Being in the mountains means that a lot of our trails are one-way, out-and-back kind of adventures. Or, at the very least, you hike a long way from one trailhead to another and then get a ride back to where you started, such as how many people do Pikes Peak, or the Lost Man Loop on Independence Pass. There are, of course, many loop trails in Colorado, and while some of them tend to be really long, like the Four Pass Loop near Aspen, or the Lost Creek Refrigerator Gulch Loop in the Lost Creek Wilderness, it’s easy to put together some easily doable loops in the Pikes Peak Region. To be clear, I’m not talking about doing a loop in your local park, but hikes more out in the forest and wilderness, or at the very least, some of our bigger parks.
Here are a few of my favorite loop hikes, along with links to the associated routes I created on Colorado Trail Explorer, aka COTREX (Trails.Colorado.gov). Some are easy, some are harder, some long, some short. Pick one that sounds good to you and go get loopy.
Four Pond Loop, Mueller State Park
This is one of my favorites anytime of the year, but it’s especially nice in the fall, when the aspens are changing, although in the summer it’s plenty green and wildflowers are in great abundance. Starting and ending at the park’s visitors center, this almost-six-mile loop goes past Brook, Rock, Greer and Lost Ponds. Brook Pond does require a short side trip (keep an eye out for the beavers in the pond), while the others are right on the trail. You’ll want to do this hike clockwise because of the steep downhill shortly after starting – or you’ll have to hike up that section. Going clockwise, the steepest part is right after Lost Pond, and a recent trail re-route has made that section easier than it was in the past. Day pass or Keep Colorado Wild pass required. Dogs are not permitted on any trail in the park.
For more info: Trails.Colorado.gov/routes/86479
Rich Creek-Tumble Creek Trails Loop, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness
This is a great summertime hike, when the vast meadows it skirts are lush, green and wildflowers are in full glory. You’ll also want to do this one in the summer, since at about 12 miles, it’s a pretty long trek – although not otherwise particularly difficult – and will take you more than an hour to get there, all of which requires a maximum amount of daylight hours. The trailhead is 10 miles down County Road 22 from US Highway 285, and although passable by most vehicles, can be tricky after rain or snow.
For more info: Trails.Colorado.gov/routes/154347
Pueblo Mountain Park Big Loop
Pueblo Mountain Park, outside tiny Buelah, about 20 miles west of Pueblo, is a wonderful gem of a place for recreation that isn’t well known to people outside the local area. There are a number of trails there, and subsequently several loop trails, and while I have hiked them all, this one, at about seven miles round trip, is my favorite because it’s a little longer and less frequently traveled due to the remoteness of some sections. This trail climbs and descends several hills, but the layout of the trails helps keep them from being too strenuous. While not included in this route, you may want to do the side hikes to the old fire tower, although it’s no longer climbable due to damage, or on the Lookout Trail, which ends at a somewhat precarious point overlooking Devils Canyon. From the intersection of Pueblo Blvd. (State Highway 45) and Northern Ave. (State Highway 78) on the southwest side of Pueblo, take Highway 78 west for 20 miles. When you just enter Buelah, take the fork left and continue on Highway 78 for a bit over 2.5 miles to the main entrance to the park. Immediately on entering the park, take the first left and follow it to the Tower Trailhead.
For more info: Trails.colorado.gov/routes/135931
Give the hikes a try and enjoy the loopiness!
This Saturday, June 7, is Get Outdoors Day at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, with activities, displays, educational booths for the entire family from sponsors the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance and many other outdoor recreation nonprofits and businesses. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to attend. I’ll see you there!
Be good. Do good things. Leave no trace.
