We provide hike length, elevation gain, estimated difficulty, pace & other details so you can judge whether a hike is a good fit for you based on your own physical fitness and abilities. If you are new to mountain hiking or higher altitudes we recommend that you start with easier hikes and work your way up. (Our 3rd Monday hikes are always intended to be Easy.)
We stay together as a group and leave no hiker behind. Otherwise, we are a group of friends out for a walk (usually in the woods) and we are each responsible for our own personal safety.
HIKE NAME: LAMBA CHOPS & HOTSHOT LOOP - TEMPLE CANYON, CAÑON CITY
DATE: MONDAY JUNE 1
HIKE STARTS from Trailhead: 8:30 AM Please arrive at Trailhead by 8:15.
See optional Meeting Place below for carpooling from southern COS to the Trailhead.
TRAILHEAD: TEMPLE CANYON TRAILHEAD, 3 miles SW of Cañon City (Lamba Chops Trailhead is right across the road). Trailhead location and driving directions can be searched in Google Maps as "Temple Canyon Trailhead" or go to:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hb4rJKx3DENek6D1A?g_st=com.zoho.zmail.ZohoMailShare
(Also see Driving Directions below)
HIKE DISTANCE: about 5-1/2 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 950 feet
HIGHEST ALTITUDE: 6,500 feet
HIKING MOVING TIME: about 3 hours
EST. HIKE DIFFICULTY RANGE: Moderate due to hike length and elevation gain. For some hikers this trail could be moderately challenging due to a mile stretch of some small loose stones on an otherwise packed sandy dirt and embedded rocks trail surface. Sturdy hiking boots/shoes should mostly eliminate that issue.
PACE: We will move along at a moderate pace of about 2 mph, with occasional brief stops to enjoy views, surroundings, wild flowers (if they are blooming!) & a snack.
HIKE DESCRIPTION: This lollipop trail starts across the road from Temple Canyon Trailhead. The first mile or so crosses desert landscape with cholla cactus and other denizens of the high desert. The trail then rises and proceeds through juniper and ponderosa forests. There are striking views of Pikes Peak and surrounding landscapes throughout the hike. The trail surface is mostly packed sandy dirt with embedded rocks and is in good condition. For a trail map & additional hike information go to: https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/187249#activity=hiking
HIKE LEADER: Dan Zeddies dzeddies@zoho.com 719-659-6714. If you would like to go on this hike please contact hike leader by the day before the hike. Please include your first and last name, your cell phone number for any last minute changes, and an emergency contact if available. Please be sure to tell the hike leader if you plan to meet the group at the Trailhead instead of the Safeway optional Meeting Place for carpooling.
OPTIONAL MEETING PLACE FOR CARPOOLING: Safeway, 6520 South Academy Blvd near intersection of So Academy Blvd & CO Hwy 115 (South Nevada Ave) - meet in parking lot area furthest from the building. Please arrive by 7:15 AM. We leave Meeting Place for the Trailhead at 7:30 AM. Please be sure to tell the hike leader if you plan to meet the group at the Safeway optional Meeting Place instead of at the Trailhead so we can count noses.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM OPTIONAL MEETING PLACE TO TRAILHEAD: Leave Safeway lot using the rear/west exit past Circle K gas station so you can make a left turn (south) onto Broadmoor Bluffs Dr - then go a short block and turn left (east) on So Academy Blvd to get to the entrance ramp on right for CO Hwy 115 south to Cañon City. Drive 30 miles south on Hwy 115 to US Hwy 50 & take entrance ramp on right onto Hwy 50 west to Cañon City. Drive 12 miles west on Hwy 50 THROUGH Cañon City to South 1st Street. Turn left (south) onto So 1st St and drive 1.1 mile to Temple Canyon Rd/County Road 3. Turn right on Temple Canyon Rd and drive 1.9 miles to Temple Canyon Trailhead parking lot on right. Lamba Chops Trailhead is right across the road,
HIKER PREPARATION/REMINDERS: Bring plenty of water (this is a 2 liter hike for us). Check Cañon City weather forecast before the hike and dress accordingly. Layers usually work best. Bring sun protection including a hat and bring rain gear or a windbreaker if wet or windy weather is forecast. Sturdy hiking boots/shoes and hiking poles are strongly recommended.
RESTROOM: None at Trailhead. Best option would be Exxon gas/Alta store at 420 Royal Gorge Blvd (US Hwy 50) in Cañon City on south side of street between 5th St and 4th St.
PETS: Dogs OK (bring a leash). Owners must clean up after them.