Seniors Outdoors! Schedule
| Date & Location | Outing description | Difficulty info |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jul 20 -
|
Inflatable Kayak ClassThis class is for beginning or intermediate boaters. We will be paddling with ACA Certified Instructors from Four Corners Riversports. Most time we will be on the Animas River learning stroke technique, boat handling, and river reading. We will also cover gear fitting and maintenance. The second morning will include a short clinic on self- support camping with an IK. Discounted prices include lunch, $185 with your kayak or $225 with rental. Class runs from 9:00 am to approximately 4:00 pm each day. Sign up at www.riversports.com under Adult Kayak Instruction, select SO INFLATABLE KAYAK. Also give phone and email for pre-class instructions to Mary Gillam 259-0966 gillam@rmi.net |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 22
|
Two hour Monday hikeHike for about two hours starting at the end of Jenkins Ranch Road. Dogs OK |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 22
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Jul 23 RC 7:00 am |
Climb Sheridan Mountain (12,795 ft.)We will drive up the quite rough East Florida Road for about 11 miles. This will be the trailhead. We will connect to, and then follow, the Endlich Mesa Trail for about 5.5 miles. At this point we will veer off for the final .5 mile climb to the summit. Spectacular, sweeping views from the summit and along the route. Return options include an East Endlich Rim alternative. There is a wonderful description on Debra Van Winegardens blog for June 2017. Carpool $10. 4WD/HC/LG required. Limit 12. No dogs. RSVP Chuck Rancatti 425-231-0930 chuck.rancatti@gmail.com Co-leader Debra Van Winegarden |
Hard |
| Wed, Jul 24 |
WW hike Little Molas/Colorado TrailThis hike begins at the Little Molas Campground on the Colorado Trail and climbs up through a forest planted after the 1879 wildfire then up to expansive views above the planted forest. Carpool $5. Well behaved dogs ok. RSVP non-members and those meeting at PURG only. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Jul 24 Fairgrounds Parking Lot 9:00 am |
WEH: Hike Falls Creek and Hidden ValleyWe will hike trails in the area. Carpool $2. RSVP if you are bringing a dog. Otherwise no RSVP is necessary. RSVP Becky Rodefer 619-932-2781 rodefer@hotmail.com |
Easy |
| Thu, Jul 25 |
Climb Engineer MountainStarting from Coal Bank Pass, the first two miles are good trail. The last mile involves a very steep, loose section and one tricky place 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 it and would like to, heres your chance. Limit 10. No dogs. Carpool $5. |
Most Challenging |
| Thu, Jul 25
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Sat, Jul 27 |
Saturday Classic Hike: McMillan Peak (12,804 ft.)This loop hike begins above Red Mountain Pass, continues into lovely US Basin, climbs to the ridge and culminates with lunch atop McMillan Peak (12,804 ft.) with views of Silverton. Wildflowers are usually abundant. The descent will be by a different, more direct route. Carpool $8. 4WD/HC required. Limit 15. No dogs. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 29
|
Two hour Monday hikeHike for about two hours in Overend Park. Leyden Street TH. Dogs OK. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 29
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Jul 30 |
Climb Macomber Peak, (13,222 ft.) and Tower Mt. (13,552 ft.)We will hike to Hematite lake on a good use trail through a wondrous wildflower display if the timing is right. The rest of the hike is off trail; steep, but above timberline so not brushy. We will climb the ridge to Macomber, enjoy the stellar view down on Silverton, then descend to the Macomber/Tower saddle and on up the last grunt to Tower. From there, if the weather permits, we will loop back on the ridge that separates Hematite and Cataract Basins and eventually rejoin the Hematite Lake trail below the Lake. There will be a lot of steep climbing and descending, but no difficult scrambling or serious exposure. Dogs okay. Limit 10. Carpool $6. |
Most Challenging |
| Wed, Jul 31 |
WW hike Flower Hike at Andrews LakeWe will hike from Andrews Lake up the steep, well-defined Crater Lake Trail to the wilderness border. Views and wildflowers are spectacular along the route. Carpool $5. NO dogs. Limit 12. EVERYONE must RSVP due to limit. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Jul 31 SRP 9:00 am |
WEH: Tour Heartwood CohousingWe will tour grounds and community building. Bring a lunch. Carpool $5. No dogs. RSVP Gail Davidson gail@gaildavidson.com |
Easy |
| Thu, Aug 1
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Sat, Aug 3 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Highland Mary Lakes Cunningham Gulch LoopEast of Silverton, this is a rewarding and scenic hike past alpine lakes, through a high tundra basin, on a trail with spectacular valley and mountain views. Hiking poles would be helpful for steeper sections and creek crossings. Carpool $8. 4WD/HC required. Limit 15 due to wilderness area. Two well-behaved dogs OK. |
Hard |
| Sun, Aug 4 |
Hike Snowden Tarn LoopStarting from the Andrews Lake trailhead, we will tour the upper meadow of Snowden, beginning on the Crater Lake Trail, and the ‘use’ trail that heads towards the West Buttress of Snowden Peak. Negotiate the talus fields before we ascend to the high alpine meadows, where we are rewarded with tarns and wildflowers. We will climb (off trail) to about 12,300 feet before continuing south-southwest until meeting up with the Crater Lake Trail again, which we will follow back to the trailhead. Carpool $5.00. Limit 12. Dogs: ask leader. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 5 |
Island Lake flower hikeWe will Start at upper “cheater falls” Ice Lake Trailhead. The trail crosses below the waterfall and then joins the main trail towards Ice Lake. At the lower basin, we take the trail to Island Lake. There will also be an option to return via Ice Lake. The flowers should be near their peak at this time of the year, and we will allow time for pictures. 4WD/HC needed, include in RSVP. Carpool $8. Limit 15 due to parking. Dogs OK. RSVP: Clark Lagow clagow@rmi.net |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 5
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Aug 6 |
Climb Blackhawk Mtn.(12,681 ft.), Harts (12,540 ft.), Blackhawk East (12,402 ft.)From Hotel Draw approach on CO TR. Then climb three peaks off-trail. Return on south ridge of Blackhawk East. Steep slopes, scrambling, some exposure. Stellar views from the Rico Mtns. Limit 10. Carpool $7. No dogs. |
Most Challenging |
| Wed, Aug 7 SRP 7:00 am |
WW hike Hope LakeThis hike is a 2 hour drive so it will be an all-day outing instead of the usual morning hike. The TH is at Trout Lake near Lizard Head Pass. The trail climbs steadily past creeks, bountiful wildflowers and incredible vistas. Return is by the same route. Carpool $12. Due to the distance to the hike, EVERYONE must RSVP and try to arrange your carpool ahead of time. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Aug 7 Fairgrounds Parking Lot 9:00 am |
WEH: Hike Chris ParkWe will hike the Cowboy Cutoff. Carpool $4. RSVP if you are bringing a dog. Otherwise no RSVP is necessary. RSVP Becky Rodefer 619-932-2781 rodefer@hotmail.com |
Easy |
| Thu, Aug 8 2nd large pull out at mouth of La Plata Canyon above Mayday before the cattle guard 7:00 am |
Snowstorm Lewis Mountain loop hikeAs Debra Van Winegarden states in her blog Earthline: the American West, “A daring and airy exhilarating climb on the longest knife ridge in the La Platas.” We park at the y between Kennebec and Columbus Basins. Hike to the “Notch” then climb the NE Ridge to Snowstorm Peak. Proceed to the knife ridge which connects the two peaks. Proceed onward from Lewis Peak and drop back into Columbus Basin and return to the cars. We will carpool from the meeting spot. Carpool $3.00 No Dogs. Limit 8. RSVP Leader Carolyn Wilber car123lyn@gmail.com Co-Leader: Aurthur Howard |
Most Challenging Moderate Pace |
| Thu, Aug 8
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Fri, Aug 9 |
Rhoda-Verde lake-CDT LoopThis hike is intended for those with lots of stamina, but not necessarily lots of speed. Be forewarned, however, it is a very long hike with significant 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 ft., over a pass between Rhoda and Whitehead Peaks, continue 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. Carpool $11. 4WD/HC required. Limit 10. No dogs. |
Most Challenging |
| Sat, Aug 10 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Melanie HighlineThis hike is along an unmarked route north of Silverton. We will be hiking at and above tree line (around 12,000 ft.) on uneven terrain. Hiking poles would be helpful for the angled traverse. There will be lots of wildflowers and also views to take your breath away. Lunch will be overlooking Silverton. Carpool $8. 4WD/HC required. Two well behaved dogs OK. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Aug 12 - TBD |
Two night Backpack in Sangre de Cristo Mtns. & Climb Tijeras Peak (13,604 ft.) and Music Mtn (13,255 ft.)DAY 1: Backpack over Music Pass to Lower Sand Creek Lake for basecamp. |
Most challenging |
| Mon, Aug 12 |
Hike Little MolasHike to a lovely red rock waterfall on the Colorado Trail starting from Little Molas Lake. Great vistas. Limit 12 hikers, 1 dog OK. Carpool $5 |
Moderate |
| Mon, Aug 12
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Aug 14 |
WW hike Engineer MeadowsThis hike offers abundant wildflowers and beautiful vistas. The trail ascends a steep grassy slope into spruce/fir and passes by 2 small lakes. At 2.5 miles the trail exits the woods and enters the tundra where there are beautiful wildflowers Return is by the same route. Carpool $4. Well behaved dogs ok. RSVP non-members and those meeting at PURG only. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Aug 14 Fairgrounds Parking Lot 9:00 am |
WEH: Hike Dalla Mountain ParkWe will start our hike at the Birket trailhead. No carpool fee. Dogs OK. No RSVP is necessary. For more information contact Dell Manners 385-0533 or 903-6984 dell.manners@gmail.com |
Easy |
| Thu, Aug 15
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Sat, Aug 17 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Jura Knob from Coal Bank PassBeginning at Coal Bank Pass, this hike follows the Pass Creek Trail up to the Engineer Mountain meadows and then north to a ridge that heads to Jura Knob. One short vertical climb, which anyone can make with a boost from a partner, takes us to the high point at 12,614 ft. Carpool $5. Two well-behaved dogs OK. |
Hard |
| Sun, Aug 18 |
Climb Handies via Grouse GulchAnyone can do Handies from American Basin, but if you are a serious hiker this is the way to do it! The route starts at about 10,800 ft. on the road north of Silverton, proceeds over a 13,000 ft. pass on a good trail, descends 800 feet into American Basin and then joins the tourist trail up Handies. Return the same route for a total of 4900 feet of climbing. Almost the entire route is above tree line, no exposure, no scrambling. The route is long with a lot of vertical, but the gradient is friendly, so it is not as hard as you might think. The pace will be moderate. Carpool $11. 4WD/HC required. Limit 10. No dogs. |
Most Challenging |
| Mon, Aug 19 |
Climb Little Giant Peak (13,416 ft.) and King Solomon Mountain (13,185 ft.)This beautiful hike outside of Silverton is a loop on the east side of Arrastra Gulch. Two-thirds of the hike is on established trails with an off trail hike to King Solomon. Plan on about 5.5 to 7 hours of hiking with a possible side trip to Silver Lake depending on our direction of travel. Snowshoes are needed. Limit 12. Friendly dogs welcome, and bring a leash. Carpool $5. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 19
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Aug 20 |
Climb Grizzly Peak (13,738 ft)Scamper up a steep couloir with loose rocks to the top of Grizzly Peak. En route pass a darling little lake. Grizzly is the imposing looking peak you can see behind Engineer Mountain as you pass the sign letting you know that Engineer is a mere 12,972 feet tall. The access road is long and bumpy but the hike makes up for it. Limit 12 hikers. Dogs OK. Carpool $7 4WD/HC required. RSVP Tim Tischler tbtischler46@gmail.com |
Hard |
| Wed, Aug 21 Fairgrounds Parking Lot 9:00 am |
WEH: Hike Ned Overend ParkWe will start our hike at the Leyden St. trailhead. No carpool fee. Dogs OK. No RSVP is necessary. For more information contact Ted Keller 759-7207 keller.ted@gmail.com |
Easy |
| Wed, Aug 21 SRP 9:00 am |
WW Hike in Bear CountryThis is a special hike led by Bryan Peterson of Bear Smart Durango. He will lead us through bear habitat in the Lightner Creek area, through a meadow and a densely vegetated ravine. The hike is all off-trail with some bushwacking through dense brush. We will learn about bears in the wild, how to hike in bear country and human-bear conflict while looking for signs of bears. Carpool $2. Limit 18. EVERYONE must RSVP due to limit. NO dogs. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 22
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Fri, Aug 23 |
Climb Perins Peak from Rockridge SubdivisionThe un-maintained trail is a steady ascent to the peak with a steep portion as it nears the saddle before the final stretch to the peak.Great views of Durangof rom the peak. We will travel at a moderate pace with stops along the way. Pack plenty of water and a substantial snack or lunch. Poles are helpful. Early turn backs with a partner okay. No dogs. No carpool. |
Moderate, |
| Sat, Aug 24 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Columbine LakeThis hike north of Silverton is worth the effort to reach beautiful azure blue Columbine Lake. The first 1,000 feet is a very steep and hard climb. After that, we hike through a large alpine cirque, then up over the first ridge for a spectacular view of craggy mountains. Carpool $7. 4WD/HC required. Dogs OK. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 26 |
Hike Spirit GulchStart at Red Mt Overlook and hike through Commodore, Spirit, and McIntyre Gulches. Amazing views. Limit 12 hikers. No dogs. Carpool $8 Car shuttle required. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Aug 26
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Aug 28
|
WW hike Haviland LakeWe will start at the parking lot across from Haviland Lake and hike a counter clockwise circuit that includes the following trails: Aspen Loop, Hermosa Views, Cave Connector, Chris Park Trail, Wagon and Haviland View Trail. It is mostly shaded with two stream crossings. Carpool $4. Two well behaved dogs ok. RSVP non-members and dogs only. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Aug 28 Fairgrounds Parking Lot 9:00 am |
WEH: Hike Annimas OverlookBring a lunch for a picnic at the overlook. Carpool $2. Dogs OK. No RSVP is necessary. For more information contact Dell Manners 385-0533 or 903-6984 dell.manners@gmail.com Co-leader Ted Keller |
Easy |
| Thu, Aug 29
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Fri, Aug 30
|
Climb Moss and Lavender in the La Plata MountainsHike into Tomahawk basin from La Plata Canyon Road. Traverse the basin until we come to the start of the climb Mount Moss. Class 2 scree scramble to the summit at 13,192 feet. Short drop into the saddle between the two peaks. Navigate our way through rock towers to the summit of Lavender. Class 3 scramble to the top of Lavender at 13,200 feet. Some exposure on Lavender. Carpool $3.00 Limit 10. No Dogs. RSVP Carolyn Wilber car123lyn@gmail.com |
Most Challenging |
| Sat, Aug 31 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Grand Turk (13,150 ft) and Sultan (13,368 ft) PeaksThis high altitude hike starts at the top of Molas Pass and heads northwest up a high ridge to a saddle at 12,400 ft. We will hike up to the summit of Grand Turk at 13,150 ft. From there we will continue one half mile farther, and summit Sultan Peak (13,168 ft.) bringing us to the top of the world! Carpool $5. Dogs OK. |
Hard |
| Mon, Sep 2 |
Hike Relay Creek / Greyrock RidgeHike up old logging roads to fantastic views. Return via different logging roads through lovely forests. Group must stay together. Limit 12 hikers, 1 dog. Carpool $5 |
|
| Mon, Sep 2
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Sep 3 |
Climb Snowdon Mt. (13,077 ft)We will start at Andrews Lake and hike the Crater Lake trail for the first mile, then take a use trail up to the north ridge of Snowdon. The ridge is an exposed, class 3 scramble on excellent rock. Scary in spots but very fun and very beautiful. Return will be via the south ridge which also has some ‘interesting’ spots, and then we will circle back around the base of the mountain through a lovely stretch of little lakelets. Limit 10. No dogs. Carpool $5. |
Most challenging |
| Wed, Sep 4 |
WW hike Porphyry GulchThis is a high altitude hike beginning on Red Mountain Pass to a viewpoint above Columbine Lake. The hike is above tree-line and the wildflowers should still be in bloom. 4 Wheel drive required for a short portion of the drive. Carpool $8. Well behaved dogs ok. RSVP non-members and those meeting at PURG only. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Sep 4 Fairgrounds Parking Lot 9:00 am |
WEH: Hike Log ChutesWe will hike the west loop. Carpool $2. RSVP if you are bringing a dog. Otherwise no RSVP is necessary. RSVP Becky Rodefer 619-932-2781 rodefer@hotmail.com |
Easy |
| Thu, Sep 5
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Fri, Sep 6 - RC 7:30 am |
Backpack Molas Trail to Highland Mary LakesBackpack down Molas Trail to Elk Park and out to Highland Mary Lakes trailhead. |
Hard |
| Sat, Sep 7 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Island and Ice LakesThis hike, north and west of Silverton, loops around three beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks. The climb up to the basin and to the higher lakes is rewarded with awesome views and spectacular flowers. Carpool $7. Dogs OK. |
Hard |
| Mon, Sep 9
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Sep 10 RC |
SO! Fall PotluckSO! Fall Potluck Bring your own table service and a dish for 12 people with serving utensil. A F: Main In addition to potluck dish, please bring non-perishable food donations or check donation for the Volunteers of America. |
Easy & Fun |
| Wed, Sep 11
|
WW hike Skyline-Smokejumper TrailsWe will hike up Skyline Trail on well graded switchbacks to the top of Raider Ridge, then follow the ridge north on the new Smokejumper Trail to a viewpoint. Carpool $1. Dogs on leash only. Limit 20. EVERYONE must RSVP due to limit. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Sep 11 Fairgrounds Parking Lot 9:00 am |
WEH: Hike RockridgeWe will hike in Rockridge towards Perrins Peak and return. No carpool fee. Dogs OK. No RSVP is necessary. For more information contact Ted Keller 759-7207 keller.ted@gmail.com |
Easy |
| Thu, Sep 12 SRP 7:00 am |
Climb East Babcock (13,149 ft.)We will start at the Tomahawk Basin turn-off from the La Plata Canyon road. We will hike up the rough, rocky jeep road for about 2 miles, then climb, off-trail, to the upper reaches of Tomahawk Basin. From the basin, it is a steep approach to a saddle below the peak. The final climb is an exposed, class 3 scramble on good rock. It is a very satisfying summit! 4WD. Limit 10. No dogs. Carpool $7. |
Most challenging |
| Thu, Sep 12
|
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Mon, Sep 16 8:30 am |
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
| Thu, Sep 19 SRP 9:00 am |
Bike RideJoin us on a casual loop to Hermosa, stopping at PJs Market for coffee, then returning on the same route. Helmets required. For more information call |
Moderate to Leisurely Pace |
| Mon, Sep 23 8:30 am |
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread and back. |
Moderate Pace |
Outings will meet and depart from the following locations:
- ACP: Animas City Park for some 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 most outings to the north. The Rec. Center is located at 2700 Main Ave. Please park in the south lot between Main and the ball fields.
- SRP: Santa Rita Park 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