Point of contact: Beth King (phone: 720-217-5033, email: bethking80111@hotmail.com)
General Information
Ours is a gathering of like-minded MARS members who enjoy hiking and desire to share the experience with others. We plan to conduct an organized hike each month when the weather permits. Each hiking event will be organized by a member point-of-contact (POC). It is easy to organize and the How to Guide provides all the details. We have no insurance, so participants will be required to sign a waiver for each hike. Hikers must complete the Liability Waiver Form.
These hikes are generally rated as easy to intermediate although we have climbed 14ers. Read the descriptions to evaluate your readiness for the outing. A great resource is AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails to evaluate a specific hike.
You must RSVP to the POC at least 2 days before the hike and then the POC will provide you with additional information. Please check this webpage at your convenience to be sure you have the latest information.
Members are invited to organize a group hike. The date and trail choice is determined by the organizer.
Guidelines
Participants must wear appropriate footwear (no sandals please) and carry their own pack.
Remember the scouting motto “Be prepared” and carry the “10 Essentials.”
1. Navigation (map and compass or GPS and know how to use them)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, lip balm)
3. Insulation (dress in layers –it can rain or snow any day in Colorado)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
5. First-aid supplies (take good care of your feet)
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Repair kit and tools (pocket knife, duct tape, extra batteries, etc.)
8. Nutrition (snacks and food)
9. Hydration (water – lots of it)
10. Emergency shelter (such as a space blanket)
You may also wish to add toilet paper, hand sanitizer, garbage bag, camera, whistle, extra socks, medication, pen and paper or sketchbook, insect repellant and a handkerchief. But don’t make your pack too heavy!
COSAR CARD (Optional)
Purchase your Colorado Search and Rescue Card at Roxborough State Park Visitor Center (or other locations). The cost is $3.00 for one year and $12.00 for five years.
Upcoming Hikes
Mt. Galbraith Hike
I am hosting a MARS hike for Friday, May 23. Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, May 21 so I will know to wait for all parties who are carpooling. Also, let me know if you are interested in lunch so I can make a reservation.
Destination – Mt Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch trail. 4.2 mile lollipop, 928ft elevation gain, estimated duration 2.5 hours. Moderate difficulty. Dogs allowed. See details at AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-galbraith-loop-via-cedar-gulch-trail . I have done this hike before – it has nice views, flowers, dogs are allowed, but bikes are not so it is quite peaceful. All paved roads except the parking lot at trailhead.
Hike Plan
8:30 Meet at north edge of parking lot – SE corner of Kipling and Stanford Ave (near where those interested will have lunch – 49th State Brewing) , 4550 S Kipling St #6, Denver, CO 80127). Carpool to trailhead parking lot – 21992 Golden Gate Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403
9:00 Arrive at Mt Galbraith Park, gear-up, head out
11:30 Arrive back at trailhead.
12:00 Gather at lunch spot
1:30 Head home for a nap
As usual, sturdy boots, layers, rain gear, sunblock, hiking poles are a good idea. I will have an AllTrails map online so we can’t get lost.
Lunch option
49th State Brewing , 4550 S Kipling St #6, Denver, CO 80127
Menu has lots of fish and quirky Alaska items. https://www.the49thdenver.com/menu/
Plan B
If the weather turns out to have >50% rain/lightning probability, I will contact everyone who signed up and reschedule for Wednesday 5/28.
If you have any questions, contact me at jaysonbcowley@gmail.com. Text me at 720-979-1737 if you have a last minute change of plans.
Looking forward to getting out there with everyone.
See you then.
Jayson (cell: 720-979-1737, jaysonbcowley@gmail.com)
Past Hikes
- Sandstone Ranch Open Space Hike – April 2025
- Roxborough Park Hike – Sept 2024
- Castlewood Canyon Hike – July 2024
- Berthoud Pass Hike – August 2023
If you wish to join the MARS Hiking Club, please contact Beth King (phone: 720-217-5033, email: bethking80111@hotmail.com). Please provide your email address and phone number.