Walker Ranch Loop Hike from Crescent Meadows Trailhead

WE ARE MEETING AT CRESCENT MEADOWS TRAILHEAD. SEE DETAILS BELOW.

Difficulty: about 8.5 miles with about 1650 feet elevation gain.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is a long and wonderful loop hike! The first segment of the hike descends along a wide valley and switchbacks down the side of the mountain to South Boulder Creek with views into Eldorado Canyon from the back. The descent to S. Boulder Creek is steep and rocky. The next part of the hike is similar to many other foothills hikes, open meadows, forests, and then you top out on this section of the trail and are rewarded with tremendous views and are hiking on a ridge that makes you feel like you are at much higher altitude. After reaching the main trailhead, where we will take a quick restrooms break, the trail descends back down to S. Boulder Creek and has wonderful rock formations. When we reach South Boulder Creek, we will take a snacks break at the picnic tables by the creek. Thereafter the trail follows the creek for a ways, and then starts to climb back out of the canyon. You get great views as you climb up and can see to Gross Reservoir and the peak behind it. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/walker-ranch-loop

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

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Crescent Meadows Trailhead which is located east of Gross Reservoir. From Denver or Boulder take Hwy 93 to Coal Creek Canyon (Hwy 72). Travel up Coal Creek Canyon about 7.5 miles and make a right on to Crescent Park Dr. then after about a mile turn right onto Gross Dam Road. About 1.8 miles down the road, you'll see the Crescent Meadows trailhead and parking area on your right. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Crescent Meadows Trailhead” 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, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential. PLEASE ALSO BRING MICROSPIKES IN CASE WE NEED THEM.

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=39.9592&lon=-105.3428

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.