Lake Isabelle (10,910′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Nov 7, 2021 | Featured, Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Lake Isabelle (10,910′), Front Range

Lake Isabelle lies hidden in a high, isolated bowl-shaped basin at the top of the South St. Vrain drainage in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It lies at tree-line in a stunning alpine valley surrounded by Navajo (13,409′), Apache (13,441′) and Shoshoni (12,967′) peaks. The Continental Divide is located just west of the lake, running along the high peaks above the valley.

Mitchell & Blue Lake and Mt Audubon, are also located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and also offer beautiful views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Trail Stats

Lake Isabelle

Trailhead: Long Lake
Round trip: 4.4 miles/7.1 km summer, 11 miles/17.1 km winter
Elevation: 10,300′ – 10,910′ / 3,139 m – 3,325 m
County: Boulder – Brainard Lake Rec. Area
National Forest: Roosevelt
Wilderness: Indian Peaks

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Park closed in winter to motorized vehicles

Brainard Lake Rec. Area

Road to the Long Lake trailhead

Out of control bike ride along the closed road

Long Lake Trailhead

View through the dense forest

Long Lake, Brainard Lake Rec Area

Trail in great winter condition

Long Lake, with sounds of moose nearby

One of the many creek crossings

Shoshoni Peak ahead

Meadow on the way to Lake Isabelle

As you near Lake Isabelle the trees thin out

The upper portion of the South St. Vrain Creek valley

Above Lake Isabelle

The incredible scenery of Lake Isabelle

Panorama of Lake Isabelle

Niwot Ridge, 13,409-foot Navajo Peak, Navajo Glacier, 13,441-foot Apache Peak and 12,967-foot Shoshoni Peak, looking from left to right

The Continental Divide lies along the jagged peaks

View along the northern shore

View from the waters edge

One last look at Lake Isabelle

Winter in full display in early November

Heading back to the Long Lake trailhead

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the Long Lake Trailhead, the trail begins its relatively gentle ascent up to Long Lake. After a quarter-mile of trekking, the trail intersects the Jean Lunning Trail, which will take you to and around Long Lake. This area is known for moose sightings. Avoid the Jean Lunning Trail and continue to the right uphill to Lake Isabelle.

After approximately 1 more mile, the trail intersects the Jean Lunning Trail for the second time. Again, continue towards Lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass, bypassing the Jean Lunning Trail. Lake Isabelle is just another .9 miles beyond this trail junction. From the lake you have the option of continuing further up the trail to reach Isabelle Glacier.

Trailhead Directions

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Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Oct 24, 2021 | Front Range, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountains, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

Estes Cone (11,007′), Front Range

Estes Cone is located about 3 miles from the Longs Peak trailhead on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The peak serves as a prominent landmark in the Tahosa Valley to the east. The peak is named for one of the first settlers in Estes Valley, Joel Estes. The granite peak has a rocky outcrop on the summit that provides unobstructed views of Rocky Mountain National Park.

On the way to Estes Cone you will pass by the old Eugene Mine area, of which there is almost no trace left. Moving on you end up at Storm Pass, after which the steepest part of the hike begins. Just before reaching the summit you will hit a cliff band. Head to the right and there will be a weakness in the wall that you can scramble up to the summit.

Trail Stats

Estes Cone

Trailhead: Longs Peak
Round trip: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Elevation: 9,400′ – 11,007′ / 2,865 m – 3,355 m
County: Larimer
Agency: National Park Service
Nat’l Park: Rocky Mountain

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures – October 2021

Longs Peak trailhead

The first junction on the Longs Peak trail

Meadow near Moore Park

Near Storm Pass

Steepest part of the trail near the summit

Estes Cone summit

Looking north from the summit

The wind gusts were dangerous on the summit

Southwest view from the summit

Northwest view from the summit

View along the western cliff face

Summit view to the south

Summit view looking west with Longs Peak covered in clouds all day

View east from the summit with Lake Estes below

Northwest view from the summit

The route up to the summit – a steep scramble

View west on the final climb to the summit

View north from the summit

Looking northwest just below the summit

Mt Meeker (left) and Longs Peak (right)

Meadow near Moore Park

Ruins near the old Eugene Mine

Ranger station at the foot of the Longs Peak trail

Estes Cone from Hwy 7

Trail Pictures – May 2015 – stopped 1/4 mile from the summit due to a rare snowstorm with lightning and thunder.

Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead

Serious lightening hazard so turned around about 100ft from the top

heavy thunderstorm with snow

Storm moving in

Following cairns

Close to the Estes Cone turnoff

Looking towards Longs Peak

Weather rolling in

The only break from the dense forest

A rare glimpse of sunshine

Snow deepened at the turnoff for Eugene Mine

Fairly clear near the trailhead

Longs Peak trailhead ranger station

Estes Cone in the distance

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The approach to Estes Cone from the Longs Peak trailhead is relatively easy with mild uphills until you reach the base of the mountain. Once you turn off the Storm Pass trail you will see cairns marking the turnoff to begin the steeper 800′ scramble to the top. Once you reach the base of the summit, head right of the rock wall to scramble to the summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Wager Gulch (12,350′), San Juan Range

by mlz2000 | Sep 16, 2021 | 4X4, Dog Friendly, Featured, Rocky Mountains, San Juan Range, Trip Reports

Wager Gulch (12,350′), San Juan Range

The road up Wager Gulch (high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle recommended), leads to the remnants of the abandoned mining town of Carson, on the way up to the Continental Divide and beyond. Founded in 1889, Carson reached its peak at the turn of the century when some 500 miners worked the mountain. Carson fell victim to the harsh winters of Colorado, being situated almost directly on the Continental Divide. It was considered one of the most inaccessible mining camps in Colorado. To access, take Wager Gulch road located south of Lake City, immediately off the Alpine Loop.

While in the area you may also want to explore Hurricane (12,730′) and California Pass (12,960′) which intersect further northwest along the Alpine Loop. Stony Pass provides a route to the headwaters of the Rio Grande river.

Trail Stats

Wager Gulch

Trailhead: Lake City
Round trip: 30 miles / 48 km (moderate difficulty)
Elevation: 8,872′ – 12,350′ / 2,704 m – 3,764 m
County: Hinsdale
National Forest: Gunnison
Wilderness: Handies Peak

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Lake San Cristobal south of Lake City

Rough road as you leave the Alpine Loop

Climbing through dense forest

Lots of Aspen groves

Fall colors at higher altitudes

Forests start to thin above 11,000′

Well preserved buildings in Carson

Owner allows visitors to Carson

View out of a window in Carson

Well preserved buildings

Moose in center of picture in Carson

Lake next to Carson

Mining equipment

One of the most remote mining towns in Colorado

View from the main building

View of the Continental Divide from Carson

Road above Carson

Nearing the Continental Divide

The top of Wager Gulch just ahead

View of the southern side of the Continental Divide

Looking back north to the Continental Divide

FS 821 on the southern side of the Continental Divide

Vehicles allowed on a short section of the Colorado Trail

Mining ruins on the left

Heading north, back to Carson over the Continental Divide

The road above Carson climbing to the Continental Divide

Wager Gulch from the Continental Divide

Carson, situated just below the Continental Divide

Heading north, back to Lake City

Spectacular fall colors in mid September

Wager Gulch road winding through the foliage

Shelf road back through dense forests

Likely mudslide area during heavy rain

Small waterfall next to Wager Gulch Rd

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From Lake City enter the Alpine Loop on County Road 30. From there take the Wager Gulch Rd turnoff heading south.

As you start Wager Gulch road continue uphill following Wager Creek. Continue on switchbacks as you climb above the creek and head through the forest. Stay on the main road.

After numerous switchbacks the road will cross an open area of the gulch with Carson Mountain to the west. At the next intersection the left road will take you to the ghost town of Carson, which is visible just across Wager Creek. There is an area to park and explore the buildings. Keep in mind that they are private property so repect the property. A short distance up the gulch from the town are the tailings of two mines. The road will top out on the Continental Divide and descend southward.

Trailhead Directions

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Alpine Loop (12,800′), San Juan Range

by mlz2000 | Sep 14, 2021 | 4X4, Dog Friendly, Featured, San Juan Range, Trip Reports

Alpine Loop (12,800′), San Juan Range

The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway is a rugged 4×4 road that winds through the spectacular scenery of the San Juan Mountains, connecting Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray. The loop traverses passes up to 12,800 feet while showcasing old mines, ghost towns, natural wonders, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Take a 10 minute detour while on the way to Cinnamon Pass to treat yourself to American Basin, one of the most beautiful places in Colorado.

Tackling the loop in its entirety is easily an all-day adventure. However, the main loop is only part of the experience; miles of designated side routes allow visitors to either take a short tour or extend their trip to multiple days. Hurricane (12,730′) and California Pass (12,960′) are two such examples that take you north from the Alpine Loop. For something closer to Lake City, tackle Wager Gulch to the Continental Divide.

Trail Stats

Alpine Loop

Trailhead: Lake City
Round trip: 65 miles / 105 km (moderate difficulty)
Elevation: 9,000′ – 12,800′ / 2,743 m – 3,902 m
County: San Juan / Hinsdale
National Forest: San Juan
Wilderness: Uncompahgre

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Lake San Cristobal

County Road 30 heading southwest

Alpine Loop sign on County Road 30

Valley along County Road 30

Sherman Overlook

Heading toward American Basin

Sign for three 14’ers

Heading northwest on CR30

10 minute drive off the Alpine Loop to American Basin

Gaining elevation to treeline

Looking back at the route up CR30

Cinnamon Pass 12,640′

Heading north

Above Animas Forks

Heading to Engineer Pass

Climbing to Engineer Pass

Turning east to Engineer Pass

Looking back at County Road 20

Variable conditions on the ledge road

Nearing Engineer Pass

View near Engineer Pass

Just west of the pass

The final push to the pass

View from Engineer Pass

County Road 20 heading east

Engineer Pass 12,800′

Darley Mountain on the right

Views in all directions

Old cabin high in the San Juans

Heading east down County Road 20

Fall in full force at higher elevations

County Road 20

Nearing Lake City

Cliff walls along County road 20 near Lake City

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Tucked away in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado is the Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway. Located northeast of Silverton, Colorado in San Juan and Hinsdale Counties, the circular route makes its way from Lake City south along CO-149, to County Road 30, which turns west over Cinnamon Pass (12,640 feet) to Animas Forks, and then returns east over Engineer Pass (12,800) back to Lake City along County Road 20. The loop is best traveled in a clockwise direction.

From Lake City enter the Alpine Loop on either County Road 30 or County Road 20. From Silverton enter the Alpine Loop on County Road 2. From Ouray enter the Alpine Loop on County Road 18.

Trailhead Directions

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Greenhorn Mountain (12,352′), Wet Mountain Range

by mlz2000 | Aug 28, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Trip Reports, Wet Mountain Range

Greenhorn Mountain (12,352′), Wet Mountain Range

Greenhorn Mountain is the highest summit of the Wet Mountain range, located on the southern end of the range. Greenhorn Mountain can be seen from Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Trinidad, and also from along Interstate 25 rising over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) above the great plains to the east. The mountain range is protected within the secluded Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness Area, which has few trails, accessible for hiking or horseback only.

The seclusion of the area means driving on a dirt road for over 20 miles to reach the upper trailhead. During the summer of 2021 the road was well maintained and can be easily travelled by most stock vehicles in dry conditions.

Trail Stats

Greenhorn Mountain

Trailhead: Greenhorn/Bartlett
Round trip: 5.5 miles / 8.8 km
Elevation: 10,990′ – 12,352′ / 3,350 m – 3,765 m
County: Pueblo
National Forest: San Isabel
Wilderness: Greenhorn Mountain

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

View from the parking lot

Morning on the Bartlett trail

Northwest view from the summit

The road was closed long ago, only allowing hiking and horseback riding

Greenhorn Mountain’s western flank

Greenhorn Mountain on the left

Heading up Greenhorn Mountain from the south

Windbreak on the summit of Greenhorn Mountain

View of the Wet Mountain Valley

Ridgeline from Greenhorn Mountain to Unnamed Peak 12,266

Greenhorn Mountain

Unnamed Peak 12,266 summit

View to the north with Pikes Peak barely visible

Heading north along the ridge

Looking south with the Spanish Peaks in the distance

Looking east across the high plains

The Bartlett trail from the side of Greenhorn Mountain

The Bartlett trail below winding back to the trailhead

Endless views

Heading up unnamed peak 12,661

Greenhorn Mountains flat summit area

View to the south

The two Spanish Peaks in the distance

Southeastern flank of Greenhorn Mountain

Heading down the saddle

Views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range across the valley

Looking west from the trail

An easy trail through spectacular scenery

View west from the trail

The road near the trailhead

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the upper trailhead I made a loop that includes both the south and north summits. If you choose to hike the loop counterclockwise like I did, head southeast along the Bartlett Trail for a little over a mile. As the trail begins to wrap around the Greenhorn Mountain summit cone, leave the trail on the southern side of the mountain, and continue a half-mile climb to the summit. Note: There is no trail to the summit.

From the summit, you can retrace your route back to the trailhead if wind and bad weather are a problem. If the day is clear, a more scenic option is to traverse the easy ridge heading north. To return to the trailhead, I decended off the second saddle, down the west slope of the ridge back to the Bartlett trail close to the trailhead.

Trailhead Directions

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Music Pass (11,450′), Sangre de Cristo Range

by mlz2000 | Aug 8, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Range, Trip Reports

Music Pass (11,450′), Sangre de Cristo Range

Music Pass is a east/west pass across the southern Sangre de Cristo range connecting the Wet Valley in the east with the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve on the western side. The road gets progressively worse as you near the trailhead, so without a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle, you should park at the Grape Creek Trailhead and hike the last 2.5 miles to the Music Pass trailhead. The trail stats assume that you are beginning your hike at the Music Pass Trailhead.

Reaching the pass, you have a stunning views of the Upper Sand Creek basin that includes 13ers Marble Mountain, Milwaukee Peak, Music Mountain, and Tijeras Peak.

The Sangre de Cristo range has a wide range of remote and rugged hikes, such as Lily Lake, South Colony Lakes, and Humboldt Peak .

Trail Stats

Music Pass

Trailhead: Music Pass
Round trip: 3 miles / 4.8 km
Elevation: 10,730′ – 11,450′ / 3490 m
County: Huerfano
Wilderness: Sangre de Cristo
National Park: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

The road becomes more difficult after the Grape Creek TH

Near the trailhead

The trail used to be open to vehicles decades ago

First mile of the trail is in dense forest

The trail alternates between steep and level areas

Upper Sand Creek basin

Easy to follow trail from the trailhead

Inviting meadows about a mile into the hike

Once on the pass head north up a small hill for incredible views.

Wildflowers in full bloom

Reaching Music Pass from the east

Marble Mountain (13,266′) to the north of Music Pass

View of Music Pass from the north

Music Pass (11,450′)

View south towards Blueberry Peak

Every year it becomes more difficult to plan hikes around the smoke from fires to the west

View of the western side of the valley

Looking north from the pass

View northeasterly from the pass

View to the east of the Wet Valley shrouded in smoke

Views to the west of 13rs Milwaukee Mountain and Music Peak

Music Pass and the Sangre de Cristo wilderness boundary

Entering the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

An abundance of mushrooms along the trail.

Nearing Music Pass from the east

CR 119 leaving Music Pass Rd

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the parking area at the end of Music Pass Road the trail immediately enters a dense conifer forest as it begins climbing toward the pass. Initially you won’t see much but trees, but after about a mile the forest starts to become more open, giving you some great views of the Wet Mountain Valley on the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Range.

Finally, just before reaching the pass you will pass a sign indicating that you are entering the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, an extension of the Great Sand Dunes National Park on the western side of the range. This point also marks the eastern boundary of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area.

Trailhead Directions

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Potato Lake (9,800′), San Juan Range

by mlz2000 | Jul 6, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Easy Hikes, Rocky Mountains, San Juan Range, Trip Reports

Potato Lake (9,800′), San Juan Range

Spud Lake Trail #661 to Potato Lake is beautiful and short, with minimal elevation gain, making this an extremely popular hike. Passing through aspen glades, it offers excellent views of Engineer Mountain, Grayrock Peak, and Spud Mountain, along with good views of the Needle Mountains to the east. The natural lake has excellent fishing and a pleasant place to relax. This is a great summer hike for all ages, and the aspen leaves during the fall can be spectacular. Spud Lake has excellent fishing for brook trout and cutthroat trout.

Trail Stats

Potato Lake

Trailhead: Spud Lake TH #661
Round trip: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
Elevation: 9,400′ – 9,800′ / 2,865 m – 2,987 m
County: La Plata
National Forest: San Juan

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Heading toward Spud Trail # 661

Road to the trailhead. High clearance vehicle advised

A lake filled with lily pads across from the trailhead

The Spud Trail TH

Near the beginning of the trail

Aspen grew into a tree holder

Beautiful Aspen groves along the trail

Beaver ponds along the trail

Elevation gain on the trail is minimal

The trail winding through the San Juan Wilderness

A beaver pond just before the lake

A well defined trail to the lake

View of Engineer Mountain (12,968′) from the trail

Lots of Aspens mixed in with the Conifer trees

First view of the lake from the trail

Nice beach areas around the lake

West end of Potato Lake

View of a water inlet to the lake

Wildflowers in July along the shore

Beaver home on the west side

Needle Mountains in the background

The lake is dog friendly

The trail takes you all the way around the lake

Beautiful Lake near Durango

Potato Lake is a natural body of water

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Drive approximately 28.5 miles north on U.S. 550. Just past the bridge over Cascade Creek, turn right onto Lime Creek Road, #591. Follow road for about 3 miles. High clearance vehicles recommended for last part of road. Trailhead is on the north (left) side of road across the street from a beautiful pond full of lilies.

The trailhead is unmarked but the trail itself is well defined. There are no trail junctions, so just follow the trail to the lake, passing beside beaver ponds until you reach Potato Lake.

Trailhead Directions

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Lily Lake (12,385′), Sangre de Cristo Range

by mlz2000 | Jun 12, 2021 | Dog Friendly, Moderate Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Range, Trip Reports

Lily Lake (12,385′), Sangre de Cristo Range

This trail is one of the more beautiful in the state with lots of bang for your buck. The trail starts out at 10,400 feet, hiking in an beautiful valley surrounded by huge mountain scenery, and is virtually flat. So if you don’t want to make the climb up to Lilly Lake you still have amazing views and really great creek fishing with lots of good camping options on the valley floor.

If you make the hike up, you can see Mt. Lindsey, Mt. Blanca, Mt. Ellingwood, and the Iron Nipple from Lilly Lake. From the Valley you can see all but Lindsey. Lilly Lake offers amazing views, an alpine environment just above treeline.

The Sangre de Cristo range has a wide range of remote and rugged hikes, such as Music Pass, South Colony Lakes, and Humboldt Peak .

Trail Stats

Lily Lake

Trailhead: Lily Lake TH #1308
Round trip: 7.5 miles / 12 km
Elevation: 10,400′ – 12,385′ / 3,170 m – 3,775 m
County: Huerfano
Wilderness: Sangre de Cristo

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

Trail Pictures

Mid-morning near the trailhead

Blanca Peak (14,345′) in the far right distance

Meadow near the trailhead

Rocky trail but well defined

Snowmelt everywhere creating small waterfalls

Mt Lindsey (14,042′) right of center

Last push to Lily Lake

Lily Lake on top of the hill ahead

Incredible scenery along the trail

Snow quickly melting mid-June

Ellingwood Point (14,042′) to the left of the lake

The view at treeline

Shallow snow drifts along the trail

Turning west towards the lake

Lots of water crossings along the trail

One of many waterfalls

Spring snowmelt along the trail

Beautiful scenery the entire way

View south along the trail

Avalanche area along the trail

The trail follows Huerfano creek

Lily Lake 12,385′

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the trailhead, follow clear signs to the Lily Lake Trail (there are no other trails at this TH). Head south and walk through a large meadow. From here, you can see the Blanca Massif straight ahead, with the Iron Nipple (13er) across the basin to its left. Hike one mile on mostly flat, clear terrain before coming to a trail junction with a sign for Lily Lake. Stay right (left will take you up Mt. Lindsey).

Continue up through the forest on excellent trail. You’ll continue to gain little elevation – just 1,500 ft over almost 3 miles from this point on. For most of the hike, Huerfano River will be on your left. At about 3 miles from the trailhead, at 11,600 ft, cross it and come to a large clearing with some boulders ahead and to your right. Loop up and back to your right, dipping briefly back into the forest. Just before the lake you come to a headwall just below the lake. Continue up and reach the lake at around 12,385 ft.

Trailhead Directions

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Arikaree River (3,317′), Eastern Plains

by mlz2000 | May 3, 2021 | Eastern Plains, Easy Hikes, Trip Reports

Arikaree River (3,317′), Eastern Plains

The point where the Arikaree River flows out of Colorado and into Kansas is the lowest point in Colorado, at an elevation of 3,317 feet (1,011 m).

It holds the distinction of being the highest low point of any U.S. state, and higher than the highest points of 18 states and the District of Columbia.

The Arikaree River has been made one of the designated areas under the Colorado Natural Areas Program because it is “part of the largest and best remaining example of a naturally functioning Great Plains river system in Colorado.” It has several species of reptiles, fish, and amphibians that are native and uncommon. The area is a sanctuary for many bird species, including burrowing owls, ferruginous hawks, and greater prairie chickens. The habitat is near-pristine and there are high-quality riparian and native prairie plants.

Trail Stats

Arikaree River

Trailhead: None
Round trip: 2 miles / 1.3 km
Elevation: 3,397′ – 3,317′ / 1,035 m – 1,011 m
County: Yuma
Agency: Colorado Natural Areas Program

Weather

GPS Route with Elevation

All the elevation maps indicate the lowest point is approximately 3,317′. My GPS on the hike recorded elevations in the 3,200′ range. This may be because I was able to walk on the river bottom or possibly a calibration issue with my GPS device, I’m not sure.

Trail Pictures

View of the river basin from the road

The Arikaree River outlined by trees in the distance

Beautiful purple flowers near the river

Early Spring with trees just starting to bud

View along the Arikaree River river bed.

A second embankment leads to the current stream bed.

Close to the Beecher Island Battlefield

Vegetation in the old river bed

When the river was larger, this area was part of the riverbed.

Trees growing down the first embankment

3 Corners – Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska state line

Sign for the 3 corners turnoff

View Northeast of the Arikaree River valley

Vulture overlooking the river basin

Arikaree River bottom

Video Tour

Trail Directions

I was unable to find the recommended route to the Arikaree River basin near the Kansas border from resources online. I initially tried to access the basin from the south, but the area was fenced and looked like I had to cross private property.

I then approached the basin from the north and found an unfenced area along the border. This is the route I took. I cannot recommend any route as I am not sure of the status of the area I crossed to get to the river.

The river itself did not have water flowing when I visited in early May. I was able to walk along the river bottom with only a few pools of water scattered along the route.

The approach from the north also provides access to the Tri-Corners area, where the Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska borders meet. There is a road leading to the point and a plaque describing the area for visitors.

Trailhead Directions

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Pikes Peak (14,110′), Front Range

by mlz2000 | Dec 26, 2020 | 14er's, 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.

The mountain and it’s flanks offer great hiking, such as Pancake Rocks and the Crags. The other 14,000′ peak in Colorado with a paved road to nearly the summit is Mt Evans.

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.

While in the area, Mt Rosa, Almagre Mountain, and Mt Herman are also great hiking options.

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