Barely Backpacking 2.0: Newlin Creek
Details
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BEFORE RESPONDING!
Group size 8 people. Well-behaved, leashed trail dogs are welcome as long as they have completed a qualifying hike.
Required actions before trip:
1 - *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - *Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities.
3- Attend a pre-planning Google meeting one week before trip start date (will send invite via Google closer to).
*including any 1+.
Trip difficulty: Beginner
The Plan:
- Carpool (~1 hr) to trailhead; AWD/4WD with higher clearance may be needed for the final mile
- Early season trip (weather dependent), low elevation with multiple creek crossings
- Camp near remnants of an old logging site (steam boiler, flywheel, chimney)
- Optional day hike to the high point (possible views)
- Could this be a day hike? Yeah, that’s how most people do it. But if you’re looking for an excuse to test out new or dust off the backpacking gear, this is it.
Stats:
- Hike in: 2.6 mi, +1,427 ft / -27 ft
- Day hike: 1.3 mi, +733 ft / -733 ft
- Hike out: 2.6 mi, +27 ft / -1,427 ft
Potential stop on the way home for lunch in Florence/Penrose area.
Weather (average estimate – will update closer to trip):
- High: ~58–62°F
- Low: ~28–32°F (yeah, it can freeze)
- Typical spring conditions: Chance of rain or even brief snow/graupel—could be t-shirt hiking weather or puffy-at-camp, possibly both in the same day
- Also likely there will be fire ban given the dry winter
Equipment/Resources/Etc:
- Bear canister, Ursack, or rope/cord for those who have experience hanging food.
- What to Bring Backpacking
- 10 Essentials
- Reach out if you have packing questions.
- Caltopo route: https://caltopo.com/m/PTUP3JG
- AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/newlin-creek-trail
