EAGLE CLIFFS, PIKE'S PEAK & CATAMOUNT OVERLOOKS @ STAUNTON + LUNCH/LIVE MUSIC!

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

**I'VE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF ATTENDEES TO 28, AS THERE'S A LOT OF INTEREST IN THIS HIKE. WE'LL BREAK INTO TWO GROUPS OF 14, (THE MAX ALLOWED PER GROUP) EACH WITH A LEADER, AND KEEP 1/4 MI. APART ON THE TRAILS AS WE HIKE, TO ABIDE BY STATE PARK REGULATIONS.**

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

FEE: THERE IS A $12 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.

Link to the Alltrails trail route we'll follow:
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!

DIRECTIONS: Staunton State Park:
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.

LINK TO DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B029'49.2%22N+105%C2%B022'55.3%22W/@39.4970074,-105.382024,640m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.4970074!4d-105.382024?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

**NOTE: THESE DIRECTIONS TAKE YOU TO THE STAUNTON STATE PARK VISITOR'S CENTER; YOU'LL PROCEED UP THE ROAD FROM THERE APPROX. 1/4 MILE TO THE MEADOW LOT, ON YOUR RIGHT; THIS IS WHERE WE'LL MEET.

LUNCH/LIVE MUSIC:
After our hike, on our way home, lets relax out on the patio at BROOK'S PLACE TAVERN in Conifer and enjoy lunch and the INCREDIBLE talent of Josh Blackburn on his electric guitar! He is absolutely amazing (having enjoyed several of his shows, I can say this!)
Link to further info:
https://www.brooksplacetavern.com/