2021 HCCA Hikes

EventsHCCA Hikes
Written By High Country Conservation Advocates
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To all our hiking friends, and those we haven’t yet met, we are so pleased to announce the resumption of our Don Baker Legacy Hikes, now in their 29th season. This year’s Wednesday hikes will be open to all who are fully-vaccinated against Covid-19. We will carpool, wearing masks, to trailheads, in order to ride safely with others. Our 15-person limit will help us ensure adequate safety measures are followed. Proof of vaccination will be required, for the health and comfort of all.

We relish the opportunity to accompany you into the great outdoors, not only to inspire you to help us protect our public lands, but to nourish your spirit after what has been an unprecedented challenge to us all. Let’s enjoy this summer season like no other!

Featured
HCCA Hike: Snodgrass Preserve
Jun 25
HCCA Hike: Snodgrass Preserve

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.

HCCA Hike: Jack’s Cabin to Almont Triangle with RMBL
Jul 2
HCCA Hike: Jack’s Cabin to Almont Triangle with RMBL

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.

HCCA Hike: Miller Ranch State Wildlife Area
Jul 9
HCCA Hike: Miller Ranch State Wildlife Area

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.

HCCA Hike: Standard Mine via Elk Creek
Jul 16
HCCA Hike: Standard Mine via Elk Creek

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.

HCCA Hike: Green Lake on Mt. Axtell
Jul 23
HCCA Hike: Green Lake on Mt. Axtell

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.

HCCA Hike: Deer Creek from Brush Creek
Jul 30
HCCA Hike: Deer Creek from Brush Creek

Hike from Brush Creek toward Gothic. This area is noted for its resplendent wildflowers, views and wetlands, bordered by wilderness and vast ranchlands.

HCCA Hike: Scarp Ridge
Aug 6
HCCA Hike: Scarp Ridge

Rising above Lake Irwin is the very popular escarpment known as Scarp Ridge. A relatively short hike with some climbing gets us to spectacular views of the Elk Mountains and an altitude of 12,200 ft. Please be fully acclimated for your health and enjoyment.

HCCA Hike : West Brush Creek
Aug 13
HCCA Hike : West Brush Creek

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

HCCA Hike: Crystal Mill
Aug 20
HCCA Hike: Crystal Mill

Hike from Schofield Park down past Devil’s Punchbowl to the historic town of Crystal and its calendar-perfect Crystal Mill. Getting there is relatively easy—coming back is all uphill, so be prepared for the climb.

HCCA Hike: Oh-Be-Joyful
Aug 27
HCCA Hike: Oh-Be-Joyful

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 (that HCCA helped designate) to a lovely lunch spot with spectacular views. A perfect end to our 33rd season of HCCA Hikes!

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