Hiking – Staunton State Park - Bear Paw Trail Loop

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the US 285 & Twin Forks PnR at 7:30am, for no later than 7:45am departure (Us 285 & Twin Forks PNR - Google Maps)

We'll then carpool to Staunton State Park - Upper Parking Lot (Staunton State Park - Upper Parking Lot - Google Maps)

This will be a loop hike around Staunton State Park, taking us to three amazing overlooks along the Bear Paw trail: Catamount Overlook, Pikes Peak Overlook, and Eagle Cliff's Overlook. We'll also come across the Old Mill Site in our travels. We start our hike at the Meadow Lot trailhead, ascending along the Dines Meadow Trail, quickly making our way to the Mason Creek Trail. At the 3.5 mile mark, we'll intersect the Bear Paw Trail which will take us to the three overlooks. We can select one of these overlooks for a snack/lunch taking in the amazing views. After the overlooks, it's all down hill from there. We'll find the Mason Creek trail again, which will take us to the Old Mill Site at the intersection with the Old Mill Trail, which we will take to the intersection with the Staunton Ranch Trail. About a 1/2 mile down the Staunton Ranch Trail we'll need to keep an eye out to the south for the Staunton Cabin and decide if it is worth a stop. After the cabin it's an easy glissade back to the parking lot. Overall ~8.5 miles and ~1400 ft elevation gain. (Bear Paw Trail - Staunton SP - CalTopo)

Along the front range, the RMOTHG is considered the group to join if you’re over 50 and looking for outdoor activities, camaraderie and adventure! With over 700 members participating in year-round outdoor and social activities, you’re sure to find something that fits your schedule and your comfort level. (Rocky Mountain Over the Hill Gang — The Colorado Mountain Club (cmc.org))