We all live in a place where other people come on their vacations.  Are we making the most of it?  And if not, where do you start..?

Don't worry, we're leading hikes all summer long that will get you out into those mountains you've been looking at.  We've got short scenic hikes, some longer muscle-stretching hikes, and a few adventurous 14'ers thrown in as well. 

Schedule a bit tight?  We're playing around on beautiful nearby trails every Thursday evening, all just minutes from I-25.  Looking for something more challenging?  Keep on eye out for Catalyst+ events - all of which will require a higher level of fitness or equipment and include 14er's, Class IV Whitewater Rafting, and an Overnight Backpacking trip. 

So have a look below, pick something fun, and come join us.  We'll bring the trail maps and first aid kit - you just show up ready to enjoy being outdoors in Creation.

Date: Thursday, July 29

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Approx 3.25 miles, loop

Time: Hike begins at 6:30 sharp, please arrive between 6-6:15 

Description: 
This time around, we're going all the way around.  That's right, we'll be starting up Red Rock Canyon and past the old quarry just like before, but this time we'll continue up and across to Sand Canyon on the far west side of Red Rock Open Space.  From there, we'll thread our way back down through more jumbled red rock fins until we spill back out into the parking area where we began.

Directions:
Going south on I-25 past downtown, take Exit 141 onto Cimmaron St. heading west. Continue past the stoplight at 31st street and take the next left onto Ridge Rd/High St. Continue back and around, turning into the first parking area you pass.  Look for the Catalyst group at the west end of this area.

Date:  Saturday, July 31

Difficulty: Moderate (2 boots out of 4)

Distance: Approx 6.6 miles, out-and-back; 500 ft elevation gain

Time: Meet at 8:15am in Woodland Park to carpool.  See below for directions to Meeting Place .

Description: 
This trail follows on an old stage road along a cascading creek and huge rock formations.  Along the way you'll see an old collapsed mine, the remains of Jackrabbit Lodge, and come across several beaver ponds. We will cross the stream once using the bridge at the trailhead. From then on we can stay on a foot path on the North side of the stream whenever the old road crosses over to the south side. Near the end of the trail Dome Rock comes into view. It bears its name well and stands tall above the valley below. As we return to the trailhead we have a long uphill trek ahead of us, however Pikes Peak will make the views along the way quite beautiful.
Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water. 
 
The trailhead is located between Divide and Cripple Creek next to Hwy 67, near Mueller State Park .
 
Questions: sbgonzales@comcast.net    Please note - State Wildlife Area rules prohibit bringing dogs on this hike.

Directions to Meeting Place:
Ute Pass Cultural Center
210 E. Midland Avenue, Woodland Park , CO 80863
At the corner of Highway 24 and Fairview Ave

Go west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park . At the third traffic light ( Fairview Ave. ) turn right (Dinosaur Center is on the left). Turn right into parking lot behind the Ute Pass Cultural Center and look for guides Sara, Jim and Amy.

Date: Thursday, Aug 5th 

Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate (400+ feet elevation gain)

Distance: Approx 2 miles, out-and-back.

Time: The hike will begin at 6:30 pm SHARP. Please arrive before 6:15.

Description:
As our season starts to wind down and Back-to-School sales flourish, we'll wrap-up our Midweek hiking schedule for this summer with some views down into town from the overlook off of Mt Cutler.   Come enjoy a Thursday night's fresh air one last time together as we peek down into Seven Falls and gaze out over the Broadmoor resort towards Kansas.

Directions:
From I-25, take exit 140B(Nevada/highway115) and turn right onto Cheyenne Rd(~1mile) Follow E. Cheyenne Rd for 2.6 miles and continue straight as it turns into N Cheyenne Canyon Rd, then on through the open gate into North Cheyenne Canyon Park.  The Mt. Cutler trailhead is 1.5 miles up the twisty road, on the left. If the lot is full, there are several areas of parking along this road and you can walk down to us. 

Date:  Saturday, Aug 7th

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 9 miles round trip from North Mt. Elbert trailhead.

Time: Please arrive at the trailhead by 6:30am.  We will have a climbers meeting at 6:45am. The climb will begin at 7:00am SHARP.

Description:
This is it.  From the summit of this peak you are officially standing over every one of Colorado's peaks, and with only the exception of Mt Whitney, the rest of the continental US as well.

Please RSVP to Curtis at 719.352.2539 or curtisk@q.com.  Note - this is a Catalyst+ event and will require participants to be in very good physical and cardiovascular shape for the safety of the individual, and of the group.  Further details will be discussed with RSVP.

Directions:
From U.S. 24 just south of Leadville, turn onto Colorado 300 and cross the railroad tracks. Drive 0.7 mile and turn left onto County Road 11 toward Halfmoon Creek. After another 1.2 miles, turn right on the dirt road to Halfmoon Creek. Drive on the good dirt road (except for the usual washboard and potholes) for 5 miles to the Mt. Elbert trailhead on the left. There is a large parking area with restrooms.  Look for your guides Curtis, Ralph & Amy.