Shrine Ridge Trail…Plus

YAY…I just contacted the Forest Service and the trail will be open again on weekdays this summer! It has been closed most weekdays the last 2 summers for trail maintenance. And this is such an amazing trail…especially during peak wildflowers.

DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THIS TRAIL AND LIMITED PARKING, I AM KEEPING THE GROUP SMALL. IF SOME IF YOU WANT TO CARPOOL, PLEASE COMMENT IN THE EVENT…as I am not organizing a carpool for this one.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have lunch at an appropriate spot & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 7.5 to 8 miles with almost 1,400 feet elevation gain. Starting elevation is about 11,500 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: With panoramic views of the Gore Range and Holy Cross Wilderness...Shrine Ridge is one of the most incredible wildflower spots in the state of Colorado. The last time we went, we saw the most beautiful field of every color of Indian paintbrush. We will do the hike to Shrine Ridge, but since it is rather short, we will add on an out and back hiking trail that leads south. Here is a link to my self-made alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-july-19-2022-1-05-pm-0f34132?u=i&sh=ittjkn

DOGS: 🚫 Not allowed.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Shrine Ridge Trailhead. To get there, you can click on the following alltrails link and click directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/shrine-ridge-trail. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Shrine Pass Parking”. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Shrine Pass Road TH #709” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellant, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.519150000000025&lon=-106.25529999999998#.ZBUKsi9MFvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.