Rise and Hike! Fit & Fun Weekday Hikers

DINNER 4PM AUG 5, LODGE OVERNIGHT, MEET TO HIKE 4:40am AUG 6 IN ESTES.

Difficulty: about 15 miles and about 3,400 feet elevation gain. This exact hike is not in alltrails so distance and elevation gain are estimated.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Beginning at the Bear Lake Trailhead, we will pass Bear Lake and then hike past 6 other lakes (Two Rivers Lake, Lake Helene, Odessa Lake, Fern Lake, Cub Lake, and Bierstadt Lake) and 60 foot Fern Falls on this loop trail. We will take all side trails to see each lake up close. We will have spectacular lake and mountain views, along with scenic waterfall and landscape views. The alpine scenery is striking as towering mountain peaks seem to rise right up in front of us. This exact trail is not in alltrails, so here is a link to my self-made alltrails route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-march-9-2025-bf5a1d9?u=i&sh=ittjkn

DOGS: NO DOGS. RMNP 🚫 does not allow dogs in the park.

CARPOOL TO TRAILHEAD AT 4:40AM: We will carpool into the park, as timed entry tickets are required and parking is limited at the trailhead. For the carpool, will meet at the Estes Park Visitors Center Parking Structure and carpool from there. After parking, let’s meet by the charging stations outside the parking structure (see photo). We will meet at 4:40am with planned departure at 4:45am. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Estes Park Visitor Center Parking Garage” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Estes Park Visitor Center Public Parking” for directions.

LODGING: We will be starting very early in the morning…August is busy in the park and even though we have timed entry permits, that does not guarantee a parking spot at the trailhead. Therefore, I plan to drive up Tuesday and I will be staying at Murphy’s Resort the night before the hike. Here is a link to Murphy’s Resort: https://www.murphysresort.com
However you may stay at any hotel of your choice…or even camp if you choose.

RESTAURANT TUESDAY AT 4PM: For those interested in meeting for dinner Tuesday evening, let’s go to The Wapiti Colorado Pub. We went there last year and everyone enjoyed it. Since we will be getting up early for the hike, let’s meet at 4 pm at the restaurant. The address is 1350 Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, headlamp, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.65059860650663&lat=40.3285169259359

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.

Always a favorite. We will probably be too late for the massive amounts of Columbine flowers that bloom here, but hopefully there will be other wildflowers still blooming!

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have a snack break at the lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 8 miles with about 1,700 feet elevation gain. Starting elevation is about 10,200 feet. Highest elevation at lake is about 12,100 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This is said to be one of the best wildflower hikes near Denver! We will be here after peak wildflowers this year but hopefully there will be a decent amount of wildflowers still blooming. It is a steep climb to the top, but you are rewarded with wonderful views and an alpine lake. After arriving at the lake, we will continue down the trail a short ways to a pretty little waterfall…my favorite spot on this hike. Then we can take a short snack break at the lake. Those who are interested can join me for a hike around the lake…last year we saw lots of marmots in the rocks as we walked around the lake. See the following hike in alltrails, except we will add on a short hike to a creek and small waterfall near the lake plus a hike around the lake: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/herman-gulch-trail

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs must be under control and on a leash at all times. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Herman Gulch Trailhead. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. Or if you use google maps, you can type in “Herman Gulch Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Herman Gulch Trail” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, bug repellant, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.88915637784764&lat=39.722104698882504

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.

Brainard Recreation area is one of my favorite places to hike. We almost always see moose and the lakes are spectacular!

EVERYBODY WILL BE REQUIRED TO CHIP IN $CASH TO HELP WITH THE COST OF TIMED ENTRY TICKETS (IF NECESSARY) AND THE LARGE GROUP PERMIT (if I purchase it). See further details below.

THIS HIKE WILL BE LIMITED TO 7 PEOPLE AS INDIAN PEAKS WILDERNESS REQUIRES A LARGE GROUP PERMIT FOR GROUPS OF 8-12 PEOPLE. If we have enough people for the large group permit as we near the date and if a permit is still available, I will purchase it.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have a snack break at the Lake & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Difficulty: about 6.5 miles with about 1,000 to 1,100 feet elevation gain. Highest elevation is about 11,400 feet.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: This awesome hike will take us through some of the best alpine meadows in the region. There should hopefully still be wildflowers on our hike to beautiful Blue Lake with Mount Toll sitting in the background. See the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/blue-lake-via-mitchell-lake-trail

DOGS: NO dogs on this hike please.

TIMED ENTRY TICKETS: Brainard Lake Rec. Area has a timed-entry pass system this year again. Each vehicle needs a timed entry ticket to enter the park. When the purchase date opens, I will coordinate the timed entry purchase with the group, as only 1 ticket per person is allowed. So I will need volunteers to purchase additional tickets. If you have the American the Beautiful Pass, the entry ticket is free, except for the $2 processing fee.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will carpool into the park. So everybody must meet at the Winter Lot (aka Gateway Trailhead Parking Lot) which is the parking area on your right, right before the entry station to the park. We will carpool from the Winter Lot to the Mitchell Lake Trailhead which is where we will start the hike. To get to the Winter Lot for carpooling, you can do one of the following:

1. Use the following alltrails link and click directions https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/lake-isabelle-trail-winter. Do NOT click the alltrails link above in the Hike Description above, as it will take you to a different location.
2. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Brainard Lake Winter Lot” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.0879&lon=-105.5965

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.

IF CONFIRMED, GET YOUR HANGING LAKE PERMIT ASAP. DETAILS BELOW. SIGN UP ON THE WAITLIST. I WILL GIVE PRIORITY TO REGULARS AND THOSE WHO ARE AT LEAST MY SPEED HIKING.

Bring your swimsuit! Let’s hike to 11,200 ft and take a dip in Conundrum Hot Springs. The hike is 18 miles, above treeline, and we want time for a dip…so if afternoon thunderstorms are too threatening day of hike, we can do the scenic Buckskin Pass instead…shorter but steeper and starts at the beautiful Maroon Bells Trailhead. See details below.

THIS EVENT INVOLVES 2 DAYS HIKING, LODGING, $12 HANGING LAKE PERMIT…Book lodging asap. Purchase a permit to hike Hanging Lake ASAP. See details below.

HIKE DIFFICULTY: Day 1 hike to hot springs is considered hard in alltrails…at 18 miles with 2,800 ft elev. gain. Please only sign up if you can hike at an avg. moving speed of 2.5 mph for 18 miles. Day 2 hike to Hanging Lake is short but steep.

HANGING LAKE PERMIT: To get your permit, go to https://visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/ and click on “make your reservation”. Make a reservation for August 14 at 7am.

CARPOOL: We will carpool to Day 1 hike to the extent possible depending on where people are staying the night. Carpool arrangements will be added at a later date.

LODGING: I have a room for the 2 nights of August 12 & 13 at Hanging Lake Inn in Glenwood Springs. Here is a link to their website: https://hanginglakeinn.com
You may book lodging elsewhere. Wherever you book, please book asap as August is already filling. Note that the Day 1 hike is over an hour drive from Glenwood Springs so if you prefer to stay closer, you can consider lodging in Carbondale, Basalt, or Aspen. But keep in mind Glenwood Springs is only about 15 min drive to the Day 2 hike.

RESTAURANT TUES AUG 12 AT 4PM: For the first night, let’s have dinner at Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant…if interested and staying in Glenwood Sorings. Since we have to get up early, let’s meet at 4pm. The address is 132 W 6th St., Glenwood Springs.

DAY 1 HIKE: WED AUG 13 AT 5:30AM: Meet at the trailhead at 5:30am. With potential afternoon thunderstorms, we should get an early start. The hike will be about 18 miles with about 2,800 ft elevation gain. Plan to hike at a pace of about 2.5 mph with stops for photos, water, snacks/lunch, a dip in the hot springs, etc. See the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/conundrum-creek-trail-to-conundrum-hot-springs

Located at 11,200 ft, Conundrum Hot Springs is a natural wonder. The geothermal hot springs are around 102 degrees so bring your swimsuit and let’s go for a dip! Parts of this hike are challenging — fording creeks, balancing on log bridges, and a steep, rocky incline at the end — but we will be rewarded with eye-candy throughout. We will have several creek and log bridge crossings, with one wide creek crossing. I suggest bringing water shoes as we may want to take off our hiking boots for crossing Conundrum Creek…the creek could be high. We are hiking later in the summer so the creek crossings may be easy…but let’s be prepared.

DAY 1 ALT HIKE IF AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS ARE TOO THREATENING: Buckskin Pass hike (9.5 miles & 3,000 ft) starts from one of the most photogenic lakes…Maroon Lake. Few trails can surpass the stunning views at the foot of Maroon Lake. Mirrored in the lake’s waters are the iconic Maroon Bells towering above the valley. Pyramid Peak’s jagged crags rise to the south while the crimson spires of the Sievers Mtns form the backdrop. The gruelling climb up to Buckskin Pass is definitely worth the effort…but we will be completely surrounded by panoramic views. This popular trail climbs to a 12,462-ft. pass with panoramic views of the peaks towering above the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Sights along the trail include peaks, 2 stunning lakes and beautiful alpine meadows. See the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/buckskin-pass--2 We could stop at Crater Lake on the way back.

DAY 2 HIKE: THUR AUG 14 AT 7:00AM: We will meet at the trailhead at 7:00am. This trail is only 3-4 miles, but it is steep with elev gain of 1200-1300 feet. No hurry on this hike as it is short, steep, and scenic. See the following hike in alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/hanging-lake
After the steep trek up, the top will take your breath away…Hanging Lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in CO. A walkway surrounds the lake and a side trail leads to Spouting Rock Falls, where we can walk behind the waterfall. Everybody can go at their own pace on this one.

DOGS: Not allowed.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: PLEASE BRING WATER SHOES AND A HEAD LAMP FOR THE DAY 1 HIKE.