Colorado Big Hikes Group

This is an out-and-back hike of 12 miles, with 3900' gain to 12,432' of elevation

After an arduous climb of about 4 miles over an ever-upward, single-track trail through the trees, the path forks to the right. This is a good break spot and place to regroup.
After a short further ascent, the trail rises above the trees and opens up to a grass-covered meadow. There, you will encounter rock formations, reminiscent of Icelandic legends where rock trolls, caught in the morning sun, were turned to stone.
The trail to Bison Peak is unmarked, and you may need the AllTrails map to locate the summit. After arriving, we will take a well-earned break and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.

AllTrails link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bison-peak-summit-trail

Dogs are allowed on leash. I am bringing mine. Be sure to clean up after your dog, as necessary.

There are no bathroom facilities at the trailhead, which is a small paved area on the left-hand side of the road when coming from Jefferson.

Post-hike, I am considering SnowPack, which has a large patio area, but we can discuss further during the hike.

By signing up for this hike, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear you will require. By signing up for this hike, you agree to relieve the event hosts of any liabilities for any harm that may occur to you during the hike as well as any transportation

8.2 miles, 2952' of elevation

I've only done this hike once before, and in the snow. By hiking this in August, we get a different seasonal view, while still escaping the Denver Metro heat. The planned route starts from St Mary's Glacier. The downsides of this are a $20 parking fee and crowds at the start of the hike. To mitigate this, we can carpool and begin a little earlier at 7:00 AM. I suggest that those interested in carpooling meet at the Woollly Mammoth PNR, Section GG, and be prepared to leave the lot at 6:15 AM. Leave a comment on whether you can offer a lift or would like to ride.

AllTrails link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/james-peak-trail

Public restrooms are available at the St. Mary's Glacier trailhead parking lots.

This is a dog-friendly hike, with dogs allowed on leash. I am bringing mine. Be sure to clean up after your dog, as necessary.

Post-hike lunch:
Genesee Pub and BBQ
25948 Genesee Trail Rd, Golden, CO 80401

Legalese:
By signing up for this hike, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear you will require. By signing up for this hike, you agree to relieve the event hosts of any liabilities for any harm that may occur to you during the hike, as well as any transportation incidents that may occur traveling to and from the hike Meetup event.

Chihuahua Lake is a beautiful blue sapphire lake. We will be disperse camping along the Peru Creek just outside of Montezuma Colorado. If you want to drive up just for the hike on Saturday to Chihuahua let me know in the comments when you sign up. Hike will start around 8:00AM. The forest service road 260 is a two wheel drive road with a few bumps. SUV would be nice. Carpooling would be recommended, so mention in the comments if your interested.

There are several great large disperse group sites along the creek. I will go up earlier in the day on Friday the 21st to secure a site. There will be a sign (Meetup) on the road locating the camp location. Montezuma CO elevation is 10,300', so prepare for a cool night. As of now we are allowed to have camp fires. Do not feel pressured to be there at 6:00pm. Show up Friday when you can.

Chihuahua Lake Trailhead is 2 miles up a tough 4 wheel drive road. We will be hiking from the camp site up the 4 wheel drive road to the trailhead and up to the lake. The total distance will be around 10 miles RT and 2,000' elevation gain.

Alltrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chihuahua-lake-trail?u=i

What to bring: Your usual camping equipment, food, drinks, water and or water purification and your hiking stuff, (Sunblock, Water, Snacks, Sunglasses, jacket, warm clothes, layers of clothes, etc....).

DISCLAIMER: Hiking is risky. Every year people are hurt and killed because they go beyond their abilities, get lost, or bring the wrong gear. You are responsible for yourself. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear and conditioning required. You will not hold the host or any of the Organizers responsible for any of the above.