At 11,000 feet, the ridge crest known as Jack Hall Mountain stands as the highest point in the Badger Creek proposed Wilderness east of Salida.  Badger Creek and several other nearby wildlands are moving through Congress toward permanent protection in the 2019 Colorado Wilderness Act.  This moderately strenuous hike will total five miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. 

The Jack Hall ridge tells a remarkable ecological story with one side scenic and  pristine, while the other presents the aftermath of recent beetle infestation, resulting in salvage timbering operations.  Along the trail we will discuss these stark contrasts and document the current situation with photos for our personal and organizational archives.  We’ll also learn about the BLM’s ongoing Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan, how it could affect the area, and how you can protect its wilderness character by commenting on the environmental impact statement now under review.

Bring sturdy boots, clothes appropriate for the area weather forecast, water, lunch, and usual dayhike essentials.  This trip is sponsored by Pikes Peak Group Sierra Club, Wild Connections, and Central Colorado Wilderness Coalition. Maximum 15 participants.  A Colorado Springs carpool will depart at 7:30 AM.

For more trip and carpool information and required registration, contact John Stansfield, 303-660-5849 or email jorcstan@juno.com by 5:00 PM, Saturday, July 20.  Signup Provisions: This hike is posted on multiple forums, however space is limited. To officially register, you must contact the hike leader, John Stansfield, above.

Thirtyone Mile Mountain is a peak along Currant Creek at the south end of South Park and northwest of Canon City.  The area contains an interesting mix of habitats, from a riparian corridor to high montane grasslands, as well as spruce, aspen, and bristlecone pine forests.  Learn how wildlands such as these promote connectivity and wildlife movement across the landscape and provide wildlife with refuges from more intensively-used land parcels.  Learn also about the Bureau of Land Management’s ongoing Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan, how it could affect the area, and how you can protect its wilderness character by commenting on the BLM's recently issued environmental impact statement.  

This will be a moderate hike of about six miles with 1000 feet elevation gain to the northern, BLM portion of the area.  It will be partly along old, unmaintained roads and partly off-trail.  Bring lunch, water, raingear, and clothing suitable for the weather conditions. 

This trip is sponsored by Pikes Peak Group Sierra Club, Wild Connections, and Central Colorado Wilderness Coalition. Maximum 15 participants. A carpool will meet in Colorado Springs.  For more trip and carpool information and to register, contact Jim Lockhart 719-385-0045 or e-mail jlock@datawest.net by 5:00 PM, Friday, August 9.

Wed, March 27:  Bag It

Thursday, April 25:  Symphony of the Soil

Thursday, May 30:  Food, Inc,

Thursday, June 27:  Last Call at the Oasis,

Thursday, July 25:  Uranium Drive-In brings to light an American West whose iconic landscape is subject to the immense destruction that is the consequence of our national energy policy decisions. The film offers a range of perspectives that will spark dialogue about where our energy comes from and what sacrifices we make to meet our growing energy demands.