Delighted Trails: A substantial stage in Pikes Peak area with minor effort, huge reward | Way of life

Grouse Mountain

In which to begin at Mueller State Park?

How about at the very best?

It is not as difficult as it sounds at this Teller County preserve, a 5,000-acre mosaic of combined forests, wavy meadows, rugged outcrops and hidden ponds.

The higher stage of the park is Grouse Mountain. This might be the easiest substantial level you have at any time attained.

The spur is marked as No. 16 on the numbered trail procedure, spanning far more than 50 miles. It springs from No. 17, Cheesman Path, a loop touring practically 6 miles that features a right tour of the park’s scenery and historical past it is in particular wonderful for the duration of drop shades. Possibly Grouse Mountain is a mere sidestep to that journey. At any amount, the look at from the summit is between the very best in all of the Pikes Peak location.

The trailhead is at the end of the road by way of the campground. Go straight on No. 17. No. 16 is to the remaining in about a tenth of a mile.

The ascent is continuous and steep but not lengthy. The path before long flattens and satisfies a rock pile, which serves as the forget about. America’s Mountain boldly looms straight ahead, higher than the sweeping valley. The higher peaks of the Sangre de Cristo selection scrape the sky to the southwest.

Probably, you’ll want to log some far more miles for the price tag of admission to the park. If not Cheesman, think about Outlook Ridge Trail, a different we have spotlighted in this series. This just one is marked No. 7, touring numerous viewpoints together 4 miles. We also suggest Elk Meadow, which we past looped in about 2 miles.

Vacation log: 1 mile spherical vacation (out and back), 204 ft elevation achieve, 9,845 ft max

Problems: Quick

Getting there: Likely west on U.S. 24, switch still left for Colorado 67 at the stoplight in Divide. Abide by to the park’s entrance on the correct. Proceed straight on the highway to the campground and veer correct at the sign directing to the Grouse Mountain trailhead.

FYI: Path to Grouse Mountain for toes only other trails multi-use. Working day pass $9 for each vehicle. Pet dogs prohibited on all park trails.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE