Seniors Outdoors! Schedule
| Date & Location | Outing description | Difficulty info |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Sep 23 |
Mitchell Lakes via Jones Creek/Pinkerton Flagstaff Trails (9,661)This climb through old growth forest and the ridge north of Hermosa Mountain should bring fall colors, expansive views and the opportunity to check out some of the 416 Fire burn area. After leaving vehicles at the ending trailhead on CR250N, we will depart from Lower Hermosa Horse Camp on Forest Road 576 (CR201). We will hike north on the Jones Creek Trail to the junction with the Pinkerton Flagstaff Trail where we head south to Mitchell Lakes and then down the Mitchell Lakes (4WD) Road to CR250N. Rated hard due to length. Limit 16 people. Hunting Season – Wear orange. (Since we will proceed through fresh burn area, hike to be conducted only if weather is non-threatening.) |
Hard |
| 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 |
| Wed, Sep 25 |
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 |
| Wed, Sep 25 SRP 9:00 am |
WEH: Sale Barn TrailWe will begin hiking behind Deitz Mkt.No carpool fee. Dogs kept under control OK; bring leash. No RSVP. |
4 mi. |
| Fri, Sep 27 -
|
Highway CleanupCome join other SO! Members as we clean up our two stretches of Highway 550. Imagine the interesting things you might find you may be the one to find a $20 bill this time! Bring work/garden gloves and an orange vest if you have one. If not, we have extras. Coffee and donuts will be served in the parking area across from the Hermosa Conoco Station. No dogs. RSVP Betsey Butler ejbutler12@gmail.com 970-403-3185 |
Easy |
| Sat, Sep 28 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Bike Old Lime Creek RoadMountain Bike Old Lime Creek Road. The road is more fun on a bike than in a vehicle. Good views of Twilight Mountain. We will plan on doing the whole length out and back (total 25 miles), however riders may turn around when they like as long as they let the leader know. There may be an optional short walk to Adrenaline Falls. No dogs. Car pool $4. It would be helpful to have drivers that can take multiple Mountain Bikes on their racks or in their trucks. This will allow us to cutdown on number of vehicles needed. Don Zirkelbach is the leader, however RSVP: chris.blackshear@gmail.com |
Moderate up to 25 miles |
| Sun, Sep 29 SRP 9:00 am |
Hike Cumberland Mt. and Taylor LakeDrive up LaPlata Canyon and park 4-wheel vehicles at Kennebec Overlook (10,340 ft.). Via the Colorado Trail hike toward the Muldoon Mine Ruins, which is where you start to climb Cumberland Mt. (12,388 ft.). A relatively short distance gets you to the summit where the views of the San Juan Peaks are amazing. Descend the peak on the opposite side. There will also be an option to climb a 12,001 ft. peak on the opposite side of Cumberland Mt. Finish with a two mile hike to and from Taylor Lake. Hike will be at a moderate pace. Limit 15 and two well behaved dogs. Carpool $5. This is the last day of Archery hunting season. Please wear Orange for safety. |
moderate to |
| Mon, Sep 30
|
Hike Burnt Timber Trail and MeadowsThis 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 of 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. Carpool $4. Limit 15. Two well-behaved dogs OK (include in RSVP). |
Hard |
| Mon, Sep 30
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. Note time change starting Sept. 30. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Oct 1
|
Ryman Creek TrailModerate climb on a well defined trail through conifers & aspen 3 miles south of Rico. Some parts can be steep and rocky. Carpool $10 Limit 15 No Dogs |
Hard |
| Wed, Oct 2 |
WW hike Cascade VillageThe hike begins behind the condos at Cascade Village. The trail ascends immediately and then winds gently through an aspen forest then down to a meadow along Cascade Creek. There are fine views of Engineer Mountain along the way. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Oct 2 RC 9:00 am |
WEH: Chris Park: Aspen LoopPark at the first gate and hike the first trail on the right. |
3 mi. |
| Fri, Oct 4 |
Hike Purg Trail to Animas RiverThis popular trail is up and down both ways, with a climb up at the end. It offers mountain views, the spectacular narrow Cascade Creek Canyon with the trail both at creek level and high above, a foot-bridge over the Animas River, and a riverside lunch spot with picnic tables. Carpool $4. Limit 15. Dog limit 1 on a leash or voice control. |
Moderate pace |
| Sat, Oct 5 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Hike Castle RockAn annual favorite for fall colors and commanding views at the top. Bring hot dogs and brats for a cookout. We will make a loop at the top and then return to the trailhead. Carpool $3. Please maximize carpooling due to limited parking at the trailhead. Dogs OK. Leader: Clark Lagow. No RSVP required. |
Moderate 4 miles 1500 ft Moderate pace |
| Sun, Oct 6 To Be Announced |
Potluck for Downhill Skiers & BoardersAttention Downhill Skiers and Boarders: Get acquainted, reacquainted and/or just have a good time at a pot luck gathering at a place near Durango to be announced. Bring your own beverages and dish to share. We need a count of attendees via RSVP no later than September 29. |
So easy |
| Mon, Oct 7 |
Hike Barn Roof Point (8732)Back On With a New Leader This is a moderate hike of 5 miles and 1,900 ft. of elevation gain. Nice view of La Platas and fall foliage. May see some pictographs as well. We will hike up a trail from the TH with a short scramble to the top. Hunting season Wear orange. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Oct 7
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Oct 8
|
SO! General Meeting: Eyes in the Sky – Monitoring an ever-changing Earth in the 21st Century.Jon Harvey will make the case that we are in the midst a scientific revolution: new and improving technology is allowing humans to monitor the ever-changing surface of the Earth like never before. His talk will include local and distant examples of how drones, satellites, GPS, and cell phones have changed the way humans monitor the planet that sustains them. His talk will include a case study in how he and his students are using drones to monitor the Missionary Ridge Rockfall, how satellites, GPS, and cell phones allow us to measure subtle movements of the crust before, during, and after earthquakes and extreme events, and expectations for future innovations in tracking the shape and health of our planet. |
|
| Wed, Oct 9 |
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. Hunting season wear orange. |
Moderate |
| Wed, Oct 9 RC 9:00 am |
WEH: Pioneer Trail & Edgemont HighlandsWe will hike the Pioneer Trail and cut over to canyon trails within Edgemont Highlands, with a short shuttle at the end. Carpool $2. RSVP if you are bringing a dog (limit 1, plus leader’s dog). Otherwise no RSVP is necessary. RSVP David Wright 259-5978 djwright001@gmail.com |
4-5 mi. |
| Thu, Oct 10
|
Woodward Canyon North RidgeThis is an exploratory/bushwhack hike for those that like to get off-trail and explore a bit. We will depart from the trailhead at the top of Durango Hills and follow FS roads for about 2 miles. We will then begin the exploratory portion where we will drop off Missionary Ridge and try to follow a ridge line on the north side of Woodward canyon out to a point at 8700 feet. This point will offer great and unique views of Animas Valley and beyond. Be aware, we may not be able to reach the intended point. |
Hard due only to bushwhack. |
| Sat, Oct 12 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Hike Larkspur LaneInstead of the larkspur and other flowers carpeting the meadows, we will be focusing of the golden aspens blanketing the mountain sides. Starting at the forest service work station just past Cascade Creek, we will follow the well-established lower Engineer Mountain Trail reaching a pond at 1.6 miles, plunging into the trees after another mile, and finally climbing to a lunch spot with fabulous views. We will return by the same route. Hunting season wear orange. Carpool $4. Dogs OK. RSVP Nancy Mead 259-5978 nancy.a.mead@gmail.com |
Moderate |
| Mon, Oct 14
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Oct 16
|
WW hike Spur Line TrailThis is a new trail system in the Three Springs area. It is in the open and fairly level. Exact route will be Rays choice. Dogs ok on leash only. RSVP non-members only. Ray Walker 382-7662 raynsue@bresnan.net |
Easy |
| Wed, Oct 16 TB TH 9:00 am |
WEH: Dry Fork TrailMeet at Twin Buttes/Animas Hi Sch. TH off Hwy. 160 |
4 mi. |
| Thu, Oct 17
|
Mountain View CrestWe will start at the top of Missionary Ridge at timberline and hike to the rim of mountain view crest to look down on Chicago basin, Ruby, Emerald, Pear and Webb lakes. Hunting Season wear orange. Carpool $9 4WD/HC Limit 15 No Dogs |
Hard |
| Sat, Oct 19 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Vallecito Creek TrailThis hike will go to the second bridge and is rated hard due to the distance, 11 miles. There still should be a lot of Fall color and rushing water. If not a great outing for exercise and views. Hiking will be at a moderate pace. Limit of 15 and two well behaved dogs. Carpool $4. Hunting season wear orange. |
Hard |
| Mon, Oct 21 |
North Perins PeakStarting at the Rockridge subdivision trail head, hike and climb up to the Perins Peak back slope. Then, turn right and shortly after north on the trail to Peak 8,642, unofficially called North Perins Peak. Debra Van Winegarden has a complete hike description is found at https://durangoherald.com/articles/237167-north-perins-peak-hike-offers-a-solitary-world |
Moderate |
| Mon, Oct 21
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Oct 23 SRP 9:00 am |
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Oct 23 RC 9:00 am |
WEH: Lower Hermosa TrailThe well defined trail remains at approximately the same elevation with some ups and downs and crosses several side streams that are typically dry or flowing slightly. This is an in-and-out trail. Carpool $2. Dogs kept under control OK. Contact Lydine Hannula 970-426-9684 |
3-4 mi. |
| Thu, Oct 24 |
SO Board MeetingThe quarterly SO Board meeting will be held at Gail Davidsons house. RSVP gaildavidson1@gmail.com |
Easy |
| Sat, Oct 26
|
Saturday Classic Hike: New Mexico ArchesA short hike and scramble in northern New Mexico to the beautiful Anasazi Arch in Cox Canyon, the unique Octopus Arch in Dirt Canyon, and a few other real or imposter arches along the way. The distances are not far, but there is some bushwhacking and ledge scrambling. |
Moderate |
| Mon, Oct 28
|
Hike Prater Ridge TrailThis hike is in Mesa Verde National Park and begins on the west end of Morefield Campground. The trail ascends Prater Ridge and follows a loop around the top of the ridge, returning the same route after hiking the loop. Changes in elevation and vegetation along with views of the surrounding area are highlights of this trail. Hiking will be at a moderate pace. There will be an option to hike the short Knife Edge Trail about a 1.5 mile round trip. |
moderate |
| Mon, Oct 28
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Oct 30
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
| Wed, Oct 30 TH 9:00 |
WEH: Ned Overend ParkMeet at Leyden St. TH off of Crestview Street No carpool fee. Dogs OK. Contact Ted Keller 759-7207 |
3 mi. |
| Thu, Oct 31
|
Bear Creek TrailWell defined trail in beautiful canyon from the Dolores River up to the La Plata mountains We will hike 8 to 12 miles depending on group desire. TH 22 miles northeast of Dolores. Carpool $10 Limit 15 No Dogs |
Hard |
| Sat, Nov 2 |
Saturday Classic Hike: Hike / Snowshoe to Ice LakeInstead of the crowded summer hike to Ice Lake, this is an opportunity to see it without the masses. Snowshoes are likely to be required. The trip might be extended to Island Lake if the couloir between the two is safe to cross. This trip will not go if there is snow on South Mineral Creek Road. Dogs OK. HC 4WD will allow access to the upper TH. Hunting season wear orange. Carpool $7. RSVP Carolyn Striker jcstriker3@gmail.com |
Most Challenging 7 miles 2400 ft. Moderate Pace |
| Mon, Nov 4
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Nov 6
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
| Sat, Nov 9
|
Saturday Classic Hike: Twin Buttes to Perins PeakHike up to the base of East Twin Butte, the higher of the two buttes, on the Twin Buttes trail system. Then climb up a rough scrabbly use trail to the summit. Return to the base and head cross country over to Perins Peak with some scrambling and a little brush beating to the summit. Then down the trail to Rock Ridge and a short car shuttle back to the start. Dogs okay if they can politely share the trail with Mt bikers. Carpool $2. RSVP Lynn Coburn harrisoncoburn@gmail.com 247- 0914 |
Hard |
| Mon, Nov 11 9:30 am Home Depot Parking lot (South End near HD nursery) |
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Tue, Nov 12
|
SO! General Meeting: 416 Fire Facts, Fixes and the FutureCam Hooley from the San Juan National Forest will be presenting a slideshow showing facts and photos about suppression of the 416 Fire that occurred north of Durango in 2018. She will also discuss how the U. S. Forest Service reduces harm to natural resources during and after wildfires, and a peek into the future of the 416 Fire burned area. |
|
| Wed, Nov 13
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
| Sat, Nov 16 |
Saturday Classic: Purgatory Trail to the Animas RiverStarting at the Purgatory Trailhead across the road from the ski area, a good trail switchbacks down to Purgatory Flats, and then continues down to the Cascade Wye on the Animas River. It is an out-and-back hike that goes downhill first to lunch at the river, and then climbs back up to the trailhead. If there are early snow conditions, we may stop at the Flats, or use microspikes or snowshoes to go the entire way. Carpool $4. Limit 15. Two wellbehaved dogs OK. Hunting season wear orange. RSVP Steve Schnarch 749-4478 ssalivedgo@gmail.com |
Moderate |
| Mon, Nov 18
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Nov 20
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
| Sat, Nov 23 TH 9:00 am |
Saturday Classic Hike: Ned Overend Park and HogsbackMeet at Schneider Park (on Roosa just south of the skateboard park) at the 9th Street Bridge. We will explore Durango’s backyard by completing a big loop, including an ascent of the Hogback. All on trail but some parts will be very steep on loose, slippery soil (especially the Hogback). Poles helpful for the descent of the Hogback. Dogs OK on leash only because of city regs. No Car Pool. RSVP Lynn Coburn harrisoncoburn@gmail.com |
Moderate + 8-9 miles 1,800 ft elevation gain Moderate pace. |
| Mon, Nov 25
|
Monday Bike Ride for Intermediate Road CyclistsThis is a nobody-gets-left-behind, social ride from Home Depot to Bread. |
Moderate Pace |
| Wed, Nov 27
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
| Sat, Nov 30
|
Saturday Classic Hike: Bisti BadlandsThe Bisti Badlands are a desolate place in New Mexico, about 90 miles from Durango. The hike will pass hoodoos and interesting rock formations. Limit 15. Dogs OK. Carpool $10. RSVP Chris.blackshear@gmail.com |
Moderate Up to 10 miles but flat, |
| Wed, Dec 4
|
WW hike
|
Easy |
| Sat, Dec 7 |
Snowshoe Snowdon MeadowsThis is our annual kickoff for the snowshoe season. Join our snowshoe jaunt from Andrews Lake area up to the meadows at the foot of Snowdon Peak, with a lovely short scenic canyon along the way. Beautiful, rewarding hike. Bring hot dogs or brats for a cookout. Limit 15 per group due to wilderness regulations. 4WD conv. Carpool $5. Dogs OK RSVP after November 23 to: Clark Lagow clagow@rmi.net |
Moderate 5-7 miles 700 ft |
| Tue, Dec 10 Rec Center |
SO! Jingle & Mingle Holiday SocialJingle & Mingle Holiday Social will feature Savory & Sweet Treats as well as non-alcoholic beverage stations. This venue is not a Full Dinner Potluck but a Social Mixer with appetizers and desserts. Bring your own plate and utensils plus an appetizer or dessert to share with 12 people with serving utensil marked with your name. A – Q: Savory Appetizer Please consider bringing non-perishable food donations for the Durango Food Bank. Checks made out to the Durango Food Bank are also welcome. |
Fun & Easy |
| Wed, Dec 11 SRP 9:30 am |
WW hike
|
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