This Meetup was canceled.
Details
This should make a nice evening hike. We should be able to complete it in 2 hours with a moderate pace.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3 Mile loop
***Meet at the trailhead at 6:30 pm**************
(Approximate drive time from south Denver area is about 1-1:15 hours depending on traffic and route)
Pictures and Information:
http://funcoloradohikes.com/pine_valley_ranch.html
Park View:
http://jeffco.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R17.htm
Pine Valley Ranch (a Jefferson County Open Space Park) was once a working Ranch in the early 1900’s along the Platte River and the railroad. The park now includes hiking trails, a lake for fishing, picnic pavilions, miles of mountain biking trails, the old lodge, and an observatory.
The Park View Trail is a shady, uphill climb to a lookout point where you will be able to see the beautiful surroundings of the valley. You will start by hiking around part of Pine Lake and then up the side of the mountain through the pine trees. From the trail you will catch glimpses of the lake, the surrounding hills, as well as the rushing Platte River below. The trail is well-traveled and well-maintained with wooden stairs and railings to make the terrain easier to hike.
The trail moves out of the park along the Strawberry Jack portion and then back into the park on Buck Gulch portion. This area is a beautiful hike through pine forest and down to the lake. The walk along the lake is a pleasant section to end your hike.
This is a huge park and it accommodates many visitors. It is not a low traffic area as you will notice when you arrive in the parking lot. Visit early on a weekend or on a weekday to avoid the crowds. It is a great place to have a cookout. Restrooms available at the parking/picnic area.
Picnic spot recommendations:
We like to pack our food and head up the trail to eat at the lookout of Park View Trail. If you prefer, there are a lot picnic tables near the river with grills if you like to cookout.
*I am new to the area so I am including as much information as I can but, this looks like we can figure it out ;)
Getting There
https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=US-285+S&daddr=Crystal+Lake+Rd&geocode=FX7DXAIdrDW7-Q%3BFRBTWQId8IW4-Q&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=39.410733,-105.316315&sspn=0.54961,1.349945&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=39.535822,-105.25177&spn=0.370691,0.583649&z=10
30400 Crystal Lake Rd., Pine
From U.S. Highway 285, turn south on Pine Valley Road (County Road 126) to Crystal Lake Road. Turn right 1 mile into the park.
Car Pooling is encouraged, please remember cash for your drivers gas/mileage. If you are interested please post in RSVP. Also, if anyone is up for a stop afterward and has suggestions-please post. Thank you!