Kick Off 2018 with a First Day Hike or Trail Ride at Lory State Park
Welcome the New Year with fresh air and exercise by joining us for some First Day activities!
We’ve planned three different guided hikes and one trail ride, sponsored by the Friends of Lory State Park non-profit group. Registered participants are invited to enjoy a pre-hike social at the Arthur’s Rock Trailhead at 10 a.m. with non-alcoholic hot beverages and light snacks provided by the Friends group.
WHO: Hikes are open to children aged 8 years and up. Well-behaved dogs on a leash, also outfitted for the weather, are always welcome!
WHAT TO BRING: Hikers should bring snacks and water, sunscreen, wear closed-toe supportive shoes and dress for the weather with a hat, gloves and layers. If snow or ice is present, snow cleats and trekking poles are recommended. Equestrians must bring their own horse, bring snacks to share and your own beverages.
*All First Day activities are free with a valid parks pass. A day pass is $7.00 and annual passes for entry to all 41 state parks are available for $ 70.00.
SIGN UP: Limited to 25 participants per activity, advance registration is required. Call the park Visitor’s Center at 970-493-1623 and advise of the number in your party.
HIKES
Hike #1: 10:30 a.m. Arthur’s Rock Trail. Rated: moderate to difficult This naturalist- led 3.4-mile round trip hike offers spectacular views of the hogbacks, reservoir and plains beyond while winding through forested mountainsides and open meadows to the summit.
Hike #2: 10:30 a.m. Shoreline Trail. Rated: easy
Led by experienced naturalist volunteers, this comfortable 2-mile round trip hike winds through dramatic sandstone hogbacks and sweeping grassy meadows down to the edge of Horsetooth Reservoir.
Hike #3: 10:30 a.m. Well Gulch Nature Trail. Rated: moderate
Led by experienced naturalist volunteers, this beautiful 1.5-mile hike winds through several ecosystems, including grasslands, steep granite canyons, mountain meadows, and Ponderosa pine forests.
TRAIL RIDE
Equestrians meet in the Eltuck Parking Area at 10:30 a.m., trail ride begins at 11 a.m.
East Valley to West Valley Loop *Riders bring their own horse.
Led by an experienced horsewoman, riders follow a popular horse trail that stays at the same elevation, running parallel to the main road with branches that descend to coves at Horsetooth Reservoir or connect to other park trails. In case of icy weather, the ride will take place on the main park road