Seniors Outdoors! Schedule
| Date & Location | Outing description | Difficulty info |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Sep 20
|
Climb Grizzly Peak (13,738 ft.)Climb Grizzly Peak. Mostly off trail on loose rock. Climb steep couloir with loose dirt and rock to broad ridge to summit. Great view of San Juan peaks from summit. Return via south ridge with class 3 scramble and moderate exposure. |
Hard, 7.3 miles and 3200 ft elevation gain. |
| Mon, Sep 20
|
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 22 |
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Sep 22 ACP 9:00 am |
WEH Hike Falls Creek east trailsFalls Crk.Rd. east trailhead Carpool $2 Do not RSVP. Text Ted Keller at 970 759-7207 if you need more specific info or wish to meet at the Trailhead. |
Easy-Moderate |
| Thu, Sep 23 |
Bike Lime Creek RoadThis is a one-way mountain bike ride on Lime Creek Road, starting at the upper end by Hwy. 550. We will drop a shuttle car at the lower end. The ride begins with an 800 foot downhill ride to the creek, followed by a 600 ft. climb. We will likely take a short side hike to Adrenalin Falls, break for lunch, and continue another 800 feet downhill to the shuttle cars. The road is rough, but the fall colors should be glorious. Mountain bike strongly recommended. |
Moderate, 11.4 miles, 600 ft. gain, moderate biking pace |
| Thu, Sep 23
|
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, Sep 24 |
Hike Perins Peak SouthHike on a well-established trail from the Rockridge Trail Head Parking lot. Enjoy beautiful La Plata Mountain, Missionary Ridge and City of Durango views at the destination. Hiking poles helpful for return trip. |
Moderate, 5.5 miles, 1800 ft. gain, moderate pace |
| Sun, Sep 26 |
Hike
|
Moderate |
| Mon, Sep 27
|
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 28
|
Hike & Cookout at Ward CabinThis is an easyish one-way hike from Transfer Campground to the Ward cabin at 9,000 feet in the aspen forest. We will set up a shuttle before the hike so the cars will be at the cabin. We will have a cookout for lunch. We will supply hot dogs (also veggie), buns, fixings, beans and lemonade. Other dishes welcome. Carpooling encouraged because of the shuttle. |
Easy/moderate, 4 miles, 400 ft. gain, moderate pace |
| Wed, Sep 29
|
Animas Mt. Trail Geology HikeThis is a moderate hike to the top of Animas Mt. along a well-defined, somewhat rocky trail that returns back to TH. Several stops with expert geologist discussion of the geology that created the wide variety of north Durango scenery viewed along trail. Visual aids included. Will be 5-7 hours in length depending on amount of hiker questions and discussion. Bring lunch. |
Moderate. |
| Wed, Sep 29 |
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Sep 29
|
WEH Hike Log Chutes TrailsLog Chutes Trailhead: 5 mi. up Jct. Crk. Rd. Hilly terrain. Carpool $2 |
Easy-Moderate |
| Thu, Sep 30
|
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 1 |
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. Carpool $4. Limit 10. 2 well behaved dogs OK |
Moderate |
| Sun, Oct 3 |
Hike
|
Moderate |
| Mon, Oct 4
|
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 5 |
Climb Jura Knob 12,614 ftHike up the Pass Creek Trail to the Engineer Mtn. Trail to the ridge of Jura Knob. Climb Jura (some scrambling involved) Return on the Coal Creek Trail to Hwy 550. This hike will require a shuttle. Carpool $6, Limit 10, No Dogs |
Hard |
| Wed, Oct 6 |
Hike Barnroof PointThis is a moderate hike with some bushwhacking near the end of the point. Hike begins in the Dry Fork parking lot just off CR 207 (Lightner Creek Road) and climbs from the SW to the NW with lovely views of the La Platas. |
Moderate, 5.5 miles, 1,900 ft. gain, moderate pace |
| Wed, Oct 6 |
WW hike
|
Moderate 6 miles |
| Wed, Oct 6
|
WEH Hike Dry Creek TrailDry Creek Trailhead from Dry Fork parking. |
Easy-Moderate |
| Thu, Oct 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, moderate pace |
| Sat, Oct 9 |
Hike Vallecito CreekWe will hike through fall colors along the rushing waters of Vallecito Creek to the second bridge. The pace will be BRISK for an end of the season great workout. Carpool $5. Limit 10. |
Hard |
| Sun, Oct 10 Four Corners RV 2:00 pm |
Skiers Pot LuckRSVP date change Attention Downhill Skiers and Boarders: Get acquainted, reacquainted and/or just have a good time at a pot luck gathering hosted at Four Corners RV on Highway 3. Bring your small tables and chairs, plus beverages and a dish to share. We need a count of attendees via RSVP no later than October 3. |
Easy and Fun |
| Mon, Oct 11 - RC 7:00 am |
Car Camp San Rafael Swell, UtahWe will set up our first camp near Goblin Valley State Park and explore some of the canyons near there. Then venture into Robbers Roost for some more canyons. There will be some exposure issues and this will involve scrambling over obstacles in the canyons. No dogs. Limit 12. Carpool TBD. HC vehicle. |
Moderate, exposure to drop offs, difficult scrambling |
| Mon, Oct 11
|
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Tue, Oct 12
|
SO! General MeetingSocial half-hour on the terrace at 5:30 with snacks & refreshments, then meeting and program inside from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Face masks are required when indoors. |
Easy, fun and informative. |
| Wed, Oct 13 |
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Oct 13 |
Hike Mitchell Lakes via Jones Cree/Pinkerton Flagstaff Trails (9,562 Ft.)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 three years later. After leaving vehicles at the ending trailhead on CR250N, we will depart from Lower Hermosa Horse Camp on Forest Road 576 (CR 201). 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. Carpool $2. |
Hard, 10.8 miles, 2000 ft. gain, moderate pace |
| Wed, Oct 13 ACP 9:00 am |
WEH Hike Haviland Lake to Chris ParkHaviland Lake Trailhead to Chris Park trails |
Easy-Moderate |
| Thu, Oct 14 |
Hike Goulding Creek Trail to Jones CreekWe 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 a shuttle is required for this hike. Carpool $4 Limit 12. No Dogs. |
Hard |
| Thu, Oct 14
|
Thursday Road Bike RideThis is a 28-mile bike ride from the Rec Center to Bakers Bridge and back, stopping at Bread. |
28 miles, moderate pace |
| Sat, Oct 16 Hermosa Gas Station 9:00 am |
Highway CleanupDate Change from October 9 to 16 Come join other SO! Members as we clean up our two stretches of Highway 550. We will meet at the Hermosa Gas station lot and head straight out. No coffee and donuts this time. Bring work gloves and orange vest if you have one. If not, we have several vests. |
Easy route, easy pace |
| Mon, Oct 18
|
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 with scrambling, 3 miles, easy pace |
| Mon, Oct 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, Oct 20
|
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Oct 20 |
Hike Haflin Creek TrailThis is classified a hard hike due to the elevation gain. Hike on a well-established trail with wonderful views of the Animas Valley to the west. Hunting season wear orange |
Hard, 5.5 miles, 2700 ft. gain, moderate pace |
| Wed, Oct 20
|
WEH Hike Sale Barn TrailSale Barn TH behind Dietz Mkt. Dogs kept under control. Bring leash. Carpool $2 |
Easy, 4 mile, 140 ft. gain |
| Thu, Oct 21 SRP 8:30am |
Hike Starvation CreekNice loop hike on Starvation Creek with a side hike up and back on Old Gold Run trail. Carpool $5. High clearance needed and 4WD recommended. Limit 12. 2 well behaved dogs OK. RSVP Lorie Hansen 828-243-2194 lmhansen39@gmail.com |
Moderate |
| Thu, Oct 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, Oct 21
|
SO! Board MeetingThe Seniors Outdoors! Board will hold its quarterly meeting at the home of Clark Lagow, beginning at 5:00 pm. All SO! members are invited to attend SO! board meetings. Members who plan to attend should RSVP to Clark at clagow@rmi.net |
Easy, but sometimes boring. |
| Fri, Oct 22 |
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! 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. Carpool $5. Limit 12. No dogs |
Hard |
| Sat, Oct 23
|
Hike First Fork and Red CreekWe will hike up First Fork trail to Missionary Ridge Trail then north to |
Hard |
| Mon, Oct 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, Oct 26 RC 7:30 am |
Hike Jackson RidgeThis is a hike from Echo Basin (10,600ft.) along the west-most ridge of the La Plata Mountains. The Jackson Ridge (12,200ft.) lies to the south of Mt. Hesperus, with excellent views of all the western La Plata peaks and beyond Sleeping Ute into Utah. Our route 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. Carpool $7. High Clearance vehicles required for 3 miles of rocky road. Limit 12, dogs on approval only. High Clearance vehicles required. Carpool $7 |
Moderate, 5.75 miles, 1600 ft elevation gain, Moderate pace |
| Wed, Oct 27 |
WW hike
|
Moderate |
| Wed, Oct 27
|
WEH Hike Three Springs LoopThree Springs Spurline Loop Trailhead. Dogs OK if kept under control. Bring leash. Carpool $2 |
Easy, 1.8 mile, mostly level |
| Thu, Oct 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 |
| Mon, Nov 1 RC 8:00 am |
Hike / Snowshoe Ice LakeHike or snowshoe, or both, up to Ice Lake. If the gully over to Island Lake is not too scary, we will venture over there too. Dogs OK. Carpool $8. Limit 15. Hunting season wear orange. |
Hard, 7.5 miles, 2700 ft Moderately brisk pace |
| Mon, Nov 1 RC 10:00 am |
Monday Road Bike RideThis is a 16-mile bike ride from the Rec Center stopping at PJs and back. |
16 miles, moderate pace |
| Wed, Nov 3
|
WW hike
|
Easy Flat 5-7 miles Easy Pace |
| Thu, Nov 4 RC 10:00 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 |
| Tue, Nov 9
|
SO! General MeetingSocial half-hour on the terrace at 5:30 with snacks & refreshments, then meeting and program inside from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Face masks are required when indoors. |
Easy, fun and informative. |
| Wed, Nov 10
|
WW hike
|
Easy Flat 5-7 miles Easy Pace |
| Thu, Nov 11
|
Hike Snowden TarnsFrom Andrews Lake we will take the usual trail to the back of Snowden meadows, then we are mostly off-trail. Our route climbs a talus field to a tarn at the base of Snowden, then over a mild pass at 12,100 ft. to Three Lakes Basin. Then it is a downhill bushwhack until we hit the Crater Lake Trail and return to our starting point. Early snow/icy conditions may require micro-spikes or snowshoes. |
Hard, 7.8 miles 1500 ft. elevation gain. |
| Mon, Nov 15 SRP 8:00 am |
Sand Canyon Through HikeThe Sand Canyon Trail crosses Canyon of the Ancients National Monument and contains many ancestral Puebloan sites. We will split up and hike the trail from opposite directions, hopefully meeting and trading car keys halfway through to avoid an out and back. For more information click here to see the BLM website. |
Moderate, 6.5 miles, moderate pace |
| Wed, Nov 17
|
WW hike
|
Easy Flat 5-7 miles Easy Pace |
| Wed, Nov 24
|
WW hike
|
Easy Flat 5-7 miles Easy Pace |
| Wed, Dec 1
|
WW hike
|
Easy Flat 5-7 miles Easy Pace |
| Fri, Dec 3 |
Snowshoe Snowden 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 Snowden 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 |
Moderate 4.1 miles 800 ft |
| Wed, Dec 8
|
WW hike
|
Easy Flat 5-7 miles Easy Pace |
| Fri, Dec 10
|
Friday
|
|
| Wed, Dec 15 SRP 9:30 am |
WW hike
|
Easy Flat 5-7 miles Easy 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