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Bobcats trip – Skaguay Power Plant

Trip

Bobcats trip – Skaguay Power Plant

Abandoned Sites Hike: This EXPLORATORY HIKE follows the historic route to the abandoned Skaguay Power Plant, combining trail travel with off-trail route finding through rugged terrain. Along the way, participants will navigate several stream crossings and use map, compass, and terrain association skills to safely reach the remnants of this once-important hydroelectric facility. The journey offers a blend of Colorado history, backcountry travel techniques, and the opportunity to explore the fascinating remains of a bygone era.

Contacts

Wayne Howell
Wayne Howell
Primary Leader
  • Sun, Sep 13, 2026
  • Bobcats Section
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 10.0
  • Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 8,943 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH

This EXPLORATORY HIKE follows the historic route to the abandoned Skaguay Power Plant, combining trail travel with off-trail route finding through rugged terrain. Constructed in the early 1900s to provide hydroelectric power for the gold mines and communities of the Cripple Creek Mining District, the Skaguay Power Plant was an engineering marvel of its time, harnessing water from high mountain reservoirs to generate electricity. As we make our way toward the site, participants will navigate several stream crossings and practice route-finding skills while traveling through the remote landscape that once supported this ambitious industrial operation. Upon reaching the area, we will explore the remaining structures and artifacts, gaining insight into the ingenuity and determination that helped power Colorado’s mining boom more than a century ago. We'll find a comfortable spot at the power plant for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~10 miles and ~1600 ft elevation gain. (Skaguay Power Plant - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the US 285 & Mountain View PnR at 6:00AM, for a 6:15AM departure (Us 285 & Mountain View PNR - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Skaguay Reservoir parking lot (Skaguay Reservoir - Google Maps)

Roster
Route/Place

Skaguay Power Plant

Required Equipment

Required Equipment

This is a CMC Bobcats Trip.  The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of adventurous CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long.  Our trips tend to be faster paced, on more challenging routes, and with fewer stops.  We foster a strong community of hikers seeking challenges, discovery, and camaraderie.   We don’t have dues and we invite ALL CMC members to sign up for any Bobcat trip that is within their ability level.

Be sure to bring the 10 essentials and trekking poles.

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