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Hay Park Trail

Trip

Hiking – Hay Park Trail

A moderate 6–7 mile round-trip hike from the Sopris Trailhead to the meadows of Hay Park, gaining about 1,500 feet and offering sweeping views of Mount Sopris and Capitol Peak.

Contacts

Eric Wiseman
Eric Wiseman
Primary Leader
  • Sat, Sep 20, 2025
  • Roaring Fork
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 9,500 ft

🕗 8:00 AM
📍 Sopris Trailhead (access to Hay Park Trail), Prince Creek Road outside of Basalt

The Hay Park Trail, starting from the Sopris Trailhead, is one of the Roaring Fork Valley’s best moderate hikes with wide-open views of Mount Sopris. We’ll head up the Sopris Trail through aspen groves and mixed forest, then out into big meadows.

  • Round trip: 6–7 miles
  • Elevation gain: ~1,500 ft
  • Estimated time: ~3hrs
  • Highlights: golden aspens in fall, big views of Sopris and Capitol Peak
  • Trailhead access: via Prince Creek Road (dirt but passable for most vehicles in summer)

We’ll plan to turn around at the open meadows of Hay Park for sweeping views before heading back down.

Route/Place

Hay Park Trail

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Essentials

  • Daypack (20–25L is plenty)
  • Sturdy hiking shoes/boots (good tread, broken in)
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layering is key in the Roaring Fork Valley)
    • Base layer (synthetic or wool)
    • Mid layer (fleece or light down)
    • Shell (wind/rain jacket)
  • Hat & sunglasses (sun protection is critical at altitude)
  • Trekking poles (optional, but helpful for steady climbs/descents)

Safety & Navigation

  • Map/AllTrails printout or GPS (don’t rely on cell service)
  • Headlamp or small flashlight (with fresh batteries, just in case)
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, blister pads, pain reliever)
  • Emergency whistle

Hydration & Fuel

  • Water (1.5 - 2 liters; no reliable water sources on this hike)
  • Snacks (trail mix, bars, jerky, fruit)

Extras for Comfort

  • Light gloves & beanie (especially in the morning or fall season)
  • Camera/phone (charged, for views of Sopris & Capitol Peak)
  • Sunscreen & lip balm (the alpine sun will cook you)
  • Small sit pad or blanket (if you want to linger in the meadows)
Trip Reports