Button Rock Dam via Sleepy Lion

Difficulty: about 7 miles with about 1,000 feet elevation gain.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: On this scenic trail, we will hike along the North St. Vrain River, pass Button Rock Dam, and eventually get to Ralph Price Reservoir. We will have expansive views of Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and Twin Sisters. Once we get to the reservoir, we will hike a bit along the reservoir then head back. We will do the following hike in alltrails, except we will add on a short walk along the shore of the reservoir: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/button-rock-preserve-sleepy-lion-trail

NO DOGS: Dogs are no longer allowed in the preserve.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the parking area for Button Rock Preserve. To get to the preserve from Longmont, travel west on Highway 66 to Lyons. Proceed west on Highway 36 for 4 miles. Turn left at Boulder County Road 80 and continue for 3 miles where you will arrive at a gate across the roadway where there is parking allowed. Alternatively you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Button Rock 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=40.21554000000003&lon=-105.36693999999994#.ZBoCUy9MFvI

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.