: – 6,650 ft. 

Calculated difficulty:  4.3

Hike Description:  From the parking lot cross over BLM gate by windmill.  The trail proceeds east and then northwest to arch.



 

April 25  Twin Rock Trail – Florissant Fossils Beds  VI  8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  To Visitor Center where leader (be chosen later) will take us to trailhead.  Drive west on US 50 to CSH 9, turn right and drive approx. 7 miles to CR 11 (High Park Road) and continue approx. 12 miles to CR1 (stop sign).  Turn north on CR1 and follow signs to national Monument Visitor Center.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, and Difficulty Rating:  RT 6 miles 

Beginning elevation: 8,300 ft.

Highest elevation: 8,760 ft.

Elevation gain:  360 ft.

Calculation difficulty:  4.5

Hike Description:  The trail meanders through old ranch lands and across an ancient lakebed.  It then turns east and follows an unnamed stream to South Twin rock.  Trail wanders through riparian areas, a beautiful aspen grove and several rock formations.



 MAY WEDNESDAY HIKES

 

May 2  YMCA Peak  Meet at VI 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker 275-2054  West on Us 50 for 11 mi. to Parkdale.  Turn left; go south toward south entrance to Royal Gorge Park.  After 2.6 mi. you will come to a fork in the road.  Stay left and continue 1 mile where a road to the left leaves the paved Royal Gorge Rd.  Take this road for 1.5 mi to a dirt road on the left.  Take this road to its end, approx. 2 miles.  Park in this area.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  3.5 miles round trip (3 hours)

Elevation at trailhead: 6,600 ft.–

Elevation at top of YMCA Mountain: 6,930 ft.

Total elevation difference:  330 ft. (Av. Slope, 3.5%)

Comparable hike – Oil Well Flats Loop

Calculated difficulty:  Rated: 3.5 (Moderately Difficult)

Hike Description:  This hike is located in the Grand Canyon Hill area, south of the Arkansas River.  About a third of the hiking distance is via a primitive 4 WD 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 Cañon City, which is close enough that you can hear the sounds of the 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 00 feet (24% slope).

 

May 9 Stone Ruins/Dawson Ranch  Meeting DayMeet at VI 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Bill Slaichert  276-0542  Top of Dawson Ranch in Cañon City off of Storm Ridge Road.  Trail goes to old stone ruins.

Hiking Distance:  ½ hour up and ½ hour back.

 



May 16  St. Charles Creek Natural Arch Meet a VI 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:   Dave Bell  275-323  From Wetmore take CSH 96 west to CSH 165 south.  1 mi past San Isabel Lake, turn left onto Old San Isabel Rd. and go 2.3 mi., turn left onto Dan Carlos Trail access road to parking area. (East 0.7 mi. is easy 4 wheel) Time to Trailhead – 1 hr. 30 min.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: --

Beginning Elevation: - 8,000 ft.

Ending Elevation: – 7,600 ft.

Average Elevation: – 7,800 ft.

Round Trip Distance:  2.5 miles

Calculated Difficulty:    3.7

Hike Description:  The arch was formed by the collapse of the lower part of a mountain cirque (deep basin) in which snow and ice accumulated over eons and between freezing and thawing caused the breakout of the cirque bottom  The arch is on the west side of Little St. Charles Creek. Use caution when scrambling across the creek and over piles of loose boulders to access and observe the arch.



 

May 23  Mineshaft Road Trail.  Meet a VI 8:00 A.M.

 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:   Bill Slaichert  West on US 50 for 11 mi. to Copper Gulch Road south to Mineshaft Rd.  Then 2 miles up a steep hill to trailhead.   4WD suggested for steepness of hill. Can hike as far as we want because of very long trail. 

Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate



May 30  Vindicator Mine Trail/ Victor, CO  Meet a VI 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:   Ken Holm and Bev Essex   276-0542  US 50 to CSH 9, turn right.  CSH 9 to CR 11, turn right.  CR11 to RT 1 to Cripple Creek.  In Cripple Creek, continue to Carr Ave. and turn right at 1^st Street.  Take first left on East Bennet Ave.  Turn on CSH 67 and continue to Victor

Hiking Distance:  2 miles RT

Elevation Gain: – Slight (starts at 10,000 ft.)

Calculated difficulty:  1.6

 

 

JUNE WEDNESDAY HIKES



JUNE 6               LION CANYON

 

Meet at Village In at 8:00 A.M.            Moderate hike              Leader – Dave Bell  275-3523

 

Hike starts at Oak Creek Campground, off of Oak Creek Grade Road.  Hike to the meadow on top called Locke Park, great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, beautiful flowers in June.

 

Elevation gain 1520 ft.  Distance to top  - 1 hour. Difficulty Rating: 5.3

 

 

JUNE 20            THE CRAGS-Bring lunch, water

 

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M. 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions: Dale Bokowski: 276-0974. From Colorado Springs take Highway 24 west to Divide.  Turn south on Highway 67 for 4.3 miles. Look for a sign on the left for the turn to the Crags Campground.  Follow this road for 3.5 miles to the campground Turn into the campground. Follow the road all the way to the loop.. There is no fee to park here for access to the trailhead.  If you use any Day-Use or camping facilities there is a fee.  From the trailhead after 0.1 mile take trail labeled 664A.  It crosses a log bridge and begins the ascent.  It will aggressively gain elevation up to Devil’s Playground.  Keep eyes open for Cairns.  If you lose the trail it is a very tough scramble.  Beautiful scenery, great rock formations.  

Distance: 4 miles RT.

Elevation Gain: 755 ft.

Calculated Difficulty Rating: 8.7



 

JUNE 27            THOMPSON MOUNTAIN

 

Meet at Village In at 8:00 A.M.            Moderate hike           

 

Leaders – Sharon and Roger Bernard  671-7120

 

West on US 50 to CO 9: north on CO 9 (for approx. 8.7 miles) to CR11: turn right onto CR11 just beyond the “5” mile marker and at the Deer Haven sign turn right onto CR 69:  go 3.3 miles to Wilson Creek Trail sign, turn right and park.

 

This 4900 acre track donated by the Richard King Mellon Foundation to BLM in 1992 provides”….significant wildlife habitat, riparian and wetland as well as recreation….”  Some great views of Pikes Peak, Cañon City and Wet Mountains.  May see a bear on this one!  Length varies depending on which options; for the out and back with loop length is 7.2 miles for an out and back to Thompson Point length is 6.8 miles.  Difficulty is moderate due to length.  Elevation gain at start is 7640 ft. and reaches 8620 ft. with most of the 980 ft. elevation gain in the first 1.8 miles.  Allow 3-5 hours depending on stops lunch and route taken.



JULY WEDNESDAY HIKES

 

July 4:  Independence Day   No hike

 

July 11 – Planning meeting day  Leader – Arlene Slaichert  276-0542

 

New section of the River Walk

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M. or 8:15 at the duck pond at Centennial Park -\

East hike

 

July 18  - St. Charles Peak (west side)- Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Leader - Jerry Beatty  269-8123

Note: If this is your first driving trip we recommend that you follow someone who knows the route.

 

Take Hwy 115 to Florence, then right at Carl’s Jr. on Hwy 96.  Proceed to Wetmore and keep right on Hwy 96 to Mackenzie Junction.  Run left on Hwy 165 and proceed to the right turnoff on CR 360 at Ophir Creek Campground.  Follow CR 360 about 9 to 10 miles running to left onto CR 369 proceeding about 4 miles to St. Charles Peak trailhead.

We will hike a relatively flat road for about 2 miles and then take the trail to the top of the peak.  The gain is 300-400 feet and round trip distance is 5 miles.  This hike is rated as easy to moderate.  Calculated difficulty is 3.8.  Bring water and lunch/snack.

 

July 24 – Tuesday (combined Tues/Wed overnighter)

 

Drive individually to Cascade Campground – no planned hikes on this day.  Relaxed and casual day of activities such as :  hike to Agnes Vaille Falls (.9 miles round trip) very close to Cascade Campground:  also Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, and there is fishing in the nearby stream and lake:  also trip to St. Elmo ghost town.

 

July 25 – Wednesday – Old Alpine Tunnel Trail

                                                Hike Leader – Arlo Dupont  275-0531

 

We will assemble at 8:15 A.M. at the Cascade Campground and leave immediately for the hike.  If there are too may vehicles at the Cascade Campground we will leave some cars at the Agnes Vaille Falls parking lot just up the road and car pool from there.

 

From Canon City, leave on Tuesday from town and drive west on Hwy 50 to Salida.  From Salida take Hwy 285 north to Nathrop, CO.  Turn West on CR 162; travel 9 miles to the Cascade Campground.  Meet at 8:15 A.M. at the Cascade Campground for the drive to the trailhead by continuing on CR 162 to St. Elmo.  Turn left at St. Elmo on CR 295 and continue several miles to the trailhead.

 

This hike is about 5 miles round trip and follows an old railroad grade (2% slope).  The elevation gain is less than 300 feet.  At the tunnel entrance, now closed by blasting, the trail proceeds steeply about one half mile to the Continental Divide for a grand view to the West and the tunnel portal.  Calculated difficulty – 3.8.  This hike is rated easy to moderate.  High clearance/4WD vehicles are recommended from St. Elmo to the trailhead.  After the hike we can return to St. Elmo for ice cream.

Also:  DO NOT FORGET:  Rain gear and bug spray.

 

 

AUGUST WEDNESDAY HIKES

 

AUGUST 1       Barehills Mining Camp Hike    Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.  

  

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker –275-2054.   Approximately 31 miles (45 minutes);  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 CR11 for 10.2 miles to trailhead on left.  (Note:  Because the turnoff to parking area is located on a blind curve, it is safer to continue north on CR11 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 here and drive back to the parking area, which the can be safely accessed from the southbound lane).

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  4.5 miles round-trip (3.5 hrs. including lunch):  elevation at trailhead – 7800 ft.  elevation at summit of vista point – 8320 ft.  The total elevation gain on this hike is  820 ft.  Rating:  Easy Calculated Difficulty:6.9 (Comparable Hike Wildfire Trail at Oil Well Flats).

 

Hike Description:  This hike begins from a point next to CR11 near the southwestern end of the High Park.  More than half of the route for this hike is off-trail, but passes mostly through open mountain prairie lands.  The attractions of this hike include wandering amongst beautiful rolling hills, spectacular views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding region and visiting the site of the old Barehills mining camp.  This mining camp was founded and occupied by miners and prospectors (1896-1906), and for a few years it even had a post office.  Many years later, some of the lands were subdivided into small lots and sold as recreational home tracts.  Today, only a few trailers and cabins occupy the site.



 

AUGUST 8      Planning Day    Mine Ruins on Oak Creek Grade

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.  

  

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Bell  275-3523  Approximately total of 9 miles (15 Minutes).  From the VI go west on Hwy 50 for 1.5 miles to 4^th Street, then south 1 mile on 4^th Street to CR 143 (Oak Creek Grade), then South on CR 143 for 6.2 miles to trailhead on right.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  1.5 to 2 miles round-trip (1.5 hrs.):  Elevation difference, 410 ft. (Av. Slope 12.9%)  Rated 2.61 (easy) – Comparable hike – Ash Street from Chandler Road to Mine Ruins and back,

Hike Description:  The hike begins form a point on CR 143 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 a mine or mines located here.  The entire hiking route is located on lands administered by the San Isabel National forest.  This short hike provides an opportunity to explore the workings of past mining activities, including the remains of an old ore chute.

 

 

AUGUST 15     Bear Gulch Crag                Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

 

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker  275-20 54  Approximately 26 miles (35 minutes):  West on Hwy 50 for 10.5 miles to Hwy 9; then Northwest on Hwy 9 for 8.5 miles to CR11 (High Park Road); then North on CR11 for 6 miles to BLM Road 5826 (Deer Park Trail); then West on BLM 5826 for 1.2 miles to trailhead on right (next to gated entrance to High Park and Deer Park Estates).

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  3.6 miles round trip (2.0 hrs.); elevation at trailhead,  7940 ft.  elevation at top of Bare Gulch Crag – 8460 ft.  total gain, 800 ft.  Rated between easy to moderately difficult Calculated Difficulty:8.9– (Comparable Hike – Fremont Peak, but without steep bushwhack to summit).

Hike Description:  This hike begins at Deer Haven Ranch form the Deer Park Trail Parking lot and ends at the top of a prominent granite outcrop on the North side of Bear Gulch.  The hike is located on BLM lands, and except for a short off-trial scramble to the summit of the granite outcrop the entire route follows old roads that are closed to motorized uses.  The top of the outcrop affords a very nice view of the surrounding landscape.  The most difficult part of this hike is 0.7 miles long with a gain in elevation of 560 ft. (15% grade).  A lot of loose rock is encountered along this section and hikers will need to be especially careful when returning to the trailhead.



 

 

AUGUST 22     Big Cottonwood Creek at the Rainbow Trail 

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M. 

   

Hike Leader/ Driving Distance/Directions:  Willard Gordon  275-6709;  Take Hwy 50 from Cañon City West to approximately two and a half miles past Cotopaxi.  Left turn onto Hwy 40 and go approximately 4 miles to trailhead.  Road will not be a problem for 2 wheel drive unless it is wet.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Hike along Rainbow Trail for back and forth – total 5 miles.  Easy to moderate.



 
 

AUGUST 29    Two for One Hike   Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.  

  

Hike Leader  Dave Walker – 275-2054

 

Hike Name:  Two for One:  West McCoy Gulch Granite Quarry:  Historic Railroad Grade at Texas Creek

General Description:  As the name implies, this hike is actually two different hikes on the same outing  both hikes are fairly short which if done separately would make for a very short day but if done together will make the drive worthwhile.  The first hike would be to an old granite quarry in the area known as West McCoy Gulch.  West McCoy Gulch is reached by taking Hwy 50 West for approximately 26 miles to the intersection of County Road 37 then west on CR 37 for 3 miles to the trailhead.  The section of the county road that we will be driving is easily accessible with a sedan.  The hike follows an old roadway that dead ends at the quarry.  The distance to the quarry is 1.5 miles and involves an elevation gain of 600 ft.  Some sections of the road are quite steep, and roadbed is very rocky in places.  The entire hiking route offers spectacular scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains, including the Sangre de Cristo Range and the Wet Mountain Valley.  The quarry itself includes beautiful large cut blocks of granite that were abandoned after the quarry ceased operations.  I rate this hike between easy and moderately difficult. Calculated Difficulty: 5.9

For the second hike, we will stop at Texas Creek on the way back to Cañon City.  The parking place for this hike is located along the south edge of Hwy 50, about 100 yards east of the intersection of Hwy 50 and State Highway 69.  From the parking area we will hike up a wash that crosses under Hwy 50 for a distance of ¼ miles to where we intersect the old railroad grade.  Thence, we will follow the railroad grade to the hill overlooking Texas Creek and the Arkansas River.  The round-trip distance of this hike is only about a mile with an elevation gain of 100 ft.  The hike offers a close up look at the degree of engineering skill that was needed at the time to build a railroad.  From the upper vista point you will be able to figure out how the railroad negotiated the steep gradient between Texas Creek and the Arkansas River.  I rate this hike as very easy.  Even though parts of the route are off trail, the terrain is open and provides easy walking.



SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY HIKES



SEPTEMBER 5  NEWLIN CREEK 

                                    Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

ACCESS:  South from Florence on Colorado Hwy 67-approx. 4.5 miles, west on County Road 15-approx. 5.5 miles to Florence Mountain Park.  Trailhead is on the west side of park

Leader:  Arlo Dupont

 

SEPTEMBER 12  MEETING DAY  TUNNEL DRIVE

                                    Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M. or at Tunnel Drive at 8:15 A.M.

Arrive at the Cañon City Mug at 10:30 A.M. to order lunch/brunch – 11 A.M. meeting time.

 



SEPTEMBER 26  RED CANYON PARK

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.  North of Cañon City on Red Canyon Road.  Meet at Park Restrooms, about 12 miles.  We will hike the Marsh Quarry.

 

OCTOBER WEDNESDAY HIKES (NOTICE:  TIME CHANGE TO 9AM)

 

October 3 - Village Inn at 9:00 a.m. Oil Flats - easy

3.5 miles, elevation gain 600 feet

Distance to trailhead - 7 miles on Red Canyon Road - east side - (this is the trail the club worked on)

Dave Walker, leader

 

October 10^th Meet at Village Inn at 9:00 a.m. MEETING DAY

Bill’s trail on Brookside Park Trail - easy

Elevation 75 feet

Bill Slaichert - leader



October 17^th - Aiken Canyon Preserve -easy

Elevation 920 feet

East on 50,north on CO 115 for 17.9 miles to Turkey Creek Ranch Road, turn left and travel 0.2 miles to parking area on right.

Trail is well marked so anyone can lead it.

 

October 24^th - Meet at Village Inn at 9:00 a.m. - Badger Creek and Buffalo drop - easy to moderate

West on Hwy 50. Turn right on Colorado 9. Drive 10 miles north and turn left onto Tallahassee Road and continue 22 miles to head of Badger Creek. Park in area of the bridge crossing.

Distance to trailhead - 39 miles

No significant elevation gain

Leader - Arlo Dupont



 

November Hikes



NOVEMBER 7 – HOLBERT TRAIL – moderate

Meet at Village Inn at 9 A.M.

Near Beaver Creek Wilderness Area, canyon walk with structure from another time and era.

Distance time to trailhead approx. 25 minutes.

Leader – Jerry Beatty

 

NOVEMBER 14 – Meeting Day

Meet at Village Inn at 9 A.M. or Sells parking lot off of south 9^th.

River Walk west to the new bridge

 

NOVEMBER 21 – The Banks – easy

Meet at Village Inn at 9 A.M.

North on Red Canyon Road just past park entrance (approx. 13 miles)

Leader – Arlo Dupont

 

NOVEMBER 28 – Lion Canyon Trail moderate

 

Meet at Village Inn at 9 A.M.

 

Hike starts at Oak Creek campground, off of Oak Creek Grade Road. Hike to the meadow on top called Locke Park, Great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

 

Elevation gain – 1,520 ft.

 

Time to trailhead – 40 minutes

 

Leader – Dale Bokowski

 

December 2012

 

December 5  Red Rock Canyon

Main entrance to park is reached from US 24 by turning south at Ridge Rd. between 31^st St. traffic light and Manitou Springs exit.  Rock formation views and quarry from above.  Lower Hogbacks on left takes us to plateau with overlook of Red Rocks and Pikes Peak before leaving city behind.  Lower Hogback/Hogback Valley/ Lion Loop is 3.3 miles.  Trail rated easy and intermediate.

Leader:  Ken Holm

 

December 12 – Meeting Day  Pathfinder Park

Highway 115 towards Florence.

Easy walk–

Leader:  Chuck Gallagher

 

December 19  Holiday Party at the Beatty’s. 

Meet at their home and then walk the Riverwalk before party.

 



December 26 – Tunnel Drive

Walk off holiday meal!  Anyone can lead.

 

 

JANUARY 2013  WEDNESDAY HIKES

 

January 2   Skyline Drive

Start your New Year’s Resolutions with a moderate 2 mile round trip hike up Skyline from 3321 North 5^th Street.  Celebrate the new Year with Ken’s kenwiches after hike.  Bring chips/dips/dessert to share.





January 16   Cheyenne Mountain State Park

 

South end of Colorado Springs off Hwy 115.  State Park Pass required on vehicles so car pool!  Easy to moderate hike  - Blackmer Loop 3.52 miles.

 

Leader – Ken Holm

 

 

 

January 23   Pueblo Riverwalk

 

Walk from Coyote Restaurant to Pueblo Reservoir Dam and back to lunch at the restaurant.

 

6 miles round trip flat concrete walkway.

 

Leaders – Chuck and Sandy Gallagher





January 30   Oilwell Flats

New trail.  More information later.

Leader – Dave Walker/ Jim Mathis

 

 

FEBRUARY HIKES

 



FEBRUARY 6         

Hike along Fountain Creek in Colorado Springs north of Nevada

Joe Rausch will lead.

 

FEBRUARY 13       

Meeting Day – Eco Park no leader needed.

 

FEBRUARY 20       

Runyon Park in Pueblo

Joe Rausch and Jerry Beatty will lead

 



FEBRUARY 27       

Trail along Fountain Creek in the Security/Fountain area or

Trail along Fountain Creek starting at“Old Toys R Us’ in Pueblo

Joe/Jerry/Doug Mack will lead.

 

 

MARCH WEDNESDAY HIKES

 

 

March 06:  Holcim Wetlands – Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M. (Note Time)

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dale Bokowski  276-0974

Approximately 17 miles.  East on Hwy 50 for 12 miles to Hwy 115 (Penrose/Florence exit):  Then south towards Florence on Hwy 115 for 2.8 miles to CR 120; then 2.5 miles on CR 120 to parking lot on the left.

Hiking Distance /Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  1.5 miles RT elevation at trailhead 5,050 ft.   Comparable hike – Canon City River Walk

Hiking Description:   This hike begins from the parking lot for the Holcim Wetlands.  The route follows a constructed trail that encircles a 23-acre pond and marshlands and a short spur to the edge of the Arkansas River.  The property is owned by the Holcim Cement Plant Co. but is open to the public for walking and viewing wildlife.  The hike offers an excellent opportunity for viewing birds and other wildlife in a beautiful riparian setting, so bring binoculars.

 

March 13   Meeting Day – Arkansas River Walk

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Charles Rann  276-9008  Meet at the Duck Pond at the north end of he park and west of the Scenic Railroad at 8:00 A. M.

 

March 20  Oil Well Flats Loop (Old Loop Trail)  - Meet at VI at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Forrest Borre 784-2246

Approximately 9 miles (25 minutes)  North on 19^th St. 0.75 miles to Central Ave: then east on Central Ave. 0.1 mile to Orchard Ave.; then north 0.8 miles on Orchard to High St.; 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 3.7 miles to BLM Road 5940;then east on BLM 5940 for 0.75 miles to BLM 5941 for 0.7 miles to BLM 5941A; then east on BLM 5941A for 0.25 miles to trailhead.

 

Hiking Distance /Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: 4 miles round trip (3.5 hrs including lunch); elevation at trailhead 6,210 ft.; elevation at tip of butte 6,780 ft.  Av. Slope 7%

Comparable Hike – YMCA Mountain

Hiking Description:   This hike begins from the trailhead for the Wildfire Trail and reaches the tip of a prominent butte located in the area.  The Wildfire Trail is the trail that the hiking club helped build in 2005.  The hiking route also follows some of the old roads in this area that have been closed to motorized uses.  There is also a 0.5 mile long cross- country segment of the hike that is off developed trial.  The most difficult part of this hike is the last 0.25 mile climb to the tip of the butte, which gains 290 feet (22% slope).  The return trip to the trailhead follows a different route that involves a 0.5 cross-country travel.  On the drive out to the county road we will also stop along the way to take a short walk to the Small Quarry.  This is the Dinosaur quarry (named after its discoverer, Mr. Small where a nearly complete stegosaurus was excavated back in the 1990’s.  Bring YAX TRAX in case of any snow or ice.

 



March 27 Five Points Gulch – Meet at VI at 8 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Jerry Beatty 269-8123 

Approximately 20 miles (25 Minutes);  take Hwy 50 west about 25 miles proceeding past the Five Points Recreation Area (about 3 miles) to the steel bridge on a gentle left turning curve.  About ½ miles past the bridge is a place to make a safe U-turn (left side of Hwy 50) and proceed back to the bridge off of the highway on a wide shoulder (facing east).  A short dirt road on the south side leads to the trailhead, again south.  We hike up the gulch about two miles along an easy trail with a pleasant stream.

Calculated rating: 2.87               Bring YAX TRAX for possible ice or snow.

 



April 03            Shaw Park Red Canyon Natural Arch  

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions: Charles Rann 276-9008. This hike will be made from the east approach through Red Canon Park. This approach is less distant and more efficient than the usual approach from County Road No.9 but four-wheel drive vehicles are required  Charles will provide any needed information for directions.  There will be persons with 4 wheel drive recruited to meet our needs.

 

 

April 10            Brookside Park Trail   Meeting Day

                        Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader: Chosen on hike day

Take Raynolds Ave. (turns into Ash St.) south to Pinion Ave.  Take a left (east)  The park is at the bottom of the hill on the right.  You will see the toilets, a shelter and a parking area.

Distance/Time to Trailhead:  2.5 miles  15 minutes

Trail Distance:  2-3 miles

Hike Leader:

 

 

April 17            Pueblo West Lake  Pueblo State Park  North Shore Trail   

                        Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leaders:  Carol Farren/Debbie Whitt

Take US 50 east to McCulloch Blvd. (main)  Turn right, go to Nichols Road, and turn left.  Just pass Bella Casa and over the bridge take dirt road to right.  (Just before pay entrance)  Go ½ mile, parking area. On No Park pass required.  We could have a picnic lunch or have lunch at the Marina.

 

April 24            Booger Red Trail

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader:  Dale Bokowski            Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Travel west on Hwy 50 to Hwy 9,  Turn north on Hwy 9 to County RD. #11 (High Park RD). drive east to Deer Haven Road (Forest designated rd. 5808 turn south.  A four-wheel drive vehicle is best for accessing the trail for Booger Red.

A very nice hike of easy to moderate difficulty.

Elevation gain:  Very little gain

 

May 01            YMCA Mountain

                    Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Bill Slaichert, 276-0542

Approximately 22 miles (45 minutes); 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 CR3 and CR 28 (Copper Gulch Road) turn left at this junction and continue on CR 3 approximately 1 mile to CR 3A; then go southeast on CR 3A for about 3 miles to BLM Road 6100; then north on BLM 6100 for 3.25 miles to trailhead.

Hiking distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: 3.5 miles roundtrip (3hours); elevation at trailhead, 6,600 ft.; elevation at top of YMCA Mountain 6,930 ft; total elevation difference, 330 ft. (Av. Slope, 3.5%). Rated 2.6.

Hike Description: This hike is located in the Grand Canyon Hills area, south of the Arkansas River. About a third of the hiking distance is via a primitive 4 WD 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 that is close enough that you can hear the sounds of 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).

 

 

May 08            Pegmatite Mine Parkdale    Meeting Day

                                                Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions: Jo/Charles Rann 276-9008.

West of Cañon City on US 50 at Parkdale.  Turn right on Copper Gulch Road and travel ¼ mile

Elevation Gain: 100 ft.

Distance/Time to Trailhead:  10 miles

Hike Leaders:  Charles and Joanna Rann

 

May 15            Cooper Mountain from Phantom Canyon Road

Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker-275-2054. Approx. 23 miles (45minutes); East on Hwy 50 for 6 miles to Hwy 67 (Phantom Canyon Road); then north 17 miles on Phantom Canyon Road to trailhead.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: 7 miles RT (4.5 hrs. including lunch); elevation at trailhead, 8080 ft.: elevation at summit of Cooper Mountain 9,146 ft.; total elevation difference-1,066 ft. (Av. Slope 5.8%) The most difficult section is 0.75 miles with 680 ft. gain (17.1%) with loose rock. Rated at 6.6 (Moderate Difficulty).

Hike Description: this hike begins from a point on Phantom Canyon road located about 2 miles south of Nipple Mountain.  The first 0.75 miles is the most difficult part of the hike; the remaining distance is quite pleasant.  The route follows an old system of horse trails and primitive roads that are known to very few and that are not regularly maintained.  The entire hiking route is located on BLM Public Lands that have been closed to motorized use.  This hike extends along the major ridge that separates the Eightmile Creek (*Phantom Canyon) and Fourmile Creek (Garden Park/Shelf Road Canyon) drainages.  This hike offers an opportunity to visit a part of our local region that very few Fremont County residents will ever experience; spectacular and memorable terrain and vistas.  Bring Yak Traks in case there is still any snow and ice.

Hike Leader:  Dave Walker

 

May 22            Badger Creek

                        Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions: Dale Bokowski, 276-0974. 39 miles to trailhead. West on Hwy 50 and turn right onto Colorado 9.  Drive 10 miles north and turn left onto Tallahassee Rd.  and continue 22 miles to head of Badger Creek. 

Park in the area of the bridge crossing.

Hike Description:

The trail is an easy to moderate hike, including boulder field, proceeding south from Badger Springs, which are the source of the creek.  Beautiful scenery with a good chance of spotting Bighorn sheep.

Elevation gain:  No significant gain

 

May 29            Beaver Creek Riparian Area

                        Meet at Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Joe Rausch. 275-2186.

Distance/Time to Trailhead: 25 minutes

Beaver Creek Wilderness study area Rolling trail,  Walk to Beaver Creek (one half mile)- Cross the creek and head down the creek past an old homestead.  Easy walk for 4 miles in fantastic riparian area.,   Well-known bird area – bring binoculars.

Note:  This area will need a Habitat Stamp, which can be purchased at any outlet that sells fishing licenses.

For those 65 or older the fishing license is free and the habitat stamp is $1.00.

Elevation Gain:  1800 ft.



 
Hikers to meet on Wednesdays, at 8:00 am; Village Inn during June 2013.
June 5th, through June 26, 2013.
RT: round trip


June 5, 2013:  YMCA mountain, Hike Leader: Dave Walker, Phone # 275 2054, 45 minute drive (22 miles).  Rated 2.6 difficulty ( moderate), 3.5 miles RT, about 3 hours hiking time, for an elevation of 6600 fi. to 6930 ft; comparable to Oil Well Flats loop.
Directions: Hwy 50 West to Parkdale (along the Arkansas river) for 12.3 miles, then turn onto CR3 South for 2.5 miles approx., then left at the junction onto CR3 proceed 3 miles to BLM road 6100 (North) for 3.25 miles to trailhead.
Description: trail is within Grand Canyon Hills area, South of the Arkansas river.  One third of the hiking distance is via a primitive 4WD road; the remaining path follows a game and cattle trail.  YMCA mountain summit provides an awesome overlook of Canon City.  The final approach to this summit is the most difficult part of the hike having a 24 % slope.
 
  
June 12, 2013: hike in conjunction with club meeting; Ecology Park
(hike leader Richard Shaink phone # 719 334 2095719 334 2095).
3 miles approx. RT,  700 ft elevation gain.   Approx. 5 miles to trail head.
  
Directions: West on hwy 50 (Royal Gorge Blvd) to 1st  Ave. which becomes Temple Canyon Rd. after the cemetery.  continue on Temple Canyon (aka CR 3) until road takes a left then look for the parking area (dirt lot) on the right.
Hike duration will allow meeting attendance.


 June 19, 2013:  Lewis creek, Hike leader:Jim Mathis (ph. # 276 0696)
Difficulty: moderate, 6860 ft. To 9880 ft, elevation, 5 miles RT.

Directions: Hwy 115, to Florence, follow route 67 south thru Wetmore (south-bear right, onto state highway route 96) past Greenwood following on route 96 for 3.2 miles.  Then look right for route 310, and trailhead just beyond a right turn.  Trail #1331.

June 26, 2013: St. Charles Peak (West side)

 

5 miles RT, elevation gain approx. 350 ft., moderate difficulty.  In Ophir creek area, access from CR 369.   Hike leader:Jerry Beatty (ph.# 269 8123) and Doug Mack (ph. # 315 2078).
Directions: Hwy 115 to Florence, turn right at Carl's Jr., proceed to Wetmore
On Hwy 67 South.  Bear right onto 96 south thru the junction and go onto 165.  Turn right in Fairview area to get on FR 360 (Ophir Creek Rd.) follow for approx. 9.5 miles.  Turn left onto FR 369 and follow 369 for 4 miles to the St Charles trailhead.

 

July 3              North Creek

5.76 miles RT., moderate difficulty, 7920 ft.-9100 ft., north of Bishops’ Castle.  Ten miles north of Lake Isabel, on state Hwy 165, to Bigelow Divide Road 321/383, west 2 miles to trailhead.  No public access through private land located next to North Creek Road 387.

Calculated R = 7.3

 

July 10                        Green’s Creek

The elevation is 9000ft. and 500 ft. gain.  Moderate difficulty and 5 miles RT along the creek and beaver ponds. 

Directions:  Hwy 50 to Salida, thru Poncha springs continue West on Hwy. 50 for 2 miles. 

Turn left onto CR 220 West, for 1.75 miles to junction with CR 221.  Travel  2 more miles on CR 221, Southwest to trailhead.  Find a small pullout to park your vehicle.

Calculated R = 3.5

 

July 17 – Greenhorn Peak Trail

 

Ophir Creek/Greenhorn Road

 

5 mile RT 600 ft. elevation gain rated easy/moderate

 

Beginning elevation 11,800 ft.

 

Ending elevation 12,300 ft.

 

Calculated R = 3.46

 

Leader – Dale Bokowski

 

 

 

July 24                        Bear Creek Trail # 666

 

4 Miles RT, rated easy, Bear Canyon area with waterfall and fishing opportunity.

 

Gold Camp Road access

 

See page 84, southern Front Range trail guide, 2^nd edition, Nadia N. Brelje

 

This hike is subject to review. No leader at this time but one will be obtained.

 

 

 

July 31                        Brown’s Creek Trail/Nathrop

 

Hwy 50 west to Salida and on to Poncha Springs. At Poncha Springs take Hwy 285 north toward Buena Vista.  At the junction of CR 270 andCR 274 near Nathrop, turn left onto CR 272 for 1.7 miles to trailhead. 11.8 miles round trip. Beginning elevation: 8970 ft. Final elevation: 11,280 ft. Elevation gain-2,300 ft.  Calculated difficulty-13.7.

 

 

 

August 7                     Oil Well Flats

 

Easy – 3.5 mile RT 

 

Gain of 600 Ft.

 

Directions:            Follow Red Canyon road north for 7 miles.

 

Charles Rann will lead the hike from 1^st parking lot/trail 5940A to 5940G Loop return to 5940A.

 

 

 

August 14            Ecology Park            Meeting Day

 

Hike leader;            Rick Shaink

 

 

August 21                   Alpine Trail/Camp Out

 

 

Hike and corresponding campout at Cascade

 

 

Hike leader:            Arlo Dupont

 

 

Hike is moderate, 5 miles RT, and approx. 300ft. elevation gain, along a railroad grade (2%), rated easy/moderate.

 

 

High clearance vehicles recommended for St; Elmo. 

 

 

Directions from Canon City:            Take Hwy.50 west to Salida, then follow Hwy. 285 north to Nathrop.  Turn west on Cr 162 for 9 miles into Cascade campground.  For the drive to trailhead, follow CR 162 to St. Elmo.

 

 

August 28            The Crags

 

 

Easy hike – 4 miles RT – 500ft. gain.

 

 

Drive to Colorado Springs via Hwy 115.  Then from Interstate 25 take Cimarron St./ US Hwy.24 west.  Follow Us 24 west for about 18 miles to Colorado hwy. 67 in Woodland Park.  Go left (southwest) on US 24/67 fir 6.4 miles to the town of Divide,  (highways diverge). 

 

 

Follow Hwy. 67 south for 4.1 miles to a left turn (Teller Co, Rd. 62).  Follow this dirt road 1.5 mile east to the Mennonite Camp for another 1.5 miles to campground.  Start at Crags trailhead in Crags Campground.

 

Hike Leader¨ Dave Walker

 

September 4                  Little Mack Gulch

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:  Dave Walker 275-2054.

The area is located about 35 miles west of Cañon City (1 hour).  It is reached by going west on Hwy 50 to Hwy 9: then northwest on Hwy 9 to Fremont County Road 104:then north 1 mile to a BLM Access Road)(number unknown).  From here enough 4WD vehicles will be needed to transport everyone one mile to the top of the mountain where the hike starts.

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  We’ve only done this hike once before, several years ago, and it was very popular with the folks who went along.  The hike is on BLM lands and follows an old horse trail that leads to a homestead that was built by John Eskilson circa 1912.  The site includes a house and several outbuildings that are still standing.  The hike also includes an optional trek from the homestead hike to an overlook that provides a panoramic view of the distant landscape.  The round-trip hiking distance form the parking area to the homestead and back is 3.6 miles and uphill climb of about 750 feet.  For those who elect to go to the overlook the round-trip distance is 5.2 miles with about 950 feet of uphill and includes returning to the vehicles by a slightly different route.  This hike is rated as Difficult due to the uphill walk for the last mile when returning to the vehicles.  Calculated Relative Difficulty: 5.0 and 6.02.

Hike Description:  The hiking route follows a network of old ranch roads and horse trails, and is entirely located on BLM lands except for some of the buildings at the Eskilson Homestead.  The hike is located in a beautiful mountainous and forested area and at this time of the season the aspen should be in full color.  The optional trek to the scenic vista point offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

 

September 11                Canonland Walkers and Hikers Picnic

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:

Hike Description:

 

  

 

September 18                Deer Haven Ranch – Thompson Mountain

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:  Roger Bernard 334-0404 

Approximately 25 miles (30 minutes).  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 CR11 for 5.2 miles to CR 69 (Entrance to Deer Haven Ranch); then south on CR69 (Entrance to Deer Haven Ranch); then south on CR69 for 0.8 miles to BLM Road 5828: then west 0.8 miles to trailhead at gate.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  5.8 miles round trip (3.5 hrs. including lunch).  Elevation at trailhead, 8,205 ft.:  elevation at summit of Thompson Mtn., 8,720 ft.  Elevation difference, 515 ft. (4% Av. Slope).  Rated 3.9 (Moderate Difficult) (Comparable Hike:  Wildfire Trail at Oil Well Flats)

Hike Description:  This loop hike is located within the western portion of the Deer Haven Ranch, which is no longer a ranch but consists of BLM Public Lands and State Trust lands that are managed for wildlife and non-motorized recreation use.  Except for the short approach to the top of Thompson Point, the entire route follows a network of old ranch roads, foot and horse trails.  The Deer Haven area contains a diverse landscape of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas fir forests that are interspersed with large open meadowlands and small streams.  The area provides outstanding habitat for a variety of critters, including deer, elk turkey, coyote, fox, mountain lion and black bear.

 

September 25                Barehill Mining Camp (New Hike)

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:     Dave Walker  275-2054

Approximately 31 miles (45 minutes); West on Hwy 50 for 9.5 miles to Hwy; 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 here and drive back to the parking area which the can be safely accessed form the southbound lane.)

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  4.5-mile round-trip (3.5 hrs. including lunch) elevation at trailhead, 7,800 ft.; elevation at summit of vista point 8,320 ft.  The total elevation gain this hike is 820 ft.  Rating: Moderately difficult Calculated Difficulty: 5.3  (Comparable Hike:  Thompson Point via Wilson Creek Trail)

Hike Description:  This hike begins from a point next to Cr 11 near the southwestern end of High Park.  The hike consists of three stages.  The first stage leads from the trailhead to the crest of a saddle, from which we take a short side trip to the top of a prominent vista point.  The first stage is about a mile in length and reaches a maximum elevation of 8,320 ft.  (Av. Slope 10.5%).  For the second stage we will drop back down to the crest of the saddle, then continue downhill 1.1 miles to the Barehills mining camp, which lies at an elevation of 7,880 ft. for the third stage we backtrack 2.1 mils to the crest of the saddle described in stage 1, which involves an elevation gain of 300 ft. (Av., slope 4.9%).  More than half of the route for this hike is off-trail, but passes mostly through open prairie lands.  The attractions of this hike include wandering amongst beautiful open rolling hills and visiting the site of the old Barehills mining camp.  In my opinion, the High Park/Barehills region is one of the prettiest areas in Fremont and Teller Counties.  Barehills was originally founded and occupied by a community of miners (1896-1901), and for a few years it even had a post office.  Many years after the mining played out, some of the lands were in small lots and sold as recreational home tracts.  Today only a few trailers and cabins occupy the site.

 

 

October Hikes

October 2                 Twin Mountain (New Hike)

 

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:  Dave Walker 275-2054.

 

Driving distance, approximately 10 miles (15 min). 

Take Highway 50 west to the turnoff to the north entrance of the Royal Gorge, but instead of turning left towards the Royal Gorge, we will be turning right into the entrance to the xxx Rafting Company. Continue north past the Rafting buildings on a dirt road for 1.3 miles to the parking spot where the hike begins.

 

 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: The round-trip hiking distance for this hike is 5 miles, and includes an elevation difference of 1,180 feet. The elevation at the parking area is 6,720 feet; the elevation at the radio towers is 7,900 feet. The average slope gradient is 9%. This hike is rated moderately difficult due to the elevation gain.

 

 

Hike Description: The entire hiking route follows the dirt access road to the radio towers on top of Twin Mountain. Most of the hike is on BLM lands but begins on private property owned by Mr. Kit Kederich, who lives next to the access road, and has graciously given permission for us to cross his property.
Twin mountain, and nearby Eight Mile Mountain, are located within a large block of BLM public lands that are completely surrounded by private lands. Thus, the area is virtually inaccessible to the general public. The ridge top near the radio towers offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Mr. Kederich's cooperation in allowing access across his property is an exciting development, as it provides opportunities for other interesting hikes in the future.

 

October 9 (Meeting day) -Pegmatite Quarry

 

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions: Dave Walker 275-2054. Driving distance to trail head is approximately 12 miles (20 min.) Go west on Highway 50 approximately 9 miles to the turnoff to the Royal Gorge Bridge (CR 3A), then south on CR 3A about 3 miles to trail head parking area on right. The trail head is located about 100 fee past the sign saying "Welcome to Royal Gorge Park" or a similar statement.

  

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:

 

Hike Description:Total round-trip distance of this hike is about 2.2 miles, with an elevation gain of about 200 feet. Rated easy. We have done this hike many times on meeting days. The route follows an old roadway to a quarry bearing Precambrian rocks with large quartz crystals and abundant amounts of mica. The ridge where the roadway and quarry are located escaped damage from the recent Royal Gorge Forest Fire, but we should be able to see the fire scar where the fire burned east of here.

October 16 - Garden Park National Natural Landmark Dedication Event

 

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:  Dave Walker 275-2054

 

Approximately 8 miles (15 minutes).  Starting at the VI parking lot go north on 19th St. approximately 1 mile to Central Ave. Turn right onto Central and go two blocks to Orchard, then north on Orchard for one mile to high Street. Turn right on High St. and go east one-havlf mile to Field Ave. Turn left onto Field Ave. and continue north on Field and Reg Canyon Road for about 5 miles to the Cleveland Quarry Interpretive Site (BLM toilet and picnic tables on right).

 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Flats)

 

Hike Description:  Hiking distance less than a mile with 100 feet elevation gain. Rated very easy. This hike is in conjuction with a special event sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management to dedicate the Garden park Fossil Area as a National Natural Landmark. The special designation of the area is a big honor, which recognizes the prominence of the area as one of the most productive sources in the world of many important dinosaur fossils. Several educational programs will be presented prior to the dedication ceremony, including tours of the marsh and Cleveland dinosaur quarries.

 

October 23 - Bear Gulch Crag

 

 

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:     Dave Walker  275-2054

 

Approximately 26 miles (35 minutes): West on Hwy 50 for 10.5 miles to Hwy 9; then northwest on Hwy 9 for 8.5 miles to CR11 (High Park Road); then north on CR11 for 6 miles to BLM Road 5826 (Deer Park Trail); then west on BLM 5826 for 1.2 miles to trailhead on right (next to gated entrance to High Park and Deer Park Estates).

 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  

 

Hike Description:  3.6 miles round trip (2.0 hrs.); elevation at trailhead, 7,940 ft. elevation at top of Bear Gulch Crag - 1,460 ft. total gain, 800 ft. Rated between easy to moderately difficult Calculated Difficulty: 8.9 (Comparable Hike _ Fremont Peak, but without steep bushwhack to summit).

This hike begins at Deer Haven Ranch from the Deer Park Trail Parking lot and ends at the top of a prominent granite outcrop on the North side of Bear Gulch. The hike is located on BLM land, and except for a short off-trail scramble to the summit of the granite outcrop the entire route follows old roads that are closed to motorized uses. The top of the outcrop affords a very nice view of the surrounding landscape. The most difficult part of this hike is o.7 miles long with a gain in elevation of 560 ft. (15% grade). A lot of loose rock is encountered along this section and hikers will need to be especially careful when returning to the trailhead.

 

October 30 - Booger Red Hill

 

Hike leader/driving distance/Directions:     Charles Rann, 276-9008

Approximately 35 miles (45 min.). Travel west on Hwy 50 to Hwy 9, then turn north on Hwy 9 to County RD 11 (High Park Rd). Drive 14 miles northeast on CR 11 to BLM 5808. Follow BLM 5808 for 1.4 miles to trail head. A high-clearance vehicle is best for accessing the trail head.

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  

Hike Description: The round-trip distance for this hike is 4 miles, and includes an elevation difference of 360 feet. Elevation at trail head is 7,800 ft.; elevation at destination on Booger Red Hill is 8,160 ft. This hike is rated moderately difficult. The hiking route mostly follows an old ranch/mining road from the trail head to the summit of Booger Red Hill. There is also a short cross-country side-trip to a cabin ruins next to Little High Creek

 

 

 

November 6                  Beaver Creek Riparian Area

 

 

 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Flanders  651-1961.

 

 Driving distance 16 miles.  Take Highway 50 East for 6 miles to traffic light at Hwy 67 (Phantom Canyon Road).  Turn left and follow Phantom Canyon Road 1.7 miles to CR 123.  Turn right on CR 13 and go ¼ mile to CR 132 (Upper Beaver Creek Road).  Turn left on CR 132 and go 8.1 miles to trailhead parking area on right.

 

 

 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Round trip hiking distance approximately 4.5 miles.  Elevation gain, less than 200 feet.  This hike is rated Easy.

 

 

 

Hike Description:  This hike follows an old roadway that parallels Beaver Creek.  The hike requires crossing Beaver Creek at the beginning and end of the hike.  The creek should be shallow (below the knees) in November but it might also be icy if the day is cold.  In the past some have made the crossing by walking across a fallen tree, but there is no guarantee that the tree will be there.  Also, walking across slippery logs or trying to hop across on rocks is risky business and could result in serious injury.  A safer way to cross is to bring a couple of 30 gallon plastic garbage bags, put a bag on each leg to protect your feet from getting wet and wade across the creek on the firm creek bottom.  The bags can be stashed next to the creek for use on the return crossing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 13                Meeting Day  Holcim Wetlands

 

 

 

Hike leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Walker 275-2054

 

 

 

Approximately 17 miles (30 minutes):  East on Hwy 50 for 12 miles to Hwy 115 (Penrose/Florence exit); then south (towards Florence) on Hwy 115 for 2.8 mile to CR 120: then 2.5 miles on CR 120 to parking lot on the left.

 

 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating: 1.5 miles round trip (1 to 1.5 hours) elevation at trailhead, 5,050 ft.; elevation at the Arkansas River, 5,000 ft. total elevation difference, 50 ft. (AV. Slope, <1%.  Rated 1.0 (Easy) – (Comparable hike- Cano City River Walk)

 

 

 

Hike Description:  This hike begins from the parking lot for the Holcim Wetlands.  The route follows a constructed trail that encircles a 23-acre pond and marshlands and a short spur to the edge of the Arkansas River.  The property is owned by the Holcim Cement Company but is open to the public for walking and viewing wildlife.  The hike offers an excellent opportunity for viewing birds and other wildlife in a beautiful riparian setting so bring binoculars.

 

 

November Hikes

 

 

STARTING IN NOV. THE WALKERS WILL BE MEETING AT 9 A.M.

 

 

 

November 20      Sand Gulch/Bank Campground Loop

 

 

 

Hike leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Dave Flanders      651-1961 

 

 

 

Drive approximately 12 miles North of Cañon City lot that leads to the Bank Campground near the Shelf Road.

 

 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  Approximately 3 mile lot with 500 feet elevation gain.

 

 

 

Hike Description:  This hike follows a foot trail beginning near Sand Gulch Campground that goes up Sand Gulch (AKA Espinosa Gulch) to the Bank Campground.  From the Bank CG we will walk off trail along the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Shelf Road back to our vehicles.  It is a very interesting trail up Sand Gulch and beautiful scenery to be seen all along the way.  We have done this hike once before and it was enjoyed by all.  Bring Yak Tracks in case we encounter snow and ice.

 

 

 November 27                Mine Ruins on Oak Creek Grade

 

 

Hike leader/Driving Distance/Directions:    Charles Rann   276-9008

 

 

Approximately 9 miles (15 minutes)  West on Hwy 50 for 1.5 miles to 4^th Street; then south 1 mile on 4^th Street to CR 143 (Oak Creek Grade); then South on CR 143 for 6.2 miles to trailhead on right.

 

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:  1.5 to 2 miles round-trip (1.5 hrs.); elevation difference, 410 ft. (Av. Slope 12.9%) Rated 2.61 (easy)  - (Comparable Hike – Ash Street from Chandler Road to Mind Ruins and back).

 

 

Hike Description:  This hike begins from a point on CR143 at the first sharp switchback located neat the base of the Oak Creek Grade.  The route follows an old road system that was once used to access a mine or mines located here.  The entire hiking route is located on lands administered by the San Isabel National Forest.  This short hike provides an opportunity to explore the workings of past mining activities, including the remains of an old ore chute.  Brig YakTraks in case of snow and ice.

 

 

  

December Hikes

 

  

December 4:  Spring Creek Trail in Brookside

  

Leader:   Roger Bernard – Meet at the Village Inn at 9 A.M.

  

Rating:  Easy with some uphill climb.

 

 Directions:  Take South 9^th St., which turns into CO-115.  Continue toward Florence for approx. 4 miles.  Turn right on Brookside Ave. for 0.3 miles.  Turn right on Pinion Ave.  Go 2 blocks and turn left on Spring St.  The park is on the right.  You will see the toilets, a shelter and a parking area.

 

Distance/time to trailhead:  15 minutes

 

 Description:  Newly built scenic trial of the area, approx. 2-3 miles

 

  

December 11  Lakeside Cemetery

 

 Leader Arlo Dupont – This will be our CWH Annual Christmas Party at the home of Arlo and Jean Dupont!  We will meet at the Dupont’s at 9:30 A.M. to drop off our potluck dishes and white elephant gifts, then begin our hike at a trailhead across the street from their home and take the scenic route to the Lakeside Cemetery area, returning to the Dupont’s around 11:30.

 

  

For the Party:  Bring a dish to share and a white elephant gift to exchange.  One gift per person, which is gently used, and you no longer want….but still nice enough that someone else would want.  The club will furnish beverages, plates, cups etc.

 

December 18  Hogback/Skyline Drive

 

Leader:  Roger Bernard – Meet at the Village Inn at 9:00 A.m. or drive directly to the Bernard’s home.

 

Before the Hike – You are invited to stop in at the Bernard’s for a hot drink & morning snack!

 

Rating:  Easy with some uphill climb.

 

Description:  3-4 mile round trip through the hogbacks and up the backside of Skyline Drive and on up to the top to see the Dinosaur tracks and vista views of Cañon city.  We can continue along the top of Skyline Drive for an easy walk, then reverse and return back down the backside for a whole new view of the town and the hogbacks.

 

 

  

December 25:  Merry Christmas – No Hike Today

 

 

 

December 26 (Thursday) Pathfinder Park or Tunnel Drive or The Riverwalk or?!

 

Leader:  Anyone who want to lead the hike….gets to pick your hike –

 

Meet at the Village Inn at 9 A.M.

 

Rating:  All easy

 

Description:  Perfect hikes for a relaxing walk after the good food, good times and Christmas Day Celebrations.

 

 

January Hikes

 

 

January 1 – New Years Day  - No Hike

 

 

January 2 – Thursday – River Walk (New Section)

 

 

Hike Description:  Meet at Sells Lake Parking Lot @ 9:00 A.M.

 

 

January 8  Lake Pueblo River Walk

 

              Meet at the Village Inn 9: A.M.

   

Hike starts at restaurant & goes toward Pueblo Boulevard.

 

 

January 15  Ecology Park

  

To Grape Creek or the dinosaur tracks

  

Leader:  Lola Humphrey and  LaVonne Stark

 

 

January 22  Brush Hollow Reservoir

 

Walk around the lake

 

Leader:  Forest Borre

 

  

January 29  Cheyenne State Park

 

Walk various trails in the Park.

 

Leader:  Marlowe Cassetti

 

 

February Hikes

 

 

February 5  Garden of the Gods

 

Directions:  go east of Canon City on US 50 to Penrose.  Turn North on CSH 115 until it becomes Nevada Ave. in Colorado Springs.  North on Nevada Ave.  Leave Nevada Ave. and take Interstate Highway 25 North several miles to US 24.  Take Us 24 West (Cimarron St.) to 35^th St.  Turn onto North 35^th St. and continue North to 1805 N. 35^th St.  Turn left on Gateway Road to Garden of the Gods.

 

Description:  A stunning collection of natural sandstone formations, easy hiking great photographic opportunities.

 

Leader: Forest Borre

 

  

February 12  Meeting Day    Tunnel Drive

 

 

February 19  Red Rock Canyon Open Space  Colorado Springs

 

Direction:  (Approx. 50 miles to trailhead)  From I-25- take the Cimarron-St. exit west.  Cimarron St. will turn into Hwy 24.  after the 31^st St. light, turn left onto Ridge Road.  Red Rock Canyon will be on the south side of the street.  The parking lot is located at the end of Ridge Road.  Leader will choose trail. 

 

Description:  Trails are easy to moderate.  300’ – 400’ gain.  Approx. 2-2 ½ mile RT.  Average Elevation 5900 ft.  Calculated Difficulty: 3

 

Leader: Arlo Dupont

 

 

February 26  Pueblo Lake  -  South Marina

 

Trails will be chosen on that day  - further notice will be given.

 

Directions  -2 ways

 

1. From CC drive on I-50 east to Pueblo, turn right on Pueblo Blvd. going south, turn right on Thatcher Ave. (Hwy. 96) going west and up the hill turn right on the Pueblo Lake entrance call South Marina Rd. – total 42.6 miles.

2. From CC take Hwy. 115 to Florence  then Hwy. 67 to Wetmore, then Hwy. 96 to Pueblo Lake turn left on South Marina Rd. to the entrance – Total 43.2 miles

   Leader:  Hon Chu

 

March Hikes

 

3/5/14:  Aiken Canyon

Leader:  Joe Rausch

Description:  Scenic forrest trail:  possible sightings of wildlife.  3-4 miles.  920 foot gain.

Direction:  From Penrose, drive north on CO 115 for 18 miles to Turkey Canyon Road; turn left (west) for 0.2 mile parking area.

 

 

3/12/14:  Meeting Day,  Brookside Trail

Leader:  Joe Rausch

Description:  Easy 3 miles level walk along stream bed beginning at Brookside City Park.  After walk, meet at Mugs Sportsbar for monthly meeting.

Direction:  Follow Joe Rausch from the VI parking lot (east on HW 50, south on Raynolds/Ash, east on Pinion to Brookside City Park).

 

3/19/14:  Fountain Creek Regional Park

Leader:  Joe Rausch

Description:  Nicely developed series of established trails and nature center.  Sightings of wildlife; scenic wooded areas; level walking.  Distances varied according to which trail(s) we take.

Direction:  Site is located along Fountain Creed east of I-25.  From CO 115 in Colorado Springs, turn east on Academy Blvd to I-25 interchange, then south toward Fountain.  Take exit 132 (Widefield/Security CO 16)  then go east on CO 16 for 0.5 mile and take the exit to HW 85.  Turn right onto HW 85 and parking lot.

  

3/26/14:  Conduit trail near Pueblo.  Mini-College week.

Leader:  Joe Rausch

 

 April Hikes

 

April 2- Shaw Peak Red Canyon Natural Arch

Leader – Charles Ran

Hike will be made from the east approach through Red Canyon Park.  Four-wheel vehicles are required.

 

April 9 – Tunnel Drive

Leader – Bill Slaichert

April 16 – YMCA Mountain

Leader – Doug Mack

Hike Description:

Directions to trailhead:  West of Hwy 50 for 12.3 mile to CR 3 (just past gorge bridge).  South on CR 3 for 2.5 miles to junction of CR3 and CR 28 (Copper Gulch Road).  Turn left at junction.  Continue on CR3 1 mile to CR 3A.  Go southeast about 3 miles to BLM road 6100.  Then north on BLM 6100 for 3.25 miles to trailhead.

 

April 23 – The Banks

Leader – Arlo Dupont

Directions to Trailhead:  North on Red Canyon Road just past park entrance.  Approx. 3 miles

 

April 30 – Five Point Gulch

Leader – Jerry Beatty

Directions to Trailhead: Approximately 20 miles on Hwy 50 west.

25 miles (proceeding past the Five Point Recreation Area) about 3 miles) to the steel bridge on a gentle left turning curve.  About ½ mile past the bridge is a place to make a safe U-turn.  Proceed back to bridge .  Park off of the highway on the shoulder.  Short dirt road leads to the trailhead. (Easy trail)

 

 

May 5          Raspberry Mountain   Leader:  Edith Neumaier

 

Directions:  (Same as the Crags)  From Cripple Creek drive approximately 13.5 miles on Hwy 67 (toward Divide).  Turn right onto CR 62 and drive 1.5 miles to the Mennonite Camp, stay to the right and drive another 1.5 miles to the large camping area on the left.  This is about 0.5 miles before the Crags.

 

Description:  Approx. 4 miles RT with elevation gain of 800 ft.

 

 

 

May 12  Meeting Day – Mine Ruins on Oak Creek Grade  Note – this may change to our first work day on road clean-up.

 

Hike Leader/Driving Distance/Directions:  Leader Dave Bell

 

Drive south on CR 143 (Oak Creek Grade) for 6.2 miles to trailhead parking on left.

 

Hiking distance – 1.5 to 2 miles roundtrip (1.5 hrs.)

 

Elevation difference – 410 ft. (Av. Slope 12.9%)

 

 

May 21 Temple Canyon  Leader – Forrest Borre

 

Round trip – approx. 3 miles.  Includes a 200 ft. elevation gain at the end.  Also there is a creek crossing.  There are stepping-stones, but be prepared in case the creek is high.

 

May 28 – YMCA – Leader – Dave Walker 275-2054

                 

Drive west of CC on US 50 11 miles to Parkdale.  Turn left and go south toward south entrance to Royal Gorge Park.  After 2.6 miles you will come to a bifurcation, stay to the left and continue 1 mile where a road to the left leaves the paved Royal Gorge road.  Continue on this road for 1.5 miles where there is a dirt road on the left.  Continue on this road to its end, approx. 2 miles.  Park in this area.  Elevation gain: 235 Ft.

 

une 4  Hayden Creek Trail –Hike Leader – Bill Slaichert 276-0543  Easy Hike

 

June 4  Hayden Creek Trail

                   Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

 

Travel west on Highway 50 to turn off to Hayden Creek campground – about 40 miles.  Then 5 miles to Hayden Creek trailhead.  Trail follows large creek in dense forest for several miles.  Colorado at its finest with huge blue spruce.  Trail crosses shallow creek twice.  It is advised to bring garbage bags to put over shoes.  There is a large parking lot at trailhead. 

 

Travel time to trail head is exactly one hour.  Hike time is three hours.

 

 

 

June 11 Grape Creek Trail –Hike Leader – Bill Slaichert 276-0543  Easy Hike

 

                    Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

 

Leave Village Inn – travel west to First Street – turn left on First Street and travel about one mile to Temple Canyon Road.  Turn left and travel about 7 miles on Temple Canyon to where Grape Creek crosses the road.  Hike up the Creek for about ½ mile to next creek crossing.

 

The Temple Canyon road is a little rough – so a truck or SUV is advised. 

 

Hike time is about 1 hour.

 

 

 

June 18 Mine Shaft Road –Hike Leader – Bill Slaichert 276-0543  Easy Hike

 

                    Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

 

Travel west on Highway 50 for about 13 miles to Copper Gulch Road.  Turn left and travel 7 miles on Copper Gulch Road.  Then right on an unmarked road and travel 1½ miles.  The last ½ mile has a large hill climb – so truck or SUV is advised.  Hike on a good road to wonderful viewpoint.  Very peaceful – remote area in pine forest.  Several BLM trails are marked in the area.  Travel time to trail head is about 45 minutes. 

 

Hike time is about 3 hours.

 

Hikes for June

 

June 25 Hayden Creek Rainbow trail west–Hike Leader – Bill Slaichert 276-0543 

 

Moderate Hike

 

                    Meet at the Village Inn at 8:00 A.M.

 

Travel west on Highway 50 to turn-off to Hayden Creek campground – about 40 miles.  Then 41/2 miles to Rainbow trail going west.  Trail follows a large creek through dense forest.  I call this hike moderate because it does climb some and is rocky in places.  Trailhead is marked and has a parking lot. 

 

Travel time to trail head is exactly 1 hour.  Hike time is about 3 hours

 

There may be parking fees.  This will be clarified at the June 11 meeting.

 

July hikes

 

July 16^th                           St. Charles Peak            Leaders:  Dave Bell & Jim Mathis

For those who it is more convenient – meet in Florence at Carl’s Jr.  also those who do not want to walk the road up to the climb.  There will be a ride up.  The walkers will then meet those driven.

 

 

7/23/14      Newlin Creek- Leaders: Jerry Beatty, Arlo Dupont.

 

                   Moderate.

 

                   Meet at the Village Inn, 8:00 AM.

 

          South from Florence on Colorado Hwy 67-approx. 4.5 miles, west on County Road 15-approx. 5.5 miles to Florence Mountain Park.  Trailhead is on the west side of park.

 

          Don't forget water and a snack or better.  If there are other questions call me at 269-8123.

 

 

 

7/30/14      Music Pass - Leaders: Jerry Beatty, Jim Mathis.

 

                   Moderate to difficult depending on hike choice.

 

                   Meet at the Village Inn, 7:30 AM.  Because of the distance to the trailhead and possibility of afternoon thundershowers we                         will leave 30 minutes earlier.

 

          Driving time to the trailhead is about 1 hour, 30 minutes.  Proceed to Westcliff via Florence and Wetmore.

 

          Drive a little less than 6 miles South of Westcliffe on Highway 69 turn right onto County Road 119 and continue due South for miles on the paved road for 5-6 miles. At the junction, turn left on the gravel road and continue following County Road 119 South for about five miles. Shortly after entering the National Forest is the southern trailhead for the Rainbow Trail and the beginning of the 1 1/2 mile four-wheel drive portion of  the road. The trailhead is at the end of the road.

 

                   It is a three mile round trip to pass from trailhead.  Hardy hikers may wish to continue on to Sand Creek Lakes, making the hike 6 to 8 miles round trip.  Beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Wet Mountains Valley.

 

          Don't forget water and a snack or better.  A rain coat could       be useful.  If there are other questions call me at 269-8123.

 

 

August Hikes

Meet at Village Inn  8 A.M.

08/06/14          Alpine Tunnel

Hike Leader:  Dale Bokowski

Directions:          From Cañon City drive directly west on US 50 to Salida to Poncha Springs. Turn north from US 50 at Poncha spring onto CSH 285 north to Nathrop, CO.  Turn west on CR 162 and travel west to St. Elmo.  Turn left at St. Elmo on CR 295 and continue several miles to the trailhead.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:          The hike is about 5 miles RT and follows an old railroad grade (2% slope).  The elevation gain is less than 300 ft.  At the tunnel entrance, now closed by blasting, the trail proceeds steeply about ½ mile to the Continental Divide for a grand view to the west and the tunnel portal. 

Calculated Difficulty:  3.8  This hike is rated easy to moderate.  High clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended from St. Elmo to the trailhead.  After the hike we may return to St. Elmo for ice cream.

ALSO: DON’T FORGET: rain gear and bug spray

 

08/13/14          Reynolds Ave. Quarterly Cleanup

Meet at the Riverwalk parking lot across from the Recreation District.

 

08/20/14  Deer Have Ranch –Thompson Mountain

Hike Leader:  To be named later

Directions: (Directions)  West on US50 to Hwy 9, then northwest 8.5 miles to CR11 (High Park Road), then north on CR11 for 5.2 miles to CR 69 (entrance to Deer Haven Ranch), then south on CR69 for 0.8 miles to BLM road 5828, then west 0.8 miles to trailhead at gate.

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain, Difficulty Rating:          5.8 miles roundtrip, elevation at trailhead, 8205 ft, elevation at summit of Thompson Mtn. 8720 ft.

Calculated Difficulty Rating – 3.9

This loop hike is located within the western portion of Deer Haven Ranch, which is no longer a ranch but consists of BLM Public Lands and State Trust Lands that are managed for wildlife and non-motorized recreation uses. 

BRING LUNCH, WATER AND BUG SPRAY

 

08/27/14          Booger Red Trail

Hike Leader:  Charles Rann

Directions: (Directions)  West on US50 to CSH 9.  Then north on CSH 9 to County Road 11. Proceed east on County Road 11 (High Park Road) to Forest Designated Road 5808 on south side of CR11.  A four-wheel drive vehicle is best for accessing the trail for Booger Red.  A very nice hike of easy to moderate difficulty.  No significant elevation change.

BRING LUNCH, WATER, AND BUG SPRAY

Calculated Difficulty: 3.2

 

October 15, 2014          Oil Well Flats (New Trail created in 2013)

 

                             Leader        Kevin Borre

 

Hike Description            (Directions)  North on Red Canyon Road apx. 7 miles past March Quarry turn right first dirt road.  High Clearance Vehicles preferred.

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain & Difficulty rating:  4 to 5 miles round trip.  New trail not rated moderate.  Trailhead T5940.  This hike will be incorporating a trail built in 2013.  Great views of the San De Cristo Mts. And Cañon City.

 

Elevation change estimated at 500 to 600 ft.  Over all, trail is gentle elevation gains.

 

 

October 22, 2014          Beaver Creek Riparian Area          Leader      Kevin Borre

 

Hike Description            (Directions)  Hwy 50 East, left on Hwy 67 (Phantom Canyon Road.  1.7 miles to CR 123.  Turn right –East ¼ mile to CR 132 – Upper Beaver Creek Rd.  Turn left 8.1 miles –Trailhead on right.

 

Hiking Distance, Elevation Gain & Difficulty Rating:  4.5 miles round trip 200 ft. elevation gain  Easy.

 

Hike follows old roadway that parallel Beaver Creek Hike requires crossing Beaver Creek at the beginning by crossing across an old fallen tree.  No Guarantee tree is still in pace.  Plastic trash bags can be used to keep feet dry while wading across creek.  Old buildings and great Valley to see.

 

October 29, 2014  Trick or Treat Halloween Gathering     

Leader:  Kevin Borre

 

Hike Description    

 

HALLOWEEN PARTY:  Wednesday, October 29^th

 To allow for members extra prep time we will meet at the VI at 9 A.M.

Costumes are the order of the day.  We will proceed to 10501 Auckland Ave, Williamsburg (Chandler Heights) for the festivities.  We will have burgers and such (leftovers from the summer picnic), Kevin will cook a pot of chili, and the. Margarita fountain will be flowing.  Bring a dish to share.

Your creative talents will be put to the test.  Everyone is encouraged to bring a carved and/or decorated pumpkin to be judged.

The Hike/Walk will be a poker hike on Kevin’s property.

Prizes will be awarded for best pumpkins, best poker hand etc.

 

NOVEMBER HIKES

 

REMEMBER – MEET AT VILLAGE INN AT 9:00 A.M.

More info on these hikes when Doug gets to Canon City

November 5^th        Temple Canyon- Dawson Ranch                   

Leader: Jerry Betty

 

November 12^th      (Meeting Day) Big Horn Trail ( near Coal Creek )

Leader: Joe Rausch                                                                                                       

November 19^th          Cheyenne Mountain

South of Colorado Springs on HW 115, turn left on Fort Carson Army Base main entrance. There is a sign. ( need states park pass or parking fee) ) Many trails to choose from, will decide on that day           Leader:  Doug Mack

 

November 26^th        Oil Flat

Many trails to choose from, will decide on that day                           

Leader:  Doug Mack

December 24^th                 Christmas Eve  No Hike

 

December 31^st    New Years Eve – Tunnel Drive          Leader Charles Rann
This will be a longer hike for those who wish.  Meet at the Duck Pond.  Those who want a shorter hike meet at the parking lot below the Tunnel Drive.  Again, there will be someone at VI for those who wish to park there.
 

January Hikes

Jan. 21, 2015