|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: From the parking lot you will see the sign for the Crags trailhead. Begin hiking down this trail. After a tenth of a mile you will see a sign on the right labeling trail 664A take this trail across a log bridge and begin your ascent. This trail will take you into a basin at the base of the peak, then it will aggressively gain elevation up to Devil's Playground. As you reach Devil's Playground the rest of the route to the summit comes into view. The ridge is a long and gradual hike. As you hike the ridge you must cross the Pikes Peak Tollway and stay on the Northeast side of the road. The road is regularly patrolled and you will be fined if caught hiking on it. The last bit of trail to the summit is a steep rocky section. Keep your eyes open for cairns that mark the trail. If you stay on the trial this section isn't bad, but if you lose the trail you're in for some tough rock scrambling. At the summit rest in the summit house and return the way you came. Trailhead: From Colorado Springs take Highway 24 West to the town of Divide. In Divide turn South on highway 67 and go south for 4.3 miles. Look for a sign on the left for the turn to the Crags Campground. Follow this road for 3.5 miles to the Crags Campground. Turn into the campground and follow the road all the way to the loop at the end. There is no fee to park here for access to the trailhead, however if you use any of the Day-use or camping facilities you must pay a fee back at the entry gate. (Lat:38.87135 Lon:-105.11966) Trail Guides for Pikes Peak from the Crags: Colorados Fourteeners by Gerry Roach (Fulcrum Publishing) Dawsons Guide to Colorados Fourteeners Southern Peaks by Louis Dawson (Independent) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Pikes Peak Ranger District (719) 636-1602 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by KK on 10/9/2009 We hiked this trail on Saturday the 3rd of October.The trail was snowy above tree line. The snow was pretty crusty and didn't cover the whole trail. If you've never done the Peak from the Crags, it is alot steeper than Barr Trail. It is a good pitch up when you get above treeline. The saddle is absolutely stunning but also demoralizing. You hit the crest and can see the Peak in the distance and then you realize how much farther you have to go. The trail is hard to find above Devil's Playground, snow and lack of knowlegde were factors. The return trip involved a full moon and headlamps. The snow and rocks/boulders made for a rough trip down. Very hard on the knees and the toes from being mashed into the boots. 
Reviewed by HK on 8/28/2009 For scenery, this is one of the best. For doability, anyone whose activity level is moderate, I'd suggest to either get into better shape before attempting this trail or get a ride down. 12.5 miles is a long way. I hurt everywhere by the time I was done. Round trip hiking time was 9.5 hours 5 up, 4.5 down. Right below the summit, there actually is a trail that we discovered when we came down. Going up, we lost it and did more bouldering than we would have had to. Going down, everything went well until we got to the steep part right after crossing the meadow. From there until well past timber line, it's a steep trail full of grape nuts. My husband handled it fine, but it was a lot tougher for me. It was also hard on my knees.
Reviewed by R.H. on 7/16/2009 Awesome Trail. I am from 5000ft so the altitude was a slightly challenging near the summit. I would advise to start hiking before 10am if you plan on hiking back down. You can take a train down. The way down was steep and hard on the knees. I hiked back down the road instead of the rocks, didn't get fined. Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, water, and snacks. 
Reviewed by josh on 11/18/2008 it was awsome. we didnt make it to the top, but it didn tmatter we only had about 100 or so feet left to climb but my dad was getting tired. I think it was worth getting drenched by the rain and getting pelted by the hail on the way down. When we were coming down the path was really slippery so if you end up having the trail like that walk on the grass at the steep parts. we did this because my dad almost fell down the mountain. If i had the chance to climb it again i would do it in a heart beat. If i could do it that fast. By the way i am the josh from the mark and josh.
Reviewed by Dan on 10/18/2008 Nice hike, did it in under 7 hrs, but only spent about 20 minutes on the top. Did this in mid October so there was snow and ice especially on the last rocky section to the summit. This section was very difficult for my dog, especially going down, had to take him down the road instead. I lost the trail several times, probably due to snow, but just know that it skirts the road on the NE side and only breaks away at a few locations.
Reviewed by Jim T on 9/11/2008 Great time. First 14K for this flatlander from the east coast. Round trip was just under 7 hours. Saw two hikers all day. Great weather in early Sept. Bring layers and gloves. Temp change from base to summit was about 20 degree w/ lots of wind above the treeline. Sunscreen is a must. The cairns along the last 1000-1500 ft are your friends. Add to or build more if you can and take your time in the rocks. Watch for deer, grouse, marmots, and chipmunks along the trail and large slow moving people with cameras at the summit.
Reviewed by Mark & Josh on 8/7/2008 This was our first 14er. Was a fabulous experience for the only occasional hiker. We made it to the bottom of the final rock climb just short of the summit. Decided to stop due to storm blowing in and physical stresses from altitude. Disappointed but was the right decision. Our last 45 minutes back was in heavy sleet/hail and rain. Saw a herd of mountain goats, several marmots, and an eagle. Views are fantastic! Given our short time in CO this was a great way to do the Peak. Would love to try again someday. One note... I think this can only be done in 7.5 hours by those both acclimated to altitude and in fairly good hiking shape. It took us about 10 hours round trip and we didn't even make the summit.
Reviewed by Laura on 8/25/2007 We hiked in early August. The trail took a little longer than expected due to a thunderstorm that came through the night before. The storm left snow in several areas along the trail. Beautiful views and just enough people made it a good hike.Unfortunately, we saw very little wild life. The last 1000' were difficult-take your time. Also, be careful coming down, the gravel on the trail was very slippery on the steep slope. Wear sunscreen! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Teller County Hiking, Teller County Trails, Teller County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
