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
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.
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.
- Tornadoman
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
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.
Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
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!
happy hiking!
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
- LURE
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
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.
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
i think CPW and the forest service started cracking down on it a bit, cleaning it up and keeping a closer eye on it.
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
Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
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.
Aim high to end high
Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
Dave, I’ve done all those without issues.
But I was with a Harris Park local.
But I was with a Harris Park local.
"A couple more shots of whiskey,
the women 'round here start looking good"
the women 'round here start looking good"
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
that's a relief!
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
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.
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.
You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.
René Daumal
René Daumal
- mtree
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
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.
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.
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
I don't know dude... With a trailhead named slaughterhouse and a shootin range near by. Good luck.
Everything you want in life is on the other side of fear. -- Margaret T.
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You'll never have a better chance to climb that mountain than you do today. -- Dave C.
Dude! I knew you would cave-in once we got up there. -- Dean G.
- mtree
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Re: Should I be concerned? Planning a hike in the Evans Wilderness
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.
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.