You asked, and we listened! The nature trail at Meadow Mountain Ranch will now be available for troops to use without a property reservation, and troops will be able to go to Meadow Mountain Ranch for the day and hike the trail.
Troops will be able to request a date or dates that they would like to hike the trail up to six months in advance by going to https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/mmr_nature_trail_request. Requests will be considered based on the availability of the property and if any other requests have been received. Requests are not guaranteed, and will be considered on a first come, first-served basis.
If a request is approved, troops will be charged $10 for use of the trail, which will go to the upkeep of Meadow Mountain Ranch and the Nature Trail.
If a troop or service unit has reserved the full property, they will have full access to the nature trail without an additional charge.
What is the Nature Tail at Meadow Mountain Ranch?
It’s a one-way 21-stop guided journey along the north lateral moraine up to the top of Vista Spur with its nearly circular panoramas of high mountain peaks. Trailgoers experience history, geology, biology, math, and science, along a seasonal journey. You will learn about plants, flowers, animals, rocks, trees – all with a view!
What’s the best way to enjoy the Nature Trail?
Plan on two – four hours for maximum immersion and to accommodate all experience levels. Pick up a seasonal guide book and reference materials from Homestead House. Start the trail at the wooden kiosk on the right side of the main road west of the Lodge across from Nature Nook and end the trail at the C.I.T. House to the east of main camp. Plan for uphill and flat sections. The goal is to complete as many activities as possible. Use a guide book for each season and stop at each numbered post for information and activities.
Helpful hints:
Groups of eight-ten are ideal, so everyone can see and hear at each station.
Wear comfortable, camp-appropriate shoes.
Bring water and snacks and day pack to hold your stuff.
There are benches to sit on about half way up and at the top of Vista Spur.
A walking stick is helpful and winter boots or snowshoes are needed in winter.
Watch for sudden weather changes; think you’ll need a raincoat? Maybe!
What about the patches?
The complete patch set is a five-segment, 4” square colorful seasonal collection. Anyone can purchase the central circle patch to show your pride in MMR, but you must complete a seasonal series of activities to earn any of the other four segments. You’ll need to hike the trail and complete that season’s activities from the guide books. Each segment costs $1.50 and patches are available for purchase in the GSCO Retail Shop.
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