EAGLE CLIFFS, PIKE'S PEAK & CATAMOUNT SCENIC OVERLOOKS: STAUNTON STATE PARK!

Staunton State Park – Eagle Cliffs, Pike's Peak & Catamount scenic overlooks

Difficulty: Moderate - approx. 8.5 miles; 1,600 feet elevation gain.

FEE: THERE IS A $10 FEE FOR A DAY PASS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS.
See further info here: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/Staunton/

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
The scenic Bear Paw Trail route travels to THREE STUNNING OVERLOOKS, including Eagle Cliffs, Pike's Peak, and Catamount; each providing panoramic views. Staunton opened to the public in May, 2013 as the 41st Colorado State Park. The scenery and setting of Staunton are unique. Geologic features, such as large rock outcrops and dramatic cliffs, dominate many of the views in the park, and the ponderosa pine stands are some of the most mature along the Front Range. This is a loop trail with beautiful scenic views of rock cliffs, distant mountains, and expansive valleys.

Here is a link to the alltrails route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/colorado/mason-creek-bear-paw-old-mill-and-staunton-ranch-trail-loop?

***We wait 5 minutes MAXIMUM for hikers who arrive late, out of consideration for those arriving on time. Please allow some extra time to drive to the trailhead.***
IMPORTANT: Your participation in this event is at your own risk, and you are solely responsible for your personal hiking experience, from start to finish. Please consider your fitness/comfort level & the demands of this hike (length/elevation gain/difficulty) prior to signing up.

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOWING PARK RULES: Dogs must be on a leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the hike. Dog owners must clean up and dispose of pet waste.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS:
We will meet at the Staunton State Park MEADOW LOT. After entering the park's main entrance, pass through the pay station and the first parking lot/visitor's center, on your left. Continue up the road a short distance to the large, covered picnic shelter and parking lot on your left. Directly across the road, on your right, is the (paved) MEADOW LOT, which is our meeting place. Restrooms available at this location. DO NOT continue farther up the road to the Lazy V Parking area!

Here is a link to the Staunton map showing the Meadow Lot (called Meadow Lot Trackchair on the map):
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton/Documents/StauntonTrailsMap.pdf

DIRECTIONS: Staunton State Park: 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470
From Denver, take US Hwy. 285 south to Shaffer's Crossing, about 6 miles west of Conifer. Turn north on Elk Creek Road and follow the signs 1.5 miles to the park entrance.