Pikes Peak (14,110′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Dec 26, 2020 | 14er's, Featured, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Touring, Trip Reports

Pikes Peak (14,110′), Front Range

Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. The prominent 14,115-foot (4,302.31 m) fourteener is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles (19 km) west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. The summit is higher than any point in the United States east of its longitude. The uppermost portion of Pikes Peak, above 14,000 feet (4,267 m) elevation, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

Trail Stats

Pikes Peak

Rating – Easy
Road: Pikes Peak Hwy
Round trip: 36 miles / 58 km
Elevation: 7,400′ – 14,110′ / 2,256 m – 4,301 m
County: El Paso
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
National Forest: Pike

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

View of Pikes Peak from Almagre Mountain

Gift shop, snacks, and a brake check for vehicles

Pikes Peak Hwy is a popular tourist attraction

Plenty of areas to stop and enjoy the views

Looking towards the east are numerous reservoirs

The Front Range and eastern plains

Looking west above treeline

Patches of snow near the summit

Pikes Peak Hwy is well maintained but without guardrails

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Nearing the summit

Typically 20 degrees cooler near the summit

The Sawatch Mountain Range in the distance

View west from the summit

The Sawatch Mountain Range tot he west

Looking back at the route up

Views across the bottomless pit area

View north of the Front Range

View to the east near the base of Pikes Peak

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Take HWY 24 west from Colorado Springs for approximately 14 miles until you see the sign for the Pikes Peak Hwy. Turn left and follow the signs.

The road is paved but lacks guard rails so can be unsettling for first time mountain drivers.

This is a toll road with an entrance fee at the base of the mountain.

Trailhead Directions

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Blodgett Peak (9,429′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Dec 5, 2020 | Difficult Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Blodgett Peak (9,429′), Front Range

Blodgett Peak is located in Blodgett Peak Open Space along the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. The peak has a small summit that provides unobstructed views in all directions, rising from the eastern edge of the Rockies. The trailhead is situated close to the U.S. Air Force Academy, north of Colorado Springs.

Trail Stats

Blodgett Peak

Trailhead: Blodgett Peak Trail
Round trip: 7 miles / 11.3 km
Elevation: 7,158′ – 9,429′ / 2,182 m – 2,874 m
County: El Paso
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Pike

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Rock formation above the water tower

Trail conditions heading into the valley

Trail is steep with lots of scree

View southeast with Cheyenne mountain in the distance

Heading down to the ridge from Blodgett Peak

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Blodgett Peak looking south

Pikes Peak in the distance

Summit view east

Summit view to the northwest

The U.S. Air Force Academy

A reservoir in the center

Looking back down the route

Nearing the ridge from the east

Route up from the east is not recommended – to steep with loose scree

Followed gullies up to the ridge

Waldo Canyon fire scar

Another scree filled gully

Very steep – a tough scramble

Very few trees on the steep slope

First objective above

A pleasant hike on single track to this point

Looking back up the trail

Just a dusting of snow in the shade

View from the trailhead (Blodgett Peak behind this hill)

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The Blodgett Peak trailhead begins in the Blodgett Peak Open Space. Heading out from the parking lot the easiest path to navigate is the closed road, which leads to the water tower.

Take the social trail below the water tower to continue to the peak. The trail will wind into a canyon and begin gaining elevation more quickly. Loose scree and a steep route define this section of the trail.

The social trail leads through the Waldo Canyon wildfire scar, where there is less scree and better footing. Once on the ridge, head to the right (east) to reach the summit. There is a short boulder field scramble to the small summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Pancake Rocks (11,060′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Nov 1, 2020 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Pancake Rocks (11,060′), Front Range

Pancake Rocks Trail shares the trailhead used to reach Horsethief Falls for the first .7 miles. The trail climbs trough heavy forest before leveling out near the two trail junctions. At the second junction you can go straight for a .5 mile trip to Horsethief Falls, or turn right to reach the interesting stacked pancake looking granite formations 2 miles away.

The Crags are also nearby and a great hike to a scenic overlook.

Trail Stats

Pancake Rocks

Trailhead: Horsethief Park Trail
Round trip: 7 miles / 11.3 km
Elevation: 9,680′ – 11,060′ / 2,950 m – 3,371 m
County: Teller
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Pike

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Near the trailhead

Head straight at the first intersection

Sentinel Point 12,513

Trail begins with a steep hike

A Gray Jay hanging out

The trail becomes steep again with switchbacks through the forest

Well used trail through the forest

The Crags peaking through

Once on the ridge, good views to the west

Pancake rocks around the side of the hill ahead

Climbed rocks nearby to get a northwestern view

Great views from the rock outcropping

Pancake Rocks looking west

Beautiful views on a bluebird day

View to the southeast

View to the southwest

The main rock grouping

Pancake Rocks

Seating for giants

A shelter under a large pancake

Rock formations near Pancake Rocks

The Crags looking north through the trees

View from the trail to the northwest

Old signage

An excellent trail near the trailhead

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The trail starts on the SE corner of the parking lot. Trail #704 to Horsethief Park begins by climbing steeply into a dense forest. Once the terrain levels out you come across a left turn marked with a ring-the-peak signpost. Say straight at the junction to continue to Horsethief Falls.

There is ample signage at the second trail junction, where you will head to the right (south) up Pancake Rocks Trail. The are many switchbacks and the trail is steep.

Once you gain the ridgeline, the rest of the hike is on easier terrain. The trail winds along the ridge and drops in elevation before reaching Pancake Rocks.

Trailhead Directions

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Mt Audubon (13,223′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Aug 9, 2020 | Difficult Hikes, Featured, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Mt Audubon (13,223′), Front Range

Mt Audubon is the highest peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness that has an established trail nearly to the summit. It is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, about an hour outside of Boulder.

The great 360 degree view from the summit looks out over the mountains of the Indian Peaks Wilderness to the west, Rocky Mountain National Park to the north, and the Front Range and plains to the east. Beautiful alpine lakes like Mitchell and Blue Lake are scattered in the valleys.

Trail Stats

Mt Audubon

Trailhead: Beaver Creek Trail (at Mitchell Lake parking lot)
Round trip: 8 miles / 12.9 km
Elevation: 10,350′ – 13,223′ / 3,155m – 4,030m
County: Boulder
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Roosevelt
Nat’l Wilderness: Indian Peaks

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Mt Audubon 13,223′

View near the trailhead looking west

View of Mitchell Lake

The trail is deceptively rocky

Near treeline

Willows on the left, Bristle cone pines on the right

View of Mt Audubon looking west on the tundra

Last of the winter snow with reservoirs in the distance

The trail marked by cairns

The summit just ahead

View of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park

Views east from the summit with haze from wildfires

Upper Coney Lake below

Paiute Peak 13,088′

View into the Indian Peaks Wilderness from the summit

More summit views

View to the southeast of the Front Range

A false summit ahead

On the last 600′ of vertical distance to the summit

3 Ptarmigans along the trail

A busy trail

View of the Front Range to the east

Just below treeline

Early morning along the rugged trail

Sunrise along the Beaver Creek trail

Just past the trailhead before sunrise

View to the northwest from the summit

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The Beaver Creek Trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness and climbs through the trees for 1.7 miles. At the first junction head west (left) onto the Mount Audubon Trail as it heads west.

The Mount Audubon Trail continues climbing above timberline. The trail ends at the saddle where, there is a view down into the Coney Lake drainage. For the final half-mile, and 600 vertical feet, follow the rock cairns up the talus to the summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Shelf Road (9,494′), Fourmile Canyon

by mlz2000 | Jul 25, 2020 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Touring, Trip Reports

Shelf Road (9,494′), Fourmile Canyon

Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway is a dirt road passable with a 2WD vehicle in good weather. It follows the old stagecoach route between Cripple Creek and Cañon City built in 1892. It twists along Fourmile Creek, with long bands of limestone towering above and below the road.

The Gold Belt Tour was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway in 2000. It is one of eleven America’s Byways designated in Colorado. Fremont Peak and the Royal Gorge Bridge are located not far from the southern end of the road and are a favorite in the area.

Trail Stats

Shelf Road

Road: Fremont County Road 9 (also called Red Canyon Road)
One-way: 23 miles / 37 km
Elevation: 9,494′ – 5,331′ / 2,894 m – 1,625 m
Area: Fourmile Canyon
County: Freemont
Agency: BLM

A sport climber’s dream, with bolted routes on stable limestone

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Rock formations in Red Canyon Park

Shelf Rd turnoff in Cripple Creek

Heading south down the canyon

Fourmile Creek carved the deep canyon Shelf Rd follows

View north of Fourmile Creek

Mountain and desert plants along the route

Well maintained road all the way through

Shelf Rd near Cripple Creek

Winding through the narrow canyon

The Window rock formation near the road

Shelf Rd was a very scenic canyon drive

The Window formation when heading south

Approximately 23 miles from Cripple Creek to Canon City

Shelf Road Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway

Old mining retaining wall near Mound City

Cripple Creek, Colorado

Video Tour

Route Directions

When entering the road in Cripple Creek there is a sign that recommends a 4×4 or a high clearance vehicle. The road, however, is well graded but issues could occur if snow or heavy rains hit the area. Any passenger vehicle can easily drive this road in good weather.

Trailhead Directions

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Fremont Peak (7,273′), Royal Gorge

by mlz2000 | Feb 8, 2020 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Fremont Peak (7,273′), Royal Gorge

Fremont Peak is the high point along a narrow ridge of hills rising near the eastern edge of the Royal Gorge’s north rim. The desert peak is part of a very small sub-range of mountains called the Gorge Hills. These peaks are relatively low and are covered in desert flora. Great views of the Royal Gorge, the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, and Pikes Peak can be seen along the trail and summit.

Don’t miss the Elkhorn Loop Picnic Area and Overlook to get a closer look of the bridge and the Royal Gorge, only a couple minutes drive from the EastRidge Trailhead. Great views just steps from your car, check out the last two pictures.

Summers in this area can be dangerously hot, plan accordingly.

Trail Stats

Fremont Peak

Trailhead: EastRidge Trailhead, Royal Gorge Mountain Park
Round trip: 3.9 miles / 6.3 km
Elevation: 6,919′ – 7,273′ / 2,109 m – 2,217 m
Area: Royal Gorge
County: Freemont
Park: Royal Gorge Mountain Park

The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest bridge in the United States. It spans 880 feet across the Arkansas river at a height of 955 feet. Built in 1929, it was the highest bridge in the world until 2001.

Weather

GPS Track with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Heading back on County Road 3A

Beginning of the hike on County Road 389B

EastRidge Trailhead

View of Fremont Peak from the trail

View of Pikes Peak to the north

View of Fremont Peak summit

Summit view west of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the distance

View of the Royal Gorge from the summit with the bridge on the right

Summit view of the Arkansas River running at the bottom of the Royal Gorge

Summit view to the north

Summit view to the east

A large cairn at the summit

Last push to the summit

Looking back along the trail

The steep slope to the summit after leaving the trail

The glowing summit straight ahead

The trail after the radio towers

Cactus blooming in February

Lots of cactus along the trail

County Road 389B ends at the towers

The road follows the top of the ridge

Lots of traffic

A view into the Royal Gorge from the trail

The trail winding to the southeast

The Royal Gorge looking east

The Royal Gorge bridge crosses 955′ above the Arkansas River

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the Eastridge trailhead head downhill and to the left (heading south) to get on County Road 389B.

Folllow County Road 389B until it ends at the radio towers

From the end of the road, you will see Fremont Peak across a saddle to the southeast. Follow the the trail heading in that direction.

You quickly come across a trail junction with a sign for the Summit trail. Follow the trail towards the peak (southeast).

Once underneath the peak, pick a social path up the steep slope to the summit. There is no maintained trail.

Trailhead Directions

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The Crags (10,856′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Jan 18, 2020 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

The Crags (10,856′), Front Range

The Crags Trail #664 follows Four Mile Creek through deep forests and lush meadows, ending at a rocky dome with unobstructed views in all directions. At the summit of the windswept dome there are views of the Rampart Range, Pikes Peak Mastif, Catamount Reservoirs, and distant mountain ranges to the west and north.

The majority of the Crags trail has a gentle elevation gain, with the first and last half-mile gaining the most elevation.

Trail Stats

The Crags

Trailhead: The Crags/Devils Playground
Round trip: 7.3 miles / 11.7 km (winter mileage)
Elevation: 9,665′ – 10,856′ / 2,946m – 3,309m
County: El Paso
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Pike

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Road conditions before the closure

Stay to the right as you approach the trailhead

Heading back

Pikes Peak area to the southeast

Looking west

Reservoirs to the east

Rocky and jagged peaks

Pikes Peak ridge-line

Summit view

View back into the valley

Fantastic views

Bristle cone pine trees at least hundreds of years old

The Crags from the trail

The final section before the rocky summit

Following Fourmile Creek east

Footprints, maybe a fox?

Sunrise along the trail

The Crags trail forks to the left

The Crags trail starts in dense forest crossing Fourmile Creek

The Crags trailhead

Sunrise along County Road 62

Winter road closure 1.1 miles from the trailhead

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Take the clear and well-used path over a bridge and through the forest.

After climbing for 1/2 mile you will see the trail junction with the Devil’s Playground #664A, stay to the left on 664 to The Crags.

Continue following Fourmile Creek northeast through a valley. The trail will be wooded at first, but will eventually open up into a meadow with views of rocky cliffs and the rough western flank of Pikes Peak.

During the last 1/2 mile the trail re-enters the forest and gains elevation as it turns north along a small ridge.

The trail ends on the top of a rocky outcropping with excellent views all around.

Trailhead Directions

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Hallett Peak (12,713′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Aug 31, 2019 | Difficult Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Hallett Peak (12,713′), Front Range

Hallett Peak, viewed from east Rocky Mountain National Park, is distinctive with it’s slanted square structure towering over the landscape. As you near the summit however, the square melts away and you are left looking at a more traditional mountain silhouette. Rising along the Continental Divide, Hallett Peak divides Chaos Canyon to the south and Tyndall Gorge to the north.

The route to the summit first traverses the summit of Flattop Mountain on a well maintained trail. The Arapaho Indians called the Flattop Mountain corridor “The Big Trail”. The trail was formally constructed in 1925, was rehabilitated by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940, and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Trail Stats

Hallett Peak

Trailhead: Bear Lake
Round trip: 10 miles / 16.1 km
Elevation: 9,475′ – 12,713′ / 2,888 m – 3,875 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Bear Lake with Hallett Peak in the distance

The Flattop Mountain trail

Views of Longs Peak and Thatchtop Mountain near treeline

Emerald Lake below

Views along the Flattop Mountain trail

A marmot blending into the alpine tundra

Hallett Peak (12,713′)

Looking east down the Flattop Mountain Trail

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Along the summit of Flattop Mountain

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Hallett Peak from Flattop Mountain

Hallett Peak and Tyndall Glacier

Tyndall Glacier and Tyndall Gorge

Grand Lake from the saddle of Hallett Peak

View along the Continental Divide

Hallett Peak summit (12,713′)

View of Otis and Taylor Peak from the Hallett Peak summit

Flattop Mountain and Tyndall Glacier

View of the Hallett Peak ridge from the summit

Flattop Mountain from the summit of Hallett Peak

View of Flattop Mountain from the shoulder of Hallett Peak

View of Longs Peak from the summit of Hallett Peak

View from the summit of Flattop Mountain (12,324′)

Hallett Peak looks very different up here

Nearing the summit of Flattop Mountain

Hallett Peak on the left and Flattop Mountain on the right

Emerald Lake from the Flattop Mountain trail

Hallett Peak summit on right with the tilted square block that is seen from the east side of the park

The Mummy Range to the north

Near treeline along the Flattop Mountain trail

Dream Lake with Longs Peak (left of center) and Thatchtop Mountain.

Dense forest along the Flattop Mtn. trail

Aspenglow along the trail

Sunrise through the dense forest

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From Bear Lake take the well maintained Flattop mountain trail to the summit of Flattop Mountain. No maintained trail reaches Hallett Peak, so cross the saddle above Tyndall Glacier and scramble up steep talus to the summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Lake Helene (10,630′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Apr 20, 2019 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Lake Helene (10,630′), Front Range

There is no signage and you must follow a social trail to get to the lake, but despite it’s obscurity, Lake Helene is a spectacular destination inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake is situated at treeline, between Flattop Mountain (12,324′) and Notchtop Mountain (12,129′).

Even lesser known Two Rivers Lake is a short walk from Lake Helene, and also worth the visit while in the alpine valley.

Trail Stats

Lake Helene

Trailhead: Bear Lake
Round trip: 7.2 miles / 11.6 km
Elevation: 9,475′ – 10,630′ / 2,888 m – 3,240 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Lake Helene

Early morning view of Bierstadt Lake from the trail

Heading to the Flattop Trail junction above Bear Lake

Alternating forests and clearings along the Odessa Lake trail

Notchtop Mountain comes into view

Two Rivers Lake and Notchtop Mountain (12,129′)

Bear Lake in the early afternoon

Bear Lake and Hallett Peak

Incredible views of the Longs Peak area of the park

View of Longs Peak along the trail

Odessa Lake trail through dense conifer trees

Notchtop Mountain and Lake Helene

Notchtop Mountain towers over the valley

Odessa Lake 640′ below

Lake Helene beginning to thaw

Two Rivers Lake looking east

Little Matterhorn

A curious Gray Jay

View of Flattop Mountain

Notchtop Mountain summit

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Follow the Bear Lake trail for less than 1/2 mile to the Odessa Lake Trail Junction and take the trail to the right. The trail climbs above Bear Lake to the Flattop Mountain trail junction. Continue towards Odessa Lake, climbing through forests and meadows. After approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead you will see social trails on your left for Lake Helene. The lake is partially concealed from the trail and spurs are fairly easy to miss. If you make a sharp hairpin turn north (right) and begin descending, you’ve passed it.

Two Rivers Lake is near treeline just downstream of Lake Helene. A thick forest and boulder field stand between the main trail and lake, making it easier to walk east from Lake Helene through the forest and meadows.

Trailhead Directions

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Garden of the Gods (6,400′) Front Range

by mlz2000 | Feb 23, 2019 | Dog Friendly, Easy Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Touring, Trip Reports

Garden of the Gods (6,400′) Front Range

Garden of the Gods is a geologically unique 480 acre park, having one of the most complete and complex exposures of earth’s history anywhere in the country. It is popular for hiking, technical rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding. There are more than 15 miles of trails, with a 1.1-mile trail running through the heart of the park, that is paved and wheelchair accessible.

The main trail in the park, Perkins Central Garden Trail, is a paved, wheelchair-accessible 1.1-mile trail. It travels through the heart of the park’s largest and most scenic red rocks! The trail begins at the North Parking lot.

Download Map

Dedication Plaque reads “Garden of the Gods is given to The City of Colorado Springs in 1909 by the children of Charles Elliott Perkins in fulfillment of his wish that it be kept forever free to the public.”

Weather

Trail Pictures

Cathedral Valley sandstone formations

View of Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in the distance

Snow on Pikes Peak creating a bright reflection

Balanced Rock

Steamboat Rock on left and Balanced Rock in the middle

Sandstone formations in Cathedral Valley

North and South Gateway Rock

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

Entrance to Garden of the Gods

View north on a snowy February day

The red rocks and fresh snow create intricate patterns

Cathedral Valley with a cloud capped Cheyenne Mountain in the distance

Interesting tree/rock formation

Part of the Sleeping Giant formation on the left

The Perkins Central Garden Trail

Dedication plaque

Kindergarten Rock comprised of white sandstone

380′ high sandstone formation

North Gateway Rock with the Kissing Camels formation creating an arch near the top

Summertime view of Pikes Peak

Fresh snow in Cathedral Valley

The red sandstone formations in stark contrast to the snow

Panorama from the visitors center

Video Tour

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Mills (9,965′) and Jewel (9,990′) Lake, Front Range

by mlz2000 | Dec 9, 2018 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Mills (9,965′) and Jewel (9,990′) Lake, Front Range

Located within Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mills and Jewel Lake provide dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. The Longs peak area is prominently visible from the valley. The summer route initially takes you to Alberta Falls, another popular destination in the park.

Mills Lake is named in honor of Enos Mills (1870-1914), who is considered the father of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The view from Mills Lake towards Longs Peak is the image used on one side of the 2006 Colorado State Quarter.

Trail Stats

Mills & Jewel Lake

Trailhead: Glacier Gorge
Round trip: Jewel Lake 6 miles / 9.6 km
Elevation: 9,240′-9,990′ / 2,816 m – 3,045 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Longs Peak, Keyboard of the Winds, and Storm Peak

Longs Peak 14,259′, right, with the Keyboard of the Winds

Heading back north across Mills lake

View of Keyboard of the Winds and Storm Peak in the blowing snow

Mills Lake with a small cloud over Longs Peak (left)

Cove on Mills Lake eastern shore

Rising above Mills Lake from left to right – Longs Peak, Keyboard of the Winds, Storm Peak, Spearhead, and Chiefs Head Peak.

Mills Lake eastern shore

Mills Lake with Storm Peak (left) and Spearhead (right) rising above the blowing snow

Mills Lake frozen solid

Looking North across Mills Lake

Looking North from Jewel Lake’s southern shore

Jewel Lake just ahead

The southern shore of Mills Lake

View west from Mills Lake

Eastern side of Glacier Gorge

Glacier Gorge, Rocky Mountain National Park

Mills Lake eastern shore

Mills Lake, Glacier Gorge

First glimpse into Glacier Gorge

Bristle-cone pine trees

Just above Mills Lake looking into Glacier Gorge

Looking across Glacier Knob

Otis Peak 12,486′

Chaos Creek

Colorado Quarter

Glacier Gorge trailhead

Mills Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The winter route was utilized , bypassing Alberta Falls and intersecting with the summer trail about 50 ft from the Loch Trail/Glacier Gorge intersection.

Trailhead Directions

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Crater Lake (10,400′) and Mirror Lake (10,325′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Aug 11, 2018 | Difficult Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Crater Lake (10,400′) and Mirror Lake (10,325′), Front Range

Mirror Lake and Crater lake are found deep in the heart of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Cascade Falls is a popular destination found along the trail. It is about 4.5 miles in and comprises of multiple waterfalls.

The destination, Crater Lake, sits in a large bowl under Mount Achonee (12,469′), Lone Eagle Peak (11,920′) and several unnamed 12,000′ peaks. Peck Glacier and several perennial snowfields can be seen clinging to the steep terrain west of Lone Eagle Peak. This trail is rated as moderate, but if done in a single day the mileage would make this a difficult hike.

The Indian Peaks Wilderness encompasses over 50 lakes 133 miles of trails, with many other beautiful destinations such as Mt Audubon and Mitchell Lake.

Trail Stats

Crater & Mirror Lake

Trailhead: Monarch Lake Trailhead
Round trip: Crater Lake 15 miles/ 24.1 km
Elevation: 8,365′-10,400′ / 2,550 m – 3,170 m
County: Grand
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Arapaho
Nat’l Wilderness: Indian Peaks

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Base of Cascade Falls

So many beautiful waterfalls along the trail

The trail crosses several meadows on the way to Crater Lake

Trail along Monarch Lake

Trail cutting through pine, aspen, and spruce forest

Views from the north bank of Monarch Lake

Monarch Lake from the trailhead

Monarch Lake Trailhead

Base of Cascade Falls

Peak 11,893′ coming into view on the right

Wildflowers along the trail

One of many creek crossings

Mirror Lake

Mt Achonee (12,649′) towering above Mirror Lake

Lone Eagle Peak with Peck Glacier in the background

View of Crater Lake basin

View of imposing mountains from Crater Lake

Crater Lake with Mt Achonee

View east from Crater Lake

View above Crater Lake

View of Lone Eagle Peak

Morning light on a waterfall

Lone Eagle Peak towering over Mirror Lake

View of Lone Eagle Peak

Jagged peaks in the Indian Peaks Wilderness

A beautiful day for a hike

Beautiful Lone Eagle Peak (11,920′) in the distance

Narrow point in the Cascade trail

Peak 11,893′ (left) and Peak 11,535′ (right)

Shoshoni Peak (12,600′)

One of the many waterfalls along the trail

A moose in the thick underbrush

The top of a waterfall

Cascade Falls

Afternoon light on Monarch Lake

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The trail begins along the west shore of Monarch Lake. The trail is level as it follows the northern shore of the lake. There are occasional switchbacks as the trail follows Buchanan Creek through pine, aspen, and spruce forests. There are several waterfalls along Buchanan Creek and later along Cascade Creek, including Cascade Falls.

There are two trail junctions, both of which are clearly marked. At ~3.5 miles stay right on the Cascade Trail at the junction for Buchanan Pass Trail. At the junction ~6.5 miles, stay right to head toward Crater Lake. The trail to the left continues to Pawnee Pass Trail. After a short climb you’ll come to an open meadow with a large boulder field on the left-hand side. The trail crosses a large flat rock bed and is marked by 5-6 cairns. After following the cairns back onto the clearly defined trail, several steep switchbacks take you up to the basin.

The trail appears to end at Mirror Lake as you walk around the side (right) of the lake, but the trail picks up on the west side of Mirror Lake and takes you to Crater Lake, a very short distance.

Trailhead Directions

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Almagre Mountain (12,360′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Nov 26, 2017 | Dog Friendly, Easy Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Almagre Mountain (12,360′), Front Range

Almagre Mountain (Mt Baldy) is the only other peak, besides Pikes Peak, above treeline when viewed from Colorado Springs. Located in the Pike National Forest just south of Pikes Peak, this hike is rated easy, but getting there can be a challenge. In order to drive to the closed gate on FSR 379A you will need to navigate a moderate 4X4 shelf road. The reward is unobstructed views from the summit area, with exceptional views of Pikes Peak and the cog railroad.

Nearby Mt Rosa and Cheyenne Mountain are also excellent hikes in the area.

Trail Stats

Almagre Mountain

Trailhead: Gate on FS379A
Round trip: 2.5 miles / 4 km
Elevation: 11,815′ – 12,360′ / 3,601 m – 3,767 m
County: El Paso
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Pike

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Repeater on Almagre Mountain

View of Colorado Springs

The gate marks the beginning of the hike

Old Stage Rd

Dangerous 4X4 section

Road near the gate

View of Mt Rosa

Cliff band on Almagre Mountain

View of the Sawatch Range

Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest cog railway train in the world (14,114′)

View of Pikes Peak

A lone tree along the summit

From the left to right: Pikes Peak, North Almagre Mountain

Views west

Great views along the easy trail

Looking down the trail on Almagre Mountain

Heading northwest on the closed road

A shelter in Almagre Mountain’s basin

Looking east along the closed road

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From Old Stage Road, turn onto Forest Service Road 379, which goes to Frosty’s Park. You should have a high clearance vehicle to proceed the last 1.5 miles up the road to Frosty’s Park as of this writing. FSR 379A will be to the right further up and immediately begins climbing more steeply than FSR 379. If you do not have a 4X4 high clearance vehicle you will want to park at the intersection.

Trailhead Directions

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Mt Rosa (11,500′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Oct 28, 2017 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Mt Rosa (11,500′), Front Range

Mt Rosa is located in the Pike National Forest just south of Pikes Peak and is the only cone shaped summit in the area. This provides rare unobstructed 360 degree views from it’s small but lofty summit, one mile above Colorado Springs.

From it’s summit you can see Rosemount Reservoir, Pikes Peak, Almagre Mountain, Cheyenne Mountain, and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the southwest.

The mountain was named for Rose Kingsley, an aristocratic young English woman who lived in Colorado Springs and started its first library. She was an avid hiker, and earned the nickname Rosa del Mont, or Rose of the Mount.

Trail Stats

Mt Rosa

Destination: Mt Rosa
Trailhead: Trail 672
Round trip: 5 miles / 8 km
Elevation: 10,370 – 11,500 / 3,161 m – 3,505 m
County: El Paso
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Pike

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

View from Gold Camp Rd

Gold Camp Rd

Low level crossing this time of year

Road in pretty good condition

Drive from the trailhead

Mt Rosa

Cheyenne Mountain from Mt Rosa

Summit view of Cheyenne Mountain

Summit view of Rosemont Resevouir

Summit view southeast

Pike Peak in the background, with Almagre Mountain in the foreground

Very old Bristlecone Pine

trail heading up from the ridge

Almagre Mountain

Trail with Mt Rosa in the background

Mt Rosa from the ridge

View of Cheyenne Mountain from the ridge

Well defined trail

Trail leading out of the valley

Views slowly open up

Heading into a valley

View of Mt Rosa

Mt Rosa trail

Trailhead

Rosemont Resevouir

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From Old Stage Road, turn onto Forest Service Road 379, which goes to Frosty’s Park. You MUST have a high clearance vehicle to proceed the last 1.5 miles up the road to Frosty’s Park. After the meadow turn right and hike along Trail No. 672, also known as Nelson’s Trail, for less than 2 miles. Turn right on Trail No. 673, which pushes steeply up .75 miles to the small rocky summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Mitchell and Blue Lake (11,360′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Sep 15, 2017 | Dog Friendly, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Mitchell and Blue Lake (11,360′), Front Range

Mitchell and Blue Lake are located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, west of Boulder, Colorado. Brainard Lake itself is a small lake at the junction of two major valleys in the east central Indian Peaks Wilderness. The northern of the two valleys holds Mitchell and Blue Lakes, while the southern valley holds Long Lake and Lake Isabelle.

Mt Audubon (13,223′) is another example of the beautiful trails located in the park.

Trail Stats

Mitchell & Blue Lake

Trailhead: Mitchell Lake Trailhead
Round trip: Mitchell Lake 2 mile/ 3.2 km (10,650′)
Blue Lake 6 miles / 9.7 km
Elevation: 10,525′-11,360′ / 3,208 m – 3,462 m
County: Boulder
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: Roosevelt
Nat’l Wilderness: Indian Peaks

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Brainard State Park

Mitchell Lake and part of Mt Audubon

Blue Lake looking east

Blue Lake

Blue Lake and Pawnee Peak

Waterfall below Mt Toll

Pawnee Peak

Mt Toll and Blue Lake

Up to Blue Lake

Heading up an alpine shelf

Blue Lake trail near tree-line

First view of Mt Toll

One of many small ponds

View of Mitchell Lake along the trail

Mitchell Lake trail

Beautiful clouds along with relentless wind

Longs Peak in the far distance

Mt Audubon trail above tree-line

View of Mitchell Lake

Winding through old Bristlecone Pines

Early morning on the trail

Mt Audubon trail

Tried the Mt Audubon trail first, but wind would be to strong to summit Mt Audubon

Blue Lake and Mt Toll

Panorama of Blue Lake

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The wooded trail enters the Indian Peaks Wilderness near the Mitchell Creek bridge. It continues to Mitchell Lake, crossing a second bridge over the inlet. From the lake you can see Mt Audubon across the water. Another 2 miles of trail climb more steeply, following the creek into an open valley to Blue Lake. This lake lies at tree line below Mount Toll, a cone-shaped pinnacle on the Continental Divide.

Trailhead Directions

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Cheyenne Mountain (9,565′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Jun 3, 2017 | Difficult Hikes, Front Range, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports

Cheyenne Mountain (9,565′), Front Range

Cheyenne Mountain’s is a triple peak mountain with the geological summit on the southwestern portion of the mountain. In 2017 there were no trails to the summit, so it was necessary to navigate most of the way without a trail through the Pike National Forest. In late 2018, Cheyenne Mountain State Park completed the Talon/Dixon 15.6 mile trail to the summit.

Pikes Peak, Almagre Mountain, and Mt Rosa are nearby neighbors that are also worth a visit while in the area.

Trail Stats

Cheyenne Mountain

Trailhead: None
Round trip: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km
Elevation:8,454′-9,565′ / 2,577m – 2,915m
County: El Paso
Agency: Colorado Parks & Wildlife

The mountain serves as a host for military, communications, recreational, and residential functions. The underground operations center for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) was built during the Cold War to monitor North American airspace for missile launches and military aircraft. Built deep within the granite, it was designed to withstand bombing and fallout from a nuclear war. Many of its functions were transferred to Peterson Air Force Base in 2006.

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

View of the Broadmoor

Aspen grove near the summit

Summit view

A rare clearing

View of beginning of hike

Cheyenne Mountain geological summit

View east

Lots of small Aspens on the summit

Looking north

Summit view from Cheyenne Mountain

View west

Looking south from the summit

Summit marker has seen better days

Cheyenne Mountain summit

Near the summit

Looking NW towards Pikes Peak

A tiny view

Steep in places

Dense forest with only a few clearings

No obvious trail at the beginning

Well maintained road

Old Stage Rd

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The most direct route begins alongside Old Stage Road. Old Stage road/368 climbs up a valley along the west side of Cheyenne Mountain from Colorado Springs. There is a turnout for about 3 cars across the street from where the trek starts (see pictures and Directions). Once across the street the most direct path to the summit is to head east-northeast until the summit ridge where you will turn north-northeast.

After climbing a fairly steep section after the road, things flatten out as you traverse the ridge of a smaller hill. There is a faint trail heading to the northeast along this section, follow it. 50 feet before the end of the faint trail head east and down a shallow gully before heading up to the summit ridge. There is very deep forest and brush in this section, so look for the path of least resistance. This sections gets steeper as you near the summit ridge.

Once on the summit ridge you will see the true summit to the north-northeast. Cross one more shallow gully before heading up to the summit.

Trailhead Directions