Memorial Day Hike: Blue Dot Trail near Nederland

Be prepared for any type of trail conditions…snow, ice, mud, dry terrain. I’ve never done this hike and they did get snow from the recent storm so hard to know for sure what conditions will be like.

Difficulty: 11+ miles with 1300+ feet elevation gain.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph to 3mph. 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 snack/lunch break at an appropriate spot & we will stop as needed along the way.

**HIKE DESCRIPTION: The initial ascent is into a dense forest. As we climb higher, the trees gradually thin out, replaced by rocky outcroppings and expansive views. Here the ascent becomes more challenging, with steeper inclines and uneven terrain…but the reward is well worth the effort. Several rock outcroppings afford opportunities to see alpine areas and provide views of the Indian Peaks. A couple smaller meadow areas may have some wildflowers and birds singing. See the following hike in Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/blue-dot-trail**

🚫 DOGS: No dogs on this hike please.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the West Magnolia TH which is at the intersection of Magnolia Rd & Peak to Peak Hwy. To get there you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “West Magnolia TH” for directions. DO NOT TYPE IN WEST MAGNOLIA TRAILHEAD in Google Maps as it will take you to a different place. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “ West Magnolia 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, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential. Not a bad idea to bring microspikes just in case.

**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=-105.476&lat=39.951**

**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.