Chair Rocks Hike

Difficulty: about 10 to 10.5 miles with about 1,000 feet elevation gain.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: The wildflowers should be great this time of year! On this hike, the first 3 miles traverse the remnants of the Buffalo Creek wildfire. The views in the burn area are phenomenal. You get wonderful views of Long Scraggy Peak, Buffalo Peak, Pikes Peak, Mount Evans, Raleigh Peak, and the Cathedral Spires. The iconic landmarks are all around you. After three miles, we enter pine forest and shade. Eventually we will see the Chair Rocks, which are impressive, towering monoliths. We will work our way to the viewpoints looking north. This view is a real treat, as we will be up close and personal with the enormity of the Cathedral Spires and with Mount Evan's snowy peaks in the background, and a Front Range view that few people ever see. We will do the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chair-rocks-via-colorado-trail

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Allowed on a leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: The best way to get there is to click on the alltrails link above and click Directions. From Denver, head south on Hwy 285 to Pine Junction. Turn left and head south on 126 (Pine Valley Road) for about 13 miles. You will go through the historic towns of Pine and Buffalo Creek. After you pass through Buffalo Creek, keep you eyes out for the hiking crossing sign and the Colorado Trail sign posts (they are small). There is a large shoulder on the opposite side (west) of 126 next to the gated road for parking. Look for my blue Subaru Outback.

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, 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?lon=-105.23811576703763&lat=39.404325531550825#.Y_wC9i9lBvI

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.