Hiking – Davenport Campground Area-Squirrel Creek Trail

Squirrel Creek Trailhead-Davenport Campground, Sunday July 20. Please join us for a leisurely stroll, 1.0 to 1.5 mph pace with stops, on this easy, approximate 2 mile section (4 round trip) of the Squirrel creek trail in the San Isabel National Forest.  The trail starts at elevation 8498 ft and provides a steady, moderately shaded, relatively easy descent of 615 ft along the creek as it flows towards Beulah.  This is an upside-down hike, down, then back up.  The first 0.5 miles from the parking area to the first creek crossing is mostly open and sunny and no easy access to water.  After the first creek crossing there is intermittent shade and easier access to the creek.

Wildflowers are currently abundant along with lots of butterflies. The squirrel creek trail is easily accessed from the Greenhorn Highway 165 at the Davenport Campground road FS 382. The parking for this and the Second Mace trail is to the left on Forest Service road 382B, just before the Davenport Campground. This trail has several historic remnants of the original Squirrel Creek road and CCC work. 

Please text Sue Greer at (214) 552-9480 by Friday, July 18 at 8 pm if you would like to join the hike. Leader permission is required with preference given to members of El Pueblo and Colorado Springs Groups. If I have not had the pleasure of hiking with you before, I will want to know the distance and gain of hikes you have done in the last 2 months.  An email will be sent out to registered participants on Saturday evening, July 19 with details of the hike including updated weather information.

 Beginners, new members, slow hikers, picture takers and wildflower/birdwatching enthusiasts are all welcome.  This is a dog friendly hike for friendly dogs on leash.  This is an ATV/Motorized vehicles under 50"allowed  trail, but most of them clear out Sunday by mid-morning.  

Pueblo and other Southern Colorado participants will meet at 8:00 am for a 8:15 am departure from the parking lot in the small strip mall that is located to the west of the Loaf N’ Jug on the corner of Lake Ave and Pueblo Blvd in Pueblo (1201 W. Pueblo Blvd, 81005) to determine carpool logistics. Those desiring to do so can meet at the Forest Service Road 382B parking area for both Second Mace and Squirrel Creek Trailhead access at 9:30 am for a quick hike departure. The hike starts and ends at the trailhead.  Please notify Sue Greer 214-552-9480 which location you will be meeting the group.