Hall Ranch Loop Hike - Going Clockwise

Difficulty: About 9.5 to 10 miles with about 1,600 feet elevation gain.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph to 3mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a break at a good spot & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: The trail winds its way uphill and around hillsides with fine views of the surroundings. As the trail gains elevation, several switchbacks lead to several meadows that were once used for grazing when this area was an active ranch. Eventually, the trail traverses through a ponderosa stand leading to the highest meadows. These open meadows provide excellent views of Longs peak. In the past, we have seen lots of deer on this hike. We will do the following hike in alltrails except we will do the loop clockwise: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/hall-ranch-loop-nighthawk-to-bitterbrush

🚫 DOGS: Dogs are NOT allowed at Hall Ranch.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Hall Ranch Trailhead parking area. After you pull in off S. St. Vrain Drive, there is immediately a lower parking area and also an upper parking area. We will meet in the upper parking area by the restrooms. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Hall Ranch Trailhead - Bitterbrush” to get directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Bitterbrush Trail” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.221490000000074&lon=-105.30884999999995#.ZA-7MC9MFvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: Note that if you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.