Colorado Springs Backpackers

Qualifying + Conditioning Hike: Mt. Muscoco Loop

Sun, Oct 11 · 8:00 AM MDT

North Cheyenne Canon Parking Lot, 38.790285, -104.864985, Colorado Springs, CO, US

PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE POST BEFORE RSVPing.

This is a qualifying hike to participate in upcoming backpacking events with Colorado Springs Backpackers (COSBP). If you have already qualified, you are welcome to participate if you are interested in doing a conditioning hike.

You only have to complete a qualifying hike once unless it's been more than 8 months since last participating in a COSBP trip or hike.
Before being able to participate in this hike you must fill out a waiver -
https://forms.gle/3DzXeRDJziLAZ8nJ7

Please note, if you plan to bring your dog on a trip, they must also attend a qualifying hike so we can make sure their temperament is friendly and that they obey your commands.

What it takes to qualify:
1 - Carry a full backpacking pack for the whole hike that weighs at least 24 pounds. NO EXCEPTIONS. We suggest you pack it as you would if you were actually backpacking. We will weigh packs.
2 - Finish the hike without any major problems.
3 - You know and can communicate about when you need to take a break.
4 - No pace requirement.
5 - Good attitude - gets along well with people.

We will be meeting and carpooling due to lack of parking. Meeting spot is the location linked in the location section (parking lot near Starsmore Visitor Center).

Hike Route:
Approx Length 6.25 Miles // 1750 Total Elevation Gain
https://caltopo.com/m/92QDNJ7

CSB Trail Work Car Camp

Fri, Oct 16 · 5:00 PM MDT

Location not specified yet

Ready to make a difference while hitting the trails? Join us for a day of giving back to the stunning landscapes we love to explore! No experience necessary.

• Hands-on trail maintenance and improvement tasks.
• Fun and camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
• Make a lasting impact on our local hiking havens.
• Learn about what goes into maintaining the trails we love.
• The trail work will be done a section of the Colorado Trail and Lost Creek Wilderness.

14 spots. You will be added to the wait list and moved to attending when the following are completed:

• Fill out the waiver (including +1's) to participate: https://forms.gle/Y4sthwTqZzyLge5Q8

What to Wear:

• Long pants and long sleeve shirts are required for trailwork. Plan to get dirty.
• Boots/high ankle trail runners required.

What to Bring:

• Sturdy work gloves, garden gloves or full fingered MTB gloves.
• Safety glasses/sunglasses (shaded or clear) depending on weather.
• A bandana or liner for wearing under provided hard hats.
• Sun protection (sunscreen, buff or bandana for under hard hat)
• Car camping gear and food.

Provided:

• Hard hats
• Trail tools
• Ear protection

Things to Know:

• Plan to car camp two nights.
• Dogs are welcome but must be qualified and approved by organizers and are recommended to be on leash for safety.
• All participants will need to help carry 1-2 hand tools into the worksite.
• The last few miles of the drive are on a high clearance road.

Friday night

• Carpool from COS to the campsite on the Caltopo Map .
• No facilities at car camping location, so plan accordingly.
• car camping Friday and Saturday night.
• Hammock friendly camping location for car camping.

Saturday

• Review the JHA/CTF/USFS waivers and have a tool/safety talk.
• Start hiking to worksite at 8:00 AM
• Complete repairs to rock structures 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Hike to worksite is 2 miles, 500ft of gain.
• Work involves repairing failing rock structures that stabilize the trail through drainages.

Sunday

• Leisurely pack up camp and drive back.