Colorado Trails! Hiking, Running, Snowshoeing, and more

~https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx

There are a lot of hiking trails in Steamboat. One being 11.5 miles round-trip. But I'm camping and hanging out in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs!!!
Known as one of Colorado’s most authentic mountain towns, Steamboat Springs is always high on my list of places to roadtrip, hang-out and camp.
Those of you hiking some of those heavy duty trails you may need to check out Strawberry Hot Springs while some of us are strolling downtown Steamboat looking for breweries, restaurants, thrift shops…etc. There is truly something for everyone here. Luckily for those of us hoping to camp on this camping visit, there are tons of free, dispersed camping near Steamboat Springs.
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CAMPING: Please the read the TERMS OF SERVICE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
~https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
~ PLEASE, NO GENERATORS or RV’S as large as aircraft carriers. 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.
~ In addition we as organizers are not responsible for any damage done to your vehicles, mobile homes, trailers (pop tops included)
~You do not have to camp on the days I have scheduled. Come and leave whenever you want to. Some people have stayed past the day I’ve scheduled. 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.
~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 catch and release.
~HIKING: There are also a few really nice hikes up the road (a few miles) from where we’ll be camping.
~Festivals:
~ Communal Dinners: I have no clue how to put one together!
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Forest Service Road 251/Rabbit Ears Pass Summit
Distance to Steamboat Springs: 20 miles
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Moderate

I’m hoping 20 miles from Steamboat isn’t that far to drive but this is one of my favorite getaways. Besides, you’re on U.S. 40…70 MPH! Put the pedal to the metal for 20 miles!!! https://www.rexsfamily.com/creekside Breakfast Time!!!

Forest Service Road 251 sits opposite the large gravel parking lot near the top of Rabbit Ears Pass. The entire length of FR251 is open to dispersed camping. You’ll find several good sites soon after you turn off the highway. There is more shade here than many of the other dispersed campsites near Steamboat, and is why it would be my first option for early summer camping. The road is generally passable by most vehicles, although it does get a bit narrow at times. You will see a rock formation that looks like a rabbit with two ears.

My two favorite directions to arrive at Rabbit Ears Pass:
Head westbound I-70 to exit 232 turnoff blending onto U.S. 40 into Empire (watch your speed), then over Berthoud Pass into Winter Park and beyond. Stop in Granby for breakfast at Maverick's Grille. Spend a 15 minute photo shoot once you arrive in Parshall. The canyon is a don’t take your eyes off the highway moment so stop and take a few photos of this canyon. I hope the Heavenly Gates are as great as Parshall Canyon!
Continue on U.S. 40 through Kremmling then towards Rabbit Ears Pass and Steamboat Springs.

OR you could take I-70, through the tunnels, into Silverthorne then take CO-9 all the way where it merges onto U.S. 40. Great views and several photography stops of the Eagles Wilderness, then continue on U.S. 40 to Rabbit Ears turnoff.

Those with aircraft carrier type RVs good luck on this one!!!
I will be heading into Steamboat Springs Friday afternoon for a short one-half mile photo hike to Fish Creek Falls. The trailhead is located at: From Lincoln Avenue (highway 40) go north on 3rd Street then a right on Fish Creek Falls Road. Four miles to the parking lot and trailhead.

Have /great Road Trip…We should Caravan!!!
Take a lot of photos on the way!
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
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. I always carry some type of spikes/cleats and body, feet/toe/ finger/hand warmers at all times. (Army-Navy Surplus!!!)

CARPOOLING: THE FORT RESTAURANT, 19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465. I won't be able to but you should meet at around 7:45 and leave no later than 8:00 AM
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THE MERIDIAN TRAIL: CONIFER/BAILEY, CO.
The Meridian Trail is located within the Mount Evans Wilderness. The hike is a 6.5 mile round trip, beginning with an elevation of 9,070 ft and an ending elevation of 10,720 ft. (1,800 ft.) The trail is a moderate-moderate difficult hike and uphill but if I had a bobsled for a ride downhill I’d do it without hesitation!

The Meridian Trail is a steady climb which starts in the far upper reaches of Elk Creek, just west of Harris Park. The trail begins by crossing Elk Creek over a footbridge. The trail continues to climb, moving north crossing over to the next valley.
The valley bottom is far below, and the ridge on the far side ends with a rocky cliff then abruptly turns east, around a couple of switchbacks, and heads northeast into an aspen forest.

The round dome of Green Mountain dominates the view, and where we’ll find Pike’s Peak, Windy Peak, and other peaks/mountains etc. as we peer through the branches of the trees. This trail eventually blends into the Cub Creek Trail which we have hiked several times but at the Cub Creek Trailhead, so there are several options some of you may want to explore for a longer hike but when the trail blends is when is usually our turning point.

~After the hike: If any of you who would like to have something to eat, drink or both and listen to some free folk-rock music head on over to The Well at Bradford Junction located 27051 Barkley Rd, Conifer, CO 80433 REGARDLESS IF YOU’RE HIKING WITH US OR NOT. 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Back in the mid 1990s, Lyons, CO was the place to go to cop a squat, drink a beer or two, and listen to folk rock, hillbilly and bluegrass music. K,C. Groves and the Uncle Earl Band, Jim Dalton and the Railbenders and the Starlight and Pine Band and a lot of others.
The Starlight and Pine Band will be performing for us for free but there is $10 minimum per person on food and beverages. No band cover.

Directions to the Meridian Trailhead: From Denver head south on US 285 to mile marker 225 which is the light before coming to Crow Hill. Around this area you'll see a sign which reads: CAMP ID-RA-HA-JE. This isn't the name of a Native American Character of Colorado but is a Church Camp for kids. I went to this camp many times when I was a kid. ID-RA-HA-JE means (ID)-(RA)THER-(HA)VE-(JE)SUS.

Turn right at the traffic light onto Park County Road 43A, and follow it blending onto Park County Road 43. At about 7 miles take the right fork onto Park County Road 47. Take the straight section of road headed directly towards Meridian Campground. Keep on CR 47, which is a narrow road but has pullovers, curves right, then left. After the left curve take Prospector Way; there are signs that say “Camp Rosalie” and “Meridian Trail 1 Mile”.

I hope you all have a good day and 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

~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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!!!)
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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