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POINT MARIAH / SODA SPRINGS
THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2023
DIFFICULTY: Moderate / Some parts of the trail slightly strenuous because of the altitude
ELEVATION/ELEVATION GAIN: Up to 6900’/ Ascent of approx.
580’
HIKE DISTANCE: 6-mile loop
trail – Sterling’s Canyon Trail and Walter and Esther Hewlett Royal Gorge Rim
Trail
Water: Bring a minimum of 50 oz. (1-1/2 liters). Electrolytes: Keep
your electrolytes in balance when hiking by drinking fluids like 100% coconut
water (unsweetened); google how to make your own electrolyte drink with lemon;
take electrolyte tablets or powder with water (REI); and carry food like citrus
fruit, watermelon, apples, bananas (for breakfast before hike). Caution: Sports
drinks can have a high sugar content and other additives (read labels).
GENERAL LOCATION: Royal Gorge ski
area. Soda Springs Exit 174 from I-80 to right on Donner Pass Road. Trailhead
near the Serene Lakes Community Park.
DESCRIPTION: Sterling’s
Canyon Trail with its gentle ups and downs will take us to up to Point Mariah. Our
lunch spot offers fabulous views of the Royal Gorge of the North Fork
of the American River and the surrounding wilderness. Many photo ops in
this location. While enjoying our lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to
enjoy the view from an old-fashioned tree swing! After lunch, we’ll
retrace our steps for about 3/4 mile to the cross-country warming hut where
we’ll then start down the Walter and Esther Hewlett Royal Gorge Rim Trail. This
trail provides spectacular views including outcrops of interesting volcanic
fissures. This part of the hike is slightly more strenuous. Shaded and open
areas throughout the hike. It can sometimes be windy at our lunch spot.
OPTIONAL ON RETURN TRIP: Donner Ski
Ranch Old 40 Bar and Grill for camaraderie, refreshments, and Janet’s homemade
pie: https://www.donnerskiranch.com/old40
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Approx. 1.3 hours – 70 miles. Suggested driver
contribution $12.00.
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Carol Yoder: carolannyoder1@gmail.com or
530.210.0215 / Sweep Gay Macintosh
FACILITIES: Donner Summit Gas Station just off the freeway
on Donner Pass Road. No restrooms on the trail.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR HIKE
1. IF YOU HAVE ANY
HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
2. Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card(s), and an
emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
3. Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your
muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike. DO NOT get your driver's car
dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
4. Bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, insect
repellant. Dress in layers and wear a hat. Hiking boots and trekking poles recommended. Could
be mud on the trail if snow is late in melting.
5. Always check for ticks after the hike.
MEETING TIME: 8:00 am for 8:15 am departure from parking lot behind
the OC fitness center.
PREHIKE PHOTOS DRIVING DIRECTIONS
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