Believe it or not, 2012 marks our 20^th season of day hikes into our remarkable public lands. When Don Baker began his first hikes with some of you in 1992, I’m sure he had no idea that his program would continue well into the 21^st century. Today, the Don Baker Legacy Hikes are going strong, as is High Country Citizens' Alliance.
 
We hope you will join us on this season’s hikes. All those original hikers are invited to help celebrate our 20^th hiking season. New friends are more than welcome, as always. Our knowledgeable staff will join us from time to time to shed light on significant topics.
 

This season’s schedule is:
June 27: Old Kebler Wagon Road (easy first hike, 6 miles r/t)
July 4: Celebrate Independence Day in Crested Butte—no hike scheduled
July 11: Miller Ranch State Wildlife Area* (easy, 4 miles r/t)
July 18: Walrod Gulch (moderate, 4-5 miles r/t)
July 25: Beckwith Pass (moderate, 5 miles r/t)
August 1: Standard Mine via Elk Ck. (moderate-strenuous, 6 mi. r/t)
August 8: Rustlers Gulch (strenuous, 8 mi. r/t, limit 10 people in Maroon Bells Wilderness,
                  bring water sandals)
August 15: Castle Creek (moderate, 7-8 miles r/t; bring water sandals)
August 22: Crystal Townsite (strenuous, 6 miles r/t; bring water sandals)
August 29: Oh-Be-Joyful (moderate-strenuous, 10 miles r/t; bring water sandals)
*A representative from Colorado Parks and Wildlife will join us for a tour of this 1600-acre conservation project.

Please remember that “easy” and “moderate” are relative terms, and at altitude and in mountainous, rugged terrain, challenges exist. All hikes require suitable capability and acclimation, as well as water, hat, raingear, sunscreen, lunch, hiking boots and sense of adventure. All distances are approximate. Registered hikers meet at the Crested Butte Visitors Center parking lot at 8 AM and carpool to trailheads (please bring vehicles).

Our online reservation system makes hike registration easy. To reserve space for the next week’s hike, visit www.hccaonline.org after 5 PM on the Wednesday prior to the hike you’d like to join. (If you have no internet access, you may call 349-7104, ext. 3).

We will continue to abide by Forest Service regulations and environmental ethics, limiting our group size to a maximum of 15 people (or fewer in certain Wilderness Areas) each week. (Please, no pets.) We encourage you to register early and bring your friends to introduce to these majestic mountains and to High Country Citizens' Alliance.

Thank you for your participation and support for our conservation work over the years. With your help, we will continue to prevent a molybdenum mine from encroaching on our public lands, water and communities, as well as advocate for sound management and wilderness designations for environmentally sensitive public lands.

We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Sincerely,

Sue Navy

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Our dear friend, Don Baker, passed away on July 18, 2010. A long-time HCCA supporter, Don led 'Day Hikes for Seniors' for 16 years, after starting the program on HCCA's behalf. The hikes will continue in Don's honor, but he will be sorely missed. Don's environmental ethic was strong, and is now being passed down through his children and grandchildren. We thank Don for his dedication and his memorable role in our organization and our community.

In Don's own words: "There is no better medicine than walking the trails through our splendid and inspiring public lands! Thanks to HCCA's persistent efforts, these essential natural resources remain protected and preserved. Membership support has been critical to HCCA's work and longevity. Please bring your membership up-to-date and if possible make an additional contribution to support HCCA's ongoing mission. It's an investment in our future!"