Wednesday Burro Hike -Castle Rock & Picacho Peak (9:30 START TIME!)
Details
PLEASE NOTE 9:30 START TIME! THIS HIKE WILL BEGIN AT ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE PARKING LOT, NOT OUR CUSTOMARY PICACHO TH ON CERRO GORDO. I RECOMMEND DRIVERS PARK ON THE STREET NEXT TO ST JOHN'S PARKING LOT, AS THERE ARE LIMITED VISITOR SPACES IN THEIR LOT & THEY DO HAVE SECURITY CHECKING IF YOU PARK IN A NON-VISITOR SPOT.
We've done this route as a Group in the past, starting at St John's College parking lot & beginning up the customary Atalaya trail. However, we veer off towards Castle Rock following Dale Ball trails to that feature, which may be sufficient for some for their hike for the day. Others may like to continue on from Castle Rock to Picacho Peak for added distance & elevation gain. Distance should be 4-6 miles, more or less, depending upon destination you choose. The return hike from either peak will be back the way we came. Both peaks offer lovely views & the trails to both of them are easy to follow, but know that it's a steady climb up, albeit not steep. Elevation gain is probably 1000-1400 ft depending on your choice of destination over 2-3 miles.
Burro hikes are moderate hikes by our standards, usually 4-6 miles on designated trails, unless otherwise specified. Newcomers are welcome. I ask that prior to signing up for your first hike with my Group that you please test your fitness by timing yourself hiking up and down Atalaya, which you should be able to comfortably do in 3 1/2 hours or less, starting from Wilderness Gate or Staircase, using Steep Route Option. This will help insure you are a good fit for the Burro Group pace and typical terrain of the routes we hike. If you have any questions about Atalaya, or about my hikes in general, please feel free to text me.
Ronnie Chafel 617-331-1838
Non-aggressive, well mannered dogs are welcome on all my hikes.
We meet at the DeVargas Mall parking lot, behind the stores, back of lot. Please park in a lane near the bowling alley, but not right up against the mall wall. We carpool to all THs together. Please offer your driver $2 to cover gas expense for this hike. We leave promptly so if you're running just a bit late, text me, & we'll wait up to 5 minutes for you.
PLEASE be considerate of those on Wait List and sign off hike as soon as you know you cannot attend, preferably 24 hours in advance, if at all possible. PLEASE DO NOT NO SHOW! Repeated No Shows have consequences.