South Castle Rock: 8mi, 1.5kFtElevGain, Moderate Difficulty

Let's explore the less traveled Southern expanse of Castle Rock!

Course
Check out the route on AllTrails or Komoot. You can view the overall Castle Rock park map PDF. The hiking paths we take will add up to roughly 8 miles in length with around 1,500 feet of total elevation gain. Depending on how the group feels, we may grab food in town after the hike.

Trailhead Parking
We will be parking in the dirt lot on Old Mill Rd near the intersection of Highway 9 (Google Maps, Apple Maps). The lot is limited, carpooling is advised if people are comfortable with that. In case the dirt lot fills up, there are a few extra spots on Highway 9 where it meets Highway 236 (Google Maps, Apple Maps) and along the roads near that intersection.

Bathroom Availability
There are bathrooms at the Waterman Gap Trail Camp (Google Maps, Apple Maps). Once everyone has arrived, we can walk the 0.3 miles to the bathrooms if anyone needs to use them before the hike begins. If you arrive early and head to the bathrooms on your own, remember to let someone know so we don't start the hike without you. Additionally, we will be walking past the same set of bathrooms on the return portion of the hike as well.

Equipment & Hydration
Wear appropriate hiking shoes, comfortable clothing for the exertion and sun protection for the weather. This hike is new territory for me, and there may be a river crossing so consider bringing extra socks.

Bring adequate water and/or snacks to stay hydrated and fueled during the hike.

I encourage everyone to download the PDF map to their phone and sync the GPS routes to their smart device(s) ahead of the hike.

Tick Safety
Hiking involves a chance of picking up ticks on the trails, but there are ways to reduce the chances of this and protect yourself. Please read this helpful guide from REI and consider the best option for you!

Cancellation
Hike will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or other unsafe conditions.

Disclaimer
Joining any of our hikes is voluntary and there may be some risks associated with this physical activity. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that they are physically fit and in good health to participate in hiking activities. By participating, you (and your guests) are agreeing to the Meetup Usage and Content Policies: Rules for Using Meetup located here: https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-Content-Policies-Rules-for-Using-Meetup

Hikers need to be prepared with the appropriate water, food or lunch, layers clothes, sturdy hiking shoes, hiking poles, and first aid supplies. Hike hosts make no warranties about the quality, safety, or supervision of these activities. Hiking organizers/ hosts are not professionals in this field and may occasionally get lost which will extend the time period for the hike. Hikers are OK to go ahead of leader, but wait at trails intersection and maintain visible distance between other hikers.

Liability Waiver
By signing up to join this hiking event, you hereby release it's organizers, hosts, and all participants from any and all liabilities, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and /or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You are acknowledging the requirements, the possible risks and are taking responsibility for your own health and safety issues. And Safety matters!