October 2025

Staunton State Park

For the Beauty of the Earth | Mountain Hike

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Where: Staunton State Park, 12102 S. Elk Creek Rd., Pine, Colorado 80470

Bethany’s Hospitality Ministry invited members and guests of all ages and abilities to join in an adventure into the mountains for walking, hiking, picnicking, and fellowship. The goal was to determine level of interest in possibly creating an outdoor adventures group at Bethany focused on finding spirituality and fellowship in the beauty of creation.

Staunton State Park is one of the newer State Parks in Colorado and an absolute gem. The park is located about 1 hour from Bethany off of Hwy 285 at 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO.

We offered a choice of two guided hikes: an easy short hike around the Davis Ponds Loop Trail or a moderate 5 mi hike to the Red Wall granite outcrop.

Trip Report

We were so blessed to have had such a beautiful day for our hike, the aspens were gorgeous, the weather was perfect, lots of wildflowers were still blooming, the vistas at the top of Red Mountain were stunning, God’s beauty everywhere!

We had 67 registrants and, although we had a few cancellations we still had 55 participants. So wonderful to see such a large intergenerational group enjoying the outdoors together! Even one middle schooler shared that it was her favorite hike of all times because she got to talk to so many people! Getting to spend time unplugged from our busy lives and sharing time outside in the most majestic outdoors with folks of all ages who love the outdoors was priceless!

Because the large size of our group and the fact that aspens were turning yellow later than normal, which meant that leaf peeping would be at peak at Staunton the weekend of our hke, we decided to reserve the Davis Pond parking area and pavilion with pit toilet immediately adjacent to Davis Ponds on the west side the Ponds in a private and locked gated area.

For this adventure, there were two different activity options to choose from:

Level 1: Davis Ponds Loop Trail – 2.2 mi, 193 ft elevation gain. This loop trail is the easiest trail loop in Staunton Park and it includes beautiful views to the mountains and the Lions Head Outcropping. This trail is perfect for all ages and especially young families. If you have a fishing license you can take your kids fishing at the Ponds which are stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Level 2: Red Wall via Staunton Ranch Trail – 5.0 mi, 971 elevation gain. This hike is an out and back hike for moderate hikers through some beautiful scenery including red granite outcrops and mixed aspen and pine forest. We also included the Historic Cabins trail on the return.

Know Before You Go

Very limited cell phone service
The daily pass is $10 per vehicle or FREE, if you purchase the Keep Colorado Wild Pass when you register your vehicle or purchase an annual State of Colorado Park Pass. You need to show proof of purchase at the entrance.
No dogs allowed

What to Bring

Water
Snacks/lunch
Walking or hiking shoes
Weather appropriate clothing (dressing in layers is recommended)
Hiking poles (if you are used to them)
Hat
Sunscreen

Additional Resources

Staunton State Park Brochure

Google Sites

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