Tag Archives: Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail

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Girl Scout Troops can Now Book a Hike at Meadow Mountain Ranch

Meadow Mountain Ranch is now open for Girl Scout troops to book for a day hike on the Nature Trail or the other trails on the property! The Nature Tail  is a 1.25 mile one-way trail with 21 stops along the way. The trail winds through aspen grove forests and along the north lateral moraine up to the top of Vista Spur with its nearly circular panoramas of high mountain peaks! Trail-goers experience history, geology, biology, math, and science while following along with activity guides with unique lessons or games specific to each stop on the trail. There are four activities guides and accompanying patches for each season: fall, winter, spring, and summer. You will learn about plants, flowers, animals, rocks, trees – all with a view!

The Nature Trail at MMR is available for Girl Scout troops, groups, and families to reserve for a day-only hike between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Up to two groups can book per day. All members of the group must have either a current Girl Scout membership or additional insurance for the non-members in the group must be purchased for the day by emailing insurnace@gscoloraod.org.

In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, GSCO can allow for troops to use the Nature Trail under the Outdoor Recreation sector guidelines. As long as Boulder County is in Level Yellow, groups need to be 10 people or fewer. A troop larger than 10 can still rent the Nature Trail and then divide into multiple smaller groups of 10 or fewer and have different starting times for their hike. If Boulder County moves to Level Blue, group sizes can be up to 25. Read more about GSCO COVID – 19 guidelines for in person activities.

Ready to book? Read all about the Nature Trail Patch Program and how to reserve here:  https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/dam/girlscoutsofcolorado/documents/MMR%20Nature%20Trail%20Flyer.pdf

Questions? Contact property.reservations@gscolorado.org.

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

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Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail and Patch Program: NOW OPEN for Family Reservations

The Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail is now open for Girl Scout families to book for a day hike on the nature trail or the other trails on the property!

The Nature Tail at Meadow Mountain Ranch is a 1.25 mile one-way trail with 21 stops along the way. The trail winds through aspen grove forests and along the north lateral moraine up to the top of Vista Spur with its nearly circular panoramas of high mountain peaks. Trail-goers experience history, geology, biology, math, and science while following along with activity guides with unique lessons or games specific to each stop on the trail. There are four activities guides and accompanying patches for each season: fall, winter, spring, and summer. You will learn about plants, flowers, animals, rocks, trees – all with a view!

The Nature Trail at MMR is currently only available to book on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays for a day only hike between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Up to two groups can book per day. All members of the group must have either a current Girl Scout membership or additional insurance for the non-members in the group must be purchased for the day by emailing insurance@gscolorado.org.

Currently due to Colorado Department of Health limits on personal gatherings, these reservations are only available to families or no more than two households. Read more about GSCO COVID–19 guidelines for in-person activities here: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/about-girl-scouts/who-we-are/working-together-to-keep-our-community-healthy.html

Ready to book? Read all about the Nature Trail patch program and how to reserve here: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/dam/girlscoutsofcolorado/documents/MMR%20Nature%20Trail%20Flyer.pdf

Questions? Email property.reservations@gscolorado.org.

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

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Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail: Now open for troops without property reservation

You asked, and we listened! The nature trail at Meadow Mountain Ranch will now be available for troops to use without a property reservation, and troops will be able to go to Meadow Mountain Ranch for the day and hike the trail.

Troops will be able to request a date or dates that they would like to hike the trail up to six months in advance by going to https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/mmr_nature_trail_request. Requests will be considered based on the availability of the property and if any other requests have been received. Requests are not guaranteed, and will be considered on a first come, first-served basis.

If a request is approved, troops will be charged $10 for use of the trail, which will go to the upkeep of Meadow Mountain Ranch and the Nature Trail.

If a troop or service unit has reserved the full property, they will have full access to the nature trail without an additional charge.

What is the Nature Tail at Meadow Mountain Ranch?

It’s a one-way 21-stop guided journey along the north lateral moraine up to the top of Vista Spur with its nearly circular panoramas of high mountain peaks.  Trailgoers experience history, geology, biology, math, and science, along a seasonal journey.  You will learn about plants, flowers, animals, rocks, trees – all with a view!

What’s the best way to enjoy the Nature Trail?

Plan on two – four hours for maximum immersion and to accommodate all experience levels. Pick up a seasonal guide book and reference materials from Homestead House. Start the trail at the wooden kiosk on the right side of the main road west of the Lodge across from Nature Nook and end the trail at the C.I.T. House to the east of main camp.  Plan for uphill and flat sections.  The goal is to complete as many activities as possible. Use a guide book for each season and stop at each numbered post for information and activities.

Helpful hints:

  • Groups of eight-ten are ideal, so everyone can see and hear at each station.
  • Wear comfortable, camp-appropriate shoes.
  • Bring water and snacks and day pack to hold your stuff.
  • There are benches to sit on about half way up and at the top of Vista Spur.
  • A walking stick is helpful and winter boots or snowshoes are needed in winter.
  • Watch for sudden weather changes; think you’ll need a raincoat?  Maybe!

What about the patches?

The complete patch set is a five-segment, 4” square colorful seasonal collection.  Anyone can purchase the central circle patch to show your pride in MMR, but you must complete a seasonal series of activities to earn any of the other four segments. You’ll need to hike the trail and complete that season’s activities from the guide books.  Each segment costs $1.50 and patches are available for purchase in the GSCO Retail Shop.