Leaving from the edge of town, we gain elevation along Wildcat Creek to reach a beautiful alpine lake nestled at the base of Mt. Axtell, at 10,700 ft. A local favorite, and worth the climb.

The old Standard Mine site, near Red Lady basin, is being reclaimed by EPA. A hike of several miles along Elk Creek takes us to the scene of the high-elevation reclamation, where we can see vegetative and stream improvements.

The Miller Ranch State Wildlife Area, part of Gunnison County’s ranching heritage, belongs to Colorado Parks & Wildlife. The 1600-acre ranch still operates, while protecting its Gunnison sage-grouse habitat. We will hike around and through the ranch in the Ohio Creek valley, courtesy of CPW, whose representative will explain the project to us.

Nitrogen, Ants, and Bears—Oh My! A Science Tour and Historical Hike. On this new and informative hike we are joined by RMBL researcher Josh Grinath, PhD, and other RMBL folks. We’ll learn about the interesting relationship among bears, ants and nitrogen. Josh’s work will aid our understanding of the effects of nitrogen pollution as we hike among the flowers. Longer options are also possible.

A lovely jaunt through an area replete with wetlands and into the aspen trees, with views of Crested Butte Mountain and beyond. All is protected for posterity in a conservation easement that HCCA helped create, nestled in Forest Service lands.

Our hike founder, Don Baker, loved to hike Oh-Be-Joyful at the end of each season. We keep with tradition, and hike up this beautiful valley in the Raggeds Wilderness to a lovely lunch spot with spectacular views. A perfect end to our 32nd season of HCCA Hikes!

One of the jewels of the Elk Mountains, this wilderness trail toward popular West Maroon Pass boasts a profusion of wildflowers throughout the summer.

This creekside hike takes us gently toward Teocalli Mountain, whose shoulder provides a beautiful spot for lunch, with views into the Maroon Bells Wilderness.

A wonderful array of diverse landscapes greets us on this hike. From wetlands and beaver ponds to historic aspen trees and open views of the Raggeds Wilderness, this loop is a perfect hiking experience.

The importance of HCCA’s work to prevent a mine on Red Lady is exemplified by a hike in Carbon Creek, a once-proposed site for toxic mine waste storage. This beautiful valley would never be the same again—see it for yourself!

Panoramic views of Raggeds Wilderness peaks as the trail meanders through the trees and meadows toward Beckwith Pass in West Elk Wilderness.

Venture into the West Elk Wilderness, via Swampy Pass trail, through areas proposed for wilderness designation by the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative and GORP Act. Views of the extremely photogenic Castles are our reward, along with an overview of the 2023 Lowline Fire area.

Accessible due to the generosity of a local rancher, this hike goes through a beautiful valley, over a low pass with views of Teocalli Mountain, and down toward Brush Ck. and the road home.

This easy hike to the open expanse of Union Park passes by remnants of gold mining in Lottis Creek. Local efforts, HCCA’s included, have successfully kept the park from being inundated for trans-mountain diversions to the Front Range.

A lovely jaunt through an area replete with wetlands and into the aspen trees, with views of Crested Butte Mountain and beyond. All is protected for posterity in a conservation easement that HCCA helped create.

Our hike founder, Don Baker, loved to hike Oh-Be-Joyful at the end of each season. We keep with tradition, and hike up this beautiful valley in the Raggeds Wilderness to a lovely lunch spot with spectacular views. A perfect end to our 29th season of HCCA Hikes!

One of the jewels of the Elk Mountains, this wilderness trail toward popular West Maroon Pass boasts a profusion of wildflowers throughout the summer.

This creekside hike takes us gently toward Teocalli Mountain, whose shoulder provides a beautiful spot for lunch, with views into the Maroon Bells Wilderness.

A wonderful array of diverse landscapes greets us on this hike. From wetlands and beaver ponds to historic aspen trees and open views of wilderness, this loop is a perfect hiking experience.

The importance of HCCA’s work to prevent a mine on Red Lady is exemplified by a hike in Carbon Creek, a once-proposed site for toxic mine waste storage. This beautiful valley would never be the same again—see it for yourself!

A long-time favorite, this hike takes us to a pass overlooking the West Elk Wilderness and the Castles, with spectacular views of the Raggeds Wilderness on the far horizon.

Waterfalls enhance this hike, which heads up an old mining road toward the former Augusta Mine. An incomparable setting, well-worth a little uphill effort.

Accessible due to the generosity of a local rancher, this hike goes through a beautiful valley, over a low pass with views of Teocalli Mountain, and down toward Brush Ck. and the road home.

This easy hike to the open expanse of Union Park goes by remnants of gold mining in Lottis Creek. Local efforts, HCCA’s included, have successfully kept the park from being inundated for trans-mountain diversions to the Front Range.

A lovely jaunt through an area replete with wetlands and into the aspen trees, with views of Crested Butte Mountain and beyond. All is protected for posterity in a conservation easement that HCCA helped create.