Hiking – Shelf Lake

Starting this May, the Denver Member Initiatives Committee (DMIC) is pleased to offer the fourth annual Ascending Hikes series.  It is designed for CMC members of all ages wanting to increase (or recover) hiking speed and stamina.  The series also provides an opportunity to meet CMC veterans, make new friends, and explore more of Colorado's hiking trails.  The AH series provides everyone a supportive way to work on their day hiking skills.  

Hikes start off easy and gradually progress in length and difficulty so you're ready to tackle a new challenge by the end of summer.  We’ll even offer a couple of high peak climbs just for AH Participants at the end of the season!

No big commitment. You can jump in or out anytime.

For questions write cmcascendinghikes@gmail.com

Meet at at 6:00 AM at The Fort Restaurant near Morrison at Highway 285 and Colorado Route 8 for a prompt departure  (Google Map of location of the Fort is: https://g.page/TheFortRestaurant?share). 

We will make a rest stop at the Bailey Loaf N Jug, US 285/Bulldogger Rd (at a traffic light) We car caravan to Geneva Road at the town of Grant.  The last several miles are on dirt road  We will need drivers with SUV's (but not 4-wheel drive cars) to reach the trailhead. 

Once reaching Shelf Lake, if the group is willing we may consider hiking the ridge above Shelf Lake and then on to the summit of Decatur Mountain.  This would add an extra 1.7 miles and 1000 feet of climbing.  We will decide once we reach Shelf Lake.

I will email you with a weather forecast several days before the hike. Do not assume bad weather means the trip is canceled. We just need to to dress appropriately for whatever conditions we will encounter.

Please bring those of the 10 Essentials https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html appropriate to a mountain hike:  Wear proper hiking boots, sunglasses and sunscreen, a hat, a personal first aid kit, nutrition items, and plenty of water. Rain jacket with hood is a year-round pack item.

Part of the trail is steep, so bring hiking poles if you use them. 

Please let me know privately of any medical conditions that might affect you on the hike!