Jan 1 2019 - First Day Hikes at Staunton State Park!

This Jan.1, Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites all Coloradans to welcome 2019 by heading outside to enjoy the trails in a Colorado State Park. First Day Hikes offer a chance to start the new year right by getting people out for some exercise in nature. At least 25 ​state parks are participating by hosting an organized hike. Each park offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the new year, with most parks offering guided hikes and some parks providing multiple options to choose from, allowing you to select the time and route you prefer.

“Getting outside is the best way to bring in a new year and Colorado state parks showcase all the best things about the outdoors,” said Crystal Dreiling​, park manager at Trinidad Lake State Park, one of the participating parks. “We are thrilled to have seen this event continue to grow since we started ​the program in 2012.”

Many parks are also offering refreshments and free giveaways for this event, such as mugs and pens, thanks to a grant provided by the Colorado Parks Foundation.

The hikes ​​are free but park visitors must possess a valid parks pass to participate. The daily pass for entry to most parks costs $8 per vehicle; annual passes are available for $80. (Prices reflect ​ 2019 Fee changes​ ).

All First Day Hikes will vary in ability levels and length depending on location and weather conditions.​​​​ Bring snacks and water, dress in layers and be prepared with traction and/or trekking poles for winter hiking in snow or on icy trails; if there is snow, consider bringing snowshoes. We hope to see you kicking off 2019 by enjoying a First Day Hike with us!​

First Day Hikes are coming up soon!

All hikes will meet at the Friends of Staunton warming station, located in the Meadow Parking Lot near the Track Chair Building. Arrive about 15-30 minutes early to enjoy some free coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, etc.

A summary of the hikes:
9:30am - Ranch Loop Hike - 5.25 miles
9:30am - Elk Falls Pond Hike - 8 miles
9:30am - Elk Falls Waterfall Hike - 11.5 miles
10:00am - History & Geology Hike - 4.5 miles
10:30am - Search for Sasquatch- 8 miles
1:00pm - Mystery History - 1.5 miles

Choose your distance or interest and come join us! No reservations required, simply get here before it starts.

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

Time of the event: Depart at 9:30am
Meeting location: Meadow Parking Lot
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 side of Staunton State Park.

This hike will begin at the Meadow Parking Lot and will travel down to the relatively flat upper portion of the Davis Ponds Loop. We will then connect with the Chase Meadow Trail and discus the importance of these historic properties. We will then connect with the Staunton Ranch Trail (the ‘main street’ of Staunton’s 30 mile trail system) traveling downhill to the upper portion of the Dines Meadow Trail. We will cross a beautiful meadow to the trail junction with the Mason Creek Trail. We will go uphill on Mason Creek Trail and explore the creek, two rest areas including a frozen cascading waterfall. We’ll then double back downhill on Mason Creek to the lower portion of the Dines Meadow Trail where we will hike back uphill to the Meadow Parking Lot.

Volunteer Guides: Mark and Sandy Fisher

First Day Hikes are 5 days off! Have you picked a hike yet? Choose your distance or interest and come join us! No reservations required, simply get here before it starts.

All hikes will meet at the Friends of Staunton warming station, located in the Meadow Parking Lot near the Track Chair Building. Arrive about 15-30 minutes early to enjoy some free coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, etc.

Hike #2 “History and Geology”
Trails Hiked: Staunton Ranch Trail to the new rock climbing are (Red Cliffs Climbing Walls)

Time of event: Depart at 10:00a
Meeting Location: Meadow Parking Lot
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
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, water, snack, micro-spikes, 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

Descriptions of the other 5 scheduled hikes: www.facebook.com/events/2179386362388842/

First Day Hikes are 4 days away! No reservations required, simply get here before the hike you wish to go on starts. All hikes will meet at the Friends of Staunton warming station, located in the Meadow Parking Lot near the Track Chair Building. Enjoy some free coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, etc. courtesy of the Friends of Staunton State Park and Staunton State Park staff and volunteers!

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

Time of the event: Departs at 10:30am
Meeting location: Meadow Parking Lot
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

Descriptions of the other 5 scheduled hikes: www.facebook.com/events/2179386362388842/

First Day Hikes are in 3 days! Choose your distance, interest, or favorite friendly guide and come join us! No reservations required, simply get here before it starts.

All hikes will meet at the Friends of Staunton warming station, located in the Meadow Parking Lot near the Track Chair Building. Arrive about 15-30 minutes early to enjoy some free coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, etc.

Hike #4 “Mystery History”
Trails Hiked: Upper portion of the Dines Meadow Trail , Mason Creek Trail

Time of the event: Departs at 1:00pm
Meeting Location: Meadow Parking Lot
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: Kim Meyer

Descriptions of the other 5 scheduled hikes: www.facebook.com/events/2179386362388842/

First Day Hikes are the day after tomorrow! No reservations required, simply get here before it starts.

All hikes will meet at the Friends of Staunton warming station, located in the Meadow Parking Lot near the Track Chair Building. Arrive about 15-30 minutes early to enjoy some free coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, etc.

Hike #5 To the beautiful setting of Elk Falls Pond
Trails Hiked: Staunton Ranch Trail to Bulging Elk to Elk Falls Pond and return on same trails.

Time of the event: Depart at 9:30 am
Meeting Location: Meadow Parking Lot
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Any Restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted
Length of hike: Approximately 8 miles roundtrip

Things to bring: Water, Snacks, Weather appropriate gear, micro-spikes (optional)

Description of hike: Follow Staunton Ranch Trail into the heart of the park with dramatic views of Lions’ Head and red rock cliffs popular with rock climbers. Hike past the historic Staunton Cabin, along a beautiful trail, and end up at the pond for lunch.

Volunteer Guide: Debby Henkens

Descriptions of the other 5 scheduled hikes: www.facebook.com/events/2179386362388842/

Whoo hoo! First Day Hikes are tomorrow! Come join us and start your new year off with some fresh air, exercise, and friends! No reservations required, simply get here before whichever hike you wish to do starts.

All hikes will meet at the Friends of Staunton warming station, located in the Meadow Parking Lot near the Track Chair Building. Arrive about 15-30 minutes early to enjoy some free coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, etc.

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

Time of the event: Depart at 9:30a
Meeting Location: Meadow Parking Lot
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 see the frozen cascade of Elk Falls and listen to the water roaring below the ice cap. We’ll stop long enough for you to enjoy your packed lunch!

Volunteer Guide: Jen Nickerson

Descriptions of the other 5 scheduled hikes: www.facebook.com/events/2179386362388842/