HIKE TO ELK FALLS + FALLS OVERLOOK: STAUNTON STATE PARK!

**FYI: HIGH WINDS ARE FORECAST OVER THiS COMING WEEKEND, ALL ALONG THE FRONT RANGE. SO, INSTEAD OF MY USUAL WEEKEND HIKE, I'VE SCHEDULED THIS HIKE FOR FRIDAY, 3/13, AS THE FORECAST IS FOR SUNSHINE, TEMPS IN THE 45-60 DEGREE RANGE, AND WINDS OF ONLY 5-6 MPH.**

From high grassy meadows at 8,100 feet to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet, Staunton State Park's varied geology, soils, water features, and climate support a rare and unexpected variety of plant life and a rich diversity of wildlife. Staunton opened to the public on May 18, 2013, and is located about 40 miles southwest of Denver, north of US Hwy. 285 and about six miles west of Conifer, in Pine, CO.

We'll hike the Staunton Ranch/Marmot Passage/Chimney Rock Trails, for a total distance of 9.5 miles, moderate difficulty, elevation range 8,120-9,060 feet. Unique features: wildlife and (in season) wildflower viewing, incredible rock formations, and best of all, the beautiful Elk Falls, cascading 100 feet down into the canyon! We'll take a break at the base of the falls for a snack, water, and photo ops, then take a short hike up to the first Elk Falls overlook to take in the incredible views of the mountains and the falls across the canyon!

***BE SURE TO BRING YOUR SPIKES FOR TRACTION; ICY/SNOWY SECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE TRAILS**

LINK TO PARK INFO. AND DETAILED TRAILS MAP:
https://friendsofstauntonstatepark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Staunton-State-Park-Brochure-2024.pdf

***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DON'T HAVE A CO. STATE PARKS PASS, A PARK FEE OF $10 PER VEHICLE IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY (cash, check, credit card accepted)***
Check out the link below for CO State Parks Pass info.:
https://cpw.state.co.us/keep-colorado-wild-pass?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=2024-keepcoloradowild&utm_content=branded&gad_source=1

***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 ARE ALLOWED AT STAUNTON STATE PARK, ON LEASH ONLY. **THE ROCKY 'STAIRS' TO THE FALLS ARE A BIT STEEP, BUT ARE TOTALLY DOABLE FOR WELL-CONTROLLED DOGS.**

DIRECTIONS: Staunton State Park: 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470

ALLTRAILS LINK TO DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
(click on the vehicle icon at top right of page):
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/elk-falls-loop-trail

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.

*** IMPORTANT!! ***
BE SURE TO DRIVE PAST THE LOWER PARKING LOTS, ALL THE WAY UP THE HILL TO WHERE THE ROAD DEAD-ENDS AT THE FARTHEST UP PARKING LOT, 'THE LAZY V', WHERE WE'LL MEET. *** The Staunton Ranch Trail, where we'll begin our hike, is near this parking lot. There are restrooms at this location. Trails are well-marked by signs throughout the park.