Staunton First Day Hikes
Thursday, January 01: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Join us on January 1, 2015 at 10:00 am for one of four hikes. We will meet at the Westside Trailhead Parking Lot. Our hikes range in length and dificulty, 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
Time of event: 10:00am-2:00pm
Meeting Location: Mason Creek Trailhead
Degree of difficulty: Moderately difficult (dependent upon if we will be snowshoeing or just regular hiking)
Minimum age for children: 8 years of age and older
Any restrictions: no restrictions
Length of hike: 5-6 miles
Things to bring: Bring water, snack, snowshoes or Yak-Tracs, poles
Description of hike: Hikers will see meadows, pine forest, flowing creek with little waterfalls(possibly frozen) aspen tree groves, unique rock formation, wildlife.
Hike #3 - Davis Ponds Trail
Time of the event: 10:00 to noon
Meeting location: main parking lot (next to the Entrance Station)
Degree of difficulty: easy, strollers or sleds are welcome depending on trail conditions
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
Maps and Directions
Additional Information:
Read More
.
Win a free annual Colorado parks pass by Sharing a photo from one of the First Day Hikes using hashtag #COfirsthikes on Twitter or Instagram!
Details here:
bit.ly/1yARxS5
