Hike Leaders for December 2023

                    

                    Kris Gunsten

                    Phone: 540-797-4123

                    Email: askcg@aol.com

                    Randy Babb

                    Phone: 719-280-3714

                    Email: babb2386@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Hike Summary:

December 6, 2023: Table Mountain State Wildlife Trust

December 13, 2023: South Beaver Creek Bottom Lands

December 20, 2023: Pathfinder Park

December 27, 2023: Dakota Ridge at the Hogbacks, Skyline Drive

 

December 6: Table Mountain State Wildlife Trust

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

 

Length of Hike: 3 miles

Elevation Gain:

Difficulty: Easy

 

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

 

 

December 13: South Beaver Creek Bottom Lands

 

Directions to Hike: From Village Inn Parking Lot, go East on Highway 50 to the SH 67 stoplight. Turn L to CR 123, then turn right to CR 132. Turn L on CR 132 for 7.5 miles north. There is ample parking on the right. 

 

Hike Description: Hike north on service road until it ends. Continue on game trail. Once in the hay meadow follow east tree line to flume and creek crossing. Go south along the ditch, which leads to an abandoned homestead, about 1.5 miles at this point. Travel south through gate for easy hike on BLM road to gather miles. Then walk back to gate where we bushwhack 600 ft. west while dry crossing stream and back to parking.

 

Length of Hike: about 3 miles

Elevation gain: 

Difficulty: Easy                

 

December 20: Pathfinder Park

Directions to Trailhead: Head west on Highway 50 to McKenzie Ave, drive to Highway 115, turn L. Turn L at the John C Fremont statue at Pathfinder Park, go around roundabout, park by the pavilion where we had our summer picnic.

 

Hike Description: The trail starts at the road near the pavilion. We will follow the route the Cross Country Team uses for its meets. We will turn R at the trail, make a large loop through the new 4-H Buildings, then follow trail East by the river to the boat put-in, then follow the road back to the parking area. 

 

Length of hike: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Beginning elevation: 5267

Elevation change: 0

 

December 27: Dakota Ridge at the Hogbacks

Directions to trailhead: Take Highway 50 West to either N. 15^th, N. 9th or N. 5^th Street. Turn R on street of choice and continue to Washington St, turn west on Washington St to the small parking lot. 

Hike Description: Hike east about 20 yards to Greenhorn Trail, turn R (north) and travel to Dakota Ridge Trail. This trail is 1.4 miles, and all of the elevation gain occurs on this trail. This is the most difficult part with some slanted rock and some loose rock along the switchbacks. On the top you can cross over the ridge and take a scary trail or a really scary trail for awhile, or stay on the west side.  On Skyline Drive you will see views on both sides of the trail with the city of Canon to the west and Fremont Peak to the west. We will take Old Skyline Drive to the Stone Quarry Spur then pick up Graneros to the Fairview Link and back to the parking lot on Greenhorn Trail. 

 

Length of Hike: 4 miles

Beginning Elevation: 5595 feet

Elevation gain: 420 feet

Difficulty: Moderate, with some difficult places

 

 November 2023 Hikes

 

Hike Leader:  Tom Hart

Email:  tkhart25@gmail.com

Phone:  719-289-1840

Hike Leader:  Judy Leonard

Email: leowen59@msn.com

Phone:  719-242-5715

 

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

 

 

 

 November 1st – Pueblo Reservoir Red Gate

 

Closest Town:  Pueblo

 

Directions:  Take highway 67south to Wetmore and turn left (east) on highway 96 for 21.2 miles to the Red Gate trailhead parking area.

 

Difficulty: moderate

Starting Elevation:  5050 ft

Elevation Gain: 476 ft

Distance:  3.95-mile loop

 

We will hike a series of trails in the park starting on Rock Canyon trail to Stonehenge to South Rim to Hooters.  We will continue on Hooters to Arkansas Point and out.

 

 

November 8th – Penrose Commons/Brush Hollow Creek

 

Nearest Town: Penrose

 

Directions:  From highway 115 go west on 3^rd St (CR123) ¼ mile to E St. (CR 127).  Drive north on 127 for 3.1 miles to the parking area for Penrose Commons.  Shuttle hikers from parking area 1 ¼ miles north on 6102 to 6101 (road left) and drop off the hikers.  Return the cars to the main parking lot and bring drivers back to 6101 in one car.

 

Difficulty: Difficult due to rocks

Starting Elevation: 5600’

Elevation Gain: 435’

Distance: 3.5 Miles from top of Brush Hollow

 

Hike north on 6101 .2 miles to 6101A continuing north on 6101A .6 miles looping south to junction of trail 6101A at green gate and ATV bridge.  Follow trail 6101A .2 miles to creek bottom where there is a large fallen dead tree.  Follow creek south 1.6 miles to independence extreme jeep trail.  Go 75 yds to a sharp left uphill on independence trail.  Follow trail 300 yds looping to top of Patriot extreme jeep trail.  Proceed down Patriot to bottom and take a sharp left back up independence trail 300 yds. to 6102A.   Proceed right (south) 250 yds and right to parking area.

 

 

 

November 15th – Pueblo Reservoir State Wildlife Area Lakeshore hike (new hike)

 

Nearest Town:  Pueblo

 

Directions: Take highway 67 to Wetmore and turn left.   Drive east on highway 96 for 15.2 miles to a parking area (side road with signage for the state wildlife area).  Drive through the parking area on a paved road for .6 miles.  Turn left on a dirt road and .9 miles to the parking at side of road. 

 

Length of hike: 3.5-mile loop

Beginning elevation: 5200 ft.

Elevation change: 200 feet

Difficulty: Easy – long pants advised for weeds

 

The hike consists of about half shoreline trails and half easy bush (weeds) wacking.   

  

 

November 22 – Ecology Park (Grape Creek Trail)

 

Nearest City:  Canon City

 

Directions to trailhead: Take U.S. Highway 50 west to 1^st St south and turn right on Riverside and then left on Colburn Lane.  The trailhead is on the right side of the road.

 

Length of hike: 3.24 miles in and out

Beginning elevation: 5641 feet

Elevation change: 178 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

 

Description:  From the parking lot proceed to the Information Kiosk (built by the Canonland Walkers and Hikers).  The trails found in Ecology Park are displayed on the kiosk.  For the trail to Grape Creek follow the main trail west.  At the bottom of the hill proceed through the fence opening and continue on the trail west past the trails found to the south (these are the south canon trails).   At the bottom of the hill follow the dry wash to Grape Creek.  You will encounter a large water pipe which you will have to hike around (part of the irrigation ditch system).  Once at the creek follow the trail downstream to private property.  This trail will end at private property that is posted.  Turnaround and retrace the trail to the parking lot.

 

 

November 29^th – The Banks (Red Canyon Park)

 

Nearest City:  Canon City

 

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

 

Length of hike: 4.16-mile loop

Beginning elevation: 6866 feet

Elevation change: 452 feet

Difficulty: Easy 

 

Description:  The trail starts on the north side of the parking area.  A service road leaves the parking area to the north and proceeds down into the canyon.    It is common to find climbers scaling the rock walls of the north side of the canyon.  Continue hiking on the road 2 miles past a stone quarry or caves to an old windmill.   At this point backtrack and 1/8 of a mile to an open area that slopes down on the south side of the trail.   Look closely at the east side of the open area and find a stone campfire ring.  At this point you will find a little used trail that proceeds east from the open area then turns southward becoming a long-ago abandoned road.   This trail will take you to the top of the ridge and ultimately back to the parking area.   Great views of the canyon and climbing walls are found. 

 October 2023 Hikes

 

Hike Leader:  Howard Rees

Email:  Howardrees18@gmail.com

Phone:  620-338-5098

 

Hike Leader:  Mike Johnson

Email:  esausdad@yahoo.com

Phone:  719-429-9670

 

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

 

 

 

October 4th – Angel of Shavano

 

Closest Town:  Salida

 

Directions:  Take highway 50 59 miles to Salida and then continue west on highway 50 about 12 miles to Maysville.   Turn right on CR140 and continue 4 miles to trailhead.

 

Difficulty:  Moderate

Starting Elevation:  9200 ft

Elevation Gain: approximately 500’

Distance:  4.6 Miles in and out

 

The hike starts with a moderate/steady uphill climb until reaching the forest where it moderates to gentle ups and downs.  There is a nice aspen grove and a meadow at about 2.3 mile which makes for a good turnaround point. 

 

 

October 11th – Fooses Creek

 

Nearest Town: Salida

 

Directions: From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 through Salida and Poncha Springs.   Continue west on Highway 50 approximately 14 miles to CR225 and turn left.  Proceed about 2.5 miles to the trailhead.   The road is somewhat rough and rocky but 4WD is not required. 

 

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation: 9560’

Elevation Gain: 300’

Distance: 4.0 Miles in and out

 

This is a very pretty hike on a gentle trail through an area with a good stand of aspens.  If the timing is right this should be a colorful hike. 

 

 

 

 

October 18^th – Old Logging Road/Flume Trail (courtesy of Bob and Sandy)

 

Nearest Town:  Wetmore

 

Directions: Take highway 50/67 to Wetmore and turn right.   Go 9.7 miles west to Mackenzie Junction.  Go South about 19 miles on CO 165 to the south side of Lake Isabel.

 

The trail starts at the Snowslide trailhead just before the south pay station.   

 

Length of hike: 4.8 mile loop

Beginning elevation: 8527 Feet

Elevation change: 1223 feet

Difficulty: Moderately difficult due to the steep descent

 

The hike begins with an approximate .4 mile climb up Snowslide before going right on an unnamed single track for just over 2 miles to the hikes highest point.  The climbing is very moderate to this point except for the snowslide section.  Here we encounter the Flume, an old logging road which descends steeply and through a fair amount of downed timber before exiting on the park road.  From there it is a leisurely walk back to the cars on the paved road. 

  

 

October 25th – Lookout Mountain

 

Nearest City:  Canon City

 

Directions to trailhead: Take U.S. Highway 50 west to CR3 at Parkdale and turn left.   Go south 13 miles to CR23 (Gulch Road).   Turn right and go 3.25 miles to FSR 6162.  Take the dirt road about 200 ft to a parking area.  

 

Length of hike: 3.5 miles in and out

Beginning elevation: 7300 feet

Elevation change: 933 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

 

Description:  Hike up the road until reaching a turnaround in the road and then proceed up the trail until it eventually reaches the switchbacks that lead to the rock formation that affords views of the Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch ranges.

 

September 2023 Hikes

Hike Leader:  Sharon Whitney

Skw5889@gmail.com   719-557-9320

ALL HIKES BEGIN AT 8:00 AM!

September 6^th – Texas Creek Railroad Bed

Closest Town:  Texas Creek

Directions:  From Texas Creek drive south on Highway 68 towards Westcliffe for .6 miles.  The pull off will be on the right.

Difficulty:  Easy

Starting Elevation:  6190

Elevation Gain: approximately 410’

Distance:  3.5 Miles In and Out

The trail starts across the highway and follows a gulley up until we climb a slight hill to connect to the ATV trail which takes us to the railroad bed.  We will hike the railroad in an out, then cross the ravine below to the opposite side of the used to be trestle.  Here we will see remains of the old trestle that used to span the ravine.  We will bushwack a short distance until we come to a wash.  We will hike up and back in this wash to the parking spot.

September 13^th – Warmer Gulch North

Nearest Town: Guffey

Directions: From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to Co 9 north. Drive north on CO9 for 18.7 miles. Shortly after cresting the hill and entering into Park County the trailhead is found on the west side of the road midway down the hill. The entrance is gated.

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation: 8272’

Elevation Gain: 432’

Distance: 3.7 Miles in and out

The trail starts at the west side of the parking area. Follow the trail down to the creek and follow the creek north as far as we can go using mostly animal trails returning the same way.  This is an easy scenic hike. There are numerous creek crossings but, in most cases, you can easily step over the creek

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

September20th – Turkey Rock

Nearest Town:  Howard

Directions to trailhead: From Canon City, go West on Highway 50, 39 miles to Vallie Bridge Road (Just east of Howard) turn right and cross river (route 45) continue west 5.2 miles to Sand Gulch road and turn right.  

Approximately 1 mile to the trailhead. 

Length of hike: Approximately 4 miles

Beginning elevation: 6800 Feet

Elevation change: 620 feet

Difficulty: Easy, some bushwacking

This is an easy to moderate hike which will consist of bike trails, game trails, open areas, and washes. There will be gradual sloping hills, outcrops with great views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Arkansas River and a few areas where you can see “Turkey Rock”.

 September27th – Green’s Creek

Nearest City:  Poncha Springs

Directions to trailhead: Take U.S. Highway 50 west past Salida to Poncha Springs. At the traffic light (intersection of U.S. 50 and State Highway 285 turn right (north) continuing on U.S. 50 for about 2.1 miles to County Road (CR) 220. Turn left on CR 220 and drive for approximately 1.76 miles where it intersects with CR 221. Turn left on CR 221 and drive for approximately 2.6 miles until you arrive at a dirt parking area and the trailhead to the Green Creek Trail. From the parking lot, walk approximately 300 feet south-west to the trailhead. About 69.8 miles one way from Canon City.

Length of hike: 4 miles (round trip)

Beginning elevation: 8551 feet

Elevation change: 933 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Description: The Green Creek trail is a well-developed trail running along the north side of Green Creek. This is a very picturesque hike with a variety of aspens, shrubbery with red-orange leaves, golden ferns and pines. The creek has several ponds located behind dams constructed by beavers. At one location an otter lodge can be seen next to the creek with its smooth track running from the lodge to the water’s edge. If you are fortunate, you will see members of this family frolicking in the water or returning to the lodge. At the end of this 2-mile trail is a large beaver dam and pond. This is a great spot to stop and have lunch and is the turn around point.

 Hike Leaders for August 2023

 

Ron MacFarlane: ronmac59@yahoo.com 

Jerry Johnson: fxknees@gmail.com

479-799-1113

Mary McCullough: mary81212@gmail.com

719-276-2445

 

 

 

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

 

 

August 2^nd   Wellsville Mine

August 9^th    Badger Creek South

August 16^th  Warmer Gulch Trail

August 23^rd   Deer Haven Trail

August 30^th  Grape Creek Trail South

 

 

August 2nd Wellsville Mine 

Direction: From Canon City go west on Hwy 50.  After about 45 miles and just before the Wellsville exit, turn left onto BLM Road 5972A. You will be able to see the mine high on the ridge on the left side of Hwy 50. Continue on BLM 5972A until the second turnoff on the right. Park in this area 

 

Nearest City:  Wellsville, CO

       

Difficulty:   Moderate 

Starting Elevation:  7224’

Elevation Gain:  385’

Distance:  3.5 Miles in and out

Description:  Hike starts by following the second road found on the right. The road will dead end at a gate.  Hike past the gate following the creek bed until you come to BLM trail 5971A.   Follow 5971A to the right.  Great views of the surrounding valleys can be seen from the trail. The trail will end at a gate and past the gate is private land. Return to the parking area by reversing the hike. When leaving turn left onto the first road that you passed and go about 1/8 mile and park to hike up into some old mine area. 

 

August 9^th  Badger Creek South        

 

Nearest City:  Howard, CO

    

Directions:  From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 38 miles to Vallie Bridge road (just east of Howard).  Turn right, cross the river and follow Vallie Bridge Road (route 45) for 7.5 miles to parking area. (total mileage 45.5 from Canon City). 

 

Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate

Starting Elevation:  6653’

Elevation Gain:  264’

Distance:  2.75 mile loop

 

Description:  The hike starts by crossing under the railroad tracks and proceeding up a dry wash.  You will encounter a gradual slope and some large boulders.  At just over a mile turn to your left climbing a small rise and find a dry wash that will lead you down to Badger creek.  Follow badger creek downstream keeping an eye out for a suitable crossing and cross the creek.   Continue downstream.  The creek will go through some narrow rock walls so look for a gradual slope to the right and climb to the top of the rise.  At this point you will see power lines that run north and south.   Work your way towards the power lines and find the access trail that services the power lines.  Follow the trail downstream towards the Arkansas River.  As you follow the trail you will come to a point that overlooks the river, the railroad tracks and a railroad bridge that crosses Badger Creek.  Follow the trail down to the railroad tracks hiking across the bridge.  On your right you will see some interpretive signs.  Leave the tracks at this point and follow the trail down river to the parking area.     

 

 

 

 

August 16^th   Warmer Gulch Trail South    

 

Nearest City:  Guffey

 

Directions:   From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to Co 9 north.  Drive north on CO9 for 18.7 miles.   Shortly after cresting the hill and entering into Park County the trailhead is found on the west side of the road midway down the hill.  The entrance is gated.

 

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Elevation:  8272’

Elevation Gain:  432’

Distance: 5.1 Miles in and out

 

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

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

 

 

 

August 23^rd  Deer Haven Trail

    

Nearest City:  Cripple Creek

    

Directions:  From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to Colorado Hwy 9. Turn right (north) and continue to CR 11 (High Park Road). Turn right (east) drive about 5.2 miles to Deer Haven Park CR 69. Turn right and proceed to the first dirt single track road on the right.  Follow the dirt track road to the end where the trailhead is located. (In wet conditions this road can be 4-wheel drive only) (in dry conditions the road may be rutted with previous washout areas).

 

 Difficulty:    

Starting Elevation:  8210’

Elevation Gain:  430’

Distance:  4 mile loop

 

 

Description:  The trail starts behind the trailhead sign by going through a gate.  The original trail follows the road ana when you come to a “T” intersection follow the trail to the left. (As an alternative route shortly after passing through the gate you will discover a trail that leads up the hill to the left, following this trail will take you over the hill and into a valley.  Continue across the valley and you will join the original trail. When joining/intersecting with the original trail follow it to the left). The trail is well used and easy to follow it will wind through some pine woods and meadows where ranching has been the main use. Eventually the trail will loop back to the meadow that the alternate route crossed, follow the meadow to the left and either join the “alternate” trail or the road trail.   Follow either trail back to the trailhead. An alternate “Short-cut” route is to cross over to the far side of the meadow and gradually ascend the ridge that is on the far side.  From the top of the ridge you will see the road that you drove in on, gradually descend the ridge parallel to the road to the trail head.    

 

 

  

 

August 30^th Grape Creek Trail South

 

 

 Nearest City:  Canon City

 

Directions:  From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to 1^st street, turn Left. Take 1^st street to Temple Canyon Road.  Turn west onto Temple Canyon Road and continue for about 6.4 miles.  Go over the top of the road and continue down the west side past several sharp switchbacks to the concrete outhouse and parking area on your right (before crossing Grape Creek. 

 

 

Difficulty: Easy but you have to cross Grape Creek several times  

Starting Elevation:  5866’

Elevation Gain:  130 ft.

Distance:  4.6 miles in and out

 

Hike Leaders for July 2023

 

Randy Babb:  babb2386@gmail.com

 719—280-3714

Kevin Borre:  KBCanyon@rocketmail.com

719-557-1397

Andy Poirot:   apoirot1@gmail.com

970-846-7315

 

 

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

 

 

July 5^th      Rudolph Mountain

July 12^th    Horsethief Falls/Pancake Rock

July 19^th    The Craigs

July 26^th    Venable Falls

 

July 5^th     Rudolph Mountain 

Direction:  From Florence take Hwy 67 south to Wetmore (Hwy 96) Turn Right (west) to road 387 (Beulah) and turn left (south) to 386 (Old Hardscrabble Road).   Go west to Hardscrabble Creek Trail Head.   Go West ½ mi on Hardscrabble Creek Trail to the Rudolf Mountain trail head on the right.  

Difficulty:   Moderate to Difficult 

Starting Elevation:  7900’

Elevation Gain:  1600’

Distance:  4 Miles in and out

Description:  Rudolph Mountain Trail is contained within the 2016 Junkins burn scar.  The trail has been closed and it was reopened in 2022.  The trail is still primitive.  It is a wonderful example of nature’s ability to heal itself.   The elevation gain is moderate for ¾ of a mile and more aggressive gain for the final ¾ miles. 

 

July 12th    Horsethief Falls/Pancake Rock        

    

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

 

Difficulty:

Starting Elevation:  9711’

Elevation Gain:  1692’

Distance:  6.6 miles in and out

 

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

Note:  Horsethief Falls Trail ends at the falls, the trail does continue past the falls and becomes Sentinel Point Trail, Sentinel point trail is about 5.8 miles long with an altitude gain of 2,772 feet. The trail does loop back to the Horsethief Trail trailhead. Sentinel Trail is generally considered a challenging Trail. 

 

 

July 19th    The Craigs    

    

Directions:   From Canon City go west on Hwy 50 to Co 9 north, turn right onto County Rd 11.  Continue to Teller County Road 1 and turn right and continue to Cripple Creek.   From Cripple Creek take Hwy 67 north out of town and continue to Teller County Rd 62 and turn right. Proceed to Craigs Trailhead. (You will pass a Mennonite Camp and the trailhead for Raspberry Mountain Trail. The Craigs Trailhead is now located before the loop campground at the end of the road.

 

Difficulty:  “Relatively Easy”

Starting Elevation:  9971’

Elevation Gain:  820’

Distance: 6 Miles in and out

 

Description:  The trail starts across the street from the parking area and l begins with a steep incline, but it soon changes to a gradual incline making for a relatively easy hike. Rock formations called “Craigs” and aspen trees line the route on the way to the end of the trail where a “Dome” rock formation with views of the Rampart Range, Ute Pass and the Reservoirs that service Colorado Springs can be seen. Highly recommended trail in the fall when the Aspen are changing colors.

 

 

July 26th    Venable Falls    

 

Nearest City: Westcliffe, Colorado

Directions:  From Canon City go east on Hwy 50 to Co Rd 67. Turn right (South) and then turn left onto Hwy 115 (Main Street Florence) proceed east next traffic light is Co Rd 67.   Turn right and proceed south through Wetmore to Co 96.  Turn right and follow Co 96 to Co 69 (in Westcliffe).  Turn right onto Co 69 and proceed east to Cty #140 (Schoolfield Rd.) and turn right (South).   Follow it past the Alvarado Campground to the trailhead. You could also go via Texas Creek or even Oak Creek Grade.

 

Difficulty:   Difficult due to elevation gain and loose rock

Starting Elevation:  9068 ft.

Elevation Gain:  1500 ft.

Distance:  5 miles in and out

 

Description:   The trail to the falls starts at the northwest side of the parking area. Be sure to go past the first junction (stay to the right) to the trail sign at the second junction. The trail is steep and rocky with sections of loose rock. The trail to the falls is a good work out due to the beginning altitude and the 1,500 feet altitude gain. Make sure to explore the falls as most hikers will agree the climb is worth the effort. Return to the parking area by backtracking the trail. Westcliffe makes for some good lunch spots after the hike.

 

 

June Hikes

 

Hike Leader: Tracy Mitchell

218-464-2450

tmitch5424@gmail.com

 

6/7/23 - Round Top Mountain 321
6/14/23 - Newlin Creek
6/20/23 - Ouray Perimeter Hike (Overnight Committee)

6/21/23 - Hardtimes - alternative for those not going on the club trip

6/28/23 - St Charles Peak

 

 

June 14, 2023 Newlin Creek

Direction to trailhead: From Florence, head south on State Hwy 67 for 4.3 miles to County Road 15. Turn right (west) and follow CR 15 for 6.3 miles to trail head. You will pass the entrance sign for Florence Mountain Park and a house on the left. The road is can be rough with deep ruts from the house to the trail head, a distance of about 0.4 miles. Shortly before you reach the trail head and the end of CR 15, there is a small parking area to the left and a pond just beyond. There also is a small parking area to the left of the trail head. About 22 miles one way.

Length of hike: 6.2 miles (out and back) Beginning elevation: 6,750 ft.
Elevation gain: 1,360 ft.

Description of Hike: The Newlin Creek trail parallels and crosses the creek at 18 locations as you climb about 1,360 feet in elevation from the trail head to the Hedrick Site,l which will be
the turnaround point. The first crossing is made across a wooden bridge. The rest have to be done by walking across logs and rocks and possibly also by stepping into water. The crossings become easier as you proceed upstream. The trail is scenic as is takes you through a forest dominated by large Douglas firs. There also are Ponderosa pine scattered along the trail and white fir mainly at the lower elevation and aspens mostly at the higher elevations. Scrub oaks, small cherry trees (pin cherries?), dogwoods, prostrate Junipers, wild roses, gooseberries and mountain maples also are seen along the trail. Waterfalls, large interesting rocks that have fallen from the cliffs that narrowly bracket the creek, and the high rugged cliffs themselves all make the hike very scenic and rewarding. The upper part of the trail widens and ultimately opens up into a meadow environment. At the end of the trail sits an old steam boiler and fly wheel. They were transported here in 1887 by Nathaniel Herrick after he cleared and graded a road. His intent was to establish a saw mill. He died that year so his dream died and the old steam boiler and flywheel were abandoned. The current trail is all that I left of the road and the rusted boiler and fly wheel are monuments to his dream.

June 20 – Ouray Perimeter Trail

 

Directions to trailhead: Follow US #50 to Montrose. Drive south from Montrose on US#550. Follow US#550 to Ouray. Look for sign on right Visitor Center, Park Road, Perimeter Trail Trailhead.

Length of hike: 6.0 miles (loop) Beginning elevation: 7,700 ft. Elevation gain: 1,512 ft.

Description of Hike: Ouray's Perimeter Trail, a unique five miler, features the surrounding cliffs and mountains. It begins across from the Ouray Visitors' Center on the east side of US 550. (Please wear boots or sturdy shoes on this mountain trail!) Parking space is available behind the Visitor's Center. To begin, walk across the road to a large pink boulder, sign and tree. The trail starts on a wood edged path north of a planted berm behind some condos. It climbs wood stairs in the hillside to Cascade Cliff. Hike south on the cliff path .7 mile to Cascade Falls and Cascade Creek bridge. Cross the bridge, and continue uphill on Lower Cascade Trail to a right turn (.9 mile). (At the first clearing, ahead of you to the south are Ouray's signature views of Mt. Abram, 12,801', and Hayden Mountain, 11,475'. The southwest skyline shows U.S. Mountain, 13,036'. To the west are Whitehouse Mountain, 13,452', and Twin Peaks, 10,798'.) Cross the 5th Avenue Trail and continue hiking to the Amphitheater Campground Road (1.3 miles). Turn right and walk down the road .1 mile to the Baby Bathtubs Trail. Ascending this section, you will reach a shallow, often dry, crossing of Little Portland Creek with lots of little rock bathtubs (great for kids to play in). Walk uphill to the left, parallel to the larger Portland Creek, to a footbridge. Across the bridge, walk 300' to a trail fork and turn left. Here, you will enter the Three Pines Day Use Area. Go south across the picnic space and follow the trail through forest about 1,000' and exit onto Portland Mine Road. Follow the road uphill 300' and turn right into the old miners' Potato Patch. (They really grew potatoes here.) Hike across the Patch, following posts and cairns to a spartan, rocky upland of cactus and flowers in spring and summer. This is the trail's highest elevation (8,500'). Enjoy the views! (Behind and to the east is the 3,000' gray Amphitheater wall; to the west is Hayden Mountain. Downhill is US 550 and the Uncompahgre Gorge.) Descend to the highway and cross carefully, listening and looking for traffic. Turn left at the Ice Park Trail, following the hydroelectric dam access road to a trail going west downhill to the gorge and river bridge. Cross the bridge, taking time to admire the views and continue uphill to the old pipeline and a metal stile. Over the stile, turn right (north) and walk along the Ice Park access road. Past the Ice Park Reservoir (a great swimming hole for dogs), veer slightly off the road to a trail that soon crosses CR 361 and heads to the Box Caon high bridge. (If you decide to tour Box Caon Park, there is a $4 fee.) Cross the suspended bridge over Caon Creek's spectacular gorge to Ouray's old water tunnel. (The ceiling is low; watch your head.) Past the tunnel, steep stairs lead down the cliff along the gorge. The Perimeter Trail currently ends at South Pinecrest Street, a mile from the Visitors' Center. At this point, walk straight downhill to Queen Street, turn right, go a block to Oak Street and turn left. (Views to the north and east include Ouray; Gold Hill and the Blowout, 10,587'; Cascade Mountain, 11,000'; the Amphitheater and Cow Mountain, 13,111'.) Walk north on Oak Street past 7th Avenue to the City's Maintenance Shop near Fellin Park. Cross the footbridge and return to the Visitors' Center where you began.

June 21 – Hard Times Trail variation via A Great Escape
Alternative Club Hike for Folks not Going to Ouray Montrose

Directions to Trailhead: Canon City, west on #50 / Royal Gorge Blvd to First Street. Take First Street South, pass cemetery, and turn right on Temple Canon Rd. In 2.8 miles there is room for 2-3 cars to park on North side of road at Hard Times trailhead.

Length of Hike: 4 miles Starting Elevation: 6,172 Elevation Gain; 403' Difficulty: easy

Recommend: hiking poles will be helpful due to bushwhacking section.

Description OF Hike: Trail starts with Hard Times. (Pass connecting trails of Redemption and The Great Escape.) At approximately 1 3/4 miles, we will leave the trail to bushwhack roughly West and connect to the trail, The Great Escape. Turn South to follow The Great Escape back to Hard Times and back to the cars.

 

June 28 – St. Charles Peak (west side)

Direction to Trailhead: Drive South from Florence on Hwy #67 to the junction with #96 in Wetmore. Turn right (west) on #96 and follow 9 miles to the intersection with #165 at Mackenzie Junction. Turn left (south) onto #165 and proceed to the turnoff (right) on CR #360 at Ophir Creek Campground. Follow CR #360 about 9-10 miles– then left on CR #369. Proceed south on #369 about 4 miles to St. Charles trailhead.

Hiking Distance: 5.2* Starting elevation 11,200 Elevation gain 585* *depending on starting point

Description of hike: The hike starts with a relatively flat road and then the trail up to the top of the peak. Bring water, lunch and snack, rain gear, camera and bug spray. The view from the top is remarkable, well worth the climb.

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