Mike’s Hikes is a series of year-round hikes throughout the Western Slope’s public lands that WSCC is actively working to protect. We offer hikes for all abilities and interests, with the goal of connecting our community to local public lands. We’re currently putting together a diverse and educational schedule for 2025. Check back regularly for updates and to sign up for our free hikes!
If the hike has an active link, we are accepting sign ups. Click the link for more info and to register.
February 12- Join us at Windy Point along Stevens Gulch Road for a warm up by the fire as we watch the sun set and the full moon rise! This hike will be one mile up Stevens Gulch Road from 6:15pm to 7pm! Dress warm and bring a hot drink!
April 5– Join us for a hike in Roubideau Canyon! This early spring hike will be on BLM land, southwest of Delta, near the Camelback Wilderness Study Area. This hike is moderate to strenuous, we will be travelling to the rim of Roubideau Canyon along rocky Jeep roads, beginning around 9 am. Depending on weather and trail conditions this hike may be rescheduled.
May 3- Hestival Hike up Stevens Gulch. Hestival goers are invited to join WSCC and Oboz footwear on a hike in our beautiful Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest. We will be hiking on a little used 4WD road. Learn about our public lands and our flora and fauna in this area. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen, water, snacks and your sense of wonder. Meet at WSCC booth at 10:15, hike departs by shuttle from Big B’s Orchard at 10:30am.
May 10- Join us for a historic tour of the Shavano Valley Rock Art site near Montrose! This hike will be led by a docent from the Ute Museum, and will cost $30 per participant. We will meet to carpool from the WSCC office at 7:30am, or participants can join us at the Ute Museum at 9am. The hike itself will take about an hour and a half with moderate difficulty.
May 21- Join us for a guided birdwatching hike at the Paonia River Park. This leisurely hike is for bird watching enthusiasts of all levels, ages, and abilities. We will meet at the River Park shade structure before the hike at 7:30am. Bring your binoculars and a bird identifying guide; we recommend the Merlin app for your phone!
May 31- Join us for a hike up Mount Lamborn to Miller and German Creek Springs. We will meet to carpool from the WSCC office at 8:00am. This hike will begin on Lone Cabin Road and will travel a loop of about 3-4 miles with an elevation gain of 400 ft. We’ll observe the evidence of glaciation on the mountain as well as the springs where some of Paonia’s water supply originates.
Overview: This hike has tremendous views, with vistas of Mt. Gunnison and Mt. Lamborn along the way and, at the end, views of mountains to the east and southeast, including the gorgeous ruby range. You can also look directly across Dark Canyon at Marcellina Peak and see a long waterfall coming down one of its gullies. This area is rich in aspens and fir trees as well as an abundance of wildlife such as Spruce
Overview: This hike begins on a jeep road, though 4wd vehicles could drive up and park farther up the trail. The hike is briefly on Interpretive Ocean Trail before taking the turn to the east onto Little Elk Basin Trail, and offers views of the south side of Mt. Lamborn as well as impressive wilderness. This area is considered to be one of the best habitats in the state of Colorado for bears. It is
Overview: The first two miles are on the Crater Lake trail, and then Elk Park Trail the rest of the way, for a total of 3 mostly level miles of pleasant and easy hiking. Most of this 3 miles is a large meadow setting, with beautiful wildflowers including a few Columbines, Indian Paintbrush, etc. Due to the open meadow terrain, there are great views of the West Elk Mountains (the Beckwiths, The Castle Range) and The
