West Bear - East Bear hike

We hiked up the West Bear Cr. trail (4.3miles since the top end has been relocated), then on FSR612/615 for 3.5 miles, then on East Bear Cr. trail for 4.1 miles for a total of 11.9 miles for the loop hike. We shaved off a few tenths of a mile by bypassing the 612-615 junction and shaved off another 1 to 1.25 miles by leaving 612 at the OLD East Bear Cr. trailhead and taking the old trail for a ways before bushwhacking down to the new East Bear Cr. trail.

We found several deadfalls on West Bear but not as many as I had anticipated. We removed a few smaller deadfalls from East Bear but there is still a large aspen down just as you enter the aspen grove from the bottom; there is also a large spruce down about 1 1/2 miles from the top.

This group of folks did a super job of hanging in there and no complaining (well, maybe some about my lack of being able to judge distance) and as you can see all of us made the whole loop.

We will have a trail clearing day next Thursday on the Lake Fork Trail, wear sturdy boots, bring a tool, bring water, lunch and several friends. Meet at the VCPL at 9AM, its almost 9PM, think I'll go to bed...................................

Dennis

 

We hiked up the West Bear Cr. trail (4.3miles since the top end has been relocated), then on FSR612/615 for 3.5 miles, then on East Bear Cr. trail for 4.1 miles for a total of 11.9 miles for the loop hike.  We shaved off a few tenths of a mile by bypassing the 612-615 junction and shaved off another 1 to 1.25 miles by leaving 612 at the OLD East Bear Cr. trailhead and taking the old trail for a ways before bushwhacking down to the new East Bear Cr. trail.

 

We found several deadfalls on West Bear but not as many as I had anticipated.  We removed a few smaller deadfalls from East Bear but there is still a large aspen down just as you enter the aspen grove from the bottom; there is also a large spruce down about 1 1/2 miles from the top.

 

This group of folks did a super job of hanging in there and no complaining (well, maybe some about my lack of being able to judge distance) and as you can see all of us made the whole loop.

 

We will have a trail clearing day next Thursday on the Lake Fork Trail, wear sturdy boots, bring a tool, bring water, lunch and several friends.  Meet at the VCPL at 9AM, its almost 9PM, think I'll go to bed...................................

 

Dennis

Shorty Springs and beyond ride

Around the Bear Creeks

Three photos from Tuesday:

(1) A sign repair photo,

(2) A foot repair photo and

(3) A very pretty aspen grove.

Bob Seago.

Lake Fork hike

Due to very windy conditions, our hike was postponed to Thursday; we will clear the Lake Fork Trail on that day. Bring gloves, sturdy boots and some tool to use for clearing the trail. We did salvage a break at Blimpies, so not all was in vain.

Tomorrow's hike (Tuesday) will be a conditioning hike for us; we will go up the West Bear Cr. trail, cross over to the East Bear Cr. trail and back to the trucks. The West Bear hasn't been cleared for several years so expect to contend with a lot of deadfalls. I advise you to bring extra water, energy bars, electrolyte drink or energy drink to prevent dehydration. The distance will be about 12 miles total. I expect to be back down by 5PM....................

Dennis

 

 

 

ATV Ride and Hike Schedule

Tuesday Trail ATV Rides

 

Meet at the South Fork Visitor Center at 9 AM on Tuesdays. These will be mostly on ATV Trails.

 

Wednesday Leisure ATV Rides

 

Meet at the South Fork Visitor Center at 9 AM on Wednesdays. These will be easy rides, mostly on the jeep roads.

 

If you’re not getting emails about the ATV Rides and would like to, let me know and I will put you on the list. You can ride both times if you like. Let’s have a fun summer and a safe one.

 

Monday Hikes

 

These are easy shorter hikes, usually 4 to 5 miles. Meet at the South Fork Visitor Center at 9 AM.

 

Tuesday Hikes

 

These are more aggressive hikes, some times long hikes. Meet at the South Fork Visitor Center at 9 AM.

Thursday Hikes

 

These are easy shorter hikes, usually 4 to 5 miles. Meet at the South Fork Visitor Center at 9 AM.

If you have questions about any of these, feel free to contact me.

 

 

George Powell, president

Silverthreaders Club

Silverthread Outdoor Recreation Club

PO Box 343

South Fork, CO. 81154-0343

H 719-873-5902

C 719-850-0080

Email ghp0181@gmail.com

 

Work Day on Cross Creek Trail

We had a work day on Cross Creek Trail Thursday with seven helpers. We moved rocks and cut trees. The sign looks great. Thanks to all that helped. George

Middle Alder hike

Linda, Barbara & Cindy led 12 of us up the Middle Alder Creek trail for our inaugural Thursday hike. We went up 2 1/2 miles and had our lunch while enjoying the great scenery and then came back to the vehicles. The stream has carved some very interesting and pretty designs in the ice and snow banks, hope the pix convey that.

Wayne says we are going to maintain our Lake Fork trail next Monday, trimming brush, moving rocks and removing dead falls from the trail, so wear appropriate clothing and boots, bring a tool to help in doing the job. I will bring my chainsaw.

We will meet at the VCPL at 9AM, bring plenty of water, lunch and a few friends.................

Dennis

Cathedral Creek Hike

Six rugged hikers went up the steeps of beautiful Cathedral Creek to Groundhog Park. Snow pellets helped us on the way up. Sunshine accompanied us on the downward trip. "A good trail," "Better than expected" were the comments. Entertainment was by a magnificent snowshoe hare pair (Bob may have a picture). Elk in the meadows caught Linda's eye. Only a couple of tiny flowers were blooming, with none at 11,000 feet.

Dennis Shepherd will lead the next two tough hikes on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Meet at the South Fork Visitor Center and train for the peaks of Southern Colorado.

Pool Table ATV Ride

We found some poles, some snow, even a down tree, and got snowed on heavily. You will notice, I almost saw the snow real close. We had a wonderful meal and the camp fire was great. There were about 20 of us. It was a great snowy day, and thanks to all for picking up poles and trash. For your information, 612, 613, and 630 can not be traveled all the way through, because of snow.

George