Marvine Creek Trail BCM Course Area Guide Backcountry Trip Code Team Leader
Table of Contents Trail Summary... 3 Trail Information... 3 Trail Description... 4 Route Description... 5 Trail Distances... 5 Trail Elevation Profile... 5 Map... 6 Key to Trail Map... 8 Camp Site Information... 8 Map Legend... 9 Hazards... 9 Recommended Destinations... 10 Fishing... 10 Summits... 11 Daily Outline... 12 Curriculum Checklist... 13 Team Leader Recommendations... 14 Team Leader Comments... 14 Team Leader Feedback Form... 15 Emergency Information... 16 BCM Phone Numbers... 16 2
Trail Information Trailhead Name: Trailhead Camp: Marvine Creek Marvine Creek Campground Campsites are available first come, first serve. Permit (Expiration): Use Code 153, ID#BLA148, (12/31/2014) Permit Pick-Up: Permit is in the Team Leader Trip Binder. Wilderness Permit: None Permit Pick-Up: N/A Trail Name(s): Type of Trail: Mileage: Alternate Routes: Alternate Mileage: Trail Location: Maps: Flora/Fauna: Marvine Trail Oyster Lake Trail East Marvine Trail Big Marvine Peak Trail Loop 24 miles (22 mi. packs-on) Out-and-Back 24 mi./ 18 mi. (20 mi./ 15 mi. packs-on) White River National Forest Flat Tops Wilderness Blanco Ranger District BCM provides USGS &Trails Illustrated Maps: T.I. #122 (Flat Tops NE/ Trappers Lake) USGS Big Marvine Peak (recommended) Rocky Mountain Wildflowers - Pocket Guide Rocky Mountain Tree Finder (Nature Guild) Mountain State Mammals (NatureStudyGuild) Rocky Mountain Birds (Pocket Naturalist) Weather Trends: Average High 75 F / Average Low 35 F 3
Trail Description Marvine Creek Trail is characterized by Evergreen forests broken up by meadows of wildflowers, streams, and marshy ponds. The rocky cliff faces of the Flat Tops create a dramatic contrast to the lush, green forests and meadows below. On the Flat Tops, groves of trees are scattered sparsely over rolling hills of green grasses and wildflowers. Marshy ponds and lakes are abundant on the Flat Tops, as are the mosquitoes, unfortunately. Marvine Creek Trail is not marked, and is often hard to follow because of the numerous game trails. Use a map and compass frequently to verify that you are following the right course; multiple people have followed a wrong trail along E. Marvine Creek or on the Flat Tops. Even the East Marvine Creek Trailhead is hard to find. Marvine Creek Trail follows Marvine Creek to Marvine Lakes, then climbs quickly up to the Flat Tops. There are many stream crossings along the way. The Marvine Lakes are stunning against the backdrop of the Flat Tops Cliffs. Following the Marvine Creek drainage up to the Flat Tops is steep and exhausting. This drainage is the only flowing water on the Flat Tops until you reach the other side. The Flat Tops appear open and flat, but there are pockets of marsh and fallen trees that make traversing off-trail somewhat challenging. After descending from the Flat Tops, the trail along East Marvine Creek is narrow, passing several small waterfalls, and marshy ponds. 4
Route Description Overview The trail along Marvine Creek is more well-defined and has better camping than the trail along East Marvine Creek. The trail along East Marvine Creek is more obvious while exiting than while entering. As a consequence, the trail to Marvine Lakes is the suggested entry point. If you have a weaker group, you can setup a base camp near the Marvine Creek drainage on the Flat Tops, creating a outand-back route, and traverse the Flat Tops with only day packs on Summit Day. Details Beginning hiking along Marvine Creek to Marvine Lakes. Continue to follow Marvine Creek drainage up to the Flat Tops. Once on the Flat Tops, the trail becomes less clear. Most groups have orienteered directly toward Big Marvine Peak, which is not an easy hike because of fallen trees and marshy areas. There are cairns and boundary signs scattered along the boundary between Rio Blanco County and Garfield County, but not on the trail itself. Upon reaching Marvine Peak, the trail up to the summit is obvious. Unfortunately, the trail leaving Marvine Peak is harder to find. The trail goes by the lake just below Marvine Peak. (See Summit Day Photos.) Marvine Creek Loop: 24.5 miles Trailhead to Camp-3: 7.5 miles Camp-4 to Big Marvine Peak: 5 miles (on-trail), 2 miles (off-trail) Camp-6 to Camp-9: 4.25 miles Camp-4 to Camp-9: 7 miles (on-trail), 5.25 miles (off-trail) Camp-9 to Trailhead: 4.4 miles Trail Elevation Profile* Elevation Gain:4,295 ft. Min. Elevation:8,202 ft. Elevation Loss:4,290 ft. Max. Elevation:11,900 ft. * The elevation details and corresponding graphic pertain to the main route only not alternate routes. 5
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Camp Site Information Favorites 3 - MARVINE- UTM 297830E 4423471N Well-liked camp that makes for a shorter second day of hiking 4- MARVINE CREEK DRAINAGE- UTM 301957E 4423618N Well-liked camp with fewer mosquitos than most Flat Tops camps 9 - RAINBOW-UTM 298438E 4429817N Flat area on east side of Rainbow Lake is not visible from the trail. 10- JOHNSON-UTM 296086E 4430878N Good Alternative 2 - MARVINE- UTM 297494E 4424288N Good setup for the hike up to the Flat Tops. 5 -BIG MARVINE- UTM 301453E 4424678N 6 - TRL BIG MARVINE- UTM 301521E 4425175N 7 - WHITE RIVER- UTM 301538E 4426048N 8 - EAST MARV CREEK- UTM 298748E 4429044N Groups have camped along the creek and by small ponds. Not Recommended 1- MARVINE LAKES HORSES CAMP- UTM 296078E 4424087N Horse Camp is highly impacted. Teams need to camp farther up the trail to make the next day shorter. Refer to trail map for corresponding numbered campsites. 8
Map Legend Campsites (Not all sites are recommended.) Kitchen area Reported Water Source (River, Pond, Creek, Spring) Portages Point of Interest Hazards Fishing Main Route --- Alternate Routes Points of Interest The Marvine Lakes are fun for dipping and playing. Fishing The Marvine Lakes are good for fishing. Refer to trail map for corresponding hazards. 9
Hazards The trail is not marked, and there are many game trails, so you can get lost easily--check your map regularly with a compass in hand. Watch out for female bears with babies. Mosquitos! There are dead standing trees. Be cautious of these trees before you set up your tent. Moose aggression. Animals Poisonous Plants Weather Hazards Lightning Exposures No Water Between Scree Slopes Black bears & rattle snakes are present but uncommon. Mosquitoes are in abundance! Bees, wasps, and spiders are all possible hazards. Animals are wild. Moose are aggressive. Do not approach any animal. Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Afternoon storms can easily start by noon or 1pm. The Flat Tops is quite exposed, because of elevation, though you can find tree cover. Water is abundant in this area. Rough, swampy terrain with trip hazards on Flat Tops. Refer to trail map for corresponding locations. 10
Summit BIG MARVINE PEAK- UTM 300071E 4424914N Getting to Big Marvine is the biggest challenge. The peak is only about 500 feet above the rest of the Flat Tops. The views are nice from the top and worth the effort. Marvine Creek Summit Refer to trail map for corresponding locations. 11
Area History These trails travel through national forest and a wilderness area, both public lands, owned by the federal U.S. government and protected from private commerical development, but for different purposes. The initial and continued mission of the National Forest Service, established in 1905 (within the Department of Agriculture), is: "...the greatest good of the greatest number of people in the long run. Focused on conservation, timber and mineral deposits are managed in a manner similar to agriculture or farmed crops. Wilderness Areas were established with preservation in mind. The Congressional Wilderness Act of 1964 was approved to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness. As such, Wilderness designation protects the area from roads, logging, oil and gas drilling, and any commercial enterprises. In part, to retain the quiet, motorized and mechanical vehicles and motorized equipment are not allowed. Local Environment The Rocky Mountain Range runs along fault lines where, 70 million years ago, collisions between tectonic plates resulted in uplift of the earth's crust. At the time, Coloardo was covered by an ancient sea. Subsequent erosion, due to streams and glaciers, of the mostly granite rock created the valleys and rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The last large earthquake in this region was in 1882. Another is expected in several hundred years. Fun Fact: Frogs are disappearing from the area due to an amphibian chytrid fungus that is killing them. Researchers suspect that tiger salamanders, resistant to the fungus, are spreading it. 12
Daily Outline Recommendations Expedition Preparation and Planning Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 MarvinCree k Camp IN THE FIELD CRMS HOME Meet at BCM Office Issue Individual Gear Pre-trip teen surveys Duffle Shuffle Issue BCM Group Gear Camp at Marvine Creek Campground Enter from Marvine Trailhead. Camp at Marvine Lakes, after the first lake. Camp on the Flat Tops near Marvine drainage. Need to start summit hike early to avoid early afternoon storms that impede summiting. Dayhike to peak, if traveling out-and-back. Camp at lake below Marvine Peak, near Big Marvine Peak Trail, if doing loop. Camp at Rainbow Lake, on the east side. The lake is not marked with a a trail sign. Johnson Lake is also a good choice. You have time to summit in the morning, if needed. Hike Out this morning Clean gear Laundry Showers Pick Up Breakfast for Day 7 Evaluations & Surveys (D/A Profile) Celebration Dinner Call office with ETA Coordinate with Youth Leader for how to get teens home. Team Leader debrief with RPM (volunteers welcome, but not required to join.) 13
Curriculum Checklist Day 1 Welcome Introductions & Ice Breaker Expectations Policies 7-Day Overview Day 2 Trust Activity Policies Review Daily Activities Quote of the Day Reflection Roundtable Journaling Lessons Lost & Alone Camp Craft 101 LNT Group Travel Food Waste Disposal Campsite Selection Health & Hygiene 201 Cat-Holes Pack Packing Food Protection Water Treatment Lightning Safety Outcomes Set expectations, roles & responsibilities. Establish structure & daily routine. Build Trust. Establish common understanding of trip purpose. Reflect on physical and emotional stresses. Understand one is capable of overcoming & learning from challenges. Work as a team to overcome challenges. Support and encourage each other to overcome challenges. Peak hike: overcome challenges, reflect, and learn from experiences. Celebrate achievement. Create Meaning: How did we overcome challenges? Create Meaning: What are our strengths and weaknesses? Create Meaning: How do we transfer what we have learned home? Setting individual goals for the future. Record learning and achievement in something tactile that teens can take home with them as a reminder of their experience. 14
Team Leader Comments This area will be used for free form comments from Team Leaders to future Team Leaders. Please use the Field Journal for feedback and comments. 15
Emergency Information Location Base Camp Backcountry (On-Trail) Hospital Valley View Hospital 1906 Blake Ave Glenwood Springs, CO 970-945-6535 Pioneers Medical Center 345 Cleveland Meeker, CO 81614 970.878.5047 911 Services? Yes Yes Local Contact Cell Phone Coverage? Pitkin County Sheriff 970.920.5310 Yes BCM Phone Numbers Blanco Ranger District 317 E Market St Meeker, CO 81641 970.878.4039 Emergency Phone Number 800.208.2483 If an emergency arises on trip that needs immediate assistance, call the emergency number first to reach a BCM staff member. If you do not receive a return call within 20 minutes, refer to the emergency contact sheet you received at the beginning of your trip or directly reach out to BCM staff. Regional BCM office numbers are listed below. Denver Office 303.271.9200 Chicago Office Pacific NW Office San Francisco Office 847.636.0422 (cell) 310.871.7557 (cell) 510.457.5743 (cell) Additional Emergency Information: No information is available. Feedback is great! Cell Phone Coverage: No information is available. Feedback is great! 16