Annual 1st Day Hikes at Staunton State Park

Come on out to Staunton tomorrow for their Annual 1st Day Hikes - there's nothing like fresh air, sunshine, snow, and a little exercise among the trees, streams, rocks, and amazing views at Staunton State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife to start your day, and year, off right! The hikes will be self-guided this year so it's completely on your schedule, but we and the park staff have put together some goodie bags to hand out first-come, first-served. The weather looks beautiful, according to My Mountain Town: "A few light snow showers are not out of the question for some areas on Thursday, but generally we'll have partly to mostly sunny skies. Breezy through Friday. The upcoming weekend looks nice, with temperatures near average, and high pressure sticking around to bring us sunshine for New Year's weekend."

Enjoy the trails, please be safe, and Leave No Trace. We wish you an amazing 2021!

Frozen Elk Falls by Staunton State Park Staff

From Staunton Staff:

This year looks a little different, but it is still a great time to get outside! Instead of guided first day hikes and bikes, we are encouraging visitors to come out and go on their own self-guided adventure. Look below for recommendations!

A parks pass is required to enter the park. Make sure to check trail conditions before coming by calling 303-816-0912-spikes or snowshoes might be needed!

Download Agents of Discovery and both of Staunton's missions to add a fun educational element to your hike-great for all ages! More information can be found on our website: cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton

Long Hike
Recommendations:
-ELK FALLS (OUT AND BACK)
Make the trek to Elk Falls, and be rewarded with a stunning view of a frozen 75 foot waterfall!
Distance: Approximately 11 miles round trip
Route: Start at the Meadow Parking Lot. Take Staunton Ranch to Bugling Elk to Chimney Rock to the Elk Falls cutoff. For a longer and more difficult route, take Marmot Passage instead of Bugling Elk.

-BEAR PAW OVERLOOKS AND OLD MILL (LOOP)
Climb up Mason Creek to see the breathtaking views from the 3 overlooks along Bear Paw! You will also see the historic Old Mill Site on your way down.
Distance: Approximately 8 miles total
Route: Start at the Meadow Parking Lot. Take Dines Meadow to Mason Creek to Bear Paw to Mason Creek to Old Mill to Staunton Ranch back to the parking lots.

Short Hike
Recommendations:
-DAVIS PONDS (LOOP)
This family friendly trail provides beautiful views of Lion’s Head, along with amble wildlife viewing opportunities!
Distance: Approximately 2 miles total
Route: Start at the Visitor Center Parking Lot. Follow the Davis Ponds Trail either clockwise or counter clockwise. If you want a shorter option, take the inner loop to make the hike 1 mile.

-HISTORIC CABIN DISTRICT AND CHASE MEADOW (LOOP)
Learn about the Staunton family and see where they used to live!
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Route: Start at the Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area. Follow the Chase Meadow Trail until it intersects with the Historic Cabin District. Do the loop around the cabins, then follow the Staunton Ranch Trail back to the parking lots.

Bike Recommendations:
-POPULAR BIKE LOOP
See all Staunton has to offer by bike!
Distance: Approximately 18 miles round trip
Route: Start at the Mason Creek Parking Lot. Take Mason Creek to Bear Paw to Mason Creek to Border Line to Bugling Elk to West Meadow to Chimney Rock to Marmot Passage to Staunton Ranch to Dines Meadow.

-ELK FALLS POND (OUT AND BACK)
A beautiful winter trek to a frozen pond!
Distance: Approximately 8.5 miles total
Route: Start at the Meadow Parking Lot. Take Staunton Ranch to Bugling Elk to the pond!