Hike #1 “The Ranch Loop - Davis Ranch, Chase Property, Staunton Ranch, Dines Property
Trails Hiked: Davis Ponds Trail/Chase Meadows Trail/Staunton Ranch Trail/ Dines Meadow Connector Trail/Mason Creek Trail/Staunton Ranch Trail

Time of the event: Departs at 9:30am

Meeting location: Group Picnic Area

Degree of difficulty: Easy (depends on snow conditions)

Minimum age for children: 5 years of age and older

Any restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted

Length of hike: 5.25 miles

Things to bring: Weather appropriate gear, water, traction devices, Snacks,

Description of the hike:
Enjoy a hike to explore the historic ranch and cabin properties on the east portion of Staunton State Park.
This hike will begin at the Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area and will travel down the relatively flat Davis Ponds Loop.  We will then connect with the Chase Meadow Trail and discus the importance of this historic property.  We will then connect with the Staunton Ranch Trail (the ‘main street’ of Staunton’s 30 mile trail system) traveling downhill to the Dines Meadow Connector Trail.  We will cross a beautiful meadow to a connection with the Mason Creek Trail.  We will go uphill and explore two newly constructed rest areas including a frozen cascading waterfall.  We’ll double back downhill on Mason Creek to the Staunton Ranch Trail where we will hike back to the Group Picnic Area.  

Volunteer Guides: Mark and Sandy Fisher

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Hike #2 “History and Geology”

Trails Hiked: Staunton Ranch Trail to new rock climbing are (Red Cliffs)

Time of event: Departs at 10:00am

Meeting Location: Group Picnic Area Staunton Ranch Trail

Degree of difficulty: Moderate (dependent upon if we will be snowshoeing or just regular hiking)

Minimum age for children: 5 years of age and older

Any restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted

Length of hike: 4-5 miles

Things to bring: Weather appropriate gear, Bring water, snack, snowshoes or Yak-Trax, poles

Description of hike: Hikers will see meadows, pine forests, aspen tree groves, unique rock formations, wildlife, cabins and much more. Learn about the history of Staunton State Park while viewing amazing vistas from the destination overlook!

Volunteer Guide: Marlene Schulte

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Hike #3 “Search for Sasquatch”
Trails Hiked: Mason Creek Trail including the incredible Bear Paw Trail and overlooks

Time of the event: Departs at 11:00am


Meeting location: Group Picnic Area 


Degree of difficulty: Moderate


Minimum age for children: Kids and dogs welcome


Any restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted


Length of hike: 7-9 miles


Things to bring: Binoculars, Water, snacks, Snow shoes, Yak-Trax, Weather appropriate gear

Description of the hike: Travel high above the cliffs of Staunton State Park in search of the elusive Sasquatch! Travel through ponderosa pine forests, aspen groves, rock outcroppings, cross creek beds and enjoy amazing vistas, all while keeping on alert for a creature rumored to roam around Staunton State Park!!

Volunteer Guides: Gary Finley & Nancy Coburn

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Hike #4 “Mystery History”
Trails Hiked: Dines Meadow Connector, Mason Creek Trail

Time of the event: Departs at 1:00pm

Meeting Location: Group Picnic Area


Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Minimum age for children: Kids and dogs welcome

Any Restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted

Length of hike: Approximately 1.5 miles

Things to bring: Water, Snacks, Weather appropriate gear

Description of hike: Travel back in time along the Mason Creek trail as you visit the Old Stone House. Who built the structure? What was it used for? Your guide will share the stories of those who lived here before the land became a park and the history of putting the park together.

Volunteer Guide: Randie Boldra

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Hike #5 Old Mill Hike
Trails Hiked: Staunton Ranch Trail to Old Mill Trail (optional Borderline Trail)

Time of the event: Departs at 10:00am

Meeting Location: Group Picnic Area


Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Any Restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted

Length of hike: Approximately 6 miles with an optional additional 2 miles if you choose to hike to the Staunton Rocks Overlook

Things to bring: Water, Snacks, Weather appropriate gear

Description of hike: Follow Black Creek up to the site of the Staunton’s saw mill site. Visit the remaining bunk house and the remains of the mill itself. An interesting look at early 1900’s engineering and history.

Volunteer Guide: Debby Henkens

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Hike #6 Elk Falls Hike
Trails Hiked: Staunton Ranch Trail, Bugling Elk Trail, Chimney Rock Trail, Elk Falls Trail

Time of the event: Departs at 9:30am

Meeting Location: Group Picnic Area


Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Any Restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted

Length of hike: Approximately 11 miles

Things to bring: Water, Snacks, Weather appropriate gear

Description of hike: This is the Hike everyone has been waiting for! Travel through the heart of Staunton enjoying pine forests, aspen groves, creek crossings, high meadows, and the beautiful Elk Falls Pond. Then enjoy an adventurous hike down one of the Park’s most stunning trails, Chimney Rock, to Elk Falls Trail where you will descend down to the base of the falls. Once there we will feel the spray of Elk Falls while you enjoy your packed lunch!

Volunteer Guide: Jen Nickerson

Cancellation information: Call the park office 303-816-0912