Hiking – Staunton State Park - Rusty Buckle Trail

We will start on the Old Mill Trail, then go on  to the Borderline Trail, then left onto Rusty Buckle trail for 3 mi.  NOTE: When I hiked there the other day there were 54 trees down along the trail due to the wind storm we had. The park staff may or may not have cleared the trail by the time we go. Rusty Buckle trail has interesting rock formations and mostly shaded trail. We will then turn left on the North Elk trail, head back towards the main trail & road. We will then either take the road back saving us 1/2 mi., or follow the Staunton Ranch trail. Expect to be out 4-5 hours, longer if terrain is snowy. 

The long range weather forecast is for light snow a day before we go, and temperatures will be cold--the high temp may be 28 degrees. We probably won't see many people on the trail.

Here are links to descriptions of the park and the trail:

https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/staunton-state-park

https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7106851/rusty-buckle-769

This is a CMC Bobcats trip, but everyone is welcome. 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 challenge, discovery, and camaraderie. We don’t have dues or elections and we invite ALL CMC members to sign up for any Bobcat trip. (For more information on the Bobcats section see https://www.cmc.org/groups-sections/special-interest-sections/bobcats-section)

Meet at the Morrison Park N Ride (3485 S Rooney Rd, Morrison, CO 80465, across from the gas station at C-470 and CO 8) at 8:30 AM for a prompt 8:35 am departure.  Each car entering the State Park must have a State Park Pass and/or a CO car registration that includes state parks.  We will park in the Lazy V upper parking lot.