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Outings Leader Meeting

Mar 19, 2012 (Mon) 7pm

We are having an outings leader meeting for the new RMC Outings program all current outings leaders are welcome to attend and as well anyone interested in becoming an outings leader or anyone who would like to find out more about being a leader.

For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396 or at mgwhiteley@q.com.

Goshawk Trail, Fowler Trailhead (short route)

Apr 1, 2012 (Sun) 10:00am

Leader Edward Morrison

Hike with the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Sierra Club! Spend a Sunday on a beautiful hike down the Goshawk trail. The trail is easy, 3.2 miles, and begins on a gravel road. WE will gain elevation slowly until we reach the Spring Brook Trail. There are several distinct geologic areas of interest including glimpses of the Dakota Sandstone, 100 million years old. In another mile we will cross a bridge to reach the actual Goshawk Trail. This area has beautiful forests of Ponderosa pine and we might see deer in the trees. Rising gently through open space we will have wonderful views of Eldorado Canyon and town of Eldorado Springs. Parts of the trail could be muddy or even snow covered, so prepare. We will carpool from Arvada to the Dowdy Draw Trailhead, and from there to the Fowler Trailhead. There are only 7 spaces at Fowler. Please be prepared to pay your driver 10 cents per mile, bring hiking boots, lunch, plenty of water, and The Ten Essentials. Contact Edward Morrison to sign up, call (720) 480-6197 or email Edward.Morrison@WesternAlum.org.

Outings Leader 101 Training Class

May 6, 2012 (Sun)

A class for those interested in becoming a Sierra Club Outings Leader, a wonderful and rewarding experience. This will be a hands on experience, we will go on a short hike where we will go through how to lead a hike and all of the factors of leading hikes for the Sierra Club. After completing this class and another first aid class you will be ready to lead some hikes. You do not need to be an outdoor expert to lead hikes there are a lot of different types of outings that can be done all you need to have is a desire to help others experience the outdoors. Outings can be almost anything from difficult climbs or backpacking trips to simple day hikes or even just trips out to see museums or movies, speakers etc. it is up to you as a leader as to what you do so the best way to have trips that you like to do is to lead them. Bring; lunch water, warm clothing, snowshoes and the ten essentials.

For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396 or at mgwhiteley@q.com.

Outings Leaders Meeting

May 14, 2012 (Mon) 7pm

Join us for a Rocky Mountain Chapter Outings Leader Meeting, all Outings Leaders and anyone interested in becoming an outings leader are welcome. It will be 2 hours at most and we will talk about all things outings related and plans for upcoming summer trips, new ideas and some new programs that will be starting this year. The meeting will be at Kathleen Flynn’s house in Arvada please contact her for the address and directions. gxw008@hotmail.com

Sunset Hike at Pawnee Buttes, Pawnee national Grasslands

May 19, 2012 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

We will hike in the evening to the Buttes a short easy 3 mile r/t hike with very little elevation gain or loss. We should see many wild flowers as well as maybe some birds of pray as this area is a well known nesting area in the spring for many birds. This should also be a good hike for photography with the setting sun. Please bring; hiking shoes, rain gear, water, food, may also want camera, tripod and binoculars.

For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396 or at mgwhiteley@q.com.

England’s Coast-to-Coast Walk: From the Irish Sea to the North Sea - FULLY BOOKED

May 19-June 1, 2012 or Sept 10-23, 2012

England’s Coast-to-Coast walk is a classic. It was a life ambition of A. Wainwright’s, as documented in his pictorial guide that describes a 190-mile walk, in an approximate beeline, that keeps a preference for the high ground and crosses some of England’s most stunning countryside. Our walk covers 90+ miles of the original route and begins at St. Bees Head on the coast of the Irish Sea. We will walk through three of England's national parks: the Lake District, renowned for its gorgeous lakes and craggy peaks; the Yorkshire Dales, with its gentle green valleys full of ancient stone walls and old farms, and popularized by the PBS series, All Creatures Great and Small; and the North York Moors, which is secluded and lush with heather, and ends at a picturesque coastline along the North Sea. Along the way we will stop in remote and quiet country villages and hamlets to refresh ourselves in pubs and tearooms, and we’ll also take time to wander around medieval ruins and monuments that give evidence of England’s ancient history. Enjoy charming English villages and their local pubs, and friendly bed and breakfast accommodations. Leader; Deidre Butler. An international outing with a price of; $3845. For more information; http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/12695a.aspx for the Sept 10-23 trip or http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/12595a.aspx for the May 19 - June 1 2012 trip.

Denver Bike Ride and Gallery Tour

Jun 2, 2012 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the RMC for an day of gallery viewing by bike in downtown Denver. We will start at the Denver Art Museum (free day) and then go to a few smaller contemporary galleries, Next, Pirate, Goodwin, Rule, Plinth as we have time. The bike ride will be about 10 miles total but we will be on downtown Denver Streets so you should be comfortable riding on busy streets. We will go to as many galleries as we have time for and maybe out to dinner afterwards if people want. Join us for all or part of it as you like. Bring bike, helmet, rain jacket, water.

For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396 or at mgwhiteley@q.com.

Rampart East Roadless Area Hike

Jun 2, 2012 (Sat) Sat, 8am – 4pm

Leader Jim Lockhart

Join Pikes Peak Sierra Club and the Central Colorado Wilderness Coalition for a moderate day hike in the newest of the Wild Twelve proposed wilderness areas, Rampart East Roadless Area. We will access this area from the trailhead in Palmer Lake. Learn about efforts to protect this area, the largest roadless area along the Front Range, from various threats and intrusions. The hike will be a moderate hike of approximately five miles on trails and abandoned jeep roads and 800 feet elevation gain. For more information and to sign up contact Jim Lockhart at 385-0045 or e-mail jlock@datawest.net.

Aiken Canyon Preserve - (Military Active, Veterans, Spouses, and Care Givers)

Jun 9, 2012 (Sat)

Leader Laura Bonds-Johnson

Located 16 miles south of Colorado Springs, Aiken Canyon Preserve offers a variety of plant habitats including prairie grasslands, meadows and woodlands. This ecosystem provides great opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing. Our easy 4 mile loop hike on well maintained trail is designed for military active, veteran, spouses and care givers but is open to all. Please bring hiking shoes, rain gear, water, lunch, sun glasses and sunscreen. To sign up contact Laura Bonds-Johnson (209)-345-0689 email: LBJinSJ@aol.com

Hike with Dogs - South St Vrain Trail

Jun 9, 2012 (Sat)

Leader Ingrid

Bring your friendly dog on a leisurely hike through a beautiful mixed forest east of Brainard Lake. The trail roughly follows the South St. Vrain Creek and there are several good places for the canines to drink and play - though it never hurts to bring extra water! Distance: 6 miles roundtrip; Elevation Gain: about 600 feet. Bring: the Ten Essentials, rain gear, leash, poop bags. Contact: Ingrid; (303) 546-6044

Sunset Paddling , Lake Macintosh

Jun 17, 2012 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join us for an evening of easy paddling on Lake Macintosh in Longmont. We will meet at the lake at about 6pm and paddle in canoes or kayaks, 1-2 laps around the lake, at the pace you choose, 2-4 miles. The lake is in the Northwest corner of Longmont with wonderful views of Longs Peak, the lake is often glass smooth at sunset and stunning to paddle across in the evening light. You may bring your own boat and paddles, rent them at the lake or I do have a few that can be used by the first people that ask. You do not need any paddling experience but you should know how to swim. Bring a boat, paddles, PFD, water, snack or dinner, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and bug spray.

For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396 or at mgwhiteley@q.com.

The Crags - (Military Spouses and Care Givers)

Jun 23, 2012 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Located on the west side of Pikes Peak The Crags are spires of rock formed from pink Pikes Peak Granite, dating from Precambrian times they are a unique geological treasure in Colorado that few people get to see. The hike is 5 miles r/t with 700ft of elevation gain an easy hike that is designed for Military Spouses and Care Givers but is open to all. Please bring hiking shoes, rain gear, water, lunch, sun glasses and sunscreen.

For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396 or at mgwhiteley@q.com.

Black Mountain Hike with the Ancients

Jun 23, 2012 (Sat) 7:30am - 6pm

Leader John Stansfield

Ringing the crest of 11,654-foot Black Mountain on the edge of South Park are the oldest living trees in Colorado, bristlecone pines, some over 3,000 years old. Our hike to visit and learn about these beautiful weather-gnarled ancients involves a mostly steady climb of 1,800 feet, rated strenuous, and a roundtrip distance of 7 miles. About one-third of the hike will be on trail, with varied wildflowers a good possibility in meadow and forest. A camera for tree and landscape photos is highly recommended. The hike is sponsored by Pikes Peak Group Sierra Club, Wild Connections, and Central Colorado Wilderness Coalition. For more information and to register, contact John Stansfield, 303-660-5849 or e-mail jorcstan@juno.com by 5:00 pm, June 22.

Easy Bike Ride and Lunch at the Boulder Farmer’s Market

Jun 30, 2012 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Come for a bike ride around Boulder on some of the many trails then ending up at the Farmer’s Market for lunch or shopping. A wonderful way to spend an eco friendly summer day. We will meet in Boulder late am and ride on the bike path around the city, at an easy pace for about two hours or about 20 miles. We will end up at the Farmer’s Market where we can get lunch or get some food to take home. Please bring your bike, helmet, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, spare tube, money for lunch and shopping.

For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396 or at mgwhiteley@q.com.

Weston Peak Proposed Wilderness Wildflower Ramble

Jul 14, 2012 7:30am - 6pm

Leader John Stansfield

Hiking up a tributary of Big Union Creek from Weston Pass Road leads to a scenic wonderland of alpine wildflowers. The high country trip will cover five miles and 800-foot elevation gain and is rated moderate. Participants will learn about wildflowers and the campaign to permanently protect Weston Peak and other nearby Forest Service roadless lands. The hike is sponsored by Pikes Peak Group Sierra Club, Wild Connections, and Central Colorado Wilderness Coalition. For more information and to register, contact John Stansfield, 303-660-5849 or e-mail jorcstan@juno.com by 5:00 pm, July 12.

Fall Harvest to Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Oct 14-21, 2012

Leader Deirdre Butler.

In the USA, the average distance most of our food travels from farm to consumer is 1,500 to 2,500 miles. But did you notice that little sticker on your Gala apple? Produce of New Zealand. For many of us, our parents and grandparents lived much closer to the land than we do today. Growing your own vegetables, buying local, and only consuming fruits and vegetables in-season was part of everyday life -- not an option. This trip is about experiential learning -- learning how to reconnect with the land and more deeply understanding terms such as green manuring, nitrogen fixing, crop rotation, and soil stratification. All lessons will be conducted on a small-scale working organic farm located north of Boulder, Colorado. We will have the opportunity to do light work in the fields, plant garlic, and harvest the fall produce.

We'll tour the vineyard and get an introduction to viticulture and climate-suited vine selection, then taste wines from locally grown grapes and sample locally made cheeses. Our teachers are award-winning former Colorado University professors and farmer-owners of Stonebridge Farm.

In-between our lessons at Stonebridge, we will have day hikes in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk and deer may be seen on mountain side meadows, and other wildlife encounters will include the black-tailed prairie dog, a keystone species and "soil-engineer." None of the hikes will be strenuous and all are rewarding: we'll see waterfalls, lakes, and peaks on cool, crisp fall days. To minimize use of fossil fuels, your trip leader will pick you up from Denver International Airport in a passenger van to take you to your lodgings --cabins located on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park next to the St. Vrain Creek.

A National Outing with a price of $1675 for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/12248a.aspx