Second Creek Trail to Twin Cones

In addition to the alltrails route, we will hike off trail to an overlook where there is a pretty view of a lake…see photo I posted in the photos section of this event. We can get a view of the lake from Twin Cones, but the off trail view is better.

Difficulty: about 6.5 miles with 1,500 to 1,600 feet elevation gain. We climb to about 12,000 feet elevation on this hike.

This will be a group hike, where we will hike together and everyone will wait at all trail junctions so no one hikes on their own for safety reasons. Plan on a moderate pace of about 2.5 mph average moving speed. Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This hike begins at Second Creek Trailhead and is pretty steep right away gaining about 800ft of elevation in the first mile. This first mile takes us to Broome Hut. Past Broome Hut, we will pass by a small creek and wildflowers as we climb above treeline. The trail will begin to flatten out after about 1.8 miles and from there the cones are very distinct. When we reach the top, we will see views of The Cirque and the Panoramic Lift on the Mary Jane side of Winter Park Ski Resort, as well as some nearby 13ers. (Mt. Flora, Mt. Eva, Parry Peak). See the following hike in Alltrails except we will add on the off-trail route to the lake overlook: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/second-creek-trail-to-twin-cones

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW 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: We will meet at the Second Creek Trailhead off US-40. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Second Creek Trailhead”. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Second Creek Trail” for directions. Here is a link to the forest service website which includes directions to the trailhead: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=83379&actid=50

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, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, 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=39.83721000000003&lon=-105.78639999999996

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.