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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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
Weekend Schedule
Friday, July 26 2:00pm – 8:00pm Registration and Reception – Steep Brewing and Coffee 23110 US-6 #116 Keystone, CO 80435 Saturday, July 27 6:00am-9:00am Continental Breakfast – Gondola Plaza 6:00am-9:15am Registration & Packet Pick-Up – Gondola Plaza 7:45am Program Starts 8:00am 6 and 9-mile hikers depart over Pedestrian Bridge 8:00am 2-mile accessible hikers depart on Keystone Trail 8:45am-9:15am 3-mile hikers depart (Gondola will be exclusive to Hike MS participants)
10:00am-1:00pm Lunch served – Summit House 1:30pm All Courses Closed Please access the venue and your course during the appropriate times.
Packet Pick-up, Parking & Reception
Friday July 26th: 2-8 pm
Where: Steep Brewing and Coffee: 23110 US-6 #116, Keystone, OC 80435. Come grab your packet and participant t-shirt! Your $100 fundraising minimum must be met to pick up your packet and hike with us on Saturday.
- Once you’ve picked up your packet, you are welcome to stay for food and drinks! We will be providing small bites for everyone throughout the day.
- As a special token of our appreciation for our Peak Feet Club, we will provide a complimentary drink ticket to enjoy responsibly! If you are in our Peak Feet Club, you will receive a separate email.
- You can park at the River Run Gondola Lot: 124 Gondola Road, Keystone, CO 80435. I recommend parking closest to the corner of Gondola Rd and E Keystone Rd. There is limited parking at Steep.
Saturday, July 29th: 6:00 am – 9:15 am
Where: Gondola Plaza in Keystone, Resort. You can park at River Run Gondola Lot: 124 Gondola Road, Keystone, OC 80435. Grab your packet and participant t-shirt! The $100 fundraising minimum must be met to hike with us. Breakfast will be available, and our program starts at 7:45 am
IMPORTANT! Route Updates and Departure Times
The gondola will be open from 8:45-9:15 am and will be closed from 9:15-10:00 am. If you plan to take the gondola, please plan for the allotted time.
If you have a 2024/2025 Epic Pass or Keystone Plus Pass, please bring it! This will save us money on lift tickets!
NEW! 8:00 am: All 2, 6, and 9-mile hikers must be on route
NEW! 8:45 am - 9:15 am: 3-mile Dercum Trail hikers will depart
Come Prepared!
Comfortable shoes, hats, and sunscreen are essential for a pleasant hiking experience. Afternoon rain showers are likely to occur – please pack a light wind/rain jacket. Our rest stops are fully supported with water and snacks! Plan ahead and view our event day packing list under the What to Wear & Pack tab.
Hike MS Fundraising:
Your generosity and hard work is making a significant impact on the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis. Let's continue to work together, support each other, and make Hike MS a resounding success. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out: Mary Keathley – 314-600-2840. Our staff working the event will have grey staff shirts and don’t forget about our amazing volunteers in blue!
Keep up the great work, and we'll see you soon!
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Requirements
Participants must raise a minimum of $100 ($50 for hikers ages 5-12). All participants meeting the required fundraising minimum receive a free Hike MS t-shirt.
Age Minimum to register is 5 years old. Hikers under the age of 5 are welcome to participate with a parent or guardian but do not need to be officially registered. -
Routes, Maps & Event Photos
Route Maps
Check out the route map PDFs below:
View the routes on Ride with GPS.
Photos
Visit our Flickr page to view Hike MS: Keystone 2023 photos!
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Pre-Hike Events
- May 20th - May 26th: Team Registration Week
The top three teams who recruit the most members will receive team gift baskets.
Congratulations to our Top 3 Teams:- Anne's Army and Friends
- Team in Motion
- Team Broseph!
The team that fundraises the most will receive a custom charcuterie platter to enjoy at the top of the mountain and a Hike MS gift basket.
Congratulations to our Top Fundraising Team: Point B and Friends!- May 20th at 6pm: Hike MS Social at Left Hand RiNo Drinks & Eats. RSVP Here.
- June Fundraising Challenge: Raise $250 and/or recruit one NEW Hike MS participant and receive an exclusive pair of Hike MS socks!
- July 8th - July 14th: Individual Fundraising Week
- The top three individuals who fundraise the most will win a vacation lodging voucher provided by Summit Cove.
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Congratulations to our top 3 fundraisers: Beth Leleck, Elisa Robyn, and Alicia Barron!
- The top three individuals who fundraise the most will win a vacation lodging voucher provided by Summit Cove.
- May 20th - May 26th: Team Registration Week
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Lodging & Food
Lodging
- Keystone Resort
Keystone Resort has a variety of lodging options for Hike MS participants. Reservations may be made by visiting Vail Resort's group lodging link. Reservations may also be made over the phone by calling (855) 948-0696 and referencing Hike MS, group code BKRHIK24. The room block cut-off date is Sunday, June 9.
- SummitCove Vacation Lodging - Promo code is HIKEMS24.
Food
Each route includes fully-stocked rest stops with some of the best snacks and volunteers around! 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
Relax, hydrate, use the restroom, re-apply sunscreen and enjoy the company of our volunteers.
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.
