The Denver Trail Heads

The new Mighty Argo Cable Car officially opens Friday, May 22nd. However, they're offering 50% off on the 18th to 21st, so lets go on Thursday, May 21st when tickets will cost $25 instead of $50. YOU WILL HAVE TO BUY YOUR OWN TICKET.

We will ride the cable car up. Hike around the trails at the top. Try out the food at the top (no cash, card only). Then ride the gondola back down. Expect a hike of about 5 miles.

PLAN TO ARRIVE AT 10AM AT THE GONDOLA. That's when they open.

The big issue will be logistics. (1) The Floyd Hill construction project often starts blasting at 9am and will hold traffic for up to 45 minutes. (2) Parking at the Argo is $14.95, so I plan to use the free city parking about a half mile away. There's a map online: https://www.parkidahosprings.com/ I saw free parking at: 39.741845,-105.5148 Paid parking is $2-$3 per hour, meaning the $14.95 might be a better choice. (3) If you buy your ticket online, you need to pick a time, I may buy my ticket in person since who knows what time we'll arrive.

If you, me, the group, whoever gets stuck in the blasting traffic, you can try to meet us on the trail. I'll send my cell # out the night before the hike.

If you want to go inside the Argo Mill, that's a separate ticket and you can do that after the gondola. Tours are at the top of the hour and $30: https://argomilltour.com/

Wear layers & bring a jacket since it is the mountains/foothills.

*This hike is being organized/led by Cherokee Castle*
There is a fee and you must sign up at:
https://ci.ovationtix.com/36426/production/1080325

From website:
Rating: Difficult – Sustained hiking off trail for over 4 miles (Approx. 4 hours) ***This hike is for experienced hikers that are in good physical condition.

Enjoy the beauty that is Cherokee Ranch! This trek proceeds through game trails and rugged terrain so some hiking experience is necessary. You’ll visit the largest petrified woods in the state of Colorado, climb to the highest point on this pristine land, and loop through some of the more remote and fascinating parts of the Ranch not available to public visitors.

Difficult Hike: These hikes are longer than 3 miles and include extensive steep off-trail hiking. Difficult hikes are recommended for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Participants can expect rugged terrain, challenging conditions and significant changes in elevation. We recommend that you wear long pants and have good hiking shoes or boots.

All hikes require shoes that protect your feet--sandals or shoes that do not cover your feet are not permitted. We recommend a minimum of 1 liter of water for every 2 hours of hiking. Most hikes are in open meadows and exposed slopes; so all participants should wear sunscreen and consider a hat. Snacks are recommended for any hike over two hours.