Moonlight Hike ~ Kenosha Pass (SAT 31 JAN)
Details
Join us on a moonlight hike in Park County! It's on the Colorado Trail Segment 6.
Located just over an hour outside Denver, this hike is designed for socializing. While we typically limit our group size to 7, we have increased the capacity to 15 participants for this specific event.
RSVP OPENS: Jan 21st
When skies are clear, the magnificent 14,000-foot snow-capped peaks of the Mosquito Range can be seen. After a picture break at the viewpoint, if the group is making good time we'll continue down the trail through the peaceful high-elevation forest, before turning back to the trailhead the way we came. The trail is usually well-traveled.
The popular Colorado Trail takes off from both directions at the top of Kenosha Pass on U.S. Highway 285. We'll head out the west side. The first couple miles of this trail lead through well-spaced trees to a spectacular panoramic view of South Park.
TRAILHEAD TIMES
MEET AND GREET: 6:15 pm
START HIKING: 6:30 pm (our hikes start on time)
FITNESS: (beginner-fit) You should be in good shape.
Sunset: 5:18 PM
Moonrise: 4:00 PM
WHERE: Kenosha Pass, Colorado Trail Segment 6 (Pike National Forest)
CLOSET TOWN: Grant, CO
Avalanche Hazard: minimal
https://avalanche.state.co.us/
This hike depends on safe avalanche conditions
WHEATHER FORECAST
DIRECTIONS: (GPS: 39.41263, -105.75863)
Google Map Link
There is a large parking lot on the west side of Highway 285 at Kenosha Pass, which is about an hour west of Denver, and about 7.5 miles west of the tiny town of Grant. We will park near the campground entrance (locked in winter).
TRAIL: Colorado Trail Segment (west Kenosha Pass)
- Length: 4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Route type: out and back
- Time: 3 hours
- Crowds: light
TRAIL MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/P8EH1EG
WEBSITES: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/kenosha-pass-north
Traction devices are required for all winter hikes. Even without recent snow, many trails have a section that's always in shadow and iced over.
CARPOOLING:
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC
ORGANIZE CARS: 4:45 PM
START DRIVING: 5:00 PM (sharp)
TRAVEL TIME FROM CARPOOL LOT: 1 hour 15 min
NOTEABLES:
- Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, smoke and avalanche danger.
- Dogs: Furry friends are welcome on-leash.
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 24 hours before the event. If you miss 2 events without notice, you'll be removed from the group. You can rejoin after 90 days.
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