Staunton State Park - Eagle 🦅 Cliffs Loop Hike

Hopefully the weather will participate and we will have views…but if not…always a nice hike. BRING SPIKES…AS THIS IS THE ICIEST PART OF THE PARK.

Difficulty: Moderate - about 9 miles with about 1,400-1,500 feet elevation gain.

FEE: THERE IS A $10 FEE FOR A DAY PASS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS. Note that the entrance station will not be manned and you will need to pull over at the entrance and pay at the self-pay kiosk. See further info here: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/Staunton/

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is one of my favorite hikes in the park and goes to 3 overlooks with amazing views. The scenery and setting of Staunton are unique. Geologic features, such as large rock outcrops and dramatic cliffs, dominate many of the views in the park, and the ponderosa pine stands are some of the most mature along the Front Range. This is a loop trail with beautiful scenic views of rock cliffs, distant mountains, and expansive valley views. We will go past 3 overlooks along Bear Paw trail. See the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/eagle-cliffs-via-mason-creek-bear-paw-old-mill-and-staunton-ranch-trail-loop

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs must be 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 Staunton State Park Meadow Lot. Continue up the road past the Visitors Center and after a short distance you will see a parking lot on the left and also up the drive on the right. We will meet in the lot on the right. DO NOT continue up the road to the Lazy V Parking area.
The Staunton State Park address is: 12102 S. Elk Creek Road, Pine, CO 80470. Look for my blue Subaru Outback.

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 BEING MICROSPIKES AS THEY MAY BE NECESSARY.

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=-105.36776378613295&lat=39.5255208418653#.ZAlAfS9lBvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: Note that 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.