Course Description:

Shared Path is a monthly hiking program designed to foster connection, mindfulness, and community as we explore nature together. This program invites women and gender expansive people of all backgrounds, ages, and experience levels to walk side by side, sharing stories, skills, knowledge, experiences, and reflections as we journey along gorgeous trails of the Front Range.

This Sunday, November 17 hike is scheduled to take place on Jeffco’s Open Space as we descend 6 miles from Mt. Falcon’s West Trailhead to the East Trailhead. While it can be easier on the lungs than uphill climbing, a descending hike requires us to tap into our power in balance, control, and pace. Join us for this exhilarating experience where, in community, we will discover the rich history of this area, explore historical ruins, and take in the incredible views of Denver and nearby Red Rocks Park. We will meet in the Mt Falcon East lot and then shuttle in the Women’s Wilderness van to the West lot. Personal cars will await us at the end.

*If trail conditions do not allow for safe hiking on the planned trail, or the trails or trailhead closes for any reason, we will determine a new trail system and communicate that update to participants before the program date.

Details:

Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location: Meet at Morrison Trailhead (East Mt Falcon) – 3852 Vine St, Morrison, CO 80465 (begin/end hike)

Price: $30/40/50 sliding scale

What’s Included: lunch + snacks + guided hiking + shuttle to West Trailhead

Trail Difficulty & Stats:

Difficulty: Moderate

Mileage: 6 miles descent from West Trailhead to East Trailhead

Elevation: Starting: 7,724t; Highest: 7,844 ft; Ending (6,000 ft). Total Ascent: 400 ft; Total Descent: 2,164 ft

What to Wear & Bring:

Wear layers (Upper Body: wool or synthetic base layer, midlayer, and a top layer jacket; Lower Body: base layer and a top layer, unless temperatures are warm)

(If temps are cold) Lightweight or midweight gloves, winter hat (fleece or wool)

Baseball camp or wide-brim sun hat

Hiking shoes/trail running shoes/boots; wool/synthetic socks

Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

Daypack (between 22L and 30L) – enough to hold water, snacks, lunch, and layers

Notepad and pencil/pen (if you’d like to take notes or record observations)

Water bottle(s) or hydration bladder. Please bring at least 2 liters of water (0.5L for each hour we are hiking).

Women’s Wilderness has daypacks, hiking boots, and warm clothing you may use for free, as well! We will send you a Gear Checkout form prior to the hike.

For any questions email info@womenswilderness.org.

Your Instructors:

Marley (she/her) has spent over 25 years engaging communities in wildlife conservation education, as well as evaluating environmental education programs and measuring impact. Working for Women’s Wilderness is a meaningful intersection of Marley’s passion for outdoor recreation and her commitment to equity, access, and inclusion for individuals and communities historically excluded from experiences in and with the natural world.

Lisa (she/her) is a retired firefighter paramedic who finds physical and mental respite in nature, and loves to share these benefits with nature newcomers! Wildlife, plants, and outdoor skills are her jam and she hopes to pass on some useful knowledge. She holds degrees in healthcare science, zoology, and outdoor education.