Gateway Natural Area (Three Trails) (A)

1. Hike description: Gateway Natural Area is north of Fort Collins, in Poudre Canyon. This hike consists of hikes on three trails, totaling almost 5 miles with a cumulative elevation gain of around 860 feet. The hike will be co-led by Holly Gordon and Kirsten Bell. We will start with the Black Powder trail which is 1.5 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 436 feet. We will then hike from Gateway to Seaman Reservoir, which is 2.5 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 246 feet. Lastly, we have the option to do the short but steep Overlook Trail, which is 0.8 miles up and down, with an elevation gain of 177 feet, and it has a great view of the area from the top. These hikes go along the North Fork of the Cache de Poudre and the Black Powder Trail goes up to a beautiful grassy meadow with a view of the Reservoir and the mountains. If interested, please let me know if you have a Larimer County Pass and are willing to drive. Fully Covid vaccinated hikers only for carpooling. At the hike leader’s discretion, non-vaccinated hikers may meet at the trailhead. Limit is 8 hikers. Contact Holly Gordon @ [holly1960@gmail.com](mailto:holly1960@gmail.com) with questions or message her on Meetup.
2. Hike length, starting elevation, elevation gain: This hike starts at 5300 ft altitude. We will hike on three trails, totaling almost 5 miles with a cumulative elevation gain of around 860 feet.
3. Meetup Location and rideshare amount: The meeting place for this hike will be at Jax West in Loveland at Eisenhower and Wilson at just before 7:30am. Besides the Hike Leader, at least 1 more driver with a Larimer County Pass will be needed. Roundtrip travel to the trailheads is about 60 miles so the rideshare fee is $6.00. If you prefer to meet at the Gateway Natural Area or in Ft. Collins, please include that in your RSVP.
4. Lateness: We will wait only 5 minutes for late arrivals at the meetup location. Please allow extra time to get to the meetup location by the stated meetup time.
5. Hike Pace: This hike will be at a moderate pace. We hike as a group and will stop at appropriate spots, as needed, along the way for water, snacks, photos, etc.
6. Things to Bring: Water, snacks, lunch, appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and hiking poles.
7. Weather Forecast: See the forecast for the trail area here: https://forecast.weather.gov (enter the location). Any changes to the hike due to weather conditions will be communicated on Meetup.
8. Cancellation of Hike: Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. You will be notified if the hike is cancelled for any reason.
9. Required Waiver: If you have not already done so, you must sign the LMC waiver available on our website (see below) prior to this hike. Copies will be available at the meetup location, or you may print, sign, and bring with you a form available at this link: https://lovelandmountainclub.org/images/Forms/2024application-renewal-waiver.pdf. If you choose to sign the waiver on the day of hike, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike on time. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you can perform this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.
10. Covid Protocol: Fully Covid vaccinated hikers only for carpooling. At the hike leader's discretion, non-vaccinated hikers may meet at the trailhead. Please contact the hike leader to discuss this matter.