Staunton First Day Hikes

Hike #1 - A Walk on the Wild (West) Side

• Route: Staunton Ranch, Bugling Elk, Lions Back, West Meadow, Bugling Elk, Staunton Ranch. 
• Guides: Volunteers Jenna Yeager and Lisa LaLone 
• Timeline and meeting location: Arrive by 8:15 a.m. at the Lazy V Ranch parking lot kiosk. Depart promptly at 8:30 a.m. We’ll return to the Lazy V parking lot by around 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Length of hike: 7.7 miles, 1500 ft elevation gain (approximate time: 6.0 hours) The hike may be shortened somewhat depending on conditions. 
• Difficulty: Difficult/strenuous. Children 12 years of age and older may participate (exception: kids with backcountry experience). 
• Gear: Traction devices and snowshoes (both) required. We may start out with traction devices (like microspikes) but will almost assuredly need snowshoes for the West Meadow and possibly Lions Back as well. 

About the Hike

There are several interconnecting trails which give us options. We’ll explore the much less-visited westernmost area of the park, so you’ll be among the select few adventurers who venture there at this time of year. We will likely have the West Meadow trail mostly to ourselves - a real backcountry experience close to home.

Hike #2 - See Elk Falls and walk on the Lion's Head

• Route: Staunton Ranch trail, Bugling Elk to Elk Falls Pond. Chimney Rock Trail to Elk Falls trail to Elk Falls.
• Guides: Volunteers Tom and Linda Jagger 
• Timeline and meeting location: Arrive by 9:00 a.m. at the Lazy V Ranch parking lot kiosk.

About the Hike

Staunton Ranch, Bugling Elk to Elk Falls Pond. After a snack we will continue to Chimney Rock, then Elk Falls. We will have our lunch at the falls. After lunch we will return on Elk Falls trail and continue our journey on Chimney Rock trail to Elk falls Overlook. If conditions are reasonable we can continue past the overlook to the lions head trail. This trail is about .8  mile trail with a .5 mile loop over the lion's head, it has spectacular views of mountain ranges. Since the falls are frozen, we will return to Elk Falls Pond hiking on the Lions Back trail. From here, if there are any adventurous hikers, Tom will take them back over Marmot Passage and Scout line. For the others Linda will take others over the same route Bugling Elk and Staunton Ranch. 

Hike #3 - Davis Ponds Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt

• Guides: Self guided.
• Route: Pick up your scavenger hunt at the Visitor Center and head out for a 1.3 mile hike.
• Timeline: The scavenger hunt is available from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (approximate 1 to 1.5 hours)
• Length of hike: 1 to 1.5 hours. 
• Difficulty: Easy, kid friendly.

About the Hike

Set forth on Davis Ponds Pookah loop for a fun winter scavenger hunt! Scavenger lists will be provided at the Visitor Center. See how many items you can check off! 

 Hike #4 - Search for Sasquatch

• Route: Loop hike to Red Wall overlook and back via cabin district and Chase Meadow for a 6 mile hike.
• Guides: Volunteers Gary Finley and Nancy Coburn 
• Timeline and meeting location:  Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Meadow parking lot.
• Difficulty: Moderate with some uphill to the summit.

About the Hike 

This hike will begin at the Meadows Parking Lot with Staunton Ranch trail. The trail winds through open meadow with views of Staunton's famous rock formations including its signature Lions Head. The trail also passes the Staunton Ranch cabin where the Staunton family homesteaded in the early to mid 20th century. Nearly two miles into the hike the trail comes to the junction with Red Wall overlook.  The hike will turn right onto this trail and climb to the summit of Red Wall, a rock monolith. A fairly short scramble to the top rewards hikers with spectacular views of  the park below and mountains to the west and south including Pikes Peak. Be sure to bring your cameras. The hike will return by way of the cabin district trail which  passes historic buildings. This trail connects into beautiful Chase Meadow trail which  also treats hikers with open views to the west. On the way a search for evidence of the Sasquatch in Staunton State Park is an adventurous option of this hike. Another option, if time, is a side trip to Davis Ponds. Finally, the hike loops back up to its terminus at Meadows Parking Lot. 

Hike #5 - Overlooks and Big Views!

• Route: Old Mill, Border Line, Marmot Pass, Scout Line for a 5.5 mile hike.
• Guide: Volunteer Christopher Garris 
• Timeline and meeting location:  Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Lazy V Ranch parking lot.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Length of hike: Approximately 3 hours.

About the Hike

Travel up the Old Mill trail and visit the Staunton logging mill at the top! Continue the hike further into the Park on Borderline trail and enjoy some lovely vistas at the overlooks! Segue onto Staunton Ranch and connect to Marmot Passage and onto Scout Line where views are almost constant. Then we are headed back to Lazy V Lot. 

Hike #6 - Staunton Cabin History Hike

• Route: Cabin District Trail 
• Guide: Volunteer Terri Krue 
• Timeline and meeting location: Join us at 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. at the Lazy V Ranch parking lot.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Length of hike: 1 hour.

About the Hike

Travel back in time along the Cabin District trail as you visit the Staunton Cabin. Take a magical guided tour inside the cabin. Then continue your journey to Brola, Richardson and Blaine cabins. Your guide will share stories of those who lived here before the land became a park and the history of putting the park together. 

Things to Bring

The 10 essentials, winter weather appropriate gear, sunscreen, water (at least 1.5 liters), lunch/snacks. Traction devices, snowshoes, and/or gaiters for snow and ice. 

Watch the Weather

Watch the forecast, and be prepared for winter conditions, even temps around 10 degrees and snowing– basically what you’d expect on a backcountry outing!