Staunton State Park 2017 First Day Hikes

Staunton State Park - First Day Hike #1 “Get to Know Staunton State Park”
Name of the trail: Mason Creek connecting to Staunton Ranch/Chase Meadow/ Davis Pond loop/GPA/Staunton Ranch to Mason Creek
Time of the event: Depart at 9:30a
Meeting location: Mason Creek Trailhead
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 miles
Things to bring: Weather appropriate gear, Water, Snowshoes, Snacks, Yak-Trax[/li]

Description of the hike: Enjoy a hike to “Get acquainted with Staunton State Park”. This hike will begin traveling up Mason Creek connecting with Staunton Ranch Trail. From there you travel along the newest volunteer built trail (Chase Meadow) connecting with theDavis Pond trail back to the Group Picnic area. Catch Staunton ranch trail back to thetrail head for a completed loop. Get acquainted with Staunton State Park as your guides share the stories of how this land became open to the public as the newest Colorado State Park.
Volunteer Leaders: Mark and Sandy Fisher

Staunton State Park - First Day Hike #2 “History and Geology”
Name of Trail: Staunton RanchTrail/Chase Meadow/Cabin District/Davis Ponds
Time of event: Depart at 10:00a
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 visiting the many unique geological structures located throughout the park.
Volunteer leader: Marlene Schulte

Staunton State Park - First Day Hike #3 “Search for Sasquatch”
Name of the trail: Raymond Searches for Sasquatch!! Mason Creek including the New Bear Paw!
Time of the event: Depart at 1100a
Meeting location: Group Picnic Area
Degree of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Minimum age for children: Kids and dogs welcome
Any restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted
Length of hike: 9-10miles
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 Leader: Gary Finley

Staunton State Park - First Day Hike #4 “Mystery History”
Name of trail: Mystery History Hike
Time of the event: Depart at 1:00
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 guides will share the stories of those who lived here before the land became a park and the history of putting the park together.
Volunteer leader: Randie Boldra

Staunton State Park - First Day Hike #5 Old Mill Hike
Name of trail: Staunton Ranch to Old Mill
Time of the event: Depart at 10:00a
Meeting Location: Group Picnic Area
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Any Restrictions: Leashed pets are permitted
Length of hike: Approximately 6 miles
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. Your guide will explain how loggers used a cable system to move logs down from Black Mountain to be milled at the site. An interesting look at early 1900’s engineering and history.
Volunteer leader: Debby Henkens

Staunton State Park - First Day Hike #6 Elk Falls Hike
Name of trail: Staunton Ranch, Bugling Elk, Chimney Rock, Base of Elk Falls
Time of the event: Depart at 9:30a
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 beautiful Elk Pond. Then enjoy an adventurous hike down one of the Park’s most stunning trails, Chimney Rock, to the base of Elk Falls where you will view the Falls from up close and feel the spray of Elk Fallswhile you enjoy your packed lunch!
Volunteer leader: Jen Nickerson

Cancellation information: Call the park office at 303-816-0912
www.facebook.com/events/1244020022326280/
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunto...ams-CurrentIssue.pdf

Get to know Staunton State Park this Sunday and join the growing movement participating in #FirstDayHikeCO! We'll be there with our stuffed marmots & gorgeous 2017 calendars for sale, and are happy to help the park provide hot dogs, chips, and hot chocolate to warm you up after your hike!