Full Season Schedule - Summer 2022
| Date & Location | Outing description | Difficulty info |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jun 8 TH 8:30 am |
Hike Raider’s RidgeMeet at the parking area at the end of Jenkins Ranch Road. You can also park on La Questa if the lot is full. We will hike up Skyline to the Ridge, then go north along the ridge about a mile, for a total five mile round trip. Great views of Durango, the La Platas, Animas Mountain and Animas Valley. Turnarounds are OK. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 9 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Jun 10 |
Hike Larkspur LaneUpdated meeting place & time, carpool fee An annual favorite named by John Montle in 2001 for the larkspur and other flowers carpeting the meadows. And now, 21years later, John is still actively hiking with Seniors Outdoors! and will celebrate his 90th birthday later this month! We recognize and thank John for his many years of participation and leadership in SO! The hike follows the well-established lower Engineer Mountain Trail part way up and bac through woods and meadows with great views. Lunch at a view spot. |
Moderate+ |
| Mon, Jun 13 RC 9:00 am |
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Jun 14 |
Hike Crater Creek FallsA challenging on & off-trail hike with unique destination and route. Starting at Andrews Lake, we take the Crater Lake trail for 3.5 miles. Then we go off-trail for about a mile, dropping 750 ft to the top of three 100 ft. waterfalls on Crater Creek. Our return route will depend on conditions, possibly hiking back up to return via the Crater Lake Trail, or an off-trail basically horizontal traverse across 4.5 miles of untouched pristine country, crossing 3 creeks and numerous small ridges. The bushwhack route is a little different each time. For experienced hikers. Plan on being out for a long day, lots of up and down, a few scratches, and a great time. Timing of the hike may be adjusted to catch the height of run-off. SO! outings are limited to fully vaccinated SO! members only. |
Hard |
| Thu, Jun 16 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Mon, Jun 20 RC 9:00 am |
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Jun 21 RC 7:00 am |
Climb Mt. Hesperus (13,232 ft.)From the West Mancos Trailhead (10,900 ft.) we skirt the back end of the West Mancos River, eventually gaining the west ridge of the mountain and following it up through numerous short cliff bands to the summit. A good rock scramble rewarded by excellent views in all directions from the highest point in the La Platas. HC vehicles required for final approach. |
Hard |
| Wed, Jun 22
|
WW hike
|
Moderate 6 miles |
| Thu, Jun 23
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 23 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Jun 24 |
Climb Bridal Peak (aka T11, 13,510) and Peak 13,159Begin off Ophir Pass Road to access Columbine Lake Trail to Pass 12,520 ft. Leave the trail and ascend south to the ridge east of the lake. Climb Point 13,051 and Peak 13,159. Scrambling, mild exposure, steep and loose slopes. Pass by the lake and ascend to Columbine Pass. North to Bridal Peak then free range back to trail. See Earthline for description. 4WD. Limit 10. No dogs. Carpool $12. RSVP Thomas Ward 970-426-8918 tom@thward.net Co-leader Debra Van Winegarden debra@vanwinegarden.com |
Most Challenging 11.2 miles, 3,500 ft. Moderate pace |
| Mon, Jun 27
|
Climb Jura Knob (12,614 ft)Climb Jura Knob from the Coal Creek Trailhead. Some rock scrambling involved. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jun 27 RC 9:00 am |
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Jun 28
|
Annual SO! Picnic and General MeetingThis is our annual Seniors Outdoors gala picnic and general membership meeting at beautiful Chris Park at Haviland Lake. ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED TO 150 YOU MUST RSVP TO ATTEND. |
Fun! |
| Wed, Jun 29
|
Rhoda-Verde Lake-CDT LoopThis hike will be done at a moderate pace, but is rated most challenging due to length and vertical. Starting at the Highland Mary trailhead we will pass through the western edge of Spencer Basin on good trail, then off trail up a ridge and over point 13,434, then gain the summit of Rhoda, drop down to Verde Lake off-trail, then hook up with the Continental Divide trail to form a big loop back to the trailhead. Most of the route is rolling tundra with exceptional views. Expect the hike itself to take 7 to 8 hours. Due to possible weather exposure, we need an early start. |
Most Challenging |
| Wed, Jun 29
|
Hike Mountain View Overlook (12,465 ft)We will drive up Missionary Ridge Road about 22 miles past Henderson Lake to the trailhead where the road starts to get really rough. From there, we follow a fairly well defined trail that eventually joins the Lime Mesa trail to the overlook. This is a slightly shorter hike than going all the way to the top of the crest, but offers similar views. The return is more or less by the same route. This hike will be at a moderate pace. Car Pool $12. 4WD/HC required. Limit 15 due to wilderness area. Dogs OK. RSVP: Clark Lagow: clagow@rmi.net |
Moderate 7 miles 1570 ft, Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Jun 29
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 30
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 30 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Jul 1 RC 7:00 am |
Climb Sultan and Grand Turk MountainsThis hike scales the two grand mountains overlooking Silverton from the West. Starting from Little Molas Lake we will hike off trail and on intermittent use trail, cross over Spencer Mt., and then do a somewhat exposed traverse under Grand Turk over to Sultan (13,168 ft.). If weather and energy permit, we will climb Grand Turk (13,168 ft.) on our way back down. |
Hard, 7.5 miles and 2460 ft. elevation gain. |
| Sat, Jul 2 RC 8:00 am |
Hike Cascade Creek to the waterfallsA moderately easy hike up Cascade Creek Canyon. Out and back. Several creek crossings. Enjoy the sounds of the creek in the deep woods. |
Moderate |
| Sun, Jul 3 SRP 7:30 am |
Climb Deadwood (12,295 ft.) and Silver (12,496 ft.) MountainsDate Change As Silver dominates Durango’s skyline it is a very satisfying mountain to climb and sit atop. |
Most Challenging, 10.1 miles, 4,500 ft. gain |
| Tue, Jul 5 |
Hike to Crater Lake (11,630 ft.)Crater Lake boasts pristine crystalline waters in a gem of a setting. We will hike on a well-used trail climbing 1,300 feet in elevation, 11 miles round trip. Plan on wet boots, crossing streams and boggy areas. |
Hard |
| Wed, Jul 6 |
Columbine Lake (12,685 ft.) and Pk. 13,300 from Porphyry BasinAn alternate approach to Columbine Lake starting at 12,360 ft at the end of a 4WD road beginning near the top of Red Mountain Pass. Crossing 3 high basins, a large boulder field, and enchanting glacially scoured tundra, our route passes the spectacular blue lake and ends with a climb to an overlooking peak at 13,300ft. 4WD HC vehicles required for the approach route. |
Hard |
| Wed, Jul 6
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 7
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 7
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Thu, Jul 7 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Jul 8
|
Climb McMillan Peak 12804 ft.This annual high-altitude hike follows a road for a short way, then occasional trails. It begins above Red Mtn. Pass, climbs thru US Basin to a ridge and makes a final ascent to the top of the mountain where there is room for all and we will have lunch. Views are spectacular and wildflowers are usually abundant. Descent is by a shorter, steeper route, mostly through meadows. Poles helpful. Limit 15. 4wd helpful. Carpool $13. |
Moderate |
| Fri, Jul 8
|
Climb Spud MountainOff trail hike with low exposure class 3 scramble on summit ridge. Beautiful view of Animas Valley from the summit. Expect loose rock and talus on this hike, 4 to 5 hours to complete. |
Hard |
| Sat, Jul 9 - 9:00 am Four Corners |
Inflatable
|
Moderate |
| Sun, Jul 10 |
Hike Molas to Coal Bank PassFrom Little Molas Lake we will hike the CT until we get near Jura Knob. Then over Jura and walk the gorgeous ridge to Coal Creek and then Engineer Meadows, where we will pick up the Pass Creek trail. |
Hard 16 miles, 2400 ft, Brisk Pace. |
| Mon, Jul 11 |
Brown Mt Ridge Hike to Abrams Mountain (13,339 to 12,801 ft)The plan is to drive up 110 north of Silverton to the starting point on CR 10 it is a bad road. The route climbs to Browns ridge where we will plan to turn south to Duco (the high point at 13,339) then reverse and follow the ridge over several 13,000 ft points switching from east to west of the ridge as the terrain allows out to Abrams at 12,801. Off trail, sidehill traversing, little exposure. Moderate pace. Carpool: $15. 4WD. Limit 12. Confirm dogs with Rich. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jul 11
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Jul 12 RC 6:00 pm |
SO! General Meeting and Program6;oo-6:30: Social half hour with refreshments Presentation Summary: Just about everyone has dreamt of taking a year off to fulfill a dream. Librarian Shelley Walchak lived her dream by giving up her job at the Colorado State Library to fly fish a river a week for a year. Walchak outfitted a camper, purchased camera equipment and a computer and hit the road. She traveled throughout the Rocky Mountain States – visiting rivers in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Her photographs and blog posts of her journey became the book 52 Rivers. “Taking two years to research and write 52 Rivers was a dream come true. After publishing the book, I decided to try for an IPPY award and when the results came back that I had won a gold medal, I realized that my work was accepted and honored by others as well. It doesn’t get much better than that.” Speaker Bio: Shelley Walchak is a librarian by trade and an angler at heart. Although fly-fishing is a late life discovery for her, she intends to make up as much time as possible. Shelley was inspired to take her 52 Rivers journey after helping to organize a national library conference called R-Squared: A Risk and Reward Conference. Risk and reward became her modus operandi so much so that she had to take her own risk and give up a great job at the Colorado State Library and go fishing for a year…and did she ever reap rewards. 52 Rivers is the book that emerged from jumping out of her comfort zone into icy rivers and a new- found solitude. |
I decided to try for an IPPY award and when the results came back that I had won a gold medal |
| Wed, Jul 13
|
WW hike Log ChutesThis will be a loop hike in the Log Chutes area, mostly on the upper portion. We will hike old Forest Service roads and existing trails. Carpool $3. No dogs. Limit 14. SO! members only. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 14
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 14
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Jul 15
|
Hike Indian Trail RidgeThis hike along a classic portion of the Colorado Trail in the La Platas features spectacular views. We will drive 12+ miles up La Plata Canyon (part of the road is very rough) to parking where the CT crosses Kennebec saddle (11,620 ft.). The trail is well defined, and the first mile to Taylor Lake is fairly level. It then climbs steeply for one half mile to the ridge. We will follow the relatively level trail above 12,000 ft. as long as we like, returning by the same route. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 18 |
Climb Peak 12,935, Point 12,860New hike for SO! Explore Paradise Basin south of Ophir Pass. Off-trail, climb Peak 12,935, one half mile northeast of South Lookout Peak. Traverse north to Point 12,860 and gaze into colorful Crystal Lake. The basin is known for its glorious flowers. See Earthline for description. 4WD. Limit 10. No dogs. Carpool $13. RSVP Debra Van Winegarden 970-769-7269 debra@vanwinegarden.com Co-leader Thomas Ward tom@thward.net |
Hard (off-trail, light scrambling) |
| Mon, Jul 18 RC 8:00 am |
Hike upper Hermosa CreekThis out and back hike begins behind Purg at the upper TH of the Hermosa Trail. We will hike downhill along the lovely Hermosa Creek to just beyond the edge of the burn area from the 416 fire. A small SUV or higher clearance is needed to ford a creek near the TH. Moderate pace. No Limit. Limit 2 well behaved dogs. Carpool $9. RSVP Clark Lagow clagow@rmi.net |
Moderate 9.7 miles 500 ft |
| Mon, Jul 18
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Jul 19
|
Climb Engineer PeakThis is a classic climb of the southern San Juans. Starting from Coal Bank Pass, the first two miles are good trail. The last mile involves a very steep, lose section and one tricky spot with exposure. The top of the mountain is a climb, not a hike, but there will be plenty of hand-holding and moral support. So for those of you who have not climbed Engineer and would like to, here is your chance. |
Most Challenging |
| Tue, Jul 19 |
Climb Handies via Grouse GulchThe hike ascends from the Animas River upstream from Silverton to a pass. Then down 700 feet to meet the normal Handies trail in American Basin. Here we will join the crowds to reach the summit, returning the same way. |
Hard, 10 miles, 3900 ft. Brisk Pace. |
| Tue, Jul 19
|
SO! Board MeetingThe quarterly meeting of the SO! Board will take place at the home of Harding Cure beginning with dinner at 5:00 pm on July 19. Any members who are interested are invited to the board meetings. Any who plan to attend, other than board members, should RSVP to Harding Cure at hardingcure@gmail.com or 970-382-8286. |
Interesting |
| Wed, Jul 20
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 21
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 21
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Jul 22 |
Thru-hike Spencer Basin to Blair BasinA full day above treeline passing through 4 high basins above Silverton with the possibility of climbing 3 peaks. Ascending thru Spencer Basin at the end of Cunningham Gulch, we head north past Kendall Peak, Arrastra Basin, Round Mountain, Woodchuck Basin and Hazelton Mntn. Our descent is thru Blair Basin on a lengthy road walk down to shuttle cars at the mouth of Arrastra Creek. Kudos to Dan Honig for the route. Strong hikers only, please. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jul 25
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Jul 26 |
Hike Highland Mary LakeA rewarding hike climbing to alpine lakes with spectacular views of valleys and mountains. We will loop back on the Continental Divide trail. |
Hard |
| Wed, Jul 27
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Jul 27 RC 8:00 am |
Hike to Hematite LakeStarting at Howardsville, we hike up a steep but good trail to beautiful Hematite Lake (12,000). Spectacular views from the lake. There will also be an option for an add-on hike to Macomber Peak (13,222). Macomber Peak can be reached via a trail from Hematite Lake that is approximately 1.5 additional steep miles. Limit 12. Carpool $10. RSVP Troy Albright Talbright318@gmail.com. |
Hard |
| Thu, Jul 28
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 28
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Jul 29
|
Hike Melanie Highline to North Anvil Peak (12,300 ft.) with option for Ohio Peak (12,674 ft.)The start for this hike is at 12,000 ft., and the hiking is all above tree line, so the views in every direction are spectacular. We will follow use trails across the gentle meadows of wildflowers affectionately known as the Melanie Highline, then over open rocky slopes to the short but fairly steep climb up North Anvil Peak. Returning by the same route, with the option to add an additional mile and a steep 600 ft. by climbing with some scrambling up Ohio Peak. |
Moderate to North Anvil, 4.5 mi., 600 ft. gain, |
| Sun, Jul 31
|
Coal Creek to Deer Creek through hikeHike up Coal Creek trail and down Deer Creek trail enjoying many wildflowers along the way. Expect an off trail detour of less than 1/2 mile on uneven terrain. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 1
|
Hike to Columbine LakeColumbine Lake has to be the bluest lake in Colorado. We will drive up a 4WD road up to the Porphyry basin to start the hike at about 12,300 feet at the Bullion King mine. Then we cross various meadows (all above tree line) in a path that goes up and down until we reach the lake at 12,685 feet. The wildflowers should be nice this time of year. Lunch on a hill overlooking the lake, then return by the same route. This hike will be at a moderate pace to enjoy the flowers and scenery. No limit. Requires 4WD/HC/Lo to get to the trailhead. Limit 2 well behaved dogs. Carpool $13. RSVP Clark Lagow clagow@rmi.net |
Moderate 6.5 miles 1020 ft |
| Mon, Aug 1
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Wed, Aug 3
|
WW hike Hope LakeThis hike requires a two-hour drive to the TH, which is at Trout Lake, near Lizard Head Pass, but it is well worth the drive. The trail climbs steadily past creeks, bountiful wildflowers and incredible vistas. Carpool $13. Well behaved dogs ok, include in RSVP. RSVP Tricia Bayless (970) 799- 4535 tbayless@bresnan.net. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 4
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 4
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Aug 5 |
Climb American Peak (13,806 ft.) and Jones Mountain (13,860 ft.)From Burns Gulch above Silverton, we ascend to the saddle between these two peaks. Each peak is approx. 450 to 500 feet above the saddle. American Peak is an out-and-back followed by traversing Jones Mountain and descending to our cars. The possibility exists for a third peak after Jones at similar height. 4WD HC vehicles required or our route is extended by 3 miles . Strong hikers only, please. |
Hard |
| Sun, Aug 7 |
Climb Blackhawk Mountain (12681 ft.)Starting at Hotel Draw, off of Scotch Creek road, we will hike the Colorado Trail then divert to climb Blackhawk Mountain. This hike takes us through the forest, crossing a couple creeks, then a climb to the top at 12,681 ft. elevation. The vista from there is spectacular. Limit 10. High clearance vehicles required. 2 well behaved dogs ok. Carpool $12. |
Hard, |
| Mon, Aug 8 |
Animas Forks Catwalk Loop (13,722 ft)This high alpine loop hike will start above Animas Forks on the Cinnamon/Engineer Pass road. Steep off-trail climb on tundra then talus to Animas Forks ridge to AF Summit at 13,722. Then, the Catwalk ridge to Point 13,560 to Wood Mountain (13,650). Although not a long hike this will take time due to lots of exposure and off trail talus. Brisk pace to hopefully avoid thunderstorms. Carpool: $13. 4WD/HC. Limit 10. No dogs (due to exposure). |
Most Challenging. |
| Mon, Aug 8
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Aug 9 -
|
Backpack to Climb South River PeakSouth River Peak (13,148) is a remote but prominent mountain in the Weminuche. We will begin from Ivy Creek TH, south of Creede, and backpack about 8.5 miles to Goose Lake. The next day we will hike 3 miles to summit South River Peak. We have the option to climb Peak 12683 on return to Goose Lake, an extra mile and extra 400 feet gain. We will pack out on Thursday. |
Most challenging, |
| Tue, Aug 9 RC 6:00 pm |
SO! General Meeting & Program6;oo-6:30: Social half hour with refreshments |
Interesting & Fun |
| Wed, Aug 10
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 11
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 11
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Mon, Aug 15
|
Hike to Hope Lake via Mineral CreekStarting at the Bandora mine (located 2.3 miles past Mineral Creek CG) we will climb 1700 ft. to the top of the pass. After taking in the views of Sharp Peaks and Hope and Trout Lakes in the valley below we will descend 590 ft. in 0.7 miles to Hope Lake for lunch, then return the same way back to the Bandora mine. Limit 12. Carpool $13 |
Moderate |
| Mon, Aug 15
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Aug 16
|
Hike Haflin Creek TrailWe will meet at the trailhead just off CR 250 and hike about three miles up the Haflin Creek trail. Great views of the La Platas and Animas Valley. The rating is hard because of the elevation gain. |
Hard, 6 miles, |
| Wed, Aug 17
|
Hike Cave BasinThis is just a nice hike thru a mix of forests and meadows at elevations ranging from about 10,700 ft to 11,500 ft. The trailhead is up middle mountain road above Vallecito lake. No spectacular views, just a nice alpine hike from a fairly easily accessed trailhead. Moderate pace. Limit 15 due to wilderness regulations. Limit 2 well behaved dogs. Carpool $8. RSVP Clark Lagow clagow@rmi.net |
Moderate 6 miles 1000 ft. |
| Wed, Aug 17 RC 8:30 am |
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Aug 17
|
Outings Committee MeetingYour Outings Committee meets quarterly to compile the quarterly outings schedule and consider other pending items. Any member is welcome to attend, but if you wish to attend please RSVP to Chris Blackshear at chris.blackshear@gmail.com |
Interesting |
| Thu, Aug 18 |
Hike Vallecito Creek to 2nd BridgeA beautiful hike following Vallecito Creek through the steep canyon with big jagged mountains filling in the view to the north. Most of the elevation gain is during the early portion of the hike. It then flattens out to a very gradual, gentle grade. Hard only because of distance. |
Hard |
| Thu, Aug 18
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 18
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Aug 19 RC 7:30 am |
Hike Sliderock Trail to Taylor LakeAn out and back moderate hike on well-defined trail starting off Junction Ck Rd. Trail starts climbing for 1.5 miles through a forest then traverses across a talus slope. We will pass the old Muldoon mine off to the south. After reaching Kennebec Pass we will continue on to Taylor Lake, another 1.8 miles. Limit 12. 2 will behaved dogs ok. Carpool $10. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Aug 22 |
Mt. Rhoda, Mountaineer Peak, Whitehead Peak Loop (13,435)The trail starts at Spencer Basin TH in Cunningham Gulch. We will ascend into Spencer Basin aiming for the saddle btw Pt 13,399 and Pt 13,409. Then it is an off-trail ridge hike on talus to Mountaineer (13,435) then to Rhoda (13,402) and, weather permitting, over to Whitehead (13,259). We return to the Whitehead/Rhoda saddle to descend to the Highland Mary Lakes trail back to our vehicles. Carpool $13. 4WD. Limit 12. Dogs adapted to talus OK. |
Most Challenging |
| Mon, Aug 22
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Wed, Aug 24
|
Hike Molas Trail to Elk ParkThe hike down offers dramatic views of the canyon below and possibly a glimpse of the D&SNG as it passes through the canyon. Beautiful scenes are plentiful on this hike. The trail leads down into Animas Canyon and eventually to Elk Park with 35 switchbacks for the descent which means we finish with an ascent! Hardy hikers only. We will cross the Animas River via a bridge at 3.7, cross the tracks and on to Elk Park, the railroad stop for our historical narrow gauge train at 4.4 miles, our destination and lunch spot. This could be a 6 to 8 hour hiking day, pace will be moderate but rating hard. Carpool $9. Limit 15 due to wilderness regulations. Dogs OK. |
Hard |
| Wed, Aug 24
|
WW hike
|
Modrate |
| Thu, Aug 25
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs & hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose the Extra Mile. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 25
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Fri, Aug 26
|
Climb Grizzly PeakAt the end of Cascade Divide Road begin hike north on Colorado Trail and secondary trail. Most of hike is off trail on loose rock to the base of a steep, loose rock couloir and then up a broad ridge to the summit. Great views of San Juan peaks from Summit. Return by South ridge with some class 3 scramble and moderate exposure. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 29
|
Climb Sugarloaf (12,754 ft.)Climb Sugarloaf (12,754 ft.) from Spencer Basin, then continue down the SW ridge and dropping off trail to reach Highland Mary Lakes. Return to the cars via the Highland Mary Lake trail, crossing the creek before reaching the cars. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 29
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Wed, Aug 31
|
Hike to the Old Hundred Boarding House.This spectacular old miners boarding house is perched on the side of Galena Mountain. It was recently restored as an historic landmark. The trail is loose and steep in places, but not long, and affords great views. We will do it at a moderate pace. The final (optional) scramble from the trail down to the boarding house is narrow, steep, and loose with some exposure but is well worth it. Poles helpful. 4WD/HC/Lo necessary. Carpool $13. No limit. No dogs to the boarding house. RSVP Clark Lagow clagow@rmi.net |
Moderate 4 miles 1000 ft. Most Challenging for scramble to boarding house |
| Wed, Aug 31
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Thu, Sep 1
|
Climb Golden HornHike into Ice Lake Basin and head South on poorly defined trail. Work our way up on loose rock and soil on the East aspect of the Golden Horn. Some class 3 scramble with low exposure on the summit block. Outstanding views of Ice Lake from the summit. Return on same route, 7 to 8 hours to complete. |
Hard |
| Thu, Sep 1
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Mon, Sep 5
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Sep 6 |
Fall Colors along the South Side of Cascade CreekFrom behind Cascade Village our route runs mostly level through pines and aspens, then descends to follow Cascade Creek and traverses a few small meadows. After a leisurely lunch by the creek we return by the same route. A classic hike for fall colors and some great views of Engineer Mountain. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Sep 7 RC 8:30 am |
WW hike
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Moderate |
| Thu, Sep 8
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Thu, Sep 8
|
SO! Social MeetingThe September SO! meeting will be a social meeting, most likely a pot-luck picnic at Chris Park. Details will be announced when available. |
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| Mon, Sep 12
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Thu, Sep 15
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Mon, Sep 19
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Sat, Sep 24
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Mon, Sep 26
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Thu, Sep 29 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
Outings will meet and depart from the following locations:
- ACP: Animas City Park for outings to the north or out Florida Rd. The park (a narrow grassy area) is located on E. 2nd Ave. immediately north of 32nd (just north and east of North City Market). Note that it is on the WEST side of the river, so coming from Main Ave., you do NOT cross the bridge! Meeting area is on 2nd Ave just after turning north off 32nd St.
- PURG: Purgatory Resort – at entrance, unless otherwise specified
- RC: Durango Community Recreation Center for overnight trips and some other outings. The Rec. Center is located at 2700 Main Ave. Please park in the lot closest to Main.
- SRP: Santa Rita Park (Durango Visitor Center) for outings to the south or either way on Hwy. 160. The park is located at the intersection of Hwy 160-550 & Santa Rita Drive, 1 mile South of the Doubletree Hotel. We gather behind the Santa Rita Park Sign.
- TAM: Tamarron – parking lot at Tamarron Resort
- TC: Trimble Crossing – west side of parking lot at Trimble Crossing in front of the hardware store
- TH: At the trailhead or other location for some outings