It's Colorado Beautiful!

Day Hike ~ Chief Mountain 11er (TUE 12 MAY)

Tue, May 12 · 9:15 AM MDT

DO NOT USE THIS ADDRESS! Use the address in the trip description., Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI, US

Join us for a series of weekday mountain climbing hikes this summer.

Eat Dirt climate change, I'm climbing a mountain!

Thumb your nose to the drought and climb mountains earlier in the season!

Chief Mountain stands at 11,713 feet.
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Blue Sky, Longs Peak, and beyond.

✅ MEET AND GREET AT THE TRAILHEAD: 9.15 AM
✅ START HIKING: 9:30 AM (our hikes start on time)

🟡 FITNESS: (intermediate-fit) You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections. The first half of this hike is all uphill. We are climbing a mountain. This is not an easy hike.

DIRECTIONS:
Closest Town: Idaho Springs
GOOGLE MAP LINK

TRAIL: Chief Mountain Trailhead

• Length: 3 miles, round trip
• Elevation gain: 1000 feet
• Route type: Out and Back
• Time: 2 - 3 hours
• ⚠️Class 2

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chief-mountain-trail

CARPOOLING:
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC
Start Driving: 8.30 am.
Driving Time: 40 min

NOTEABLES:

• Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
• ⚠️You are expected to understand the risks and climbing class guide below.
• 🐶Dogs must be leashed.

DISCLAIMER:
Organizers are not responsible for your safety, are not experts, and should not be relied on for specific advice. Organizers do not provide medical or emergency care. Be aware of the risks, and be prepared to navigate and complete the hike independently, including hiking out alone if needed.

GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? We'd love to have them join! Just ask them to sign up for It's Colorado Beautiful and agree to the Terms of Understanding before the hike, as guests aren’t permitted on this adventure.

RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 12 hours before the event. If you miss two events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.

BE PREPARED:

• If you arrive at the trailhead unprepared (wrong equipment, not in good shape for the trail), you'll be asked to join us on a future hike.
• Advice: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
• Ask questions in advance.

EXPERIENCE
🟢 beginner: established trails, few steep sections, 3-5 miles
🟡 intermediate: usually on established trails, some steep sections, 5-10 miles
🔴 advanced: often off trail, many steep sections, 10+ miles

FITNESS LEVEL
🥾 average: you are a casual hiker, you probably don't work out
⛰️ fit: you are an avid hiker, you stay in good shape
🔥 athletic: you want to feel the burn, you can run up the mountain

CLIMBING CLASS GUIDE
🟢 1 Hiking a maintained trail.
🔵 2: Easy scrambling. You might occasionally use your hands for balance.
🟡 3: Moderate scrambling. Hands are used regularly; some exposure possible.
🔴 4: Difficult climbing. Hands are used regularly; a fall could be serious.
⚫ 5: Where real rock climbing begins. Requires ropes and specialized gear; a fall maybe be fatal.

Backpacking ~ Macey Lakes (SAT 16-17 MAY)

Sat, May 16 · 9:45 AM MDT

DO NOT USE THIS ADDRESS! Use the address in the trip description., Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI, US

Join us for one night of backpacking near Westcliffe, CO!

Given the early May timing and the record-low snowpack, expect a stark, high-contrast landscape. Dramatic granite peaks will loom over partially frozen lakes, framed by deep evergreen forests and golden, dormant meadows.

EXPERIENCE:

• New to backpacking? This trip might be for you! If this is your first night in the backcountry, let's connect to cover the basics. Please send Jeremiah Harberg a message on meetup and we can chat by phone.
• Experienced backpacker? You are clear to RSVP!

✅MEET AND GREET AT TRAILHEAD: 9:45 am
✅START HIKING: 10:00 am (our hikes start on time)

🟡 FITNESS: (intermediate fit) You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections and stream crossings.

DIRECTIONS:
Closest Town: Westcliffe, CO
GOOGLE MAP TO TRAILHEAD

TRAILHEAD: (Horn Creek Trailhead)
Route type: Out and Back
Crowds: We may have the trail to ourselves!

DAY 1, Sat May 16:

• Hike ~ 5 miles to camp, +1,800 feet
• Setup camp, optional hike to upper lakes (2.5 miles + 1,100 feet)

DAY 2, Sun May 17:

• Hike back to cars ~ 5 miles, -1,800 feet

WHERE: Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
HIKE TYPE: Backpacking, one night
TRAIL MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/T04FP3T

CARPOOLING:
Arapahoe RTD Park-N-Ride
8800 E Caley Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Drive Time: 2 hours 45 min
Organize Cars: 6:45 am
Start Driving: 7:00 am (sharp)

WEBSITES:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lower-and-upper-macey-lakes-via-rainbow-trail

NOTABLES:

• Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
• 🐶Dogs must be leashed.

⚠️ KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
We are a community of peers not guides or leaders. Hosts are not experts and should not be relied on for advice, medical care, or emergency assistance. You are responsible for your own safety, gear, and fitness, and must be prepared to complete the hike independently. The host's role is simply to be the anchor point; the person who ensures everyone meets at the right spot so the group can head out together
Full details in the Safety & Emergency Form — required before joining.

GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? Have them join ICB and sign the Safety & Emergency Form first. We'd love to have them!

RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 48 hours before the event. If you miss 2 events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.

BE PREPARED:

• If you arrive at the trailhead unprepared (wrong equipment, not in good shape for the trail), you'll be asked to join us on a future hike.
• https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

TRIP STYLE: Backpacking to Nature
We backpack to nature. Our adventures are less about the destination and more about the journey itself. We immerse ourselves the splendor of nature. We spend our evenings by the fire, telling stories under the stars. Many trips challenge us but we are never in a hurry to get there.

EXPERIENCE
🟢 beginner: established trails, few steep sections, 3-5 miles
🟡 intermediate: usually on established trails, some steep sections, 5-10 miles
🔴 advanced: often off trail, many steep sections, 10+ miles
FITNESS LEVEL
🥾 average: you are a casual hiker, you probably don't work out
⛰️ fit: you are an avid hiker, you stay in good shape
🔥 athletic: you want to feel the burn, you can run up the mountain

Day Hike ~ Geneva Mountain 12er (WED 20 MAY)

Tue, May 19 · 9:15 AM MDT

DO NOT USE THIS ADDRESS! Use the address in the trip description., Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI, US

Join us for a series of weekday mountain climbing hikes this summer.

Eat Dirt climate change, I'm climbing a mountain!

Thumb your nose to the drought and climb mountains earlier in the season!

Geneva Mountain stands at 12,335 feet.
From Geneva Mountain’s high-tundra ridge, you’ll enjoy front-row views of the iconic skyline. To the north, the massive, rugged faces of Mount Blue Sky and Mount Bierstadt dominate the horizon. These towering 14ers offer a dramatic, jagged contrast to the peaceful, rolling alpine meadows spread out below.

✅ MEET AND GREET AT THE TRAILHEAD: 9.15 AM
✅ START HIKING: 9:30 AM (our hikes start on time)

🟡 FITNESS: (intermediate-fit) You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections. The first half of this hike is all uphill. We are climbing a mountain. This is not an easy hike.

DIRECTIONS:
Closest Town: George Town, CO
GOOGLE MAP LINK

TRAIL: Trailhead

• Length: 7.8 miles, round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
• Route type: Out and Back
• Time: 3 - 4 hours
• ⚠️Class 2

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/geneva-mountain-via-guanella-pass-road

CARPOOLING:
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC
Start Driving: 7.45 am.
Driving Time: 1 hour 15 min

NOTEABLES:

• Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
• ⚠️You are expected to understand the risks and climbing class guide below.
• 🐶Dogs must be leashed.

DISCLAIMER:
Organizers are not responsible for your safety, are not experts, and should not be relied on for specific advice. Organizers do not provide medical or emergency care. Be aware of the risks, and be prepared to navigate and complete the hike independently, including hiking out alone if needed.

GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? We'd love to have them join! Just ask them to sign up for It's Colorado Beautiful and agree to the Terms of Understanding before the hike, as guests aren’t permitted on this adventure.

RSVP CODE: Change your mind? Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 12 hours before the event. If you miss two events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.

BE PREPARED:

• If you arrive at the trailhead unprepared (wrong equipment, not in good shape for the trail), you'll be asked to join us on a future hike.
• Advice: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html
• Ask questions in advance.

EXPERIENCE
🟢 beginner: established trails, few steep sections, 3-5 miles
🟡 intermediate: usually on established trails, some steep sections, 5-10 miles
🔴 advanced: often off trail, many steep sections, 10+ miles

FITNESS LEVEL
🥾 average: you are a casual hiker, you probably don't work out
⛰️ fit: you are an avid hiker, you stay in good shape
🔥 athletic: you want to feel the burn, you can run up the mountain

CLIMBING CLASS GUIDE
🟢 1 Hiking a maintained trail.
🔵 2: Easy scrambling. You might occasionally use your hands for balance.
🟡 3: Moderate scrambling. Hands are used regularly; some exposure possible.
🔴 4: Difficult climbing. Hands are used regularly; a fall could be serious.
⚫ 5: Where real rock climbing begins. Requires ropes and specialized gear; a fall maybe be fatal.

Backpacking ~ Lost Creek Wilderness (SAT 23-25 MAY)

Sat, May 23 · 8:45 AM MDT

DO NOT USE THIS ADDRESS! Use the address in the trip description., Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI, US

Join us on this classic, early season backpacking trip, near Bailey, CO!

Lost Creek Wilderness is a surreal landscape where ancient, rounded granite domes and towering spires create a stunning, prehistoric playground.

◈ EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
This is an advanced trip covering 24 miles with significant elevation. Prior backpacking experience is required. You should be fully confident in your gear setup and your ability to carry a weighted pack over steep, strenuous terrain.

RSVP OPENS: Friday, May 1st at 12.00 pm

✅MEET AND GREET AT TRAILHEAD: 8:45 am
✅START HIKING: 9.00 am (our hikes start on time)

TRAIL RATING
🔴 Challenging
🔥FITNESS: You should be in very good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections and stream crossings. The total hike is 24 miles.

TRAIL READY
To ensure our group can move together with ease and safety, our adventures are best suited for hikers who are trail ready. Please review the Trail Rating below to ensure this specific trip matches your current conditioning.

TRAILHEAD: (Goose Creek Trailhead)
Length: 24 miles
Elevation: +5,750 ft gain, -5,689 ft loss
Route type: Loop
Crowds: Expect to share the trail with day hiker and backpackers. This is a very popular trail.

DAY 1, Sat May 23:

• 7.3 miles | +2,719 ft elevation gain | -1,040 ft elevation loss
• Setup camp, climb around, look a pretty rocks

DAY 2, Sun May 24:

• 8.7 miles | +3,495 ft elevation gain | -1,704 ft elevation loss
• Setup camp, chill, this will be a big day of hiking

DAY 3, Mon May 25:

• 6.1 miles | +175 ft elevation gain | -2,855 ft elevation loss,
• Hike back to cars

WHERE: Lost Creek Wilderness
HIKE TYPE: Backpacking, two nights
TRAIL MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/P8C72Q9

⚠️CARPOOLING (required):
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC
Since the Lost Creek Wilderness is busier than ever and the early snowmelt will likely result in a full parking lot, we need to carpool for this trip.

Drive Time: 2 hours
Organize Cars: 6:15 am
Start Driving: 6.30 am (sharp)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD (Goose Creek Trailhead)

Google Map Link

The roads are dirt and bumpy at times but cars will not have a problem on them (other than getting dusty)

Take US 285 to Pine Junction and turn south onto County Road 126. Drive for 21.8 miles. Just south of Wigwam Campground, take a right (west) on FR 211, following the signs for Cheesman Lake and Goose Creek Campground. After 2.0 miles, turn right for Lost Valley Ranch and Goose Creek Campground. Go west for 1.1 miles, stay left at a fork in the road and continue for another 5.2 miles. At a junction past Molly Gulch Campground, turn right for Goose Creek Campground. Drive 4.7 miles, bearing left when Forest Road 51 descends to the right. Cross Goose Creek and pass Goose Creek Campground. Head right onto the Goose Creek Trailhead access road and drive for 1.3 miles to the large parking area.

NOTABLES:

• Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
• 🐶Dogs must be leashed.

⚠️ KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
We are a community of peers not guides or leaders. Hosts are not experts and should not be relied on for advice, medical care, or emergency assistance. You are responsible for your own safety, gear, and fitness, and must be prepared to complete the hike independently. The host's role is simply to be the anchor point; the person who ensures everyone meets at the right spot so the group can head out together
Full details in the Safety & Emergency Form — required before joining.

GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? Have them join ICB and sign the Safety & Emergency Form first. We'd love to have them!

RSVP EXPECTATIONS: Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 48 hours before the event. If you miss 2 events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.

BE PREPARED: We prioritize safety and self-sufficiency so we can focus on the experience. If you need to audit your gear or prep, this REI Checklist is a great resource.

TRIP STYLE:
We backpack to nature. Our adventures are less about the destination and more about the journey itself. We immerse ourselves the splendor of nature. We spend our evenings by the fire, telling stories under the stars. Many trips challenge us but we are never in a hurry to get there.

TRAIL RATING
Trips are rated by the most demanding day, based on distance, elevation, and terrain. Multi-day trips reflect the effort required for the longest or most demanding day.

🟢 Active
5–7 miles, moderate elevation (1,000 - 2,000’)
Uneven terrain, steady movement throughout, possible stream crossings
You can hike continuously uphill with a full overnight pack without frequent long breaks

🟡 Strenuous
7–10 miles, sustained elevation gain (1,500–3,000')
Longer climbs, rocky sections, frequent stream crossings
You can maintain a steady, conversational pace while ascending

🔴 Challenging
10+ miles and/or significant elevation gain (3,000’+)
Extended climbs, variable terrain, potential off-trail travel
You have strong endurance and are comfortable being pushed for most of the day