A 1-hour out and back walk along Bobolink Trail. We will meet at the trailhead off Baseline Rd. at 12pm and walk south. The gravel trail is mostly flat. Please find more detailed trail information here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bobolink-trail
Please sign the waiver and either send it to me or bring a printout before participating and please note that by RSVPing and/or participating in this event you are accepting the waiver and agreeing to all terms therein, even if you don't sign it:
RECREATIONAL HIKING WAIVER, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE OF LIABILITY
For Volunteer-Led Hiking Activities
1. Voluntary Participation
I understand that this is a recreational hiking activity organized through Meetup.com by an individual acting in a personal or volunteer capacity, not as a professional hiking guide.
I understand that the organizer is not providing a professional guiding service and that my participation is entirely voluntary. I may decline to participate or discontinue my participation, subject to taking reasonable steps to do so safely.
I understand that the organizer has not represented that they are a licensed or certified professional guide, wilderness first responder, medical professional, or search-and-rescue professional.
2. Acknowledgment of Risks
I understand that hiking and outdoor activities involve inherent and potentially serious risks, including injury, illness, permanent disability, death, and loss of or damage to personal property. These risks may exist even when reasonable precautions are taken.
Risks include, but are not limited to:
- Uneven, steep, loose, rocky, muddy, slippery, icy, or unstable terrain; slips, trips, and falls.
- Changing weather, lightning, snow, extreme temperatures, high winds, and reduced visibility.
- Altitude-related illness, dehydration, exhaustion, overexertion, and other physical reactions.
- Encounters with wildlife, insects, snakes, poisonous plants, and other natural hazards.
- Falling rocks, falling trees, trail erosion, stream crossings, and other environmental conditions.
- Getting lost, becoming separated from the group, or encountering unexpected route changes or trail closures.
- Limited cell service, delayed emergency response, difficult evacuation, and limited access to medical assistance.
- Errors in assessing terrain, weather, route conditions, or the difficulty of the hike.
- Actions or omissions of other participants or third parties.
- Equipment problems, inadequate preparation, and unexpected emergencies.
I understand that Colorado's mountain and wilderness environments can change rapidly and that risks may be greater than anticipated.
3. Assumption of Risk
I voluntarily accept and assume the inherent risks of hiking and the risks described in this Waiver, whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
I understand that I am responsible for determining whether I have the physical fitness, experience, equipment, and preparation necessary for the activity. I accept responsibility for my own decisions, actions, and conduct during the hike.
I understand that the organizer cannot eliminate any risks associated with hiking or guarantee my safety.
4. Release of Liability and Waiver of Certain Claims
In consideration of being permitted to participate in this recreational hiking activity, I release and agree not to assert claims against the following persons, solely in connection with their organization or leadership of this activity:
- The individual volunteer organizer and hike leader identified above.
- Any expressly identified volunteer assisting with the organization or leadership of this hike.
These persons are referred to collectively as the “Released Parties.”
To the fullest extent permitted by Colorado law, I release the Released Parties from claims for personal injury, illness, death, or property damage arising out of or related to my participation in the hike, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of a Released Party.
This release is intended to apply to all acts, including, but not limited to negligent acts or omissions relating to organizing or leading the hike, communicating information about the route or conditions, and making ordinary decisions concerning the activity.
I understand that this provision waives my right to seek compensation for any injuries or losses, including injuries resulting from any acts or omissions of a Released Party.
5. Responsibilities of the Participant
I agree that I am responsible for:
- Reviewing the hike description, including its distance, elevation gain, expected duration, terrain, difficulty, and stated equipment requirements.
- Honestly evaluating my physical condition, fitness, experience, and ability to complete the hike.
- Bringing appropriate footwear, clothing, water, food, and other necessary equipment.
- Monitoring my own physical condition and communicating promptly if I become unwell, injured, fatigued, or concerned about conditions.
- Following applicable laws, trail regulations, posted warnings, and reasonable safety instructions.
- Respecting wildlife, other trail users, and the natural environment.
- Making my own decisions about whether to start, continue, turn back, or discontinue participation.
- Taking reasonable care to avoid endangering myself or others.
I understand that the organizer does not know my individual capabilities, is not able to supervise participants, and is not able to ensure that every participant follows the planned route or safety instructions.
6. Nature and Limits of the Organizer's Role
I understand that the organizer is coordinating a recreational group hike and is not undertaking to provide professional guiding, individual supervision, medical services, or guaranteed emergency assistance.
The organizer may communicate general information about the route, pace, weather, equipment, and expected conditions. I understand that such information is not a guarantee of actual conditions or of my ability to complete the hike safely.
The organizer may change the route, alter the pace, stop the hike, or cancel the activity based on circumstances. I understand that the organizer cannot guarantee that the group will remain together or that every participant will receive individual assistance.
7. Emergencies and Medical Assistance
I understand that injuries and medical emergencies may occur during hiking and that emergency assistance may be delayed or difficult to obtain, particularly in remote areas.
If I am injured or appear to require emergency assistance, I authorize the organizer, when reasonably necessary and appropriate, to contact emergency services or request assistance on my behalf.
I understand that the organizer is not obligated to provide medical treatment or perform a rescue and that any assistance they choose to provide may be limited by their training, equipment, and circumstances.
I am responsible for my medical expenses, emergency transportation costs, and other expenses arising from my participation.
8. Personal Property
I understand that I am responsible for my own belongings and equipment. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I accept the risk of loss of or damage to my personal property in connection with participation in the hike.
9. Photo and Video Release
I understand that photographs, videos, or other recordings may be taken during group hiking activities.
By agreeing to this Waiver, I grant the hiking group and its organizer permission to photograph or record me during the hike and to use, reproduce, publish, display, and distribute images or recordings in which I appear for purposes related to the hiking group, including Meetup event pages, group websites, social media, event announcements, and promotional materials.
I understand that I will not receive compensation for the use of these images or recordings. I release the hiking group and its organizer from claims arising out of the authorized use of these images or recordings, including claims relating to privacy, publicity rights, or the right to inspect or approve the finished materials.
10. Emergency Contact and Health Considerations
I have considered my health and physical condition and have determined that I am sufficiently prepared to participate in this hike. I understand that I should consult a qualified medical professional if I have concerns about whether hiking is appropriate for me.
Emergency Contact Name: __________________________________
Emergency Contact Phone: __________________________________
Relevant medical or safety information I choose to disclose (optional):
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11. Governing Law and Severability
This Waiver shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, to the extent applicable.
If any provision of this Waiver is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain effective to the extent permitted by law. Any invalid provision shall be limited only to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law.
12. Acknowledgment and Signature
I have read this Waiver carefully and understand its terms. I understand that it includes an assumption of risk and a release of certain legal claims, including all claims based on negligence.
I have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek independent legal advice before signing. I am signing voluntarily and understand that signing this Waiver may affect my legal rights.
Participant's Full Legal Name:
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Participant's Signature:
Date Signed: _____________________________________________
