Hike Details
Wondering about what to pack, what you’ll eat or if your furry friend can join you for Hike MS? You’ve come to the right place! Here are the ins and outs of what you need to know to get ready for the hike of a lifetime.
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Requirements
Raise $100 ($50 for hikers ages 5-12) and get an event T-shirt. Age Minimum: 5 years old
Check the registration page for details about event packets.
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Routes & Maps
There are route options for every hiker; from the paved 2-mile base camp path to a 9-mile hike through varying terrain – and everything in between! Route marshals, rest stops, and medical support are available along the route to ensure your safety and comfort.
Keystone Resort has a base elevation of 9,280 feet and the summit is at 12,408 feet with a vertical drop of 3,087 feet.
- 2 Mile (accessible)
- 3 Mile (Dercum Trail at top of mountain)
- 6 Mile
- 9 Mile (by adding the 3 mile Dercum Trail at the top)
Routes start from 100 Dercum Square, Keystone, CO 80435. Routes end at Gondola Plaza at Keystone Resort to The Overlook at Summit House.
Find out about our COVID-19 and Safety Precautions for the day of the event
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Pre-Hike Events
Fundraising Weeks
We will have two Hike MS Fundraising Weeks scheduled this year so save the dates!
Week One: April 19-25
The top three fundraising teams will each receive a picnic bag with goodies to enjoy with their team at Keystone in July.Week Two: June 7-13
The top five individual fundraisers will receive a HidrateSpark smart water bottle.
Congrats to our Team Week winners:
- Dan Skodol
- Shannon Trust
- Alicia Barron
- Lisa Kennedy
- Cory Brown
July Recruitment and Fundraising Challenge
From July 1-28, all hikers who raise at least $200 in online donations AND/OR recruit someone to Hike MS will receive a coveted Hike MS fanny pack! Who doesn’t love a fanny pack?! And out on the trail there’s no better place for your car keys, phone and snacks.
When your friend registers, just ask them to write your name in the box for the question: Did Someone Recruit You? If so, please provide their name.
Friday, July 30th
Pre-event packet pick-up and Hike MS Registration! NEW this year will be a contactless packet pick-up and event registration on Friday, July 30th at Keystone Resort in the River Run Gondola parking lot right off Highway 6 from 2:30 pm - 8:00 pm. The River Run Gondola lot is located at the edge of the River Run village. This lot functions as the main parking lot for the Keystone Ski Resort. All parking in this lot is free. The base of the River Run Gondola is about a 5-minute walk from this lot.
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Lodging & Food
Lodging
We have lodging deals for Hike MS through our partnership with Keystone resort. Click here to book your lodging online.
Food at the Event
Each route includes fully-stocked rest stops with some of the best snacks and volunteers around. Relax, hydrate, use the restroom, re-apply sunscreen and enjoy the volunteers.
Lunch will be served at the finish line near Summit House and will be single serve, grab and go.
To ensure safety on the hike we will have pre-packaged snacks at rest stops, hand sanitizer will be available throughout the event, and signage will promote social distancing. Please refer to the About Hike MS & COVID-19 page for more safety information.
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What to Wear & Pack
A hike in Colorado's mountains requires more preparation than a walk around the neighborhood. Rough terrain and the potential for extreme weather mean that you need to plan in advance and exercise appropriate caution on your hike. Afternoon rain showers with thunder, lightning and dropping temperatures are normal in the mountains. Be prepared and pack light and smart:
- Light backpack
- Water bottle and snacks
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Lightweight hiking/trail shoes and wicking socks
- Wind/rain jacket
- ID in case of emergency
Leave No Trace
The National MS Society encourages participants to observe the guidelines of Leave No Trace in order to protect and preserve our natural spaces for future generations:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Learn more about Leave No Trace from the Colorado Tourism Office.
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On the Trail & Event Schedule
Dog Policy
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.
Scenery & Wildlife
Summertime at Keystone Resort means you'll see wildflowers and pass by babbling brooks; you may catch a glimpse of marmots, deer, birds or other wildlife. View photos of past Hike MS events on our Flickr page.
Severe Weather Policy
Hike MS is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions, we will delay the event until conditions improve. Please watch for weather-related updates via email and the event website.
Event Schedule
Hike MS: Keystone 2021 will host a contactless packet pick-up and event registration on Friday, July 30th at Keystone Resort in the River Run Gondola Lot from 2:30pm - 8:00pm. River Run Gondola lot is located at the edge of the River Run village. This lot functions as the main parking lot for the Keystone Ski Resort. All parking in this lot is free. The base of the River Run Gondola is about a 5 minute walk from this lot. Packets and registration WILL also be available on Saturday morning from 7:00am - 9:00am at Keystone's Gondola Plaza.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, July 30th
2:30pm - 8:00pm: Packet pick up and event registration - River Run Gondola lot
Saturday, July 31st
7:00am - 9:00am: Continental Breakfast - Gondola Plaza
8:15am - 9:00am - 9 and 6-mile hikers depart over the Pedestrian Bridge
9:00am - 9:30am: Accessible and 3-mile family-friendly mountain-top loop hikers depart
9:00am - Gondola opens
10:00am - 2:00pm - Lunch served - Summit House
12:00pm - Bike park opens to guests and all hikers must be off the trails
