Calendar
Join us on January 1, 2015 for one of four hikes. We will meet at the Westside Trailhead Parking Lot. Our hikes range in length and difficulty, so bring family and friends out for a healthy start to the year.
Hike #1 - Staunton Ranch/Climbing Access/Old Mill
Time of the event: 9:00am (1.5-2 hours total)
Meeting location: Group Picnic Area
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Minimum age for children: 10 years of age and older
Any restrictions: no pets please
Length of hike: 4-5 miles
Things to bring: (water, snowshoes, snacks, etc) Weather appropriate gear, water, snack
Description of the hike: Enjoy a hike and talk about the geology of Staunton State Park. Discussion will focus on how the Pikes Peak Granite was formed, how it makes up much of the Front Range of Colorado, and how faulting and fracturing have shaped the peaks and valleys that we see in the park and surrounding area.
Hike #2 - Mason Creek Trail
Meeting Location: Mason Creek Trailhead
Hike #3 - Davis Ponds Trail
Minimum age for children: all ages welcome
Any restrictions: None. Dogs are welcome too
Length of hike: two miles (or less), families can choose how far they want to go
Things to bring: warm clothing, hats and mittens, snow or hiking boots, water and snacks
Description of the hike: On this family-friendly hike, we will share the beauty and wonder of winter with your children. The pace will be slow and there are numerous opportunities to shorten the trail if your child does not want to do the entire two mile loop.
Hike #4 - Intro to Staunton Ranch Trail
Time of the event: Depart at 1100, finish before 12:30
Meeting location: Mason Creek Parking Lot
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Minimum age for children: No minimum age. Large wheeled strollers are possible - trail conditions permitting
Any restrictions: None
Length of hike: Approximately 4 miles
Things to bring: Weather appropriate gear, water, snack
Description of the hike: Hike up through a beautiful ponderosa forest to a large meadow with a historic structure. Hike past our Group Picnic Area and across a cool wooden bridge. Hike through and an aspen grove and another ponderosa forest and see the recently completed dam project at Davis Ponds. Hike back past the main parking lot then on to our vehicles at the Mason Creek Lot.
Audience: All Ages
Location:
Staunton
What Should You Bring?
All Colorado state parks recommend that First Day Hike participants bring the following:
- water
- sun protection
- appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
Other recommended items, depending on the weather conditions and terrain, include snow shoes, strap-on ice cleats, snacks, trekking poles, cameras, binoculars and wildlife guide books.
***Want to win a free annual #Colorado parks pass? Share a photo from one of the First Day Hikes using #COfirsthikes! http://bit.ly/1yARxS5
