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
- 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
Trail Pictures
Near the trailhead
Near the trailhead
Head straight at the first intersection
Head straight at the first intersection
Sentinel Point 12,513
Sentinel Point 12,513
Trail begins with a steep hike
Trail begins with a steep hike
A Gray Jay hanging out
A Gray Jay hanging out
The trail becomes steep again with switchbacks through the forest
The trail becomes steep again with switchbacks through the forest
Well used trail through the forest
Well used trail through the forest
The Crags peaking through
The Crags peaking through
Once on the ridge, good views to the west
Once on the ridge, good views to the west
Pancake rocks around the side of the hill ahead
Pancake rocks around the side of the hill ahead
Climbed rocks nearby to get a northwestern view
Climbed rocks nearby to get a northwestern view
Great views from the rock outcropping
Great views from the rock outcropping
Pancake Rocks looking west
Pancake Rocks looking west
Beautiful views on a bluebird day
Beautiful views on a bluebird day
View to the southeast
View to the southeast
View to the southwest
View to the southwest
The main rock grouping
The main rock grouping
Pancake Rocks
Pancake Rocks
Seating for giants
Seating for giants
A shelter under a large pancake
A shelter under a large pancake
Rock formations near Pancake Rocks
Rock formations near Pancake Rocks
The Crags looking north through the trees
The Crags looking north through the trees
View from the trail to the northwest
View from the trail to the northwest
Old signage
Old signage
An excellent trail near the trailhead
An excellent trail near the trailhead
GPS Route with Elevation
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