Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Hiking and Music in the San Juans Trip
Colorado, July 8-16, 2023

When	Saturday July 8 to Sunday July 16, 2023 Currently full
Where	Ridgway State Park, Colorado
description	The Trip: Seven campsites have been reserved for 8 nights in magnificent Ridgway State Park at the Dutch Charlie Recreation Site, nestled at the base of the spectacular San Juan Mountains. This park was a Top Ten Reader’s Choice Award winner by USA Today in 2020. The Park contains a 1000 surface acre reservoir, a swim beach, 14 miles of developed trails, connections to a paved bike trail between the State Park and the town of Ridgway and available paddleboard and kayak rentals. All campsites, located on Loop E of the Elk Ridge Campground, have electrical hookups and free hot showers at nearby Camper Services. Other lodging options are available in Ridgway, including Ridgway Inn and Suites among others and B&B options. Here is a sample of the activities that may be planned: • Hikes to high, pristine alpine lakes • Wildflower viewing during peak wildflower season • Hiking lush, verdant alpine tundra above 12,000’ • Visit to Black Canyon National Park (2300’ deep) • Hike to Needle Rock, viewing Joe Cocker’s English Manor House from above (Yes, that Joe Cocker) • Optional winery tour to any of several selected wineries in gorgeous settings (all now charge an approximate $10 tasting fee) • The very popular free Pickin’-in-the-Park concert on Thursday, July 13, at Hartwell Park in Ridgway, CO (Site of the opening scene of the Oscar winning 1969 “True Grit” movie) • Visits to other “True Grit” sites in and around Ridgway • Optional visits to any of the local natural developed hot springs (Orvis, Wiesbaden, Ouray) • Potluck/party at the Tasch residence, about 15 minutes north of Ridgway State Park, including a musical performance by talented Emily Paige Wray Distance: 525 miles from Phoenix, 8.5 driving hours per Google Maps Elevation: 7050’ at Elk Ridge Campground Rating: For hikes outside the park most are rated B or above. Some hikes may require hiking poles, water shoes for stream crossings and/or high clearance vehicles to reach Trailheads. C-rated hikes are also available (Crystal Lake, Escarpment and Meadow on Log Hill Mesa, in addition to all Ridgway State Park hikes). These may be self-directed or led by an alternate hike leader. Cost: $144/person for the campsite, based on 2 people/site; This can be adjusted later if more than 2 people occupy a site (up to 6 are allowed), but only a combination of two camping units and are allowed per site. Each site is limited to a combination of two vehicles, either cars or RVs. There is an additional State Park entry fee of $10/vehicle/day, payable when you arrive, or you can purchase an annual Colorado State Park pass for $80. Please let me know who you will be sharing the campsite with, if known, and whether you will be tent or truck camping or in an RV. I may assign other(s) to share your site to maximize participation. Sites are spacious and have varying shade in the predominant mature pinion/juniper woodland in Elk Ridge Campground. Campsites will be assigned during April and more detailed trip information will soon follow. Please include your contact information including: address, email, type of vehicle you will be driving, whether you will be carpooling and who with, who you will be sharing a campsite with and whether you will be in separate tents or vehicles. Cancellation Policy: A cancellation fee up to $36 may be charged if a party cancels at any time and a replacement cannot be found You will arrange your own transport, Fly to Denver and rent a car. FYI, I drove from Phoenix to Ridgway State Park, in about 16 hours.
Lodging	All camp sites are full. Contact Bud for the waiting list Seven campsites have been reserved for 8 nights in magnificent Ridgway State Park at the Dutch Charlie Recreation Site. Other lodging options are available in Ridgway, including Ridgway Inn and Suites among others and B&B options.
Pricing	Do not send a check if you are on the waiting list. $144/person for the campsite, based on 2 people/site; This can be adjusted later if more than 2 people occupy a site (up to 6 are allowed), but only a combination of two camping units and are allowed per site. Please mail payment for the campsite reservation at $144/person, before 3/1/23 and make checks out to: Waldemar Tasch 23832 S. Berrybrook Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
Meals	No meals are included in the price; however, we will go into town for a meal or two.
Weather	Denver
Leader	Email the leader if interested.
Co Leader	Email the leader if interested.
updated January 24, 2018