Vasquez Peak (12,940') - Hard

We will meet at the Jones Pass trailhead to hike the Henderson Spur trail to Vasquez Peak.

ALLTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/vasquez-peak

Distance: RT ~6.8 miles.

Difficultly: Hard.

Elevation: Start: 10,451’. End: 12,947’. Total: ~2998’.

Weather: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.8521556854248&lat=39.79170635891012#.Ysswa3bMLIU

Total hike time: ~6+ hrs. Drive from TH to carpool location: ~50 min.

CARPOOL info: Meet at the Park and Ride Wooly Mammoth lot, section GG, Golden at 6:45. From I70 westbound, take exit 259. Turn right (north), take a left at the next signal.

Link to carpool: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//39.698924,-105.2065426/@39.6989951,-105.2110235,16z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en

Don’t forget to tip to your driver.

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: Meet at Jones Pass TH no later than 7:30. There are no restrooms at the TH. From I-70, take exit 232 to US 40, proceed northwest approx. 9 miles to small town of Berthoud Falls. Turn left at the sign for Jones Pass/Henderson Mine. Follow paved road 1.6 miles to a gate, turn right on Forest Road 144. The trailhead is a half mile ahead. The trailhead is the closest one as you enter the Henderson Mine area. There's only a small sign stating 'Trail' and a standard CDT sign on the post on the north side of the road.

Link to TH. https://www.google.com/maps/dir//39.77096,-105.85364/@39.7744633,-105.8834388,13.5z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0

ATTENDEE LIMIT: 10. If full, RSVP will close on Thursday, July 3rd @ 6 p.m. Please do NOT show up if you are on the waitlist without contacting me directly. Text/call my mobile (see below).

PETS - Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed or under strict voice control. Dog owners must clean up after their pets. If you have an aggressive dog that does not get along well with other dogs or chases wildlife, please do not bring your dog.
Your Bonnet Macaque service animal may not do well at this altitude and is not recommended for this hike. https://www.worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/bonnet-macaque/

WHAT TO BRING: Be prepared. Rain gear (jacket and pants), hat/beanie, gloves/liners, food & snacks/water, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra clothing/layers, map/compass/gps, toilet paper, zip lock bags, etc. Pack it in, pack it out. Please practice Leave No Trace principles. Link: https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

APRES (post) HIKE: If weather permits, let’s tailgate after the hike. Bring your favorite beverage and some to share and hors d'oeuvre/snacks/fruit/dessert/green peanut M&Ms to share, and a folding chair and blanket. I will bring plates, bowls, utensils, napkins and a small table. I can take three folks in my 4Runner and will bring chairs for them.

Mitch’s mobile: 360 609-2047. Expect no cell service at the trailhead or on the hike.

DISCLAIMER: Hiking is risky. Every year people are hurt and killed because they go beyond their abilities, get lost, or bring the wrong gear. I am not a professional guide. You are responsible for yourself. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear and conditioning required. And lastly, anyone choosing to hike with our group should carry personal medical insurance and a CORSAR (Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue) card in case of an emergency. https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program