Sunday Burro Hike - Aspen Peak

PLEASE NOTE 8:30 START TIME; SANDY IS OUR ROUTE LEADER FOR THIS HIKE.

THE NEW SERVICE ROAD HAS SLIGHTLY ALTERED OUR APPOACH TO THE BACKSIDE OF HIKING ASPEN PEAK; TODAY'S HIKE WILL BE THE SAME AS THE ONE THAT SANDY LED FOR US LAST SUMMER, PROBABLY THE LAST TIME THE BURROS DID THIS HIKE!

We begin this short, steep route up at the ski basin, at the picnic table on the Winsor Trail and hike up the main trail briefly, until we turn left onto the new service road which was recently constructed. This service road obliterates the former trail we used to take to ascend from this direction, but we still hike along the same trajectory, just with some alterations. It will often be off trail (including getting through a fence line) to the summit/viewpoint of Aspen Peak, our destination for today's hike. We'll snack & enjoy views at this summit, then descend down the other side to the Wilderness Gate, where we'll return to the TH via the main switchback route down.

This will not be a long hike, but the climb up to Aspen Peak, though relatively short is strenuous. Hikers need to be comfortable hiking at altitude, hiking off trail, and prepared for an uphill climb work-out, all at over 10,000 feet.

Total mileage is only about 2.5 miles RT but with significant elevation gain, I don't know exactly how much, my guess is in the neighborhood of over 1000 feet over course of 1 mile (it's STEEP!).

Once we all return to Wilderness Gate, there will be an option for all who wish to extend our hiking day to include hiking up to Raven's Ridge & hang out at either "our perch" on the left side of the ridge, or hike up a bit further to the rock or talus field on the right side of the ridge for an alternate view out & down. This should add a couple of miles to our total distance for the day. RETURN TIME WILL BE LATER THAN POSTED FOR ALL THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO DO OPTIONAL EXTENSION.

Burro hikes are considered moderate by our standards, usually 4-7 miles, on designated trails, unless otherwise specified.

Newcomers are welcome! I do ask that prior to signing up for your first hike with us, you please test your fitness by hiking up and down Atalaya which you should be able to comfortably do in 3 1/2 hours or less (from Wilderness Gate or staircase, using steep route option). 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, in the back of the lot, behind the stores. Please park in a lane near the bowling alley, but not right up against the mall wall. We carpool together to all THs. Please offer your driver $2 to cover gas expense for this hike. If you are running just a bit late, text me, & we'll wait up to 5 minutes for you.

Please be considerate of those on the Waiting List and sign off hike as soon as you know you cannot attend. PLEASE DO NOT NO SHOW! There are consequences for repeated No Shows.