Family Hiking Series 2020

Written by Maria Burciaga-Alaniz

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This summer, Walking Mountains (WMSC), Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Neighborhood Navigators are offering you and your family completely FREE guided hiking opportunities! Up until now, we've explored the East Lake Creek Trail in Edwards and the Cross Creek Trail in Minturn with WMSC, Sylvan Lake State Park with CPW, and we visited and learned about the Miller Ranch Open Space in Edwards with EVLT. If you missed one of these hikes, don't worry! Read below for information on some of these locations and plan your next family hike. HOWEVER, there are more dates to come for other hikes in the series. Read on for those dates and make sure you and your family join us next time!

East Lake Creek Trail in Edwards:
To get there, take Lake Creek Road out of Edwards. When the road splits take the right fork, West Lake Creek Road, following the signs to the East and West Lake Creek Trailheads. Proceed past the hairpin turn that also serves as the trailhead for the West Lake Creek trail and park in the small parking lot on the left side of the road. The East Lake Creek trail travels deep into the heart of the Holy Cross Wilderness. In its entirety, the trail takes you 12 miles up the E. Lake Creek valley to Upper Camp Lake. However, a great half day option is to hike just under 3 miles to where the trail meets the creek, for a 6 mile round trip hike. (The East Lake Creek Trail was the "Hike of the Week" on the Walking Mountains blog last month, read the full post HERE).

The Miller Ranch Open Space:
One of Eagle Valley Land Trust's most proud accomplishments is easy access to its preserved properties. For a family hike along the Eagle River, park at June Creek, hike the slopes, and soak up the dense foliage along the river. Another great place for families is Eagle River Preserve (across from the fire station on the other side of Highway 6 in Edwards), easily accessible on foot or by bike. From the parking lot, trails meander through the reserve, allowing access to the river for fly fishing or rock jumping, whichever is easier for you. As always, if you want more information about the preserved properties or to plan a hike with the Eagle Valley Land Trust, email community@evlt.org

Sylvan Lake State Park:
The 1 1/2 mile loop around the lake is great for a summer hike. Picnic tables are available on a first come, first serve basis near the day use parking area. The 5.8 mile West Brush Creek Trail links the Meadows Day Use Area to the Sylvan Lake Dam. Explore sections to Antones Creek, or from the Meadows, or the entire route!  There are also popular trails on the surrounding White River National Forest: Sneve Gulch, McKenzie Gulch, Nolan Lake, Lake Charles and Ironedge are all great hikes. Maps and information are available at the Sylvan Lake Visitor Center. Visitors can purchase a $9 vehicle pass at the Sylvan Lake Visitor Center, open 8am-4:30pm daily, or at the entrance gate at Sylvan Lake.

Upcoming dates for family hikes in the series:

• Wednesday, August 12 with WM on the Squaw Creek Trail in Edwards from 9:30 am to 12pm.
• Saturday August 15 with CPW at Sylvan Lake State Park in Eagle from 10am to 12pm.
• Saturday, August 29 with EVLT at East Vail Falls from 10am to 12pm
• Wednesday, September 9 with WM on the Grouse Creek Trail in Minturn from 9:30 am to 12pm.
• Saturday, September 12 with EVLT at the Brush Creek Ranch Open Field in Eagle from 10am to 12pm.

For more information and to sign up, email evom@walkingmountains.org, call(970) 827-9725 ext. 125.