Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

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12ersRule
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Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by 12ersRule »

I'm planning on hitting up Royal Mountain, Meridian Hill and some other points in the south Mt Evans Wilderness. However, I saw that there's something called the Harris Park Shooting Range.

Is it popular? Should I put these off to a weekday? Is there relative peace to be had on the summits of Royal, Meridian, Rosedale?

I know that I've had a bad time before on Squaw Mtn and peaks like San Luis near Co Springs because of repeated gunfire.

Thanks.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by Tornadoman »

It isn't quite as close to the shooting range as you will be, but I have been up the Tanglewood Trail twice from the Deer Creek TH (both times on weekends) and don't recall hearing a single gunshot.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by two lunches »

the only time i went there with a friend (maybe 7-8 years ago?), he carried a loaded, chambered gun in his lap as we passed several tent-like structures on our way to the range. i've heard stories of meth labs in the area and strange, aggressive encounters with the locals from friends who refuse to shoot there anymore.

happy hiking!
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by LURE »

i went to that shooting range like 5-6 years ago. it was a mess and not used respectfully. trash and s**t everywhere.

i think CPW and the forest service started cracking down on it a bit, cleaning it up and keeping a closer eye on it.

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shooting lanes are to the northeast/southwest

it's set up to shoot into hills, and there's a lot more hill between where people shoot and where you'd be

i personally wouldn't be too concerned

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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by glenmiz »

My friend Bill and I climbed Meridian and 11053 on an October Saturday in 2019 and had no trouble on this track. The road to our start point was in good shape and there appears to be quite a bit of off-road traffic.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by rijaca »

Dave, I’ve done all those without issues.

But I was with a Harris Park local. :mrgreen:
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by two lunches »

LURE wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 11:57 am i think CPW and the forest service started cracking down on it a bit, cleaning it up and keeping a closer eye on it.
that's a relief!
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by wondering_hough »

My father in law used to live back there and I spent maybe a year of my life in this valley. They started a forest fire a few years ago from this range and on some days it sounded like automatic gunfire and people doing whatever

The sound fades as you hike any of the peaks you've mentioned and you'll hear it in the beginning of the meridian trail.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by mtree »

You should be fine.
I live up that way. Hiked the area and know lots of others who hike it regularly. Weather has been good so no worry on access. Decent clearance recommended.

The range should be far enough away to avoid any issues. As for hearing it? Depends on winds, numbers, and ammo loads.
On weekends there could be plenty of yahoos. Then again, sometimes during the week, too. Yes, the place is not regulated and a bit sketchy. Who knows what someone will bring to shoot or shoot at. It can be scary to the uninitiated. Meth labs? Hah! That's a new one. Not unless its out of someone's house. As for locals, they're fine even if they are packing. Are you worried they're going to steal your granola bars? They're just armed. Not dangerous. I hope...

Contrary to what someone mentioned, the CPW and the forest service have NOT started cracking down on it. Cleaning it up and keeping a closer eye on it? That's funny. They won't go NEAR the area! Even Park County sheriff want nothing to do with it. The only people who clean it up are locals. That said, unless you're bent on causing trouble no one will bother you. They're out there doing their thing and you're doing yours. It is 'merica after all.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by two lunches »

:shock:
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by bking14ers »

I don't know dude... With a trailhead named slaughterhouse and a shootin range near by. Good luck.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness

Post by mtree »

Don't be a wuss. Its all good. Nothing to worry about.

You're bringing a jacket and helmet, right? I mean tactical ones. (Just kidding!)

You're not going to be near the range. Probably won't even know its up there.
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
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