Hike 1
When: June 7, Saturday before the conference. Meet in the lobby and leave the Hyatt at 7:30 AM
Description: Chief mountain 5.8 miles round trip with 3 miles on a dirt road. The summit elevation is 11,709 ft. (3569 m) with 1000 ft. elevation from trial head. The trail gradually winds up through pleasant forest for half the hike up into alpine-like surroundings above tree line. As the trail comes out of the trees, the views of the surrounding mountains to the north and west appear. At the summit are huge granite outcroppings that you can climb for a spectacular 360 degree view of the foothills, valleys, and Rockies to the west. Mount Evans looms to the southwest, gentle and comforting, like a big, white-shouldered grandpa. Southward, beyond the green summits of the lesser mountains, the distinctive cone of Pike’s Peak is etched against the sky; to the north are the silvery flanks of Longs Peak. And to the east, the high plains stretch away, looking remarkably like a vast sea of green and gold.
http://www.summitpost.org/chief-mountain/153817
Cautions: Be prepared for cold wet windy weather even if it is hot and sunny in Denver. Bring a lunch, sunscreen and at least a liter of water. It is possible that there will be small sections of snow on the trail. Do not sign up if you have health issues or are prone to altitude sickness.
If interested, please contact [email protected]
Hike 2
When: June 14, Saturday after the conference. Meet in the lobby and leave the Hyatt at 7:00 AM
Description: The more difficult hike will be Mt. Quandary the 13 tallest peak in Colorado at 14,265 ft. (4348 m) is 6.75 miles long with an elevation gain of 3450 ft. The trial is as easy as it gets for mountains over 14,000 ft. and is very popular. At 14,265 feet, Quandary Peak is the highest mountain in the Ten mile Range, its massive bulk and sweeping east ridge rising above the range like a huge behemoth from the deep. Breaking through tree line, a sharp, long neighboring ridge follows you as you head west. The summit pitch comes into view fairly soon after you leave the trees, looking like a massive pyramid that is often graced with snow well into the summer.
http://www.14ers.com/photos/peakmain.php?peak=quandary+peak
Cautions: Do not sign up if you are prone to altitude sickness or if you can not engage in moderately strenuous hiking for 5 hours. Be prepared for cold wet windy weather even if it is hot and sunny in Denver. There will be several snow fields that will be crossed so good hiking boots or waterproof shoes are essential. Bring a lunch, sunscreen and at least 2 liters of water.
If interested, please contact [email protected]