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 Reporter |
Summary: From the parking lot the trail is easy to find on the East end. Begin by going up some landscaped stairs through a couple of quick switchbacks. The trail is heavily traveled and easy to follow, but please avoid the temptation to follow some of the side trails that are beginning to form. These damage the environment and threaten the free access. After hiking for 1.5 miles you will come to the intersection for the loop. There's not much difference on which direction you travel, they both wind up back at this intersection. There is still a fair amount of elevation to gain from this point. As the sign states the loop itself is 3.5 miles long. You will have to cross a small stream several times, the crossings are easy but you must be nimble to keep your feet dry. Trailhead: From Colorado Springs take Highway 24 west past Manitou Springs. 2 miles after you pass the stoplight for Cave of the Winds there will be a large and usually crowded parking lot on the right side of the road. This is the parking for this trailhead. (Lat:38.88188 Lon:-104.94996) Trail Guides for Waldo Canyon Loop: 100 Classic Hikes in Colorado Second Edition by Scott S Warren (The Mountaineers Books) Colorados Best by Bruce Caughey and Doug Whitehead (Fulcrum Publishing) 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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mealinda on 7/5/2008 Very nice, easy hike. When you get to the loop, suggest turning left and taking that direction for a shady ascent. If you turn right it is open switch-backs. There were 2 spots that were unmarked with trails leading both direction. Some spots are narrow with shrubs and brush very close in. The creek was dry. Hiked late afternoon on 4 July. 
Reviewed by wka on 2/19/2008 02-15-08 Hiked trail late morning and found north loop quite icy from foot traffic...wear proper snow/ice wear. great vista of pikes peak from top loop. will do the branch up to Rampart Road...recommend to end hike about 3pm.
Reviewed by Denise on 1/26/2008 I've never been hiking before but really enjoyed this trail. I don't know if I ever made it to "the loop" but it was very pretty. I agree with previous comments about all the dog pooh on the trails! Also, trail markers along the way would be nice so it could be known how far you've come and how much farther you have to go. I'll definitely be back to finish the entire trail..... DP
Reviewed by mike on 1/6/2008 I really enjoyed this one, I'm fairly new to Colorado Springs and the only people I know are my coworkers, who are not hikers. Can anyone recommend a place to meet some cool people to go hiking with? If so shoot me an email, itsmikethomas@hotmail.com
Reviewed by PB on 1/1/2008 A great run and a great way to start the new year.
Reviewed by mj on 11/20/2007 i have done this twice in the last week, coming from michigan it is a bit of a change in elevation and up, so much up. So worth it though, it was not too hard and the dog loves it. We thought we were lost the first time, the loop is pretty long but it took us about 3 hours, not bad. Im headed back today! We have gone to the right at the loop both times so far and today we will go to the left.
Reviewed by JMW on 8/12/2007 This is a very beautiful hike. Only good for those steady on their feet as many people fall or turn their ankle. I, like many others, got lost by missing the turn off to stay on "the loop". I ended up on the Cascade trail and by the time I realized I couldn't be going the right way I was about 45 minutes into it. I didn't know where I went wrong, so I was afraid to turn back. I kept going and ended up at Holy Cross Conservatory and a nice priest was kind enough to drive me back to the trail head. It would be nice if they would post a sign once you start on the Cascade trail to tell you that if that is not where you want to be, turn around. I thought I was going on about an 80 minute run/hike and ended up getting in about 3 hours.
Reviewed by NJY on 7/28/2007 Switchbacks with uneven stair steps at the beginning are a bit of a drag but the rest is very nice with plenty of shade, some nice views, and not too long. Would like to see a dog-poo bag dispenser and trash can for those people with dogs but if you watch your step you'll be fine. Busy trail. I'll definately return but probably not on the weekend, again. 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, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
