Trip
Leader in Training (LIT) Hike – Staunton State Park - Elk Falls
This is the LIT hike for Lauren Barden. The destination for this hike is not Elk Falls, we plan to go to Elk Falls Pond which is just shy of the falls themselves. This is a loop route starting from the Lazy V trailhead to Elk Falls Pond.
Contacts
- Thu, Jun 19, 2025
- Denver
- Hiking
- Adults
- Easy
- Easy
- Mileage: 6.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
- High Point Elevation: 9,255 ft
- Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH
- FULL (4 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This is a casual hike through Staunton State Park and Pike National Forest to Elk Falls Pond. We’ll depart from Lazy V Trailhead and travel West along the Staunton Ranch Trail for about a mile and then turn onto Bugling Elk trail. We’ll follow Bugling Elk for and turn south after another three quarter miles. From there, we’ll follow North Elk Creek for a quarter of a mile and reach Elk Falls Pond. From there, we’ll have a late breakfast/snack at the pond and enjoy the view before departing. From our picnic, we’ll climb Marmot Passage trail back towards Lazy V Trailhead.
This hike is designed to be approachable. There are a few steep grades (14%) but a majority of the climbs are gentle. The hike will be ~6.5 miles and ~1100 ft elevation gain (Link to Caltopo Map)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the US 285 & Twin Forks PnR 7:00AM, for a 7:15AM latest departure (Us 285 & Twin Forks PNR - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Lazy V Trailhead in Staunton State Park (Lazy V Trailhead - Google Maps)
Badges
leaders will earn:
CMC Trip Leader School
Required Equipment
10 essentials are required:
- Navigation: Map, compass, and GPS device.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat.
- Insulation: Extra clothing layers, including a jacket, hat, gloves, and rain shell.
- Illumination: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- First-Aid: A complete first-aid kit with supplies for treating minor injuries.
- Fire: Waterproof matches, lighter, or fire starter.
- Repair Kit and Tools: Knife, pliers, duct tape, and other repair tools.
- Nutrition: Extra food beyond what is expected.
- Hydration: Extra water or means to purify water.
- Emergency Shelter: Tent, tarp, or bivy sack.