Ecology Hike

About this Event

Learn about 3 ecological concepts with hands-on applications during this guided hike.

Join Golden Gate Canyon State Park Trail Ambassador and student of forestry Milo Young for this casual guided hike along Raccoon Trail. The program will focus on introductory ecological concepts including succession, disturbance, and altitudinal gradients. We will apply these concepts to classic Rocky Mountain habitats and the local ecosystems of GGCSP. Because of the nature of this program, it is limited to ages 13 & up.

The hike will include three stops, and at each one we will discuss the surrounding ecology with an accompanying worksheet to help us observe and understand. Between stops, there will be plenty of time to talk with one another, stop to observe anything interesting along the trail, and answer questions.

The program will begin with a short presentation at Panorama Point, followed by approx. 2.5 miles on Raccoon Trail (out and back, 1.25 miles one way). We will end our program with a group lunch and debrief at Panorama Point. We expect to wrap up around12:30–1:00 p.m., depending on our pace and how much time we spend discussing and exploring along the way.

Please come prepared with a packed lunch, snacks, plenty of water, weather appropriate clothing and footwear, sunscreen, bug spray, and anything else you will need to be comfortable for a morning hike outdoors!

A park pass is required for this event. You can purchase a pass from a self-serve kiosk at the Panorama Point parking area.

If the main parking lot is full, you can park in the designated parking area across the street. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to account for parking so we can start the program on time!

There are public bathrooms at Panorama Point.