Fieldtrips
The Calendar of Field Trips is beginning to take place.
How To Enroll. Field trip fees are usually $10 per person and your online payment below will enroll you on the trip.
Refunds & Cancellations. If you can't go, you may give away or sell your spot to someone else, but refunds are not issued unless the Club cancels the trip.
How to Get There. All participants are responsible for their own travel to the destination. Before the trip you will receive a trip planner by email with details about the destination, travel directions, road conditions, what to bring, and nearby camping areas.
Membership Requirement. You may attend one Club function (one field trip, open shop, or demo etc.) to find out if you like what the Club has to offer. Thereafter membership is required to participate. If you see more than one trip on this list you want to attend then please Join the Club. Annual membership prices are very reasonable.
How To Enroll. Field trip fees are usually $10 per person and your online payment below will enroll you on the trip.
Refunds & Cancellations. If you can't go, you may give away or sell your spot to someone else, but refunds are not issued unless the Club cancels the trip.
How to Get There. All participants are responsible for their own travel to the destination. Before the trip you will receive a trip planner by email with details about the destination, travel directions, road conditions, what to bring, and nearby camping areas.
Membership Requirement. You may attend one Club function (one field trip, open shop, or demo etc.) to find out if you like what the Club has to offer. Thereafter membership is required to participate. If you see more than one trip on this list you want to attend then please Join the Club. Annual membership prices are very reasonable.
FULL
Molas Hike and Train Ride
October 15, 2022 (6:30 am to 6:00 pm)
DESCRIPTION OF FIELD TRIP: Hike through the fall colors from Molas Lake down to Elk Park in the Animas River gorge following part of the Colorado Trail. The hike starts near Molas Lake and continues to the Animas River where we will meet the train at Elk Park. As we descend into the gorge, you will view spectacular rocks exposures, beautiful glacial landscapes, and fall colors. After lunch in the gorge, we will catch the train for an enjoyable ride back to Durango. The hike is a little over 3.6 miles long, beginning at an elevation of 10,610 feet descending to 8,925 feet. The ~1,700-foot descent into the gorge has many switch back, and in a few places, if fairly steep, so can be hard on the knees. Bring healthy knees!!
FIELD TRIP LOCATION:
Molas Hike and Train Ride
October 15, 2022 (6:30 am to 6:00 pm)
DESCRIPTION OF FIELD TRIP: Hike through the fall colors from Molas Lake down to Elk Park in the Animas River gorge following part of the Colorado Trail. The hike starts near Molas Lake and continues to the Animas River where we will meet the train at Elk Park. As we descend into the gorge, you will view spectacular rocks exposures, beautiful glacial landscapes, and fall colors. After lunch in the gorge, we will catch the train for an enjoyable ride back to Durango. The hike is a little over 3.6 miles long, beginning at an elevation of 10,610 feet descending to 8,925 feet. The ~1,700-foot descent into the gorge has many switch back, and in a few places, if fairly steep, so can be hard on the knees. Bring healthy knees!!
FIELD TRIP LOCATION:
START OF TRIP DAY & TIME: Saturday, October 15, 2022. We will meet at 6:45 am in the D&SNGRR train parking lot next to McDonalds. We will leave promptly at 7:15 am so do not be late! There is a $10 fee to park in the lot. If you do not want to pay the parking fee at the Station, then you can park on a street nearby or the Transit Center.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TRIP LOGISTICS: We will be transported from the D&SNGRR train parking lot to the trailhead near Molas Pass via a bus or vans where we will start the hike.
END OF TRIP DATE & TIME: Same day, about 6 pm at the D&SNGRR train depot.
TRIP LEADER: David Gonzales, gonzales_d@fortlewis.edu, 970-903-1383. Feel free to call or text me with questions.
TRIP PARTICIPANTS: We will be joined by members of the Four Corners Geological Society and students + faculty from Fort Lewis College. There will be 42 participants in all but only 10 seats for the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club. Most of the seats are dedicated to FLC students.
ADDITIONAL FEES IN ADDITION TO TRIP REGISTRATION: The trip fee is $55 which covers the transportation to the trailhead. The train ride is provided free of charge by Al Harper, and the snacks are covered by the Department of Geosciences.
RECOMMENDED GEAR AND ITEMS TO BRING: Please bring your own lunch in a light daypack. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring your camera, sunscreen, hiking sticks and rain gear. Packable light snacks and water refills will be provided at the Molas Lake trailhead. There are no toilet facilities on the trail, so come prepared. Consider bringing gloves, a winter hat, and sunglasses.
REMINDERS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: You will need general fitness for this high-altitude hike. Most of the hike is downhill or on flat terrain, but it does require a certain level of fitness given the distance.
Vehicle Requirements: All transportation will be provided.
Terrain in Trip Area: This is a high-altitude destination hike with a rocky, switch-back trail. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
Possible Weather Issues: Come prepared for all possible conditions that can arise in October in the mountains. We could experience cold wind, rain, snow flurries or blazing hot conditions (for fall anyway).
Hiking Involved: All hiking will be on a relatively well-maintained, but rocky trail.
Other Possible Issues: Altitude sickness, headache, and dehydration are all possible concerns at elevation. Hydrate before the hike.
Geologic Information: If you are interested, I will be creating a DropBox folder where articles on the geology will be placed along with geologic and topographic maps. Just let me know if you want access to the folder.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:
San Juan County Sheriff's Office: 970-387-5531
Silverton Mountain Rescue: 970.387.5887
Emergency: 911
We will not likely have phone service much of the day, but I will have a satellite phone with me. I will also be carrying a first aid kit.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TRIP LOGISTICS: We will be transported from the D&SNGRR train parking lot to the trailhead near Molas Pass via a bus or vans where we will start the hike.
END OF TRIP DATE & TIME: Same day, about 6 pm at the D&SNGRR train depot.
TRIP LEADER: David Gonzales, gonzales_d@fortlewis.edu, 970-903-1383. Feel free to call or text me with questions.
TRIP PARTICIPANTS: We will be joined by members of the Four Corners Geological Society and students + faculty from Fort Lewis College. There will be 42 participants in all but only 10 seats for the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club. Most of the seats are dedicated to FLC students.
ADDITIONAL FEES IN ADDITION TO TRIP REGISTRATION: The trip fee is $55 which covers the transportation to the trailhead. The train ride is provided free of charge by Al Harper, and the snacks are covered by the Department of Geosciences.
RECOMMENDED GEAR AND ITEMS TO BRING: Please bring your own lunch in a light daypack. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring your camera, sunscreen, hiking sticks and rain gear. Packable light snacks and water refills will be provided at the Molas Lake trailhead. There are no toilet facilities on the trail, so come prepared. Consider bringing gloves, a winter hat, and sunglasses.
REMINDERS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: You will need general fitness for this high-altitude hike. Most of the hike is downhill or on flat terrain, but it does require a certain level of fitness given the distance.
Vehicle Requirements: All transportation will be provided.
Terrain in Trip Area: This is a high-altitude destination hike with a rocky, switch-back trail. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
Possible Weather Issues: Come prepared for all possible conditions that can arise in October in the mountains. We could experience cold wind, rain, snow flurries or blazing hot conditions (for fall anyway).
Hiking Involved: All hiking will be on a relatively well-maintained, but rocky trail.
Other Possible Issues: Altitude sickness, headache, and dehydration are all possible concerns at elevation. Hydrate before the hike.
Geologic Information: If you are interested, I will be creating a DropBox folder where articles on the geology will be placed along with geologic and topographic maps. Just let me know if you want access to the folder.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:
San Juan County Sheriff's Office: 970-387-5531
Silverton Mountain Rescue: 970.387.5887
Emergency: 911
We will not likely have phone service much of the day, but I will have a satellite phone with me. I will also be carrying a first aid kit.