Full Season Schedule - Fall 2023
Date & Location | Outing description | Difficulty info |
---|---|---|
Fri, Sep 1 TH 7:00 am |
Two-hour hike Animas City MtnJoin for a short walk in town. We will be done by 9:00 am. Meet at the 32nd Street trailhead. |
Moderate |
Mon, Sep 4 RC 9:00 am |
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Fairgrounds stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
Tue, Sep 5 ACP 7:00 am |
Hike Ajax RidgeStarting at Red Mountain Pass, we will hike the Black Bear Pass road over the pass and much of the way to Telluride. Before the really scary part for jeepers, we turn uphill and climb Ajax Mountain. Then hike east along the ridge dividing Imogene Pass from Black Bear Pass until nearing Trico Peak. The route then descends to Black Bear Pass Road, over the pass, and back to the cars. |
Most challenging |
Wed, Sep 6 7:30 am from Cattleguard parking LP Canyon. |
Climb Lewis Mountain and circumnavigate Columbus BasinDate Change This is an advanced hike/climb along the ridges that circumnavigate Columbus Basin. Lewis Peak summit. Exposure, all above tree line, some route finding. Excellent views. Only a good weather window will allow this outing to happen so dates will be flexible. No dogs. Experienced hikers that do not mind some exposure only. |
Most challenging |
Wed, Sep 6 SRP 7:30 am |
Climb Deadwood (12,285) and Silver Mountains (12,496)Rescheduled As Silver Mountain dominates the Durango skyline, it is a very satisfying mountain to climb and perch on. We will ford the La Plata River at the La Plata City campground and endure several miles of arduous, interminable switchbacks on an unmaintained jeep road, before breaking out onto a very open and scenic trail up and across Deadwood Mt. to Silver. This is a long, steep hike with significant elevation gain, wonderful views in every direction, and no scary exposure. Limit 15. Dogs OK. Carpool $5. RSVP to Leader Harding Cure at hardingcure@gmail.com or 602-369-4273. |
Most Challenging |
Wed, Sep 6 Fire Station off Co Rd 243 8:00am |
WW hike Shearer Creek TrailIn and out moderate hike along Shearer Ck. Many stream crossings, varied terrain. Crossing private property for 2 miles. Carpool $2. Two dogs ok but must be leashed on PP, include in RSVP. Limit 15. RSVP Lorie Hansen Lmhansen39@gmail.com |
Moderate |
Thu, Sep 7 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Fairgrounds to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
Fri, Sep 8 TH 7:00 am |
Two-hour hike Horse GulchJoin for a short walk in town. We will be done by 9:00 am. Meet at the 8th Avenue trailhead. |
Moderate |
Sat, Sep 9 ACP 7:00 am |
Hike Spencer Basin Verde Lakes loopStarting from the Highland Mary Lakes TH, the route climbs to Spencer Basin. We exit the basin and cross the tundra with great views. Nearing the overlook of Elk Creek, we will descend to Verde Lakes and then decide whether to go back via Highland Mary Lakes or the Continental Divide Trail. |
Hard, 10 miles |
Mon, Sep 11 RC 9:00 am |
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Fairgrounds stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
Tue, Sep 12
|
Hike Ajax RidgeStarting at Red Mountain Pass, we will hike the Black Bear Pass Road over the pass and climb up to the ridge by Trico Peak. Then hike west along the ridge dividing Imogene Pass from Black Bear Pass until Ajax Mountain. The route then descends to Black Bear Pass Road, which we will walk back to the pass and then back to the cars. If we have good 4x4s we can drive to the pass and cut down the walking by two hours. |
Most challenging |
Tue, Sep 12 5:00 pm Chris Park |
SO! Fall SocialCome and join your fellow members at the SO! Fall PotLuck Social from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at Chris Park. Attendees are asked to bring either a homemade main dish, appetizer, side dish/salad or dessert according to their last name. Please refer to the related email for details. Remember to bring your own table service (plates, utensils and glassware). SO! will have ice tea and lemonade available but you may bring your own preferred beverage. No RSVP needed. Sorry, no dogs allowed.
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Wed, Sep 13 RC 8:30 am |
WW hike Upper HermosaEmail address correction This 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 |
Thu, Sep 14 RC 9:00 am |
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Fairgrounds to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
Thu, Sep 14
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Fri, Sep 15 TH 7:00 am |
Two-hour hike Smelter MtnJoin for a short walk in town. We will be done by 9:00 am. Meet at the trailhead off of Highway 210. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife permit is required. |
Moderate |
Mon, Sep 18 |
Hike Ice Lake and Island LakeDate change from Sept 11 We will hike up the Ice Lakes Trail to the stunning Ice Lake Basin. From there we will make a loop to Island Lake and return. |
Hard |
Mon, Sep 18
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles moderate pace |
Wed, Sep 20 Fairgrounds 7:00 am |
Climb Arrow BM and Peak 12,936 FeetFollow the Whitehead Trail around gorgeous Whitehead Gulch to the remote Arrow BM destination, taking in Peak 12,936 on the return. Best view of the Grenadiers without actually climbing them. |
Most Challenging |
Wed, Sep 20
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
Thu, Sep 21 |
Nature Hike North Cascade CreekMargaret Mayer has been a hike leader and naturalist for AMC, Wilderness Ventures, School of Field Studies, NPS and others. Bring field guides and enjoy nature hikes with gentle ups and downs. |
Easy |
Thu, Sep 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 |
Thu, Sep 21
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Fri, Sep 22
|
Hike Spirit GulchThis hike starts near the Idarado mine on Red Mountain Pass. It then follows a series of old roads thru three gulches at elevations of 10,000 to 12,000 feet past several old mines. Expect great views and nice fall colors on the aspens. This is a thru hike, and hopefully we will come out to US 550 and a shuttle car about 2 miles north of where we started. |
Moderate |
Sat, Sep 23
|
Highway CleanupCome join other SO! members as we clean up our two stretches of Highway 550. We will meet at the Hermosa gas station (Speedway) lot and head straight out. No coffee and donuts this time. Bring work gloves and orange vest if you have one. If you do not have a vest, we have several. |
Easy |
Mon, Sep 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, Sep 26 |
Hike Castle RockAn annual favorite for fall colors. Beginning at the Needles Store, we will hike the Elbert Creek trail climbing steadily through the aspens to the cabin and then up to Castle Rock with commanding views of Electra Lake, Spud Mountain and the Twilights. |
Moderate |
Wed, Sep 27
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
Thu, Sep 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 |
Thu, Sep 28
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Fri, Sep 29
|
Hike and cookout to the Ward cabinAfter leaving the cars at the cabin in the aspens, we will begin the hike at Transfer Campground. The easy/moderate 4 mile hike is along various wooded trails and roads, and open meadow, with little elevation gain. |
Moderate |
Mon, Oct 2
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles moderate pace |
Wed, Oct 4
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
Thu, Oct 5
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Thu, Oct 5
|
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, Oct 6 |
Hike Spencer Basin to Highland Mary LakesDate changed from Oct 2 From the Cunningham Gulch parking area we will hike into Spencer Basin. From there we will attain the ridge to the Southeast and ascend to the Sugarloaf summit. Excellent views from Sugarloaf. We will then make our way off trail down to the Highland Mary Lakes and complete the loop back to our cars. |
Hard due to elevation gain and some off trail |
Fri, Oct 6 |
Hike Stevens CreekThis is a fall color hike and should be beautiful aspen and an abundance of orange gambel oak. A short shuttle hike starting at Wallace Lk on Missionary Ridge. We will follow an old Forest Service road to Stevens Ck trail then descend to the Missionary Ridge connector and back to MR road. |
Moderate |
Mon, Oct 9 |
Hike Purgatory Flats to Animas RiverWe will descend from the trailhead across from Purgatory to the flats along Cascade Creek. The trail continues up and down along Cascade Canyon until the final descent to the Animas. We will have lunch along the river and if we time it right, we can wave at the train as it passes. Return the same route and ascend back to the trailhead. |
Moderate |
Mon, Oct 9
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles moderate pace |
Tue, Oct 10 |
SO Monthly MeetingAgenda: Please note: Tim Rose |
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Wed, Oct 11
|
WW hike Freeman Park and Endlich Mesa TrailOur hike begins at the Vallecito Community Center up the little-known start of the Endlich Mesa Trail. The trail climbs steeply for a short distance then moderates with switchbacks through new growth Aspen. The colors should be lovely during October. Although the Endlich Mesa Trail goes on forever, we will plan to hike 5 to 6 miles total with a stop at Freeman Park, a pleasant meadow, for lunch or snacks before returning. There is a $5/car parking fee at the Vallecito Community Center. |
Moderate |
Thu, Oct 12
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Thu, Oct 12
|
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, Oct 12
|
SO! Board MeetingThe quarterly SO! Board meeting will be held at 5:00 pm, and include a potluck dinner. |
Easy |
Fri, Oct 13 -
|
Car Camp Butler WashDrive to Butler Wash via Bluff and set up camp. We will climb Comb Ridge, and visit various canyons to see petroglyphs, pictographs, and ruins. On 10/14 we will witness the solar eclipse from the top of Comb Ridge. Make sure you bring eclipse glasses. Exit at the north end on UT-95. |
Moderate distance and moderate pace, varies by day |
Fri, Oct 13
|
Loop hike of lower Junction CreekStarting at the upper CT TH, we will hike a trail that parallels the N rim of Junction Ck. Then we will descend to the bottom of Junction Ck near the bridge and hike up to Gudys Rest. From GR we will hike a short distance on the Hoffheims Trail, then hike an abandoned mtn bike trail that parallels the S rim of Junction Ck. At the end of that trail, we descend into Junction Ck again, cross the creek, and hike a short distance to our cars. |
Moderate |
Mon, Oct 16
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles moderate pace |
Tue, Oct 17
|
Hike Red Creek- First Fork LoopWe will hike up Red Creek trail, follow Missionary Ridge Trail west to its intersection with First Fork, which returns to the trailhead. Nice views from Missionary Ridge. The intent is to catch Fall colors at their peak, but with the dry summer my expectations are not high! The pace will be moderate. |
Hard |
Wed, Oct 18
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
Thu, Oct 19
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Thu, Oct 19
|
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, Oct 23
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles moderate pace |
Wed, Oct 25
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
Thu, Oct 26
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Thu, Oct 26
|
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 |
Sun, Oct 29
|
Hike to Ice LakeThis is an annual hike/snowshoe to Ice Lake around Halloween. With luck, it will be unfrozen but surrounded by snow. We will try for Island Lake if conditions allow. Have snowshoes or traction devices. |
Hard |
Mon, Oct 30
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles moderate pace |
Tue, Oct 31
|
West Turkshead Pk (12,865 ft.)Starting at the turn-off to Little Molas Lake, we climb up to the high valley at the top of Molas Creek. Exiting out the back of the valley we emerge onto high tundra, with a final 350 ft on grassy slopes to the top. Depending on conditions, this hike may require micro-spikes or even snowshoes. |
Hard |
Wed, Nov 1
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
Thu, Nov 2
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Thu, Nov 2
|
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, Nov 3
|
Hike Sand CanyonSand Canyon is always nice in the spring or fall. We will do a loop and go by several ruins. There will be an option to meet an hour earlier and have breakfast at ABC before doing the hike. |
Moderate |
Mon, Nov 6
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles moderate pace |
Wed, Nov 8
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
Thu, Nov 9
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Thu, Nov 9
|
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 |
Tue, Nov 14 |
SO Monthly MeetingAgenda: Speaker bio: Steve Cossey is a consulting geologist and chief geoscientist at Cossey and Associates Inc. geoconsulting based in Durango. He moved here in October 2003 and shared office space with Jeff Brame for 14 years in downtown Durango. He still does some consulting projects with companies in Houston and Uruguay and other “fun” geology projects in Mexico. Until he was 21 years old, Steve lived in England where his school was right next to the London-Edinburgh railway line which was still operated by steam locomotives before August 1968. Many breaks and lunchtimes were spent leaning on the fence watching the fastest steam trains in the world speed their way to Scotland. Thus began his love of trains and the main reason for moving to Durango. Steve began taking steam train trips around the world in 2006 and regrets not starting sooner! He has restored a steam engine in Colombia and enjoys hiking, easy bike rides and exploring, especially off the beaten-track places. |
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Wed, Nov 15
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
Thu, Nov 16
|
Thursday Easy OutingsFriendly dogs and hikers welcome. Destination will be announced at the parking lot. Whenever possible, the group may return by the original route or a slightly more challenging route for those who choose to go the Extra Mile. Carpool varies by destination, approx. $5. |
Moderate +/- 3 miles at lower altitudes near Durango |
Fri, Nov 17
|
Hike Overend Park and the HogsbackWe will explore our own in-town Overend Park trail system. Our route will include going up and over the Hogsback. This is a loop route and we will finish with a stop at the Conroys for a tasty treat. |
Moderate |
Sun, Nov 19
|
Hike Bisti BadlandsGet an early start for the 2-hour drive to Bisti. We will hike around the incredible formations of Bisti. Bisti has a group limit of eight so if more are coming, we will be in two groups. |
Moderate |
Wed, Nov 22
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
Fri, Nov 24
|
Hike to Pautsky PointWalk Off The Turkey. The moderately brisk group will hike up Big Canyon trail until we are above Horse Gulch, then up to Pautsky Point. Return via South Rim Trail for a nice loop hike. John Montle will lead the moderately easy group and will start at the Carbon Junction trailhead and follow that trail to Pautsky Point and back. If the stars align, both groups should arrive at Pautsky Pt at about the same time and enjoy the view and lunch together. |
Moderate |
Wed, Nov 29
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
Fri, Dec 1 RC 9:00 |
Weekly
|
Moderate to Hard |
Mon, Dec 4
|
Pass creek Trail to Coal Creek TrailFrom the top of Coal Bank Pass we head up to the base of Engineer Mt., then cross over the top of Coal Creek and descend on the Coal Creek Trail to waiting shuttle vehicles. Depending on conditions, this hike may require micro-spikes or snowshoes. |
Moderate to Hard, depending on snow. |
Wed, Dec 6
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
Fri, Dec 8 RC 9:00 |
Weekly
|
Moderate to Hard |
Wed, Dec 13
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
Fri, Dec 15 RC 9:00 |
Weekly
|
Moderate to Hard |
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