Spring has sprung in Southern Colorado. Warm temperatures in the sixties allow for great day hike weather. Matt and I took the boys for a day hike in the area. We headed to Manitou Springs to hike up Red Mountain. This was a three mile out and back hike, with 800 feet elevation gain.
Our drive to the trailhead was easy, about thirty minutes or so, with paved roads all the way. The parking at the trailhead was a bit crowded (a Saturday morning in April) because the Manitou Incline and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway were nearby also. We did, though, find a metered spot near the trailhead, and thus began our hike.
We passed under a gazebo, with a natural spring within. The boys found its bubbling water quite entertaining. After the gazebo, we headed left along little Ruxton Creek, then a short jaunt up a dirt road to continue on the trail. We sauntered up a gentle incline through an open field, passed a small disc golf course, and began a bit of a climb to the point where Red Mountain Trail separates from the Intemann Trail. At this point we were sheltered from the sun that, though early spring, was blazing boldly.
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| A Purple Pasque Flower |
Now, you might notice one thing. We haven't had to stop or take a break or have a snack or tend to whining kids. What a difference a season makes! Our youngest, Gus, has turned into a fantastic hiker. He previously required a frequent dosing of sugar to make it up the mountain. But those days are gone. He is easily leading the family up and down the mountains now... HOORAY!
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| Pike's Peak on the right |
Once in the shade of the forest, the slope quickly increased. The scree-covered trail followed a series of switchbacks up the mountain, frequently teasing us with peeks of the coming view. As we approached our destination, the pine forest thinned out and the prickly pear cacti started taking hold. We reached a saddle with a forested peak on our right and a red stone peak on our left. Clambering leftward along a ridge, a tiny lizard scampered past our feet to the shelter of a nearby scrub oak. Another fifty feet up the trail and we met our destination, the peak of Red Mountain. To the east, we could look down on the rooftops of Manitou Springs. To the northeast, Garden of the Gods reached toward the skies. And to the west, Pikes Peak ruled over all the views.
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| Garden of the Gods to the northeast |
The summit had been the site of an early twentieth century restaurant, bar, and dance hall. What remained of its foundation was an easy place to relax, have lunch, and take in the views.
After our lunch, we headed downhill. The steep terrain and loose scree made for a thrilling descent. Gus, in his daredevil way, bounded down as a good trail runner should. His new-found energy and enthusiasm to lead the way up and down the trail make us optimistic for our upcoming backpacking trips!
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| Post-hike ice cream -- YUM! |
We will see you on the trail!
-Mama Bear
We passed under a gazebo, with a natural spring within. The boys found its bubbling water quite entertaining. After the gazebo, we headed left along little Ruxton Creek, then a short jaunt up a dirt road to continue on the trail. We sauntered up a gentle incline through an open field, passed a small disc golf course, and began a bit of a climb to the point where Red Mountain Trail separates from the Intemann Trail. At this point we were sheltered from the sun that, though early spring, was blazing boldly. 
Once in the shade of the forest, the slope quickly increased. The scree-covered trail followed a series of switchbacks up the mountain, frequently teasing us with peeks of the coming view. As we approached our destination, the pine forest thinned out and the prickly pear cacti started taking hold. We reached a saddle with a forested peak on our right and a red stone peak on our left. Clambering leftward along a ridge, a tiny lizard scampered past our feet to the shelter of a nearby scrub oak. Another fifty feet up the trail and we met our destination, the peak of Red Mountain. To the east, we could look down on the rooftops of Manitou Springs. To the northeast, Garden of the Gods reached toward the skies. And to the west, Pikes Peak ruled over all the views.
The summit had been the site of an early twentieth century restaurant, bar, and dance hall. What remained of its foundation was an easy place to relax, have lunch, and take in the views.
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