Colorado Trails! Hiking, Running, Snowshoeing, and more

Hikers and Campers,
Be sure to read this and understand these TERMS OF SERVICE WAIVERS before signing up for any and all events:
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death.
~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included) especially after the dangers of some roads are mentioned in the postings.

~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
This is only a bit of advice, recommendation and suggestion but…BELIEVE ME! NO ONE IS AS HAPPY TO HAVE ONE AS I AM! ONLY $3.00.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a COR​​SAR Card.
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THE BURNING BEAR TRAIL: HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...GUANELLA PASS IS OPEN!
~ Though most of the trail is enclosed by pine trees there are spots on the trail which could be a bit icy so it may be a good idea to bring along a pair of traction for your boots anyway

This trail is quite possibly one of my top ten of my favorite trails to hike
~I'll update on all weather conditions and temperatures
~Dogs on a leash

~Carpooling: The Fort parking lot located at: 19192 Highway 8, Morrison, CO 80465. I wouldn't leave no later than 8:30. I won't be able to carpool. I'll be lookin' for future camping spots on Guanella Pass for meteror showers!

~Drive Southbound U.S. Hwy 285 through Bailey, then continue for 10.8 miles to Grant. Turn right (north) on Park County Road #62 (sometimes called the Guanella Pass Road) and drive 4.9 miles to the trailhead at a turn in the road. There is a sign and gate on the left (north) side of the road at the trailhead. Parking is available 0.2 miles further at the parking area for the Abyss Lake/Burning Bear East trailhead

~The Burning Bear Trail is a 7.5 mile round-trip hike, moderate difficult hiking rating with an elevation gain of 1,353
~Remember to cross the road from the Abyss/Burning Bear parking lot where the trailhead for the Burning Bear Trail begins. You’ll see a metal cow guard gate.
From the trailhead gate, the trail leads northwest in an open meadow for about 200 yards and then crosses a bridge over Geneva Creek. From the trailhead we'll come to a fork in the trail that is marked by a sign post.
The first mile is relatively flat. We then leave the meadow area and begin climbing through a stand of lodge-pole pine. At about 2 ½ miles from the trailhead, we'll come to remnants of an old log cabin on the left. Above this point, the trail begins to steepen on a series of switchbacks to the ridge summit at 3.7 miles/7.4 mile round trip.
The high point of the trail is marked by a six-foot dead tree stump having two metal diamond shaped markers. From this ridge, we'll come to Burning Bear Creek where we usually turn around.

Discuss carpooling and drive safely
Have a great week everybody.
Don

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Be sure to read this and understand these TERMS OF SERVICE WAIVERS before signing up for any and all events:
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death

~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
BELIEVE ME! NO ONE IS AS HAPPY TO HAVE ONE AS I AM! ONLY $3.00.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a COR​​SAR Card.

~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included)
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~You do not have to camp on the days I have scheduled. Come and leave whenever you want to as a matter of fact I usually start camping sometime on Thursday and stay until after a hike on Saturday. I avoid RVs the size of aircraft carriers, pulling another trailer chugging up I-70 or any other highway…BOTH WAYS!!! This way those coming up later in the week or the weekend will have a place to camp with those who are already there.
~ Let’s leave the keys of our stresses and anxiety on a tree branch at home and pick-up the keys to what may be a very peaceful time of your life and bring them along with you.
~ I always do my best to find dispersed camping sites near towns for several of your own reasons
~ In case of an emergency First Response Teams will be able to get to an injured person a bit sooner and safer.
We’ll be camping at:

ROAD 72 DISPERSED CAMPING
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Moderate
Road 72 offer mile upon mile of dispersed camping near Winter Park, just southwest of the town of Fraser. This is a popular dispersed camping area that is accessible for most vehicles, including small RVs and those pulling a trailer. In addition to the campsites along the main road, we'll find a quieter site on one of the many spur roads that lead south off of 72.
Keep in mind that many folk will also look to camp along Road 73, north of here, although that is not officially permitted per the Arapaho National Forest MVUM. (Don't do this)
Road 72 is a good option if you prefer to be close to services, as its an easy drive into Fraser or Winter Park from here. For that convenience, you’ll give up a certain amount of privacy, although that is an easy trade off for many campers looking for convenient campsite.

Be sure to look up on most websites of what you ought to bring...that's your responsibility.

Hopefully we'll see some shooting stars and other space objects floating around!
Bring Wood and Water.
See you all soon,
Don

~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death

~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
BELIEVE ME! NO ONE IS AS HAPPY TO HAVE ONE AS I AM! ONLY $3.00.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a COR​​SAR Card.

~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included)

~Hiking THE DEADHORSE CREEK/SPRUCE CREEK TRAIL LOOP.
This hike is a 7 mile round trip loop with a moderate rating. The starting elevation is at 9,108 ft with a high point of 10,363 ft with an elevation gain of 2,710 ft.
This hike takes place in the gorgeous Winter Park-Fraser Valley area below the Vasquez and Byers Peak bWilderness area.
The Deadhorse Creek Trail heads southwest from the parking lot, following the signs for the St. Louis Creek and Deadhorse Loop Trails.
Heading eastward on the switchback trail we'll see the west-facing side of the Indian Peaks.
Once we see the sign for the Spruce Creek Trail we begin the second portion of the loop which blends back into the Deadhorse Creek Trail then onward back to the parking lot.

Driving Directions:
~Take Interstate 70 to US 40 (Empire) drive through Empire and over Berthoud Pass. Slow down through Empire.
~Drive over Berthoud Pass, through Winter Park then into Fraser.
Unless the town has added another stop light, take a left at the only stoplight in town.
~Proceed under the railroad bridge, and turn right onto St. Louis Creek Road 160.
~Take a left at the first stop sign and follow the dirt road to the Deadhorse Creek Trailhead.

After the hike how about checking out the Crooked Creek Bar and Grill and discuss our evening plans

This is a very nice hiking trail filled with a few past memories!
I'll see those who sign up in June, around the campfires and certainly on the trails
See you all soon.
Don

BY JULY HOMESTAKE CREEK SHOULD NOT LOOK SO FROSTY!!!
Campers and Hikers,
Please the read the TERMS OF SERVICE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
~Camping: ~You do not have to camp on the days I have scheduled. Come and leave whenever you want to, as a matter of fact I usually start camping sometime on Thursday and stay until Saturday evening. This way those coming up later in the week or the weekend will have a place to camp with those who are already there.
~ I always do my best to find dispersed camping sites near towns for several reasons and purposes. In case of an emergency, First Response Teams will be able to get to an injured person a bit sooner and safer.
~ Smoking anything around a campfire pretty much offends most everyone including incense.
~ Marijuana,Vaping and Alcohol: This waiver of liability covers the organizers of this group! https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
~ PLEASE, NO GENERATORS, RV’S as large as aircraft carriers and there is no purpose of using up land to set up a homestead that other campers could use to set up a tent. Small Trailers and Pop Tops are fine.
~Dispersed camping is not about having amenities. It doesn’t involve a camp host or reservations. Dispersed camping is best defined as free camping. You don’t even need to know the exact dates you want to come and go.
~be sure to bring a couple bundles of wood
~Fishing: You will need to purchase a Colorado Fishing License. I have no idea how much they cost, the type of bait you’ll need to use, types of fish or if HOMESTAKE CREEK is catch and release.
~HIKING: There are also a few really nice hikes up the road (a few miles) from where we’ll be camping.
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BLODGETT DISPERSED CAMPGROUND
*Important Information: The Holy Cross Wilderness. This Wilderness is for your use and enjoyment, but you have an obligation to leave it unimpaired for future generations. Please understand your responsibilities when visiting these special places and leave no trace of your visit.
~We will be camping alongside HOMESTAKE CREEK with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains including Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive and several more.
This is a link for a map for HOMESTAKE RD.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5186534.pdf

~Look for my Colorado State Flag. I hope to see you around the campfires!
DRIVE SAFELY
Don

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Be sure to read this and understand these TERMS OF SERVICE WAIVERS before signing up for any and all events:
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death.

~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included) especially after the dangers of some roads are mentioned in the postings.

~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
This is only a bit of advice, recommendation and suggestion but…BELIEVE ME! NO ONE IS AS HAPPY TO HAVE ONE AS I AM! ONLY $3.00.

Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a COR​​SAR Card.

Camping: ~You do not have to camp on the days I have scheduled. Come and leave whenever you want to as a matter of fact I usually start camping sometime on Thursday and stay until Saturday evening. I avoid RVs the size of aircraft carriers, pulling another trailer chugging up any highway…BOTH WAYS!!! This way those coming up later in the week or the weekend will have a place to camp with those who are already there.
~ I always do my best to find dispersed camping sites near towns for several of your own reasons and purposes.
~ In case of an emergency, First Response Teams will be able to get to an injured person a bit sooner and safer.
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Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado: “Colorado is the only state on the Continental United States where you can fit in all four seasons in one single day.”
You Betcha Governor!

HUNKY DORY LAKE: HOLY CROSS WILDERNESS
I’ve been wanting to hike this trail for a very, very long time.
The Hunky Dory Lake is located at the edge of the Holy Cross Wilderness, is a moderate destination in the midst of an area full of natural beauty and various other hiking destinations, including: Holy Cross City, Cleveland Lake, Fancy Pass Lake and Fall Creek Pass all can be reached from the route to Hunky Dory Lake along French Creek.

The Hunky Dory Lake Trail is a moderate 7 mile round trip with a starting elevation of 9,320 ft. and an elevation gain of 2, 090 ft.
Directions: I have always considered U.S. 24 from Minturn all the way to Leadville GOD’S OWN OPEN ROAD God's Own Open Road - YouTube written and performed by Tish Hinojosa. Damn good traveling song that hits the soul in a whole different way! Wait until you see your surroundings!

From Interstate I-70 west of Vail, CO: take exit 171 then drive south on U.S. 24 for 12.7 miles through Minturn, over the Redcliffe Bridge until you come to Forest Road 703, which leads you into Blodgett Campground (also known as Homestake Rd and Campground) which is where several of us will be camping (dispersed)

Follow Homestake Rd parallel to Homestake Creek for 7.3 miles. Park at the trailhead right of Gold Park, near a sign describing the four-wheel-drive to Holy Cross City…Don’t worry, from here we begin our hike. No four-wheeling!

The Hike: If you arrive late; We’ll begin west from Gold Park up the road that ascends the valley through Aspen groves on the north side of French Creek. After 2.9 miles we’ll pass a signboard where we’ll cross FANCY PASS CREEK then pass around a vehicle road barrier.
The final 0.5 mile will take us to Hunky Dory Lake with Whitney Peak rising to the north winking at you! From here we’ll head on down to the Lake, Talk B.S, take some photos and sit for a spell.

I’ll see you either at the campground or at the trailhead
Drive Safely,
Don

On August 1, 1876, 28 days after the Centennial of the United States, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signed a proclamation admitting the state of Colorado to the Union as the 38th state and earning it the moniker THE CENTENNIAL STATE.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death
~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx

If you already have a fishing or hunting license you already have a CORSAR CARD.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a COR​​SAR Card.

Here’s a list of hiking essentials: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
I always carry some type of spikes and body, feet/toe/ finger/hand warmers at all times. (Army-Navy Surplus!!!)
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The Baker’s Tank Loop is a 7 mile loop hike with a starting elevation of 10,350 ft and an ending elevation of 11,050 ft. This hike is rated moderate to difficult for Baker's Tank.
On the return we could always hike down the former very wide railroad bed which is a blast and Boreas Pass Road which runs parallel with the trail. Hiking beside someone is a lot different than hiking behind someone.
We’ll begin the hike at the trailhead for Baker’s Tank Trail and follow the blue diamonds. The narrow winding trail ascends rather steeply at times before descending into a drainage area around the halfway point.
From here we’ll continue to the right when we come to a junction and continuing with Boreas Pass Road runs parallel with the trail leading into a very nice meadow just above Baker’s Tank on the right
This tank was used to supply water to locomotives that ran between Como and Breckenridge.
This is where we either head back onto the trail or some of us will hike down the railroad trail back to the trailhead.
I hope to see you all at the camping area on Boreas Pass and the Baker’s Tank Loop.
Drive Safe
Don

Campers and Hikers,
Please the read the TERMS OF SERVICE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
~Camping: ~You do not have to camp on the days I have scheduled. Come and leave whenever you want to. I usually start camping sometime on Thursday and stay until Saturday evening. This way those coming up later in the week or the weekend will have a place to camp with those who are already there.
~ I always do my best to find dispersed camping sites near towns for several reasons and purposes. In case of an emergency, First Response Teams will be able to get to an injured person a bit sooner and safer.
~ Smoking anything around a campfire pretty much offends most everyone
~ PLEASE, NO GENERATORS, Small Trailers and Pop Tops are fine.
~Dispersed camping is not about having amenities. It doesn’t involve a camp host or reservations. Dispersed camping is best defined as free camping.
~be sure to bring a couple bundles of wood
~Fishing: You will need to purchase a Colorado Fishing License. I have no idea how much they cost, the type of bait you’ll need to use, types of fish or if HOMESTAKE CREEK is catch and release.
~HIKING: There are also a few really nice hikes up the road (a few miles) from where we’ll be camping.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLODGETT DISPERSED CAMPGROUND
*Important Information: The Holy Cross Wilderness. This Wilderness is for your use and enjoyment, but you have an obligation to leave it unimpaired for future generations. Please understand your responsibilities when visiting these special places and leave no trace of your visit.
~We will be camping alongside HOMESTAKE CREEK with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains including Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive and several more.
This is a link for a map for HOMESTAKE RD.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5186534.pdf
~Look for my Colorado State Flag. I hope to see you around the campfires!

DRIVE SAFELY
Don

Hikers and Campers,
Be sure to read this and understand these TERMS OF SERVICE WAIVERS before signing up for any and all events:
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death.
~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included) especially after the dangers of some roads are mentioned in the postings.

~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx
This is only a bit of advice, recommendation and suggestion but…BELIEVE ME! NO ONE IS AS HAPPY TO HAVE ONE AS I AM! ONLY $3.00.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Dedicated VOLUNTEER search and rescue (BSAR) professionals, across Colorado, are ready to mobilize to help those stranded, lost, or injured in the Colorado backcountry. Your Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) contribution supplies reimbursements to SAR teams for costs incurred while conducting search and rescue operations, and to provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue-related equipment and training. Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a COR​​SAR Card.

THE FANCY LAKE TRAIL
* The Fancy Lake trail is located in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area of the White River National Forest between Minturn and Leadville, Colorado. This Wilderness is for your use and enjoyment, but you have an obligation to leave it unimpaired for future generations. Please understand your responsibilities when visiting these special places and leave no trace of your visit.

The Fancy Lake Trail is a moderate-moderately difficult hike with 6-7.5 mile round trip a beginning elevation of 10,016 and ending elevation of 11,596 feet

Beginning off of Forest Service Road 727 the trail climbs steeply up the Fancy Creek drainage to Fancy Lake. A loop, that is popular with backpackers, can be formed by continuing past Fancy Lake and over Fancy Pass to Treasure Vault Lake and then over Missouri Pass where a descent is made down the Missouri Lakes drainage and back to the trailhead.

The trail starts out on a moderately steep slope that it maintains all the way to the lake.
While the trail itself is well maintained and easy to follow numerous rocks and tree roots protruding from its base make it feel more primitive in nature.
Near the 1 mile point the trail crosses to the north side of Fancy Creek.
A short distance after crossing the creek the current trail meets up with the original trail which was an old jeep road up to this point. The original trail followed a much more direct route and was actually about a half mile shorter than the current trail.

Just past the 2 mile point the trail rises above the 11,000 foot elevation. About 1/2 mile from Fancy Lake a memorable series of short switchbacks work their way up and over a rocky outcrop.
A short ridge separates Fancy Lake from the trail that continues on over Fancy Pass which is another 900 feet or so higher in elevation than the lake.

Directions from Minturn: Drive about 10.7 miles south from Minturn on Highway 24 over the RedCliffe Bridge and turn right onto the Homestake Road, FR #703. Continue for another 10 miles by following the signs to Missouri Lakes.
The Fancy Lake and Missouri Lakes trailheads are within a few hundred feet of each other. Fancy Lake will be on the right across from the restroom

Bring a lunch, plenty of water, SUNSCREEN…
See you all soon
Don