Eldorado Canyon - Tuesday, April 16th.

A new feature on this blog began with the first scheduled weekly day hike-two weeks ago- for members of the High Country Hiker group.  What is new, you ask?

As you know, a journal entry-hike overview, with images-is posted after each hike of the year.  This year, each post will be followed by a "Preview" of what hikers can expect on the next weeks hike. 

Last week, the hike was cancelled due to snow.  So there was no posting.  What follows is a "Preview" of the hike next Tuesday.  Only those hikers registered for each weeks hike will receive an email reminding them of the "heads up" information.

Preview of the hike in Eldorado Canyon.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The bus will park at the Eldorado Canyon State Park Visitor Center for the day.  The Trailhead (TH) for Eldorado Canyon Trail, is at the side of the building, only a handful of steps from the bus. 

TH elevation = 7,287.'

Trail difficulty rating = Moderate

Trail begins moderately steep for the first half mile.  No less than 800' of the 1,000+' total elevation gain for the day will be realized in the first thirty to forty-five minutes.

One of a number of switchbacks.

Trail may be wet with sections of mud resulting from melting snow.  During the initial up, hikers will negotiate a series of moderate to high man-made stone steps.  Trail in the early morning will be a series of moderate to long meandering switchbacks to take hikers to the top of the canyon.

View from trail atop the canyon, looking to it's mouth.

When trail starts to level off, it continues to roll and snake across the top of the canyon for about 3.5 mi.  There, hikers will see the junction with Walker Ranch Loop Trail.  We will choose to either hike clockwise or counter clockwise for the next few miles, bringing us back to the same junction after lunch for the final stretch to the TH.

Hikers are reminded that the loop trail is open to mountain bikers, equestrian, leashed dogs, and trail runners, as well as hikers.  Be listening for the leader and/or sweeper to call out, "biker or runner or dogs."  Hikers should step off trail and allow them to pass the group before continuing.

There may be some trail realignment due to a recent effort by BP&OS to upgrade trails in the area.

Tall rock canyon walls are a climbers (red shirt) dream challenge.

Walker Ranch landscape provides commanding views, especially during the initial climb out of the canyon, open rolling hills, numerous interesting rock formations, and diverse wildlife.   

Total miles = 7.5 +/-

Total elevation gain = 1,000'+