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Reporter |
Summary: Along the way you'll see an old collapsed mine, the remains of Jackrabbit Lodge, and cross a rushing stream 7 times. The trail is easy to see and simple to follow. One note though, it is not necessary to cross the stream other than using the bridge at the trailhead. From then on you can stay on a foot path on the North side of the stream whenever the old road crosses over to the south side. Several of the crossings cannot be made without getting wet so these foot paths are very nice. Upon reaching the Jackrabbit Lodge (just some foundation rocks and fireplace remain) from mid-September through Mid-July this is your stopping point. Beyond this point is off limits during the lambing season of the Bighorn Sheep. Trailhead: From Divide Colorado take Highway 67 South for 5 3/4 miles to the Fourmile road turn off. Veer right onto Fourmile road. You should pass a fish hatchery on your left. Follow this road for 2 miles until you see a Division of Wildlife sign on the right that says Dome Rock. Go through this gate, down the hill and around to the right for the trailhead parking lot. The parking lot is very clearly marked with several information signs and a water pump. (Lat:38.8396 Lon:-105.1742) Trail Guides for Dome Rock Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Mueller State Park (719) 687-2366 or Colorado Natural Areas Program 303-866-3437 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 Submit your own review The trails are not clearly marked and we wasted a lot of time dealing with sudden stream crossings. We made it only to the Jackrabbit Lodge (the sun was going down). I felt bad for those with horses having to deal with the tourists (families in flipflops) and their unleashed dogs. We hiked the trail today. The trail was not labeled well. When you get down to the dome rock area the directions were not clear on which way to go. We ended up on Split Rock Trail which took us 3 miles from Teller 1 near Cripple Creek Estates. We wondered if someone had moved the trail head signs around. Beautiful area, steep and slippery areas, lots of animal activity but poorly marked trails to follow.... First I am 55 and only in moderate shape. Loved this hike but if I do it again will come prepared for the stream crossings. I did stay on the north side of the trail but found as DanandMoni did that the loose gravel with drop offs and steep mountain side inclines added too much time and energy to the hike. It would have been faster and much less energy expending to stay on the main trail and cross the streams. Too easy to slip on the gravel and fall, which I did. Very beautiful country, what Colorado is all about, saw golden eagles and mountain goats/sheep. Evidence of bear too. We hiked this trail on the 28th. The scenery was very beautiful. There was significant beaver activity along the stream as well. Overall, we enjoyed the hike, but we found the footpath to be tiresome and in a few places somewhat risky to traverse (loose gravel, ~40ft drop, steep incline). That's why we won't hike this one again. As stated, the road forking off of Highway 67 is a bit sudden but there is a road sign for CR 61. The fish hatchery is not marked though there are 4 ponds on the left side of the road about where the road changes to gravel. There are two parking lots at the trailhead (actually one lot for the Dome Rock Trail and another for Willow Creek Trail). The trail is fairly easy to follow and we chose to not cross the stream except for the initial crossing where there is a bridge. The trail on the North side is much smaller than the "main" trail. In addition to not crossing the stream, we were able to avoid the horse traffic. Very nice valley hike through fields that lets you view Dome Rock from several angles. Other trails connect. The closed trail dates in the summary are bogus. The actual closed period is 1 Dec - 15 Jul. These are clearly provided on a sign at the trailhead. Due to stream crossings, you'll probably have to leave the main trail unless on horseback. The right bank cutoffs are useful (if sometimes confusing), but you'll have to manage a crossing at some point if you want to get to Dome Rock or connect with other parts of the trail system. Though mostly uphill on the return leg, gradients are very gradual; a pleasant canyon hike. The cutoffs are easier to follow on the the return trip than outbound. Excellent trail. Be aware that there is no sign for fourmile road but you have to take CR61(could be CR66) that branches off at about 5.8 miles from Divide. Of all the hikes we took near Colo. Springs, this is the best. No clear sign for Mile 4, rather an immediate forked exit to the right. Approximately 100 yds down this road, the fish hatchery which is also not marked, will be on your left. No clear markers for other trails once you are hiking, but trails are very clear. Would definitely do 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, Teller County Hiking, Teller County Trails, Teller County Hikes |