Herman Gulch + Small Waterfall + Hike around Herman Lake

Always a favorite. We will probably be too late for the massive amounts of Columbine flowers that bloom here, but hopefully there will be other wildflowers still blooming!

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 a snack break at the lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 8 miles with about 1,700 feet elevation gain. Starting elevation is about 10,200 feet. Highest elevation at lake is about 12,100 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is said to be one of the best wildflower hikes near Denver! We will be here after peak wildflowers this year but hopefully there will be a decent amount of wildflowers still blooming. It is a steep climb to the top, but you are rewarded with wonderful views and an alpine lake. After arriving at the lake, we will continue down the trail a short ways to a pretty little waterfall…my favorite spot on this hike. Then we can take a short snack break at the lake. Those who are interested can join me for a hike around the lake…last year we saw lots of marmots in the rocks as we walked around the lake. See the following hike in alltrails, except we will add on a short hike to a creek and small waterfall near the lake plus a hike around the lake: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/herman-gulch-trail

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs must be under control and on a leash at all times. 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: We will meet at the Herman Gulch Trailhead. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Herman Gulch Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Herman Gulch Trail” 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, hat, gloves, bug repellant, 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=-105.88915637784764&lat=39.722104698882504

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.