HCCA Hikes

A lovely jaunt through an area replete with wetlands and into the aspen trees, with views of Crested Butte Mountain and beyond. All is protected for posterity in a conservation easement that HCCA helped create, nestled in Forest Service lands.

Nitrogen, Ants, and Bears—Oh My! A Science Tour and Historical Hike. On this new and informative hike we are joined by RMBL researcher Josh Grinath, PhD, and other RMBL folks. We’ll learn about the interesting relationship among bears, ants and nitrogen. Josh’s work will aid our understanding of the effects of nitrogen pollution as we hike among the flowers. Longer options are also possible.

The Miller Ranch State Wildlife Area, part of Gunnison County’s ranching heritage, belongs to Colorado Parks & Wildlife. The 1600-acre ranch still operates, while protecting its Gunnison sage-grouse habitat. We will hike around and through the ranch in the Ohio Creek valley, courtesy of CPW, whose representative will explain the project to us.

The old Standard Mine site, near Red Lady basin, is being reclaimed by EPA. A hike of several miles along Elk Creek takes us to the scene of the high-elevation reclamation, where we can see vegetative and stream improvements.

Leaving from the edge of town, we gain elevation along Wildcat Creek to reach a beautiful alpine lake nestled at the base of Mt. Axtell, at 10,700 ft. A local favorite, and worth the climb.

Hike from Brush Creek toward Gothic. This area is noted for its resplendent wildflowers, views and wetlands, bordered by wilderness and vast ranchlands.

Rising above Lake Irwin is the very popular escarpment known as Scarp Ridge. A relatively short hike with some climbing gets us to spectacular views of the Elk Mountains and an altitude of 12,200 ft. Please be fully acclimated for your health and enjoyment.

This creekside hike takes us gently toward Teocalli Mountain, whose shoulder provides a beautiful spot for lunch, with views into the Maroon Bells Wilderness.

Hike from Schofield Park down past Devil’s Punchbowl to the historic town of Crystal and its calendar-perfect Crystal Mill. Getting there is relatively easy—coming back is all uphill, so be prepared for the climb.

Our hike founder, Don Baker, loved to hike Oh-Be-Joyful at the end of each season. We keep with tradition, and hike up this beautiful valley in the Raggeds Wilderness (that HCCA helped designate) to a lovely lunch spot with spectacular views. A perfect end to our 33rd season of HCCA Hikes!