Seniors Outdoors! Schedule
| Date & Location | Outing description | Difficulty info |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun 9
|
Hike Box Canyon (from Coyote Park)This hike is a through-hike on Box Canyon trail (and spur trail) on the SE side of the W. Mancos River. We will spot cars at the end of FR 331, before returning to the FR 329/331 intersection where we will start the hike. Hike about 2 miles on FR 329, then follow a trail down into the canyon. Cross Box Creek on a log, staying on the SE side of the W. Mancos River briefly before climbing out of the canyon. Hike through meadows and aspen forest enjoying wildflowers and views of the La Plata Mountains on the way. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jun 12
|
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 13
|
Hike Jackson Ridge to Rush BasinThis is a hike from Echo Basin (10,600ft.) along the westside of the La Plata Mountains. The Jackson Ridge (12,200ft.) runs to the south of Mt. Hesperus, with excellent views of all the western La Plata peaks. Our route comes from just north of Helmet Peak, and eventually drops to a high shelf of Rush Basin, with a glacial lake for those interested in a quick dip. (sandals recommended). An easy traverse takes us back below the Jackson and a final ridge walk home. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Jun 14
|
WW hike Lower HermosaFrom the trailhead, the well-defined trail remains at approximately the same elevation with some ups and downs and crosses several side streams that are typically dry but are probably flowing this year. This is an in-and-out trail. Well-mannered dogs ok, include in RSVP. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 15
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 15 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 16 RC 8:00 am |
Hike Goulding Creek Trail to Jones CreekThis was a favorite club hike for many years, and now is an opportunity to see how the area is recovering from the 416 fire each year. We will hike the switchbacks up Goulding Creek (most of the elevation gain), follow the ridge south on the Pinkerton Flagstaff Trail and descend on the Jones Creek Trail to Hermosa Creek. Note that this hike requires a car shuttle, and thus no dogs allowed. |
Hard |
| Sat, Jun 17 RC 8:30am |
Hike Cascade CreekNew Date! We will split into groups for moderate and brisk paced hikers. We will hike Cascade Creek at least as far as the third waterfall, but possibly to the seventh. It is 5 miles to the third waterfall, where the moderate group will get lunch and turn around. The trail peters out there, but continuing up further, and walking through a mucky marsh, will, after another 1.5 miles and 1000 feet vertical, bring one to a total of four more falls, including the tallest in the canyon. Extra credit if we go to the waterfall downstream of the road, which is arguably the prettiest of them all. |
Hard 10 miles and 1000 feet |
| Mon, Jun 19
|
Hike to Four Mile FallsThis is a hike that goes along Four Mile Creek to a lovely waterfall at about mile 3.5. Two side stream crossings are required along the way. The waterfall is quite spectacular, almost 200 feet high. With all the snow we have had this year, it should be flowing quite well. The downside is that it is a long trip to get there, as the trailhead is 13 miles north of Pagosa Springs. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jun 19 RC 8:00 am Fire Station at Florida Rd. CR 234 |
Hike Burnt Timber TailHike Burnt Timber Trail and Meadows This trail climbs steadily up through ponderosa, aspen and spruce forests for about 2.2 miles, at which point we will then climb up through meadows and drainages for about 1 mile to the top the ridge, where we will meet the Lime Mesa Trail. We will travel northeast on the Lime Mesa Trail until it meets up with the Burnt Timber Trail. We will then circle back to the Burnt Timber Creek crossing and retrace our route back down to the trailhead. |
Hard 10.5 miles 2,500 ft. |
| Mon, Jun 19 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 20 SRP 8:00 am |
Hike Starvation CreekRescheduled due to snow and trail conditions Nice loop hike on Starvation Creek with a side hike up and back on Old Gold Run trail. This trail is located off US160, west of Hesperus, east of Mancos Hill. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Jun 21
|
WW hike Vallecito Creek TrailThe trail is rocky and narrow in spots with ups and downs and great views into the gorge. We will hike to the first bridge for a break then return by the same route. We may have nice flower displays. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Jun 21 |
Climb Spud PeakOff-trail hike with low exposure class three scramble on summit ridge. Beautiful view of Animas valley from the summit. Expect loose rock and talus, lots of down trees on this hike. About four hours to complete. |
Moderate 4 miles |
| Thu, Jun 22
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 22 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 23 |
Hike Crater Creek FallsA challenging on & off-trail hike. 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 preferably, an off-trail basically horizontal traverse across 4.5 miles of untouched pristine country, crossing three 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. |
Hard |
| Sun, Jun 25 |
Hike to Purgatory Flats and Animas RiverThis is a classic SO! hike which is unusual for the San Juans. The excellent trail is all downhill to Purgatory Flats and the Animas River, but all uphill coming out. Those less energetic, or who may want to try their flyfishing skills on Cascade or Lime Creek, are welcome to wait a couple of hours at Purgatory Flats, which is about halfway. The trail is partly at creek level, partly high above. We will plan for lunch at the footbridge across the Animas, complete with picnic tables. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jun 26 |
Climb North Snowdon, 12,628 ft.An SO! Summertime favorite, the crest has spectacular views of Snowdon Peak to the south and Silverton down low in the north. Primarily trail with 0.6 mile off-trail, easy Class 2. Steep pitch from Snowdon Meadows. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jun 26 RC 8:00am |
Climb Blackhawk PeakBegin at Hotel Draw Road and CT intersection. Hike 4 miles north on CT to Blackhawk Pass. Climb off trail steeper terrain 700ft elevation to Summit with spectacular views. Retrace route back to vehicles. |
Hard: |
| Mon, Jun 26
|
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 27 |
Hike Haflin CreekThis is a great training hike to do before we can get into the high country. Great views of the La Platas and Animas Valley. The rating is hard because of the elevation gain. |
Hard |
| Wed, Jun 28
|
WW hike Log ChutesThis hike will be the leaders choice of the various trails in the Log Chutes system, depending on current trail conditions. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 29
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jun 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 |
| Fri, Jun 30 |
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 9.7 miles |
| Fri, Jun 30 RC 8:30 am |
Hike Sawmill Canyon to Animas RiverWe will hike Forebay Lake Trail to Sawmill Canyon Trail. Descend sawmill Canyon to the Animas River, then hike to the power plant. Possible side trip up Canyon Creek. (Additional .8 miles.) We will return back the same way. |
Moderate |
| Sun, Jul 2 |
Hike Engineer TrailWe will hike up the Pass Creek Trail from Coal Bank to the Engineer Mountain Trail, skirting the east side of Engineer then descend the south flank to the waiting shuttle cars near Cascade. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 3
|
Hike West Lime CreekWe will hike along West Lime Creek for about 3 miles seeing many waterfalls. The last quarter mile is a boggy bushwhack to the last waterfall. Return is by the same route. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 3
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Wed, Jul 5
|
WW hike Red Creek TrailThe trail climbs gradually through forest, following and crossing the creek several times and passing arborglyphs to our turn around point. Poles helpful for creek crossings. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 6
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 6
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Sat, Jul 8 -
|
Inflatable Kayak (Duckie) ClassThis 2-day class is for beginning to intermediate boaters. We will be paddling with ACA-certified instructors from 4CRS on the Animas River, learning stroke technique, boat handling and river reading. We will also cover gear fitting, maintenance, and self-supported camping. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 10
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Jul 11 |
Climb Jura Knob, 12,614 ft.; Point 12,766 (E2); Peak 12,703 (E1)From Coal Creek Trail, climb Jura Knob, descend northwest to |
Most Challenging |
| Tue, Jul 11
|
SO! General MeetingGeneral Meeting and Presentation |
Fun and Educational |
| Wed, Jul 12 |
WW hike Cascade Creek TrailThis trail begins at the Forest Service Center by the TH for Larkspur Lane (Engineer MountainTrail) and meanders through aspen groves and meadows until it meets up with Cascade Creek Rd. near the gate. We will then proceed past the gate to a break spot along the creek. Return is by the same route. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 13
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 13
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Thu, Jul 13
|
SO! Board MeetingThe quarterly SO! Board meeting will be held at 5:00 pm, and include a potluck dinner. |
Easy |
| Fri, Jul 14
|
Hike Hotel Draw South to 4 County MonumentWe will hike a four-mile section of the Colorado Trail, south from Hotel Draw. On the return, we will detour (a short bushwack) to the Four County Monument. Excellent trail (except the detour) and great views. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Jul 17 |
Peak 13,042 and Putnam BasinFrom the TH at Little Molas Lake we take the Colorado Trail approx. 3.75 miles, then ascend north through the cliff band, and on through open tundra to gain the peak at 13,042 ft. Heading down we pass thru Putnam Basin and a high traverse back to the saddle at Bear Creek and the trail back to Molas Lake. Great views in all directions, and lots of wildflowers. |
Moderate, |
| Mon, Jul 17
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Wed, Jul 19 |
Hike Cascade Ck to Colorado Trail to Engine Ck loopWe will hike up Cascade Ck trail until it fades away then bushwhack about a ¼ mile to where we will intersect the CT. We will follow the CT, then White Ck, then Engine Ck trails back to the start. A long hike but because of the bushwhack we can connect to some beautiful scenery not normally accessible without an overnight stay. Carpool $5. Limit 12. RSVP Chuck Rancatti chuck.rancatti@gmail.com |
Most Challenging |
| Wed, Jul 19 |
WW hike West Lime CreekWe will hike along West Lime Creek for about 3 miles, seeing many waterfalls. The last quarter mile is an easy bushwhack to the last waterfall. Return is by the same route. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 20
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 20
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Fri, Jul 21
|
Hike Cave Basin TrailFrom the trailhead on Middle Mountain Road, we will hike the Cave Basin trail through forest and meadows to a ridge promontory offering mountain views across the Vallecito valley on the West and a beautiful overlook of Dollar Lake and Emerald Lake in the Pine River Valley to the East. |
Hard (due to distance) |
| Fri, Jul 21 |
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 at 4.4 miles, our destination and lunch. This could be a 6-to-8-hour hiking day, pace will be moderate but rating hard. |
Hard |
| Sat, Jul 22
|
Climb Jura Knob (12,614 ft)Climb Jura Knob from the Coal Creek Trailhead. Some exposure, some rock scrambling involved. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jul 24
|
Climb Hesperus Mountain
|
Hard |
| Mon, Jul 24
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Jul 25 |
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. Pass by the lake and ascend to Columbine Pass. North to Bridal Peak then free range back to trail. See Earthline for description. |
Most Challenging |
| Wed, Jul 26 |
WW hike Engineer MeadowsThis hike offers abundant wildflowers and beautiful vistas. The trail ascends a steep flowery 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. |
Moderate 5 miles |
| Thu, Jul 27 |
Hike Porphyry Basin to Columbine Pass and Columbine LakeFrom a parking area part way up Porphyry Basin Road we will hike to Porphyry Basin then on to Columbine Pass and finally the easy descent to Columbine Lake. Entire hike is above tree line, much of it on game trails. We hope to see waterfalls, wildflowers and beautiful mountain lakes. |
Hard |
| Thu, Jul 27 |
Nature Hike Castle Rock from PurgatoryMargaret 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, Jul 27
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Jul 27
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Fri, Jul 28 RC 8:00 am |
Hike to Hope Lk via Mineral CkStarting 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. and 0.7 miles to Hope Lake for lunch, then return the same way back to the Bandora mine. Carpool $11. 4WD required for last 2 miles. Limit 12 |
Moderate |
| Sat, Jul 29 |
Hike Melanie Highline with Ohio Peak Option (12,674)A classic SO! hike which starts at 12,000 feet, all above tree line, so the spectacular views begin immediately and never let up. 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 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 over Ohio Peak. Limit 15. Dogs 0K. 4WD/HC required. Carpool $11. |
Moderate to North Anvil |
| Mon, Jul 31 |
Thru-hike Spencer Basin to Blair BasinA full day above tree line passing through four high basins above Silverton including one peak and possibly more. Ascending thru Spencer Basin at the end of Cunningham Gulch, we head north to Kendall Peak (13,451), Arrastra Basin, Round Mountain, Woodchuck Basin and Hazelton Mntn. Our descent is thru Blair Basin then a lengthy road walk down to shuttle cars at the mouth of Arrastra Creek. Kudos to Dan Honig for the route. |
Hard |
| Mon, Jul 31
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Aug 1
|
Climb Centennial Peak
|
Hard |
| Wed, Aug 2 -
|
Lake City – hikes from Henson & North Henson Creeks area8/2 Drive to Lake City |
Hard |
| Wed, Aug 2
|
Jura Knob Deer Creek BasinBegin at Coal Bank Pass TH on Pass Creek Trail, leave trail to Jura Knob and continue north following Deer Creek Basin ridge to E4 Peak. Drop south of ridge to intersect Deer Creek trail and to HWY 550 and shuttle vehicle. Low exposure, short class 4 scramble on Jura Knob. |
Hard |
| Wed, Aug 2 |
WW hike Molas Trail to OverlookThis hike begins near Molas Lake and drops down to a nice viewpoint with great views of the Animas River and surrounding peaks. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 3 |
Nature Hike Andrews Lake MeadowsMargaret 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, Aug 3
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 3
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Fri, Aug 4
|
Hike Mountain View Overlook (12,465)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. |
Moderate |
| Sun, Aug 6
|
Hike Golden Horn (13,780)Hike into Ice Lake Basin and head south on poorly defined trail. Expect loose rock with some class 3 scramble and low exposure. Incredible view of Ice Lake from summit. Return by same route. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 7
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Aug 8
|
Climb Engineer Mountain (12,927 ft.)Starting from Coal Bank Pass, we will follow the Pass Trail for roughly two miles to a junction in Engineer Meadows. The final mile is steep and loose and includes one tricky spot with moderate exposure. Return via same route. |
Most Challenging |
| Tue, Aug 8
|
SO! General MeetingGeneral Meeting and Presentation |
Fun and Educational |
| Wed, Aug 9 |
WW hike Snowdon MeadowsThis hike begins at Andrews Lake on the trail to Crater Lake. After a mile of climbing, we will veer off the main trail for the use trail to the meadows. The route alternates between lovely meadows with grand views and forest until we come to a short but steeper ascent to a talus field. The group will decide whether to stop before this ascent or continue higher. Return is by the same route. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 10
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 10
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Fri, Aug 11 |
Hike to Columbine LakeColumbine Lake has to be the bluest lake in Colorado. We will drive up a challenging 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. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Aug 14 |
Hike Minnie Gulch to Pk 13,069From the end of the road in Minnie Gulch, we will hike up to the Divide at 12,800 ft. We then turn south and follow the ridge that flanks the south side of Minnie Gulch, to a point at 13, 069 ft. Great views in all directions, and abundant wildflowers if the season persists. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Aug 14
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Aug 15 |
Hike Hematite LakeStarting just east of Silverton at 9640 ft, hike up a steep trail to beautiful Hematite Lake. Weather and legs permitting, option to climb Macomber Peak (13,222) which adds just under a mile and approx 1200 ft gain and just under a mile and another 500 ft gets you to Tower Mtn (13,552). Beautiful views all around. Return as we came. |
Hard |
| Wed, Aug 16 |
WW hike Engineer Mountain Trail (AKA
|
Moderate 4-5 miles |
| Thu, Aug 17
|
Climb Grayrock Peak (12,504 ft.) & Graysill Mntns Southern PointsHumble in height, Graysill Mountain makes up for it by going on forever. Approach from the southwest using Relay Creek Road routing. Cross the divide between Hermosa Creek and Cascade Creek drainages to reach Grayrock Peak. Then explore four distinct southern points of Graysill. The bulk of this hike is off-trail on talus. Abandoned road, off-trail, navigation, considerable mild exposure. |
Hard |
| Thu, Aug 17
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 17
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Sat, Aug 19 7:30 am from Cattleguard parking LP Canyon. |
Climb Lewis Mountain and circumnavigate Columbus BasinThis 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 |
| Mon, Aug 21
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Aug 22 SRP 7:30 am |
Climb Deadwood (12,285) and Silver Mountains (12,496)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, Aug 23 |
WW hike Crater Lake TrailWe will hike from Andrews Lake up the steep, well-defined Crater Lake Trail past the wilderness border. Views and wildflowers are wonderful along the trail. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 24
|
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. |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 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 |
| Mon, Aug 28 |
Hike Snowdon Ponds (Three Lakes Basin) to Crater Lake TrailFrom Andrews Lake we take the usual trail to the back of Snowdon meadows, then we are mostly off-trail. Our route climbs a talus field to a tarn at 12,000 ft, then over a mild pass at 12,300 ft. to Three Lakes Basin. Then its a downhill bushwhack until we hit the Crater Lake Trail and return to our starting point. If conditions allow, we may stop to explore the mysterious *black hole* in one of the ponds. |
Hard |
| Mon, Aug 28
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Wed, Aug 30
|
Climb Grizzly Peak (13,738)From the TH at end of Cascade Creek Road, hike north on Colorado Trail short distance to spur trail to base of mountain. Hike the steep gully with loose rock to saddle and continue north to summit with great view. Weather permitting, down climb the south ridge with moderate exposure back to trail and return. Moderate exposure on south ridge scramble. |
Hard |
| Wed, Aug 30 |
WW hike Pasture CreekHike up old logging roads to the base of Grayrock Peak with great views to the north. Return via different logging roads through mixed conifers and grassy meadows. (This hike Susan Beck-Brown called Relay Creek). |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 31
|
Hike First Fork to Missionary Ridge to old Baldy Tower trailheadThis is a shuttle hike. Leaving from First Fork TH and ending at Baldy Tower parking lot. The route is mostly moderate. Carpool $3. Limit 12, no dogs due to shuttle. RSVP Lorie Hansen lmhansen39@gmail.com |
Moderate |
| Thu, Aug 31
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Fri, Sep 1
|
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
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Sep 5
|
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
|
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
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Fri, Sep 8
|
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
|
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 |
Hike Ice Lake and Island LakeWe 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 11
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles |
| Tue, Sep 12
|
PicnicSO! Fall Social |
|
| Wed, Sep 13 |
WW hike Upper HermosaThis 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
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles |
| Fri, Sep 15
|
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 |
| 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 |
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