About us
HI Everyone,
Welcome to HITTIN' THE COLORADO TRAILS
My name is Don and I have lived in Colorado since I was born and raised. I taught Colorado and American History from the elementary grades up to a few years into community college education.
I'm not going to bore you with all the information and descriptions of what this hiking group is about compared to other descriptions of other groups you have already read about. They're pretty much all the same!
Our hikes are mostly in the 3-8 miles in distance with a hiking stride of easy moderate to moderate with a bit of difficulty...not too much.
Most of the details of each hike will be posted when scheduled
After Hike and Dines happen most of the time.
If you have any suggestions about hikes and getaways, please let me know, I'm always looking forward hiking trails I've never hiked before.
Thanks again for joining up with HITTIN' THE COLORADO. We'll see you on the trails!
Take it Easy and Happy Landings,
Don
Upcoming events
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A DAY IN ESTES PARK: ESTES PARK, CO.
Location not specified yetHi Everybody,
I’m throwing this idea out to you so you could meet some really nice people in our groups.A few of us will be hiking the Wind River Trail on September 6th at 9:00 AM.
I like watching and knowing people are having a good time and sharing their experiences of life with one another. I’d like to organize a day in Estes Park for you to get together and have a good time.
I’d like for you to meet at the Indian Village Gift Shop at around 10 AM. and just let loose for a Pre-Labor Day Weekend.The Indian Village Gift Shop is located on the corner of the only stop light in Estes Park. There are self-guided tour maps you can get for free at several different locations. Be sure to go to the Stanley Hotel and other historical places in Estes.
The elk rutting season is happening in a few days, so take a camera and take photos of a bunch of horny elk needing some action.There are concerts happening in almost every brewery, restaurant and outside venues along with the sidewalk chalk art. And the dancing!!! It’s Estes Park!!!
Then of course you have trails within Rocky Mountain National Park or if you want to pay the fee and carpool with a group of strangers and take a drive around the park or hike. The stranger you’re riding with may very well become your best friend by tomorrow.
It’s true. Every friend in your life started as a complete stranger until one single moment connected you.I will do my best to catch up with you unless you’re in Rocky!!! The bands are in Estes!
Here are directions to the Justice Center in Boulder in case you’d like to carpool. The government doesn’t care as it’s on the weekend or holiday.
Boulder County Justice Center - Bing MapsI hope you all have a good weekend wherever you’re at
Drive Safe
~Happy Landings~
Don1 attendee
DISPERSED CAMPING~COUNTY ROAD 48: LEADVILLE, CO.
COUNTY RD 48, COUNTY ROAD 48, LEADVILLE, CO, USI am very happy that parts of Lake County are opening back up after so much devastation in a very special area.
County Road~48 is what I consider a Lasso Loop Dispersed Campground.~Fridays through Sundays are free shuttle service days that will take us from Leadville to Twin Lakes then onto Tennessee Pass Trailhead then back to Leadville. I’d like to plan this on Saturday morning instead of taking a hike.
~Turquoise Lake is not yet open, but you do have the Arkansas River and a few other rivers and lakes to fish
~Because of Turquoise Lake being shut down so is Hagerman Pass and hiking trails.LEADVILLE, COLORADO. The highest unincorporated city on the North American Continent. This mountain town is untouched by modern-day development — the kind of places where the lady on Main Street with the kayak over her shoulder throws a neighborly nod your way, and where the owner of the Golden Burro will invite you in for a free cup of coffee with the purchase of a cinnamon roll and where the corner barista welcomes customers by their first name.
The city of Leadville has quite the history of Colorful Characters of Colorado. I believe the most famous resident of Leadville would be Margaret Brown aka Molly Brown. Horace and Elizabeth “Baby Doe” Tabor who may have been the richest couple in the world until money went from silver to currency. Big Time Loss. Wyatt Earp shot his last man in Leadville. He didn’t die but he was shot.
# County Road 48 Leadville — Current Status
County Road 48 in Leadville has reopened following the Willow Fire-related closures
According to the latest official update from the Leadville–Twin Lakes visitor information, all evacuations and pre-evacuations have been lifted, and County Road 48 is now open. This means you can access the road and its dispersed camping areas without the prior restrictions.
What this means for visitors
Access is available for camping, hiking, and other recreation along CR‑48.
The road is a popular dispersed camping spot in the San Isabel National Forest, with pull‑offs, fire rings, and views toward Turquoise Lake
As with any mountain road, check current conditions before traveling, especially for snow, ice, or debris from the fire area.
Always follow posted closures and safety guidance, as fire activity and road conditions can change quickly.
Safety & preparation tips
Check official Lake County or National Forest Service channels for any new updates before heading out.
Be prepared for high elevation (around 9,678 ft) and possible cold nights
If you plan to drive large rigs, note that some pull‑offs may require high clearance.
In summary, yes — County Road 48 Leadville is open now, but it’s still wise to confirm with local authorities before your trip.
I will keep us all updated. Until then drive safe and Happy Landings!!!
See you soon!!!
Don~Disclaimer: By signing up for and participating in this event you are acknowledging that you are aware of risks, dangers, and hazards and fully assume responsibility for your own safety and further agree to release and discharge the organizers of this event from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest’s participation in the group activities.
~If you already have a fishing or hunting license you already have a CORSAR CARD.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card: Because of your support and the tremendous generosity of our search and rescue responders, Colorado is a safer place to play. Purchase a CORSAR Card.~Dispersed is free camping and is not about having amenities. It doesn’t involve a camp host or reservations. Dispersed camping is best defined as free camping. You don’t even need to know the exact dates you want to come and go.
~I am organizing this campout for the members of our groups. Please do not invite your Facebook Group to camp with us.
~Camping: This link will tell you everything you need to bring for dispersed camping: https://thenextsummit.org/dispersed-camping-in-colorado/ and other campsites!
~You do not have to camp on the days I have scheduled this way; those coming up later in the week or the weekend will have a place to camp with those who are already there.
~Dogs are allowed but take care of them wandering off somewhere
~Fishing: You will need to purchase a Colorado Fishing License. I have no idea how much they cost, the type of bait you’ll need to use, types of fish or catch and release.
~We are not professional hiking guides or travel agents.
~when I organize campouts, I look for places that will fit our members so I’m asking you not to bring a bunch of friends, family, or your Facebook buds.
~Let’s do our best to leave: Religion, Politics and Meetups out of our discussions.
~Come and go as you please.
~A special thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M) and the National Parks Service (N.P.S.)2 attendees
Past events
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