Scout Line Trail - 1.5 miles
One day, September 14, 2014. Five trails. 13.64 miles. Total elevation gain 2302 feet.
WHAT A RECORD DAY!
Our newest hiking love is also the newest state park in Colorado, Staunton State Park. The park was the brain child of Frances Hornbrook Staunton who donated 1680 acres of the family homestead to Colorado state, to be made into a park for all to enjoy. Additional purchases of land were added to make up the final park size consisting of over 3800 acres. The park was opened to the public in May of 2013. Much of the park hiking, so far, consists of intersecting trails - which is how we came to enjoy so many all in one day.
Our overall favorite trail of the day was the short but sweet Scout Line Trail. At 1.5 miles one way it came in at a medium length trek. With the steepest pitch of the 5 trails, it was the most challenging but also most rewarding. Excellent trail variety, surprising numbers of wildflowers still in bloom - including a new species for us - a beautiful insect sighting, vistas of layered mountains, and a cool new mushroom, all combined to make this trail a standout.
Read MoreWHAT A RECORD DAY!
Our newest hiking love is also the newest state park in Colorado, Staunton State Park. The park was the brain child of Frances Hornbrook Staunton who donated 1680 acres of the family homestead to Colorado state, to be made into a park for all to enjoy. Additional purchases of land were added to make up the final park size consisting of over 3800 acres. The park was opened to the public in May of 2013. Much of the park hiking, so far, consists of intersecting trails - which is how we came to enjoy so many all in one day.
Our overall favorite trail of the day was the short but sweet Scout Line Trail. At 1.5 miles one way it came in at a medium length trek. With the steepest pitch of the 5 trails, it was the most challenging but also most rewarding. Excellent trail variety, surprising numbers of wildflowers still in bloom - including a new species for us - a beautiful insect sighting, vistas of layered mountains, and a cool new mushroom, all combined to make this trail a standout.
Imagine you are hiking the park's Staunton Ranch Trail. At about your 2nd mile you will reach this offshoot for Scout Line. We could have been walking toward you at this point, since we began Scout Line from the Marmot Passage Trail. Taking the trail from this direction will give you a good deal of elevation gain and outstanding views!
Staunton State ParkScout Line TrailColorado hikingHwy 285Frances Hornbrook Staunton
