Centennial Cone Park…the Big Loop Hike

We’ve done this hike a few times mid to late-June and it is absolutely beautiful with lush green landscape and wildflowers! I can’t guarantee wildflowers will bloom at the same time this year…but let’s give it a try. Note that most of the hike is out in the open, so it can be a very warm hike. Make sure you bring plenty of water and be prepared for warm temperatures. Due to the warm temps, we will go at a more moderate pace with stops for water and cooling off along the way.

Difficulty: about 12-13 miles with about 1,900 feet elevation gain.

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

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Centennial Cone Park offers a near-backcountry experience with expansive meadows, rolling hills, sweeping views of Clear Creek, and provides the opportunity to see elk and other wildlife over wide expanses. We will stop for a break during the hike, so please bring lunch or snacks. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/centennial-cone-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, per Jefferson County Open Space Regulations (https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/8982).

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Ralph Schell Trailhead in Centennial Cone. Note that there are 3 different trailheads, so make sure you go to the correct one. Here is the link to the park map and Ralph Schell is at the top of the map https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/9364/Centennial-Cone-Park-Map
The address for this trailhead is: 3956 Camino Perdido, Golden, CO 80403. If you use google maps, you can type in “Centennial Cone Park Ralph Schell Trailhead” to get 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…lots of water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, 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=-105.34325204796599&lat=39.75320108944058#.ZAKXHi9lBvI

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.