Summary:
A varied hike through forest and open grasslands offering magnificent views of Pikes Peak.

The hike starts with a 0.6 mile/1 km return climb to Grouse Mountain Overlook, the finest in the Park. Turn left at the junction, marked trail 16, just a couple of minutes from the trailhead. The wide path climbs through pine and aspen to a clearing, then narrows for the final stretch to an outcrop and a wonderful 180° panorama. In the distance to the south are the Sangre de Cristos Mountains, and the Sawatch Range lies to the west.

As its name suggests, this area is inhabited by wild blue grouse. In mid-May, a male bird had staked out his territory and aggressively pecked at every unfortunate hiker who passed his way. The best way we found to avoid his beak was to run – he couldn’t keep up! Fortunately, this aggressive behavior only lasts a couple of weeks while he is mating.

Returning to the main track, the start of the circuit proper is just beyond the Overlook junction. Take the left fork of trail 17 and keep to the wide gravel track as it easily descends through conifers and aspen, ignoring the turning for trail 32 (unless you want to visit Dynamite Cabin) after a few minutes. There are occasional glimpses east through the trees to Pikes Peak, a mere taster of the views to come later.

A mile later, now 1.6 miles/2.5 km into the hike, the trail descends more steeply and turns sharp right away from a fire access track. After several minutes, you enter open grassland and the path levels. The large expanse of prairie stretching ahead is a real contrast to the forest you were walking through moments earlier. The grassy path bears right again and passes along the base of a hill, close to fenced-off private land.

Arrive at a junction at 2.7 miles/4.3 km. One end of trail 33, Buffalo Rock, turns right, but you continue ahead on 17, which will take you to the now disused Cheeseman Ranch and the other end of 33. Climb a small hill and the massive bulk of 14,110-ft Pikes Peak emerges in front of you, with conifers and beautiful aspen in the foreground. Just ahead are the barns and paddocks of Cheeseman Ranch, where you may see elk.

For the next 0.4 mile, the trail veers left around the ranch buildings and winds up the wooded hillside to another magnificent view of the mountain and another junction: turn right onto 33. A couple of picnic tables have been placed here, a great place to have lunch and soak in the view.

The 0.6-mile Buffalo Rock section of the hike is a delight. It is level, entirely in open grassland, with fabulous views of the mountain, forested foothills and prairies at every step. A few farms are over to the left in the distance, and to your right is conifer and aspen forest.

At 3.7 miles/6 km, pass through some fencing and the trail divides. Leave trail 33 and take the left fork, 36, for 0.4 mile. The open land continues as you wind left and climb a small hill covered with aspen. Crest the hill and Pikes Peak comes into sight once more. Finally you descend and lose the view of the mountain as you reach the junction with Cahill Pond. Continue ahead on trail 34.

Climb very briefly, and on the left lies the small, brown pond backed by conifers. As the gentle climb becomes steeper, pass the turning for trail 35 and continue a steady climb on 34. As you get higher, the mountain views open up once again. Pass an old, ruined cabin – a good place to sit down and enjoy the view as you take a rest – and a couple of minutes later the trail divides again, at 4.8 miles/7.7 km. Turn left to keep on the 34. Enter denser forest and continue climbing for 0.3 mile. The circuit is now almost complete. Turn right on trail 17, following the signs back to the trailhead.

Outlook Ridge
The Park has 85 miles of trails. Another hike with great views is easy-moderate Outlook Ridge, which passes three out and back spurs to scenic overlooks and loops back via Lost Pond. Total distance (including all overlooks) 3.5 miles/5.6 km. Trailhead: Outlook Ridge parking area, just beyond the visitor center on the left of the road.

Directions: From Colorado Springs, take US 24 west for 25 miles through Woodland Park to Divide, then turn left onto Hwy 67 south for 3.5 miles. Turn right, pass the entrance station, and proceed along Wapiti Rd, which runs for just over 3 miles through the Park.

Trailhead: Grouse Mountain parking area at the end of Wapiti Rd. In spring, the last section of the road may still be closed so you will need to walk an extra 0.5 mile each way to reach the trailhead.

Length: 5.4 miles / 8.6 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 3 hours

Trail Condition: Well-maintained. Junctions are clearly marked with the trail numbers (not names).

Features: Forest, prairie, mountain views, wildlife.

Climate: Best in spring and fall. Heavy snow in winter. Hot in summer with afternoon thunderstorms.

Accommodation: Camping for tent and RVs inside the Park. Nearest lodging at Woodland Park, which has a small number of motels.

Trail Notes: Maps and booklets available at the visitor center, about halfway along Wapiti Rd. Grouse Mountain/Cheeseman Ranch area closed June 1-20 for elk calving. Be aware of high altitude, around 9,500 ft.