Staunton State Park, CO: Colorado Front Range Chapter, Staunton State Park hikes

Staunton State Park has been open eight years and this is our eighth (!) foray into this marvelous place! Given COVID rules and regulations we’re going to have to do things a bit different this year. Actually it isn’t really a negative because we’re going to offer three different hikes, each limited by RSVP to 10 people.

So the three offerings are:
#1: Led by Gene McCullough: Staunton Ranch, Old Mill, Mason Creek, Bear Paw, Mason Creek. 9.7 miles, highest elev 9,509 ft, 1,309 ft altitude gain.
#2: Led by Chris Petty: Staunton Ranch, Border Line, Old Mill, Staunton Ranch. 8.5 miles, highest elev 9,410 ft. 1,210 ft altitude gain.
#3: Led by Mark Fisher: Staunton Ranch, Scout Line, Marmot Passage, Staunton Ranch. 7.1 miles, highest elev 9,380 ft. 1,180 ft altitude gain.

Click HERE to see the Park map with the hike options.

The three meet ups will be at 0830 at the Meadows parking lot. See the map above or ask at the entrance station. We’ll start the hikes slightly staggered about 0900.

The Park’s new visitor center will be open at 8:00 if you’d like to do a quick look at the interpretative displays and pictorials on the Park’s interesting history, flora and fauna.

A reminder that there is an entrance fee of $9 per car or, of course, a Colorado State Parks Pass. Given COVID recommendations, we’ll not be organizing carpooling.

This is in the mountains and so the appropriate items should be in your pack:
Map and compass; Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat; Extra clothing and rain gear; Headlamp/flashlight; First-aid supplies; Repair kit; Food for the day; Water (lots) for the day.

Directions: Take US 285 south to Shaffers Crossing, about 6 miles west of Conifer. Turn north on Elk Creek Road and follow the signs 1.5 miles to the park entrance.

You must let us know that you’ll be attending by e-mailing to ColoradoFrontRange@americanpilgrims.org. Please provide the names that you are responding for, which hike you’d prefer and a mobile phone number. Also give us a second choice in the event that the first is filled. Event day contact will be Chris at 563-505-6105, Gene at 303-999-5179 or Mark at 303-204-8781 although coverage in the mountains may be sketchy. You must let us know that you’ll be attending.

Park website: cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton/Pages/default.aspx