Hiking – Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area: Lily Lake Trailhead

The trailhead is 6.8 miles up the valley from the secondary meeting point. There are several stream crossings along the trail that are easily manageable. The trail leads through some heavy willows along the Huerfano River near the start of the hike.  These can be very wet with dew and/or overnight rain.  A rain jacket and pants are strongly recommended for this section. The trail can also be very muddy in this area.  

A 4wd vehicle or Awd with good clearance and low gearing is required to reach the trailhead.  I have done it with a Subaru Outback and plan to drive it again on Saturday.  I will touch base with everyone registered on Friday evening to make sure that appropriate transportation is available. 

A limited number of dogs will be welcome.  Please contact me ASAP by text (719 744 7840) or email if you would like to bring a dog. 

Leader permission is required for this hike. 

 If the hike fills, preference will be given to El Pueblo and Pikes Peak members.

Those carpooling from Pueblo will meet at the small parking lot just west of the Loaf and Jug near I-25 and Pueblo Blvd (1201 W Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81004) for a 4:30 am departure. A secondary meeting point is the west end of the Huerfano State Wildlife Area Co Rd 580, Gardner, CO 81040 (See Google Maps) at 7am. To reach the wildlife area, turn west on CR 550 from Colorado 69 just north of Gardner and follow signs to Lily Lake Trailhead. We will meet at a roadside pullout just before the “4wd Recommended” sign (approx. coordinates 37.68236°N 105.405°W).