Outings 2004

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike: Brainard Lake - January 9th 2004

Showshoe outing at Brainard Lake in the light of the full moon. We will depart Boulder at 6 pm be on the trail at 7 pm. Rolling 3-4 mile round trip hike. The hike is at 10,000 feet elevation, so participants should be in good physical condition and be able to showshoe at a moderate rate so that we're back at the cars no later than 10:00 p.m. Stunning views of the Indian Peaks (weather permitting). Besides snowshoes, bring headlamp and wear appropriate layers for the expected temperature. Please - NO COTTON - don't want hypothermia victims.

Contact Dave Hawley to sign up. Reg Gupton will co-lead.

Hike: Ouzel Falls - Sunday January 11th 2004

Level: Moderate

Distance (round-trip): 5.4 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 950 feet

Participant Limit: 12

Duration: 4-8 hours

What to Bring: The Ten Essentials including extra warm clothing, extra
food and water and sturdy hiking boots and snow shoes

Description:

Ouzel Falls is named for a dull gray bird, smaller than a robin and shaped like a wren - also called dippers whose preferred habitat is around and near flowing water. Ouzel Falls is approached along the Wild Basin Trail adjacent to the North St. Vrain Creek - a noisy white-water stream when not frozen over! The majority of the elevation gain is in the first 1.8 miles up to Calypso Cascades and then through an area of regrowth after a forest fire in 1978 up to Ouzel Falls. In the summer, the Wild Basin trails are rich in wildflower species including the small, pink calypso orchid. Snow shoes required in case of fresh snow fall.

If you are interested in this hike contact Deirdre Butler or Reg Gupton.

Hike: Woods Quarry Hike - January 31, 2004, Saturday

During this easy hike we’ll hike from NCAR to Woods Quarry via the Dakota Hogback and Mesa Trail and learn some of the different rock formations along the way. Nice views of Boulder from the unique “rock chairs” at Woods Quarry. Gentle pace with a few moderate uphill stretches. 4 miles round trip with about 600’ elevation gain. The trail may be snowy, icy, or muddy in places. Bring sun/wind/rain protection; layered clothing; sturdy hiking shoes or boots; water; lunch; and snacks. There will be a maximum of 12 participants.

For details, contact Steve Welter

Snoeshoe Clinic: Bierstadt Lake - Feb 1, 2004 - CANCELLED SORRY

This event has been cancelled.

Hike: Ceran St. Vrain Trail - February 8, 2004, Sunday

Hike or snowshoe along the beautiful South St. Vrain Creek among magnificent pines. Impressive stream views and wonderful forest floor enchantment. Moderate difficulty. 4 mile round trip, gain/loss about 400’, participant limit 12. Snow shoes are required in case of snowfall. Bring sun/wind/rain protection; layered clothing; sturdy hiking shoes or boots; snowshoes; water; lunch; and snacks. Extra bonus - learn about Ten Essentials.

For details, contact Evette Auerbach

Workshop: Working with Topographic Maps - February 12, 2004, Thursday 7pm

This will be the first in a series of three workshops in 2004

Learn all about topographic maps and symbols. Workshop taught by Ed Crothers of the Colorado Mountain School. Ed’s knowledge of the subject is impressive, and we can’t help but learn. Maximum of 20 participants. $3 contribution requested. Location: Foothills Nature Center, 4201 North Broadway (about a mile south of Lee Hill Road on the west side of Broadway - also the Wonderland Lake Trailhead).

For details, contact Dave Hawley

Snowshoe Clinic - Bierstadt Lake - February 15, 2004, Sunday

RESCHEDULED

Snowshoe Clinic for beginner snowshoers to learn the basics of this fun winter sport. Start at Bear Lake trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park and snowshoe to Bierstadt Lake (after the artist Albert Bierstadt). Total distance about 4 mi with 600’ elev gain. Easy. 4-8 hours. Max 12 participants. Bring food, water, warm clothing, snowshoes, poles, and wind gear.

For details, contact Linda Batlin

Snowshoe Hike: Emerald Lake - February 22, 2004, Sunday

This moderate difficulty 4-8 hour snowshoe outing in Rocky Mountain National Park has great views of Hallett Peak, Flattop Mountain, and Longs Peak. 3.6 mi RT, with about 605’ elevation gain starting at 9,475’. Past Nymph Lake, then Dream Lake framed by limber pines, and up to Emerald Lake. Wonderful scenery - great for photographers! Maximum of 12 participants. Bring snow shoes and Ten Essentials including food, water, and warm clothing.

For details, contact Deirdre Butler.

Hike: Mills Lake Snowshoe - February 28, 2004, Saturday

Explore Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park on this moderate difficulty snowshoe hike to beautiful Mills Lake. Dress warm, 'cause the wind can really blow at the top (elevation 9940 feet). Round trip is about 5 miles with an elevation gain of 700 feet.

Contact Bill Roettker

Hike: Ponderosa Loop - Heil Valley Ranch - February 29, 2004, Sunday

RESCHEDULED

This moderate difficulty 4-8 hour hike takes us through pine forest past the ruins of old stone cabins and culminates at a fine overlook of Longs Peak, Mt. Meeker, and the Indian Peaks. 7.5 mile round trip, with about 800’ elevation gain. Trail may be snowy or muddy in places. Bring sun/wind/rain protection; layered clothing; sturdy hiking shoes or boots; water; lunch; and snacks. Maximum of 12 participants.

For details, contact Steve Welter

Lichen Walk: Rabbit Mountain - March 6, 2004, Saturday

Join naturalist Barbara Hawke on an easy, slow-paced, 4-hour hike as we explore the wonderful world of lichens at Rabbit Mountain Open Space. Plenty of stops to examine the lichens, and interesting vistas along the Eagle Wind Trail. 3.5 mile round trip, with about 400’ elevation gain. Maximum of 12 participants. Bring sun/wind/rain protection, water, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a snack to share.

For details, contact Steve Welter

Hike: Meyers Homestead Trail - March 14, 2004, Sunday

Easy hike along an old road (closed to motorized traffic) to an overlook with magnificent views of the Indian Peaks and Boulder Canyon. Beautiful Aspen groves. See ruins of one of James Walker’s old hay barns. 5 mile round trip with about 700' elevation gain/loss. If there’s snow, good hike for beginning showshoers. Bring sun/wind/rain protection; layered clothing; sturdy hiking shoes or boots; snowshoes (if snow on ground); water; lunch; and snacks. Extra bonus - learn about altitude illness in preparation for later high-country hiking.

For details, contact Dave Hawley

Snowhoe Hike: Lake Haiyaha Outing - March 28, 2004, Sunday

This moderate difficulty 4-8 hour snowshoe outing in Rocky Mountain National Park is a 4.2 mi RT, 765’ elevation gain hike that starts at 9,475’ and follows the Dream Lake trail, then heads south, continuing up switchbacks through a grand subalpine forest. Great views of Longs Peak and Glacier Gorge. Navigate through large boulders to Lake Haiyaha, whose name means “big rocks” in Native American. Maximum of 12 participants. Bring snow shoes and the Ten Essentials, including food, water, and warm clothing.

For details, contact Deirdre Butler.

Hike: Castle Wood Canyon State Park - April 10, 2004, Saturday

Exciting foray into the canyons of the Black Forest just west of Castle Rock, south of Denver. Arid and beautiful setting of rock formations and dramatic canyon walls. Ruin of the century-old Castlewood Canyon Dam that caused flooding in Denver in the 1930’s. This park is a “must see.” Moderate to difficult hiking. Approximately 5 mile round trip, 400’ elevation gain/loss. Full day since Park is 1½ hours away. Bring sun/wind/rain protection; layered clothing; sturdy hiking shoes or boots; water; lunch; and snacks. Extra bonus - learn about sun protection, UV Index, and SPF in preparation for the summer.

For details, contact Dave Hawley

Hike: Mesa Trail - April 17, 2004, Saturday

Hike the length of the Mesa Trail from Cautauqua to Eldorado Springs and back to help the Outings Leader celebrate her birthday! Moderate difficulty, pleasant springtime hike. Will arrange car shuttle for those who desire to hike only 1 way. round trip distance about 12 miles with negligible elevation gain. Max 12 participants. Bring food, water, hiking boots, rain gear.

For details, contact Linda Batlin

Mountaineering Series I: South Boulder Peak - April 25, Sunday

A fun but strenuous hike along a well maintained and lovely trail, with a fabulous view of Boulder and Indian Peaks from the top. 5.6mi RT w nearly 3,000’ elev gain. First in a series of 5 events. Bring water, good hiking boots, sunscreen, hat, lunch, hiking poles (optional but useful), cold weather and rain gear. Participant limit 12.

Contact Rebecca Dickson

Restoration: Boulder Prairie May 8, 2004, Saturday

WRV & VOC Joint Project. Join an Indian Peaks Group (IPG), Sierra Club, work crew in support of this project to rid the prairie NE of Boulder of Mediterranean Sage, an invasive non-native plant. VOC needs 500 volunteers. Sign up at ww.voc.org or 303-715-1010, and let Dave Hawley know so that a SC work crew can be formed.

Altitude Sickness Presentation: May 10, 2004, Monday

The Sierra Club is pleased to sponsor a presentation on types, treatment, and prevention of altitude sickness by Dr. Linda Keyes. Dr. Keyes is a Yale Medical School graduate and an emergency physician at Lutheran Medical Center and University of Colorado Hospital. She has been conducting altitude medicine research since she was a medical student, studying pregnancy at high altitude and acute mountain sickness.

Dr. Keyes spends as much time as she can climbing, trekking, and generally having fun at high altitude, and she has extensive high altitude medicine experience that includes working at the Himalaya Rescue Association Clinic at 14,000’ in Pheriche, Nepal, and as the expedition doctor on the Colorado Gangapurna expedition.

Presentation starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. at the George Reyholds Branch Library in Boulder - 3595 Table Mesa Drive (north side of Table Mesa Drive, across the street from the Mesa Shopping Center, just west of Broadway).

Contact Dave Hawley

Workshop: Map & Compass Workshop May 13, 2004 , Thurs 7-9 p.m

May 15, 2004, Saturday 9am-2pm Practical Exercise Follow.

Join the Sierra Club for this evening workshop taught by Ed Crothers of the Colorado Mountain School. Practical exercise follow-up on Saturday at NCAR. For location / space reservation.

Contact Dave Hawley Limited to 20. $3 contribution requested for Thursday evening.

Hike: Mills Lake - May 23, Sunday

Join IPG in exploring Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park on this moderate difficulty hike to beautiful Mills Lake. Bring your camera and flower books. Dress warmly as the wind can really blow at the top (elev 9940’). RT is about 5mi w elev gain of 700’. Because of the elevation and possible snow cover, may need snowshoes or Yaktraks. Remember, cotton kills! Bring 10 essentials.

Participant limit 12. Contact Reg Gupton

Outings Committee Meeting - May 23, Sunday 7 pm

Want to help lead or organize outings? Join the outings committee.

Contact Dave Hawley to volunteer or for meeting details.

Mountaineering Series I: Chasm Lake - June 6, 2004, Sunday

Join the IPG in a strenuous hike ascending to this magnificent alpine lake, aloof in its start desolation and set against the famed east face of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. See Peacock Pool and Columbine Falls along the way. Be on the watch for marmots. 4.2mi each way, with 2,360’ elev change. Ending elev 11,760’. Must carry wind jacket & pants, and wear good boots. Do not wear cotton. Extra bonus - learn about sun protection, UV index, and SPF. Bring lunch + ten essentials. Participant limit 12.

Contact Dave Hawley or Co-Leader Rebecca Dickson

Hike: Hikathon for Youth - June 5, 2004, Saturday

Volunteer Backup Hiking Leaders Needed

On June 5, 2004, 2,500 individuals will hike to support programs connecting youth to the outdoors. 10 environmentally focused youth organizations serving the Denver / Boulder metro areas will benefit – Cal-Wood Education Center, cityWILD, Colorado Youth Corps Association, Earth Force, Earth Walk, Growing Gardens –Cultiva! Youth Project, Mile High Youth Corps, Thorne Ecological Institute, Wilderness Education Institute, and Women’s Wilderness Institute – Girl’s Wilderness Program. Each of many hikes will include 20 hikers and a volunteer Hike Leader. Hikes will begin at multiple trailheads throughout the Boulder / Jefferson County areas every hour from 7 to 10 a.m., with all hikes ending by 12:30 p.m. Hike distances will vary from ½ mile to about 3-4 miles. The Sierra Club has been asked to partner in this Hikathon by providing as many hiking “backup” leaders as possible. Having First Aid training, as is required for Sierra Club Outings Leaders, is not required, but hiking experience is required. The principal role of the “backup” leaders is to meet the hike group at the designated trailhead and help deal with any unforeseen situations. If you can assist as a “backup” leader during this Hikathon, please directly contact Steve Cohen Johnson, Cal-Wood Outreach & Development Director, at steve@calwood.org.

Please also let Dave Hawley IPG Outings Chair, know of your involvement by sending a quick email to him.

Hike: 2nd Annual Ouzel Lake Hike - June 12, 2004, Saturday

Join IPG for our 2nd Annual Springtime Ouzel Lake Hike. Ouzel Falls should be spectacular as the melting snow fills North St. Vrain Creek and Ouzel Creek in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll have breathtaking views of Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls, Mount Meeker and Longs Peak on this moderate-to-strenuous 10-mi RT trek with an elev gain of 1,510 feet.

Contact Bill Roettker

Hike: Homestead Meadows Hike - June 13, 2004, Sunday

Join IPG for a moderately strenuous hike that will take you back in time to visit the remains of historic homesteads circa 1890-1918 amid beautiful spring wildflowers. Part of this loop hike will be off trail, and participants should be comfortable with off-trail hiking. 10 mi with elev gain of 1,500-1,800 feet.

Contact Linda Batlin.

Mountaineering Series II: Hallett Peak - Jun 20, Saturday

Strenuous hike along a pleasant trail that winds up from Bear Lake to Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak. Will end up at 12,317’ - above treeline. Stunning view of Long’s Peak from the top. 3,240’ elev gain over 5 mi (10mi RT). Bring ten essentials plus lunch. Participant limit 10.

Contact Rebecca Dickson

Mountaineering Series III: South Arapahoe Peak - June 27, Sunday

South Arapahoe is the real thing - a demanding and strenuous hike along a lovely trail with great views. One overlook will take your breath away - if you dare look over it. 4,300’ elev gain over 4.5 mi (9mi RT). If snow is too heavy, will do a different peak. Bring ten essentials plus lunch, and hiking poles if you like using them. Participant limit 10.

Contact Rebecca Dickson

Hike: Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake - July 11, 2004, Sunday

Join the IPG on this short, moderate difficulty trail with fine scenery and a series of stunning alpine lakes. Abundant wildflowers. Splendid views of Mts Audubon & Toll, Pawnee & Paiute Pks. 2.5mi each way, with 840’ elev gain. Ending elev 11,352’. Must carry wind jacket & pants, and wear good boots. Do not wear cotton. Extra bonus - learn to identify 5 alpine flowers. Bring lunch + ten essentials. Participant limit 12. Contact Dave Hawley

Mountaineering Series IV: Mt. Sherman - July 18, Sunday

Final hike in Mountaineering Series - a fourteener! Mt. Sherman is supposed to be the easiest fourteener to climb, but we’ll feel this ascent. Impressive views are the reward. 8.8mi RT with 2,850’ elev gain. Bring ten essentials plus lunch, and hiking poles if you like using them. Participant limit 10.

Contact Rebecca Dickson

Interpretive Hike: Historic Walker Ranch - July 25, 2004, Sunday

Join an IPG sponsored hike with guest Mary Wiener, Boulder County Parks and Open Space Interpreter at Walker Ranch. Strenuous 7.6 mi hike with elev gain and loss of 1,000’. Challenging exploration of a loop that offers a rich mosaic of mountain habitats. Follow in the footsteps of settler James Walker, who made Walker Ranch one of the largest cattle ranches in this region of CO. 7/25 is also Walker Ranch Summer Days, and volunteers will be dressed in period costumes, doing chores as James Walker once did. After the hike, visit the homestead and see what life was like for the Walkers. Return to cars after 2:00 p.m. Bring at least two literes of water, lunch, rain gear, sunscreen, and hat. Hiking poles recommended since part of the trail is very steep. Participant limit 12.

Contact Reg Gupton for meeting location.

Hike: South Arapaho Peak - August 8, 2004, Sunday

Join the IPG on this very strenuous climb to the top of South Arapahoe Peak (13,397’), enjoying a breathtaking view of the Arapaho Glacier along the way. 3.8mi each way, with 3,200’ elev gain. Will maintain a moderate pace. Must carry wind jacket and pants, and wear good boots. Do not wear cotton. Expect marmot visitors. Extra bonus - learn about acute mountain sickness. Bring lunch + ten essentials.

Participant limit 12. Contact Dave Hawley

Hike: Mount Bierstadt, Mountaineering Series IV - August 29th, Sunday

Join the IPG on this strenuous ascent to 14,060’ (one of Colorado’s 14ers). We’ll climb a fine trail thru willows to a lovely view of plains and mountains. 2,770’ elev gain, 6 mi RT. Limit 10 participants. Must carry wind jacket and pants, and wear good boots. Do not wear cotton.

Contact Rebecca Dickson

Hike: Lion Gulch - September 5, 2004, Sunday

Join the IPG on this moderately difficult trail to Homestead Meadows where early settlers made their homes. Starts at 7,200 feet with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet, 3 mi one-way to 2,240 acres of tall grass pastures, rocky hills, thick pines, and small brooks. Wildlife viewing an added bonus - popular habitat for elk in summer and fall. Limit 12 participants.

For details - start time and meeting location, contact Joanie Cardone.

Workshop: GPS for the Backcountry Traveler - September 9th Thursday

Join IPG Outings for a workshop taught by Ed Crothers of the Colorado Mountain School - 7-9 p.m. $3 contribution requested.

Contact Dave Hawley for location and reservations.

Hike: Mount Audubon Peak - Sep 12 2004

September 12, 2004, Sunday - Mt Audubon Peak - Join the IPG on this strenuous ascent to 13,223’ in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Brainard Lake area. Among 13ners, Audubon is considered relatively easy, but distance each way is 3.8mi, and the elev change is 2,723’ (1,000’ during the last mile), so being in shape is important. Must carry wind jacket & pants, ski hat, and gloves, and wear strong boots. Can snow / sleet in mid-summer, so do not wear cotton. Great views. Extra bonus - learn to identify 5 types of trees. Bring lunch + ten essentials.

Participant limit 12. Contact Dave Hawley

Hikathon: Walker Ranch - Sep 18 2004

Join the IPG for this exciting event – Fulll details.

Educational Hike to Explore Off Road Vehicle Use Issues - Sep 26 Sunday

Join an IPG sponsored hike to venture through the iron clads, a rocky area just west of the Bunce school off the peak-to-peak highway. This area is a microcosm of all the challenges presented by off road vehicle (ORV) use, including resource damage, proliferation of trails, and user created routes in a roadless area. It is also exceptionally scenic, wandering thru lush mountain meadows and surrounded by spectacular views. Moderate loop hike, with some steep section - approx 5 mi w 1,000’ elev gain - 4 to 5 hrs. Discussions on ORV management and how the Forest Service can bring use under better control. Guest ORV issues expert Ros McClellan will share knowledge. Limit 20 participants.

Contact Eliza Rayner Bicknell for details.

Hike: Ancient Landslides of North Boulder - Oct 3 2004, Sunday

Join an Indian Peaks Group (IPG), Sierra Club, on an easy paced afternoon 3.5 mile round trip 500 feet elevation change approx 4 hour outing. Begins at 12:30 p.m. Dr. Peter Birkeland will show participants evidence of ancient landslides and earthflows and answer questions about future landslide hazards. Frequent discussion stops along the way. Bring sun/wind/rain protection, water, snacks, sturdy shoes or boots. Limit 20 participants.

Contact Steve Welter for details.

Hike: Pear Lake - Oct 10 2004, Sunday

Join the IPG for this moderately paced 12mi round trip hike with 2,100’ elevation gain. This hike is becoming an annual tradition - hiking to this sylvan lake via Finch Lake in Wild Basin - through thick conifer forests. Pears and chocolate sauce provided.

Contact Linda Batlin for details.

Training: Wilderness First Aid and CPR - Oct 15-17, 2004 (Fri-Sun)

This is for Sierra Club members interested in leading Outings. Still seats available for this intensive NOLS 20-hour course - $145 (partial reimbursement possible) - REI Flagship store in Denver.

Contact Jacob Morgan.

Hike: Twin Sisters Peak - Oct 24, 2004 (Sunday)

Join the IPG, Sierra Club, on a strenuous but lovely climb through forests and open areas to the Twin Sisters Peaks in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspen, conifers, and rock outcroppings - from dense forest to spare tundra. Great views of Longs, Meeker, and Estes valley. RT 7.4 mi, with 2,340 ft elev change. Peak at 11,430’. Participant limit 12. Must carry wind jacket & pants, ski hat, gloves, and wear strong boots. Bring lunch and snowshoes just in case. Consider Ten Essentials.

Contact Mike Anstett 303-823-8757.

General Meeting: October 25, Monday 7p.m.

Indian Peaks Sierra Club - Linking Colorado’s Landscape. Join us for a presentation by Monique DiGiorgio, Executive Director of the Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project on implementation of SREP’s Wildlands Network Vision. Her focus will be on identifying and prioritizing wildlife corridors in Colorado. Meadows Branch Library, Foothills and Baseline, Boulder.

For more information contact Steve Welter.

Hike: Bridal Veil Falls Full Moon Hike - Oct 28, 2004 Thursday evening

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club for this moderate difficulty moonlight hike along scenic Cow Creek to Bridal Veil Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike among stands of aspen and through meadows in which elk may be viewed. Hike to the falls at sunset and return by the light of the moon. RT 6.4 mi with 800’ elev gain. Participant limit 12. Bring food for dinner at the falls, headlamp with extra batteries, and warm non-cotton clothing.

Contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396.

Hike: Odessa Lake/Fern Lake/Moraine Park Hike - Nov 7, 2004 Sunday

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club for this wonderfully scenic moderate difficulty hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will ascend from Bear Lake, traverse around Flat Top Mountain, and drop down into Odessa Gorge. Lunch at Odessa Lake, at the base of Little Matterhorn, and then on to Fern Lake, Fern Falls, The Pool, and out into Moraine Park. 8.5mi one-way (we’ll car shuttle), with about 1,200’ elev gain. Participant limit 12. Must bring snowshoes for one or more areas, layered clothing, rain jacket & pants for possible snow, cap & gloves, sturdy footwear. Consider ten essentials.

Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Hike: Mesa Trail - Nov 14, 2004 Sunday

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club for this moderate difficulty hike beginning at Eldorado Springs and ending at Chautauqua Park. Leader will arrange for car shuttle. 7mi at moderate pace w about 1,000’ cumulative elev gain. Participant limit 12. Bring sun/wind/rain protection, gloves, warm cap, layers, sturdy boots/shoes, water, lunch.

Contact Rebecca Dickson for details.

Hike: Eldorado Canyon - Nov 20, 2004 Saturday

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club for this moderate difficulty 6 mi total out-and-back hike on a scenic trail that winds thru ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest behind the Flatirons. Moderate pace, few steep sections, with total 1,500’ elev gain. Participant limit 12. Bring sun/wind/rain protection, gloves, warm cap, layers, sturdy boots/shoes, water, lunch.

Contact Steve Welter for details.

Hike: The Loch Snowshoe - Nov 21, 2004 (Sunday)

This moderate, 4-6 hour snowshoe outing in Rocky Mountain National Park includes Alberta Falls, The Loch Vale, and views of Powell and McHenry’s Peaks from The Loch. 6 mi RT with 940’ elev change. Max 12 participants. Bring snowshoes and the Ten Essentials - especially food, water, and warm clothing.

Contact Mike Anstett (303) 823-8757.

Hike: Homestead-Mesa-Big Bluestem Loop - Dec 4, 2004 Saturday

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club for this moderate difficulty 4.5 mile round trip hike to experience grasslands, forest, and riparian habitats. Moderate pace and 1,000’ elev gain. Participant limit 12. Bring sun/wind/rain protection, gloves, warm cap, layers, sturdy boots/shoes, water, lunch.

Contact Steve Welter for details.

Hike: Caribou Ranch - Dec 11, 2004 (Saturday)

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club on a slow-paced walk on the new Caribou Ranch Open Space (near Nederland). An OSMP interpreter will join us to enhance understanding of this wilderness area that has been closed to the public for several decades. The area spans both montane and subalpine zones and features a rich tapestry of wetlands, meadows, streams, and forests, with forests providing a wide diversity of habitat for wildlife. 4.5 mi RT, with elev gain of 750’. Hike is above 8,300’, with possible snow, so bring snowshoes, ten essentials, and winter layers. Participant limit 12.

Contact Reg Gupton for details.

Snowshoe Hike: Ceran St. Vrain - Dec 12, 2004 (Sunday)

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club on a fun snowshoe hike along the beautiful South St. Vrain Creek among magnificent lodgepole pines. Impressive stream views and wonderful forest floor enchantment. Moderate difficulty, but suitable for first-time snowshoers. 4 mi RT, gain/loss about 400’, participant limit 12. Snow shoes needed since snow likely to be on trail. Bring sun/wind/rain protection; layered clothing; sturdy hiking shoes or boots; snowshoes; water; lunch; and snacks. Extra bonus - learn about hypothermia.

Contact Dave Hawley for details.

Hike: Chasm Lake Snowshoe - Dec 18, 2004 (Saturday)

Join the Indian Peaks Group, Sierra Club on this strenuous snowshoe hike to Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm Lake sits at the base of Longs Peak’s east face and is one of the most stunning scenes in all of Colorado. 8.4 mi RT w 2,400’ elev gain. Expect full winter conditions above tree line. Bring ten essentials, warm non-cotton clothing, lunch, warm drink, and snowshoes. Participant limit 12.

Contact Mike Whiteley

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