Staunton State Park - Loop Hike out of Park into Pike Nat’l Forest - from Lazy V

I’ve hiked all the Staunton SP trails, so let’s check out some of the trails that leave the park into Pike National Forest. This hike will start out in Staunton but a portion of this hike will leave the park…those trails outside the park are new to me.

Difficulty: about 10.5 to 11 miles with about 1,900 to 2,300 feet elevation gain. This is a self-made trail so miles and elev gain are estimated. Note that we hike at a moving pace of about 2.5mph.

FEE: THERE IS A $10-$15 FEE FOR A DAY PASS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS. See https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/staunton-state-park4257225834-263112027

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Lets do a hike at Staunton State Park but we will leave the park and explore some new trails. The scenery and setting of Staunton are unique. Geologic features, such as large rock outcrops and dramatic cliffs, dominate many of the views in the park, and the ponderosa pine stands are some of the most mature along the Front Range. This hike is not in alltrails, but here is a link to my self-made alltrails hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/staunton-loop-out-of-park-42698e2?u=i&sh=ittjkn. I will also post a photo of the planned route.

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Allowed on a leash. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Lazy V parking lot. There is a sign to the Lazy V parking lot near the main parking area after the visitors center. So just look for the sign and continue up the road all the way to the end of the road to the loop and we will park and meet there. Look for my blue Subaru Outback. If you use Google maps, you can type in “Lazy V Trailhead” for directions. BUT PLEASE KNOW WHERE THE ENTRANCE TO STAUNTON IS…AS I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PEOPLE TELL ME THAT THEIR MAPS TOOK THEM SOMEWHERE ELSE AND THEY MISSED THE HIKE.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.50112000000007&lon=-105.39067999999997.ZEnFtC9MFvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.