Herman Gulch Hike

Weather forecasts are amazingly mild for this time of year. So let’s do a winter hike at Herman Gulch. But bring your microspikes…just in case we need them. If the weather is conducive, will take a break at the lake, so being snacks. If the weather forecast changes, I may schedule a different hike.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to take a break at the lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: Moderate - about 7.5 to 8 miles with about 1,700 feet elevation gain. Starting elevation is about 10,200 feet. Highest elevation at the lake is about 12,100 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is my first time hiking here in the winter. It is a steep climb to the top, but you are rewarded with wonderful views and an alpine lake. See the following hike in alltrails: 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, gaiters, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential. DEFINITELY BRING MICROSPIKES AS WE MAY 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?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.