Winter ecology hike at Mesa Verde
Park Rangers will be leading a guided hike focusing on winter ecology at 9 a.m. Saturday at Mesa Verde National Park.
The guided hike is free, but advance sign-up is requested. Children should be at least 7 years old to join the hike. Participants will meet at the Morefield Village parking lot and then explore the hillsides around the Morefield Campground.
Participants will learn about animal tracks and signs and will look for signs of wildlife. Participants should be prepared to be outdoors for two or three hours with extra layers of clothing, water, and snacks.
There is a limit of 20 adults and children. If needed, snowshoes will be provided, or participants may bring their own.
To sign up or to get more information, call 529-4631, or go to http://go.nps.gov/mvwgh2016 or www.nps.gov/meve.
A moonlight event at Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde will hold a special moonlight event Feb. 20.
The Morefield Campground winter trails will be open for snowshoeing and cross country skiing from 6 to 10 p.m.
This event is free and open to all ages. Participants should bring their skis or snowshoes and enjoy the trails by moonlight. They should be sure to dress for the cold and bring appropriate outdoor gear and a headlamp or flashlight. Snowshoes will be available to checkout. Participants are welcome to bring their own hot drinks. Refreshments and a campfire will not be provided.
Morefield Campground is located 4 miles past the park entrance on the right hand side. This event is subject to cancellation because of bad weather.
Field trip at San Juan National Forest
The San Juan National Forest, Columbine Ranger District announces a winter over-snow travel public field trip to the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area on Feb. 20.
This trip will allow participants to explore and discuss issues, concerns and proposals to be addressed during the planning process for the Hermosa Creek Watershed Management Plan. Four previous summer field trips have occurred. The trip will be an approximately 13-mile round-trip snowmobile ride on groomed trails in the Cascade Divide area north of Purgatory Resort.
Topics to be discussed include where current over-snow travel is occurring, possible over-snow travel changes in the future and current special use permits that are authorized in the area. Participants should have their own snowmobile, be physically fit and bring their own gear to be out in a winter environment for several hours. To sign up call 884-1436 or email HermosaSMA@fs.fed.us.
Details on meeting times and locations will be provided to those who sign up. Plans may be changed or cancelled depending on the weather, level of interest or other unforeseen factors. People are also encouraged to visit other locations in the Hermosa Watershed on their own.
Senior Outdoor events announced
Senior Outdoors announces the following events:
Saturday Snowshoe with John Martin at 9 a.m. Saturday. Specific details for these Saturday Snowshoe hikes (destination, description, four-wheel drive, etc.) will be emailed about two days in advance. Martin will announce on which trips an avalanche beacon is highly recommended. A shovel will be required on all trips. Turn backs with a partner may be permitted. Carpool will cost between $3 and $8 depending on destination. Dogs are allowed. To RSVP, call 749-4056 or email mudpatch22@gmail.com
XC Ski from Red Mountain to Ironton at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Ski downhill from Red Mountain Pass down railroad grade to Ironton Park. Cars for shuttling will be parked. Entire route is downhill, probably on unbroken snow. Tea and snacks will be served after the event. No dogs are allowed. Four-wheel drive vehicles are preferable. The trip leader will be Howard Drake. To RSVP, call 382-0009 or email cawebbe@gmail.com
Backcountry ski into McMillan Bowl at 8 a.m. Tuesday. This is intermediate terrain above Red Mountain Pass (above St. Paul Lodge). The co-Leader will be Jeff Bailey. The area has great snow, and avalanche danger is usually low. Participants will need climbing skins and be able to make turns on intermediate terrain. Beacons and shovels recommended. Carpool will cost $9. No dogs are allowed. There is a 12-person limit for this trip. To RSVP, email damaddox@elskies.com or call 303-775-3208.
WW hike: Animas River Trail at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. No RSVP required. Dogs must be on a leash, per city ordinance. For more information, call 247-1130 or go to www.seniorsoutdoors.org.
Final Coke race at Purgatory Resort
The Nordic Center at Purgatory will hold the final Coke race of the season Saturday. There will be a 10-kilometer freestyle race for adults and shorter distances for juniors, and there will be a fat-tire bike race with sections of single-track riding. Registration is at 9 a.m. at the Nordic Center. The ski races will start at 10 a.m., and the bike race will start at 11 a.m. The cost of the race is $10 for juniors and $20 for adults. For more information, call 385 2114.
Valentine’s Day Race announced
Wolf Creek Ski Area will hold a Valentine’s Day Holiday Race on Saturday. It is free with the purchase of a lift ticket and is open to all ages and abilities.
Herald Staff
