Outdoorsy Lovers

Hello Outdoorsy Lovers! Get Ready for Chicago Lakes & Summit Lake Adventure!
Hey everyone,
Get your hiking boots ready! We've got an awesome day planned exploring the stunning Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake, starting from the always-beautiful Echo Lake. This hike is going to be a challenge, but the views will be SO worth it!

What to Expect!
- The Hike: We're tackling a 10.6 mile out-and-back trail.
- Elevation Gain: Get ready for a climb! We'll be gaining 3,257 feet in elevation. This makes the hike difficult.
- The Destination: Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake.
- Hike Details: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chicago-lakes-trail
- Dog-Friendly: Bring your furry friends along for the adventure!

Essential Gear - Pack Smart!
To make sure you have a safe and enjoyable hike, please pack a day pack with these essentials:
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen are a MUST! The sun can be intense at higher elevations. Don't forget your hat and sunglasses.
- Snacks: Pack salty snacks to keep your energy up. Trail mix, nuts, or pretzels are great options.
- Hydration: Water, water, water! Bring plenty to stay hydrated. Electrolytes are also a great idea to replenish what you lose during the hike.
- Warm Gear: Because the weather might change rapidly.
- Hiking Poles: This is optional but will make it easier on the uphill.

Important Details:
- Start Time: We'll be hitting the trail at 6:30 AM sharp. Please arrive a little early to get organized.
- Location: Echo Lake TH.
- Post-Hike Gathering: After the hike, we can all gather back at the TH to share our thoughts on the hike. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lunch: Bring a sandwich and drinks if you'd like to have lunch together after the hike.

Post-Hike:
- Comfort: Bring sandals and a change of clothes for after the hike. You'll thank us later!

Why This Hike?
The hike is more than just exercise; it's a chance to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and enjoy the company of like-minded people. The views from Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake are incredible, and the feeling of accomplishment after reaching the top is unbeatable.

Questions?
If you have any questions about the hike, please leave them in the discussion posts.

Happy trails, and see you on the mountain!

Backpacking Adventure to Lake Verna!
Hey everyone!
I'm super excited to invite you on a backpacking trip to the stunning Lake Verna! We'll be hitting the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake, Colorado, for an unforgettable adventure in nature.

Why Lake Verna?
Because it's beautiful! Imagine crystal-clear waters surrounded by amazing mountain views. It's the perfect spot to escape the city and connect with the great outdoors. I want to share my love for backpacking with you all!

Important Info:
- Trail: Lake Verna via East Inlet Trail (check it out on AllTrails) https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-verna-via-east-inlet-trail
- Difficulty: This is a challenging trip! It's 13.5 miles round trip with 2,181 feet of elevation gain. Please be sure you're physically and mentally prepared.
Parking: Free parking is available at the trailhead (TH) lot.
- Permit: I'll have the backpacking permit with me.
- Meeting Time: We'll meet near the trailhead at 5:30 a.m. sharp!

Are you ready to be hooked on backpacking?
If you love hiking, backpacking, and just being surrounded by nature, this trip is for you! It's going to be an incredible experience.

Recon Meet-up!
Let's chat and get to know each other before the trip! We'll be meeting at Stanley Beer Hall in Stanley Marketplace in Denver, CO on June 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Come share your backpacking stories and ask any questions you have!

What to Bring:
Backpacking requires some essential gear: Check out this helpful checklist from REI to make sure you're prepared:
https://www.rei.com/dam/backpacking_checklist_printable.pdf
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

I do have some sad info to share
Pets are not allowed on this trail :-(.

I can't wait to explore Lake Verna with you all! Let's make some amazing memories together!

Happy Trails!

Calling All Outdoorsy Lovers!
Get Ready to Conquer Quandary Peak!
Hey everyone!
Are you ready for an awesome adventure? We're so excited to welcome you to the Outdoorsy Lovers Group! To kick things off, we're planning an amazing weekend getaway to hike Quandary Peak, a stunning "14er" (that means it's over 14,000 feet high!) in beautiful Colorado.

What's the Plan?
We'll be tackling Quandary Peak (14,271 feet!) near Breckenridge, CO. Here's the lowdown:
- Trail: It's an "out and back" trail, meaning we hike up the same way we came down.
- Distance: 6.3 miles total.
- Elevation Gain: 3,333 feet (get ready for a good workout!)

What to Bring (Essentials Only!)
Hiking a 14er is a challenge, so being prepared is key. Here's what you should pack in your daypack:
- Hydration: Plenty of water and electrolytes to stay energized.
- Fuel: Food is your friend! Pack energy bars, sandwiches, fruit - anything that will keep you going.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen is a must at high altitude.

Mountain Wear: Dress for success (and Changing Weather!)
The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so layering is crucial:
- Coat: a warm, waterproof coat.
- Light jacket: For when it's not quite coat weather.
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy and broken-in boots are a must!
- Sandals: to give your feet a break after the hike.
- Hiking Socks: To prevent blisters.
- Winter Spikes: Depending on conditions, these might be needed for extra traction.
- Gloves & Winter Hat: Even in summer, it can get cold at the top.
- Regular Hat & Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun.
- Hiking Poles: Optional, but they can be a big help on the steep sections.

Meeting Point & Time
We'll meet at the trailhead (TH). I'll be there with a sign so you can easily find the group.

Canine Companions Welcome!
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join on the hike! Please make sure they are leashed and you can clean-up after them.

Pre-Hike Meet & Greet: Stanley Beer Hall
To discuss logistics and get to know each other, let's meet at Stanley Beer Hall located at Stanley Marketplace on June 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm. This is a great chance to meet your fellow Outdoorsy Lovers and ask any questions you have about the hike.

We can't wait to see you there and conquer Quandary Peak together! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Happy Trails!

Calling All Outdoorsy Lovers! Get Ready to Conquer Grays and Torreys!
Hey everyone! Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? We're heading out to tackle two incredible 14ers: Grays Peak and Torreys Peak! This is going to be a challenging but rewarding experience, filled with breathtaking views and a real sense of accomplishment.

What's the Plan?
We'll be doing an out-and-back hike that's about 10.6 miles long. Get ready for a climb, because we'll be gaining a total of 6,391 feet in elevation! But trust me, the views from the top will be worth very step. Plus, we'll also be bagging two 13ers along the way - talk about a bonus!

Where and When?
- Starting Point" We'll kick things off at the Loveland Pass parking area.
- Meeting Time: Let's all meet at 4:30 a.m.. Yes, it's early, but we want to make the most of the day!

Gear Up! What to bring:
To make sure you have a safe and enjoyable hike, here's a list of essentials to pack:
- Daypack: A comfortable backpack to carry everything you need.
- Food: Pack plenty of snacks and lunch to keep your energy levels up. Think energy bars, sandwiches, fruit, and trail mix.
- Electrolytes: Help your body stay hydrated and balanced. Electrolyte drinks or tablets are a great idea.
- Water: Bring plenty of water! Staying hydrated is crucial, especially at high altitudes.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun's rays.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from the bright sunlight.
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy and comfortable hiking botts are a must. Make sure they're broken in!
- MICROspikes: Snow might be present on the hike.
- Layers: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring a coat, jacket, hat, and gloves.

After the Hike:
- Comfort is Key: Pack some sandals and a change of clothes for after the hike. Your feet will thank you!

Pre-Hike Meet Up!
Want to meet your fellow hikers and get any last-minute questions answered? Join us for a pre-hike meet-up!
- Where: The Stanley Beer Hall in Stanley Marketplace in Denver, CO.
- When: June 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

I'm so excited to take on this challenge with you all and share this amazing experience! Let's conquer those peaks and make some unforgettable memories.

Additional Info:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/torreys-and-grays-peaks-via-loveland-pass

Happy Trails!