The San Juan National Forest will host three field trips within the 416 Fire closure area in October. Each field trip will accommodate up to 15 people, and early registration is suggested. Firefighters will guide the trips.
The Champion Tree Hike will be an all-day event, starting at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Lower Hermosa campground’s closure gate in Durango. This hike will be strenuous and will cover 9 to 10 miles, depending on trail conditions.
The Bike and Hike will be an all-day event, starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Upper Hermosa trailhead. The moderate to strenuous trip will take mountain bikers from the Upper Hermosa trailhead to the burn perimeter and switch to a hike through the burn.
The Old Growth Walk will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Lower Hermosa campground’s closure gate The moderate hike will be 2 to 3 miles long and explore the ponderosa pine old growth in the burn area.
Participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, lunch snacks and a hat. Bikers will need to bring their own bikes and appropriate gear.
To sign up for a field trip and for more information, call Gretchen Fitzgerald at 385-1219 or the Columbine Ranger District at 884-2512 or email gfitzgerald@fs.fed.us.
