The Happy Hikers interest group is dedicated to introducing people new to the area or new to hiking to the joys of traipsing through the outdoors and enjoying the beauties of the Rocky Mountain environment. If you haven't tried snow shoeing, you're in for a treat! Our spring/summers are short but packed with wildflowers and sun and flowing water. And the intense colors of Fall are truly beautiful.
Hikes are held on the first Thursday of each month, summer or winter. Hikes usually start at 8:30 AM, but other times may be listed depending on the distance to the trailhead, and the length of the hike. The new Adventure Hikes are held on the last Thursday of alternate months.
Hikes are held on the first Thursday of each month, summer or winter. Hikes usually start at 8:30 AM, but other times may be listed depending on the distance to the trailhead, and the length of the hike. The new Adventure Hikes are held on the last Thursday of alternate months.
Call Diane at 214-668-0662 for more information or to suggest a hike/snowshoe, or E-mail us at
hikers@estesparknewcomers.org
.
A Recent Hike
Cub Lake hike, April 5, 2012
Our hike to Cub Lake could not have been on a prettier day. We had 14 hikers join us. We ambled our way up the trail, pausing to enjoy the views of mountains, meadows, and pools. We saw ducks, buttercups and chipmunks along the way. Diane Carlton also shared some tidbits about the uses of pine needles, resin, moss, and river Willow bark.While snacking at Cub Lake we began an ongoing review of essentials to carry in your pack while hiking. To recap that we discussed having water, a map and compass (perhaps we will learn the use of this on a later hike), sunscreen, and enough food to cover your day plus an extra 24 hours. More will be added on later hikes.
Scheduled Hike â May 2012
Date:
May 3, 2012
Time: 7:45 am
Meet: Masonic Lodge
Trail: The Grotto, Roosevelt National Forest, Allenspark
Elevation Gain: about 600 ft net gain from start to the low part, with lots of ups and downs adding to the elevation gross total.
Mileage: 4.5 miles RT
For this hike, if you have any questions you should contact: Diane Hackett Carlton, Jim Carlton, Larry Allen, or Jeff Van Bogaert; or email us at hikers@estesparknewcomers.org
We will meet at the Masonic Lodge parking lot located on Hwy 7/St. Vrains Ave. and carpool to the trail head parking which is along Hwy 7 just outside Allenspark.
This hike is a beautiful, mostly easy hike in the Roosevelt National Forest just on the other side of the highway from Allenspark off Hwy 7. We will do an initial climb up about 100 ft and then work our way down into the lovely Buck Gulch along Rock Creek toward the Grotto at the junction of Rock Creek and Fox Creek.
The hike down takes us along Rock Creek which is filled with beaver pools and little oxbows. River willows fill this basin and the catkins of the willows are just beginning to blossom so that by next week there should be lots of them for photo ops and just pure enjoyment. Along the cliffs you will see bright orange lichens clinging to the walls. Once we arrive at the Grotto we will stop for a snack and an opportunity to play along the creek; take photos of the falls; etc. Then we can either cross over what is now Fox Creek for a leisurely climb up to the trail along the cliffs above. Or turn back the way we came.
I'd opt for the climb up. It’s kinda steep but if you go slow and stop a lot for breathers, it’s very doable and it’s short. But what a view from the top! You get to look back up the gulch we walked down and then down the gulch that Rock Creek continues in and the views are just breathtaking. Definitely need to bring cameras on this portion. We then hike back down into the gentle gulch of Fox Creek; cross the creek and then come out into some beautiful meadows in which a few wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Here you will also see the remains of an old mine. And then a hike back uphill to our waiting cars. Once we get back to our cars we will drive back into town for lunch somewhere. Our total hike time ought to be about 4 - 4 1/2 hours.
Our preview hike found the trail dry with no snow or ice. A few muddy spots but nothing to get excited about. However, the trail is VERY ticky. You will need LOTS of BUG SPRAY and we will probably need to reapply it once we reach the Grotto.
For this hike you might consider hiking poles as there are some rocky areas along the trail. Spray before you dress and after you dress. Bring sunscreen, WATER, snacks, hats, sunglasses, rain gear, and waterproof hiking boots. You might also consider gaiters since they discourage those darned ticks. Dress appropriately for the weather as forecasted for the day. Hiking pants are always better than jeans if you have them. As usual, we will take our time and have plenty of stops for breathing and pictures.
Time: 7:45 am
Meet: Masonic Lodge
Trail: The Grotto, Roosevelt National Forest, Allenspark
Elevation Gain: about 600 ft net gain from start to the low part, with lots of ups and downs adding to the elevation gross total.
Mileage: 4.5 miles RT
For this hike, if you have any questions you should contact: Diane Hackett Carlton, Jim Carlton, Larry Allen, or Jeff Van Bogaert; or email us at hikers@estesparknewcomers.org
We will meet at the Masonic Lodge parking lot located on Hwy 7/St. Vrains Ave. and carpool to the trail head parking which is along Hwy 7 just outside Allenspark.
This hike is a beautiful, mostly easy hike in the Roosevelt National Forest just on the other side of the highway from Allenspark off Hwy 7. We will do an initial climb up about 100 ft and then work our way down into the lovely Buck Gulch along Rock Creek toward the Grotto at the junction of Rock Creek and Fox Creek.
The hike down takes us along Rock Creek which is filled with beaver pools and little oxbows. River willows fill this basin and the catkins of the willows are just beginning to blossom so that by next week there should be lots of them for photo ops and just pure enjoyment. Along the cliffs you will see bright orange lichens clinging to the walls. Once we arrive at the Grotto we will stop for a snack and an opportunity to play along the creek; take photos of the falls; etc. Then we can either cross over what is now Fox Creek for a leisurely climb up to the trail along the cliffs above. Or turn back the way we came.
I'd opt for the climb up. It’s kinda steep but if you go slow and stop a lot for breathers, it’s very doable and it’s short. But what a view from the top! You get to look back up the gulch we walked down and then down the gulch that Rock Creek continues in and the views are just breathtaking. Definitely need to bring cameras on this portion. We then hike back down into the gentle gulch of Fox Creek; cross the creek and then come out into some beautiful meadows in which a few wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Here you will also see the remains of an old mine. And then a hike back uphill to our waiting cars. Once we get back to our cars we will drive back into town for lunch somewhere. Our total hike time ought to be about 4 - 4 1/2 hours.
Our preview hike found the trail dry with no snow or ice. A few muddy spots but nothing to get excited about. However, the trail is VERY ticky. You will need LOTS of BUG SPRAY and we will probably need to reapply it once we reach the Grotto.
For this hike you might consider hiking poles as there are some rocky areas along the trail. Spray before you dress and after you dress. Bring sunscreen, WATER, snacks, hats, sunglasses, rain gear, and waterproof hiking boots. You might also consider gaiters since they discourage those darned ticks. Dress appropriately for the weather as forecasted for the day. Hiking pants are always better than jeans if you have them. As usual, we will take our time and have plenty of stops for breathing and pictures.
Adventure Hikes
Name: Happy Hiker Adventure Hikes - Same hike leaders as Happy HikersParameters: Elevation gain of 2,500 ft or less; Round Trip length of 10 miles or less; higher elevation, lower mileage; longer trip, lower elevation gain. Must be willing to conform to hike leaders' suggested equipment/attire/basic food and liquid requirements; some hikes will start earlier than 8:30 am to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Pace: gently moderate with breath and photo stops.
Timing: last Thursday, every other month starting in March (29th) - notices will be emailed to all or check the Website.
Same non-RSVP format, although checking in with the leaders if not sure of abilities is a good idea.
The release form already signed is sufficient for both groups. New hikers sign the new form.
If you have any suggestions for other hikes, please send them to hikers@estesparknewcomers.org .
A Recent Adventure Hike
Deer Mountain adventure hike, March 29, 2012
The hike to the Deer Mountain summit was awesome. We started at the Deer Mountain Trailhead on Hwy 34/Trail Ridge Rd and wended our way up the 3 miles to the top.Our weather was perfect. Our pace was such that we had happy chatter on the way up as well as down. The views of the mountain range panoramas was breathtaking with the blue sky as a backdrop. Once we reached the summit and took our happy snap, we came down a few feet and snuggled into the rocks for a snack break with views in the warm sun protected from the winds.
We then returned down the same way we came back. The group chose not to go to lunch although that remains an option on future hikes.