Betasso Preserve - Canyon & Benjamin Loops + Bummer’s Rock 🪨

Difficulty: about 9 miles with about 1,300 feet elevation gain.

We hike as a group at a moving pace of about 2.5 mph. Although the group may split up due to different hiking paces, everyone is expected to wait at all intersections, creek crossings & periodically otherwise so that we can regroup and so no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Mountain vistas, views of golden plains, scenic trails, diverse habitats, and a rich heritage make Betasso Preserve a favorite destination in the foothills. On this hike, we will hike the Canyon & Benjamin Loops first…including the Fourmile Link side trail, then we will head up to Bummer’s Rock…my favorite part of the park. We will do the following 2 hikes in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/canyon-loop-and-benjamin-trail-loop & https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bummers-rock

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs must be leashed at all times. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the hike.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the MainTrailhead parking lot at Betasso Preserve. There are a couple different parking areas so look for my blue Subaru Outback. You can get to the meeting spot using one of the following options:
Click on the following Alltrails link and click directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/canyon-loop-and-benjamin-trail-loop
If you use Apple Maps or Google maps, you can type in “Betasso Preserve 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=40.0072&lon=-105.333#.ZCS8ey9MFvI

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.