Hike, wildflower and volunteer adventure on Saturday Aug 10

Join Mancos Trails Group for an epic hiking and volunteer adventure!

3 options!

• Long hike & trailwork up and over Sharkstooth Pass into Bear Creek - 7 miles roundtrip, 6-7 hours, 1800’ elevation gain/loss
• Short wildflower hike to Sharkstooth Pass with trailwork - 3.5 miles roundtrip, 3-4 hours, 1000’ elevation gain/loss 
• Trailwork along Transfer Trail - low elevation, 1 mile roundtrip, 2-3 hours

Option 1: Just in time for peak wildflower season, it’s time to finish the signage project along the Mancos Spur Trail. On Saturday August 10, we will be setting the most remote trail sign along the whole Spur - at the east end of Bear Creek Trail where it intersects with the Sharkstooth Trail. This will be a 7 mile round trip hike taking 6-7 hours at elevations from 11-12,000’ with an elevation gain/loss of about 1800’. The more the merrier, as it’s all about enjoying the gorgeous La Plata mountains while we carry some tools, a 4x4 post and trail sign to the junction with the Bear Creek trail. We will trade off frequently so no one person is carrying anything heavy for too long. The return trip over the pass could be delayed if lightning is nearby, so come prepared with what you need to comfortably wait out a summer thunderstorm. Carpool back to Transfer for burgers & beverages!

Option 2 is for those who may want a shorter hike or workday. Group 2 will re-set one “Fragile Tundra” sign along the Sharkstooth Trail. This will be a 3.5 mile, 3-4 hour round trip hike beginning at 11,000’ and hiking up to 12,000’ Sharkstooth Pass. We will relax at the pass before returning the way we came. We will be focusing on the wildflowers on this hike - flowers should be peaking along the Sharkstooth trail on Saturday, so bring your cameras! Carpool back to Transfer for burgers & beverages!

Option 3 is a shorter, lower elevation option to work on the Transfer trail in the vicinity of the Transfer campground. It needs some brushing and drainage work. Burgers and beverages afterwards!

Details: Meet at the Transfer Trailhead at the east side of Transfer Campground at 8am on Saturday August 10. We will arrange for carpooling there. Carpooling will be essential, as parking is extremely limited at the Sharkstooth Trailhead and the last 1.5 miles of the road requires high clearance. If you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle that can transport 4 or more people, please consider helping with the shuttle!

Bring all of the gear you would generally take for an all-day hike. Especially include plenty of food and water, bug repellent, rain gear, and warm layers. We will be hiking in the middle of SW Colorado's monsoon season, so be prepared for wet and cold weather! The group in Bear Creek needs to be prepared to hunker down if lightning prevents us from crossing back over Sharkstooth Pass. We must be able to comfortably wait out a storm for up to several hours.

Weather forecast for the Sharkstooth Pass area:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-108.08021139353512&lat=37.45700211832228

Link to trail description, map, elevation profile:
https://www.mancostrails.org/sharkstooth-trail.html

This will be an amazing and satisfying volunteer adventure and MTG looks forward to you joining us!

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