Twin Cones via Second Creek Trail (12,000' - Moderate)
Details
Let’s hike to the Twin Cones via Second Creek along Highway 40. At the trailhead, the forest is dense with pine trees, the trail begins with a steep climb then bends to the left and becomes a more gradual climb.
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/second-creek-trail-to-twin-cones
Distance: RT ~5.2 miles. Out/back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: Start: 10,618’. End: 12,051'. Total: ~1466’
Weather Forecast: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.781&lat=39.839
Total hike time: ~3 hrs. Drive from TH to carpool location: ~ 1 hr.
Carpool info: Meet at the Park and Ride Wooly Mammoth lot, section GG, Golden at 7:00. 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/@39.6991303,-105.2083886,17z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en
Don’t forget to tip your driver.
Directions to trailhead: Meet at the Berthoud Pass - Second Creek Trailhead no later than 8:00.
Take I-70 to US highway 40 over Berthoud Pass, on the west side of the road is mile marker 240. The TH is 39.82273, -105.76979.
ATTENDEE LIMIT: 10. If full, RSVP will close on Friday, July 25th @ 6 p.m. Please do NOT show up if you are on the waitlist without contacting me directly. Text/call my mobile (see below).
Pet Owners - Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed. 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 Gerenuk service animal may not do well at this altitude and is not recommended for this hike. https://denverzoo.org/animals/southern-gerenuk/
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
Après (post) hike tailgate: If weather permits, let’s tailgate after the hike at the TH P lot or a campsite. Bring your favorite beverage and some to share and hors d'oeuvre/snacks/fruit/dessert/yellow peanut M&M’s and a folding chair and blanket. I will bring plates, bowls, utensils, napkins and a small table. I can take two folks in my 4Runner and will bring chairs for them.
Mitch’s mobile: 360 609-2047.
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
Twin Cones via Second Creek Trail (12,000' - Moderate)