What we’re about
Hello!
Sometimes it seems like there is a gap in hiking groups: groups that do really easy things or groups that are much more challenging. I am planning to keep this a little more intermediate. Some hikes will be more advanced hikes, but done at a bit slower pace. This is a group to enjoy the out doors and get to know your fellow hikers. As I do like to get away from the crowds, hikes will be 1-2 hrs away but, hey, I live near Pine so this is for the Denver/Boulder folks.
I tend to lead hikes south of Mt. Falcon near Morrison at this time. I also host the Colorado Target Shooting and Co-host the Denver PrepperNet groups.
Things to know:
Intermediate group- anywhere from 4 to 10ish miles, may or may not be a trail, elevation gain/loss will vary but can be considerable, we go out to eat after, do plan most of your day for this. I will usually meet with the group at local eatery at the conclusion of the hike.
^We are not a run to the top group. We are out there to enjoy the sights, laugh lots, and take photographs. However there is a wide range and speeds and abilities. I want you to be comfortable and enjoy your hike. Be aware of your abilities.
^Well trained and friendly dogs will be very welcome. I often look for hikes where they can be off leash, so that is usually in National Forests. I bring cookies ;-)
^While children are not excluded, there may be adult language and conversation on the trail.
^You are responsible for bringing your own supplies, gear, traction footwear, water, first aid, and snacks. While this group is amazing about sharing, being prepared will make it a much more comfortable and enjoyable trip for you.
In this age of COVID-19 please take care to make yourself safe. I am all about personal responsibility and self safety. What precautions that you take are up to you!! Obviously, if you're sick stay home.
I look so forward to walking next to you!!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- HIKE TO BAKER’S TANK: BRECKENRIDGE, CO.Boreas Pass Loop Trailhead, Breckenridge, CO
HIKE TO BAKER’S TANK: BRECKENRIDGE, CO.
-Don Kastle- I DON’T ALWAYS DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT BUT WHEN I DO, I’M DRIVING THROUGH SUMMIT AND EAGLE COUNTY.
A bunch of us hiked this trail about 8 years ago and though I always wanted to hike it again, other hikes and trails pop up and I forget half of the hikes I’ve already done.
But this trail is a pretty nice hike though it’s a bit of a rollercoaster type of trail.The Baker’s Tank Loop is a 7 mile loop hike with a starting elevation of 10,350 ft and an ending elevation of 11,050 ft. This hike is rated moderate to difficult to Baker’s Tank, but on the return we could always hike down the former very wide railroad bed which is a blast with Boreas Pass Road running parallel with the trail. Hiking beside someone is a lot different than hiking behind someone.
We’ll begin the hike at the trailhead for Baker’s Tank Trail and follow the blue diamonds. The narrow winding trail ascends rather steeply at times before descending into a drainage area around the halfway point.
When we come to a junction we’ll continue to the right and continue hiking parallel with Boreas Pass Road and the trail leading into a very nice meadow just above Baker’s Tank on the right.This tank was used to supply water to locomotives that ran between Como and Breckenridge.
This is where we either head back onto the trail or some of us will hike down the railroad trail back to the trailhead.I’ll tell you the panorama views are spectacular so bring a camera with you.
I’d like to be able to tell you how to get there but there are so many directions depending where you’re coming from so please use whatever directional app you have to Baker’s Tank Trailhead.
I hope to see you all at the camping area on Boreas Pass and the Baker’s Tank Loop.
Drive Safe
Don
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Be sure to read this and understand these TERMS OF SERVICE WAIVERS before signing up for any and all events:
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death
~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
BELIEVE ME! NO ONE IS AS HAPPY TO HAVE ONE AS I AM! ONLY $3.00.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a CORSAR Card.
~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included) - THE BURNING BEAR TRAIL (EAST): GUANELLA PASSBurning Bear Trailhead #601, Grant, CO
Hikers and Campers,
Be sure to read this and understand these TERMS OF SERVICE WAIVERS before signing up for any and all events:
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death.
~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included) especially after the dangers of some roads are mentioned in the postings.
~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
This is only a bit of advice, recommendation and suggestion but…BELIEVE ME! NO ONE IS AS HAPPY TO HAVE ONE AS I AM! ONLY $3.00.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a CORSAR Card.
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THE BURNING BEAR TRAIL: HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...GUANELLA PASS IS OPEN!
~ Though most of the trail is enclosed by pine trees there are spots on the trail which could be a bit icy so it may be a good idea to bring along a pair of traction for your boots anywayThis trail is quite possibly one of my top ten of my favorite trails to hike
~I'll update on all weather conditions and temperatures
~Dogs on a leash~Carpooling: The Fort parking lot located at: 19192 Highway 8, Morrison, CO 80465. I wouldn't leave no later than 8:30. I won't be able to carpool. I'll be lookin' for future camping spots on Guanella Pass for meteror showers!
~Drive Southbound U.S. Hwy 285 through Bailey, then continue for 10.8 miles to Grant. Turn right (north) on Park County Road #62 (sometimes called the Guanella Pass Road) and drive 4.9 miles to the trailhead at a turn in the road. There is a sign and gate on the left (north) side of the road at the trailhead. Parking is available 0.2 miles further at the parking area for the Abyss Lake/Burning Bear East trailhead
~The Burning Bear Trail is a 7.5 mile round-trip hike, moderate difficult hiking rating with an elevation gain of 1,353
~Remember to cross the road from the Abyss/Burning Bear parking lot where the trailhead for the Burning Bear Trail begins. You’ll see a metal cow guard gate.
From the trailhead gate, the trail leads northwest in an open meadow for about 200 yards and then crosses a bridge over Geneva Creek. From the trailhead we'll come to a fork in the trail that is marked by a sign post.
The first mile is relatively flat. We then leave the meadow area and begin climbing through a stand of lodge-pole pine. At about 2 ½ miles from the trailhead, we'll come to remnants of an old log cabin on the left. Above this point, the trail begins to steepen on a series of switchbacks to the ridge summit at 3.7 miles/7.4 mile round trip.
The high point of the trail is marked by a six-foot dead tree stump having two metal diamond shaped markers. From this ridge, we'll come to Burning Bear Creek where we usually turn around.Discuss carpooling and drive safely
Have a great week everybody.
DonNot open - BLODGETT DISPERSED CAMPING/HOMESTAKE RD: HOLY CROSS WILDERNESSBlodgett Campground, Leadville, CO
BY JULY HOMESTAKE CREEK SHOULD NOT LOOK SO FROSTY!!!
Campers and Hikers,
Please the read the TERMS OF SERVICE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
~Camping: ~You do not have to camp on the days I have scheduled. Come and leave whenever you want to, as a matter of fact I usually start camping sometime on Thursday and stay until Saturday evening. This way those coming up later in the week or the weekend will have a place to camp with those who are already there.
~ I always do my best to find dispersed camping sites near towns for several reasons and purposes. In case of an emergency, First Response Teams will be able to get to an injured person a bit sooner and safer.
~ Smoking anything around a campfire pretty much offends most everyone including incense.
~ Marijuana,Vaping and Alcohol: This waiver of liability covers the organizers of this group! https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
~ PLEASE, NO GENERATORS, RV’S as large as aircraft carriers and there is no purpose of using up land to set up a homestead that other campers could use to set up a tent. Small Trailers and Pop Tops are fine.
~Dispersed camping is not about having amenities. It doesn’t involve a camp host or reservations. Dispersed camping is best defined as free camping. You don’t even need to know the exact dates you want to come and go.
~be sure to bring a couple bundles of wood
~Fishing: You will need to purchase a Colorado Fishing License. I have no idea how much they cost, the type of bait you’ll need to use, types of fish or if HOMESTAKE CREEK is catch and release.
~HIKING: There are also a few really nice hikes up the road (a few miles) from where we’ll be camping.
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BLODGETT DISPERSED CAMPGROUND
*Important Information: The Holy Cross Wilderness. This Wilderness is for your use and enjoyment, but you have an obligation to leave it unimpaired for future generations. Please understand your responsibilities when visiting these special places and leave no trace of your visit.
~We will be camping alongside HOMESTAKE CREEK with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains including Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive and several more.
This is a link for a map for HOMESTAKE RD.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5186534.pdf
~Look for my Colorado State Flag. I hope to see you around the campfires!
DRIVE SAFELY
Don
