Heil Valley Ranch Hike - From Wapiti Trailhead

HEIL VALLEY RANCH HAS MULTIPLE TRAILHEADS SO PLEASE GO TO THE CORRECT TRAILHEAD. See further info below.

Difficulty: About 10.5 miles with about 1,350 feet elevation gain.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This part of the park was closed for almost 2 years due to the Cal-Wood fire in 2020 so expect to hike through burn area. On previous hikes we have seen deer. At the far end of the loop, there is a nice overlook. If not too windy, we will take a break at the overlook…otherwise we will find a spot shortly after that for break…so bring snacks/lunch. We will do the following hike in alltrails, except on the way back, we will hike the upper portion of the Lichen Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/heil-valley-ranch

DOGS: Dogs are 🚫 not allowed at Heil Valley Ranch due to wildlife concerns.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Wapiti Trailhead. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Heil Valley Ranch” to get directions. For a map showing the Wapiti Trailhead, see the following website: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/heil-valley-ranch/

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. PLEASE ALSO BRING MICROSPIKES IN CASE WE NEED THEM.

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=40.147020000000055&lon=-105.30010999999996

REQUIRED WAIVER: 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.