Backpacking ~ Macey Lakes (SAT 16-17 MAY)

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