Walk Into the Dark: Full Moon Hike | Hunter’s Moon, Halloween Edition

Walk Into the Dark: Full Moon Hike | Hunter’s Moon, Halloween Edition
Sunday, October 25 | 4:15 PM | South Mesa Trailhead, Boulder, CO

October’s full moon is the Hunter’s Moon. By this time of year the animals were at their fattest after feeding on what was left in the harvested fields, and the bright moonlight gave people a few extra hours to hunt and stock up before winter. We won’t be hunting anything except a good view.

This year it lands five nights before Halloween, so this one is a costume hike. Come dressed up. Come as anyone or anything you want and have fun with it.

We’re meeting at South Mesa Trailhead at 4:15 PM by and heading out at 4:30. That window is for parking, lacing up and figuring out who everybody came as. We’ll reach the overlook around 5:30, just in time for something you don’t get to see often. At 5:35 the Hunter’s Moon rises in the east over the plains, and at 6:07 the sun sets behind us in the west. For about half an hour you get both.

The trail is 5 miles round trip, moderate with a steep final push that earns the view. This is a social hike, so nobody is racing anyone. That said, the moon doesn’t wait for us, so you’ll need to keep a steady pace on the way up. If this would be your first hike of the year, this probably isn’t the one to start with.

What to expect:

The vibe is light and social the whole way, so come ready to chat and laugh at each other’s costumes. Once the sun drops, there may be a short reflection, and joining in is completely optional. Then we’ll take a moment of silence together to soak in the view and listen to what the dark actually sounds like. By 6:35 the last of the twilight is gone and the moon lights the way back down.

Total time is about 2 to 2.5 hours. Back at the trailhead around 7:15.

What to bring:

Headlamp. You’ll need it during the transition, but we try to go dark once the moon is up.
Layers. Late October evenings can drop into the 30s fast.
Water.
Sturdy shoes, since this is a real trail.
Microspikes if there’s been recent snow.
A costume you can hike in. Capes are great. Inflatable dinosaurs are a liability. Add something reflective if your outfit is all black, and if your costume has a mask, plan to take it off for the hike down.

Parking:

South Mesa is a paid lot. Boulder County plates park free. Everyone else needs a $5 daily permit through ParkMobile (zone 24600), and you should buy it before you get there since cell service at the trailhead can be spotty. Sunday afternoons can get busy, so give yourself a few extra minutes.

Day-of logistics and weather:

Late October weather can change fast. Jump into our WhatsApp Event Logistics room to ask any questions or follow for updates. While you’re in the community, you’re welcome to join our other rooms too, including Mission Control, where we drop a new uncomfortable mission every other Sunday.

Run by Adam at Volks Coaching (volkscoaching.com)

By joining this event, you acknowledge that hiking in the dark on uneven terrain carries inherent risks, that you are responsible for your own safety and fitness, and that you release The Uncomfortable Club, its organizers and Embody Purpose LLC from any liability for injury, loss or damage.