Staunton First Day Hikes

Hike #1: “An adventure in and out of the park”

Come join us for a scenic walk that starts in Staunton, enters Forest Service land, visits a small, detached portion of the park, re-enters FS land, then ultimately comes back into the park! At this time of the year, it will be quite peaceful; we may be the only ones on the trail. We’re able to enjoy this somewhat remote area before the seasonal closures take place in mid-March (wildlife and trail tread protection). We’ll return to the Lazy V parking lot by around 3:00pm.

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!

Trails: Staunton Ranch, N Fork Elk Creek (FS 764), Rusty Buckle (FS 769), Borderline

Meeting Location: Lazy V Parking Lot by the kiosk.

Time: Promptly leave at 8:30am.

Any restrictions Minimum age for children: 12 years of age and older (exception: kids with backcountry experience) Leashed pets are permitted.

 Length of hike: 8.1 mi.*, 1650 ft elevation gain (approximate time: 6.0 hrs.) (*Hike may be shortened somewhat depending on conditions.

Things to bring: The 10 essentials, winter weather appropriate gear, sunscreen, water (at least 1.5 liters), lunch/snacks. Traction devices required. Depending on conditions, snowshoes may be recommended.

Volunteer Guides: Jenna and Lisa.
 

Hike #2: “A visit with Mary Coyle Chase”

Trails: Staunton Ranch to Chase Meadow to Davis Ponds loop

This loop hike takes hikers along the main namesake trail of the park with open forests and great views of Lions Head and other park features.  The trail winds through part of the park's historic cabin district, including a shower house, the Chase Cabin and through open meadows with an eventual return to parking. 

Meeting Location: Meadow Parking lot.
 
Time: 9:30 a.m.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Length: 2.2 miles ~ 1 to 1.5 hour.

Things to bring: Warm clothing, water and trail snacks. 

Volunteer Guides: Gary and Nancy.

Hike #3 “Davis Ponds Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt” - Self Guided

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!

Starting Point: Pick up your scavenger hunt at the Visitor Center!

Time: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Self guided)

Length of hike: 1.3 Miles around 1-1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy, Kid Friendly!

Things to bring: Appropriate layers, good hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, water and snacks.

Hike #4 “Overlooks and Big Views!”

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.

Trails: Old Mill, Border Line, Marmot Pass, Scout Line

Time: 9 a.m.

Meeting Location: Lazy “V’ Parking Lot.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate.

Length of hike: Approximately 5.5 miles about 3 hours.

Things to bring: Water, Snacks, weather appropriate gear, traction devices

Volunteer leaders: Christopher Garris.

Bike #1 “Ride with a Ranger”

Planned Bike Route: Staunton Ranch, Marmot Passage, Bugling Elk, Staunton Ranch

Meeting Location: Meadow parking lot

Time: 9 a.m. 

Length: 9.5 Miles

Things to bring: A fat bike will be required. Weather appropriate gear, sunscreen, water (at least 1.5 liters), lunch and snacks.

Degree of difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced (depends on snow conditions)

Guide: Staunton Park Ranger Dale.