Pancake Rocks Trail is a popular hike near Cripple Creek, CO. After hiking up a series of challenging switchbacks through an abundant forest you find yourself amidst unusual rock formations. The sweeping views are an added treat.
You begin on Horsethief Falls Trail (#704) for the first .8 miles to reach Pancake Rocks Trail. It’s a pretty heart-pumping hike to this point through an abundant forest offering loads of shade.
Horsethief Falls is an easy flat ½ mile straight ahead at the junction and is worth a peek. A small waterfall and a couple of log teepees about for a relaxing atmosphere. (nice hike for visitors and children).
When reaching the junction for the different trails, veer to the right for Pancake Rocks. You’re now on Trail #704A.
Notice old barbed wire fencing among the trees from the days of the wild west. This is where horses that were stolen from ranches and the miners were hidden long ago. Hence: Horsetheif Falls. (as told from a long time local)
I am hiking today with my hiking buddy and we know what lies ahead having hiked this trail several times, Meaning we are aware that it’s a steady challenging uphill climb to reach the iconic Pancake Rocks.
No views for the first 1 1/2 miles just an endless uphill through switchbacks in a forest of Pines, Spruces & Aspens. Then suddenly, the trail levels off and becomes a gentle up and down trek. Beautiful views and rock formations begin appearing and it gets better and better. It’s not long from here before reaching Pancake Rocks.
Upon reaching a grove of baby Aspens not yet starting to show their summer leaves. We are here.
LOOK LIKE PANCAKES!
Rocks stacked upon rocks. Looking one way, views of the west side of Pikes Peak as a backdrop.
CLICK HERE> for a look at Practical gear that we love at Crazy About Colorado and have in our backpacks on every hike.
Looking straight ahead, views towards Cripple Creek and the Sangre De Cristo Range. After much exploring and climbing up and around the rocks, we settled down for lunch, then headed back down.
Items I always have with me hiking in Colorado to consider:
HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit,
Several hikers going up that we encountered on our way down asked if they were almost there! Keep going … the rocks are there.
Find more hikes with this fantastic trail map for the Pikes Peaks Region: Outdoor Trail Maps Pikes Peak – Topographic Hiking Map (2020).
TIDBITS:
Rated: Moderate
6 miles out and back
Highest elevation: about 11,000 ft.
Open to hiking, snowshoeing, biking and horses
Dog friendly
Closest Towns: Divide, Woodland Park
No restrooms
LOCATED
From Colorado Springs, Go west on Hwy 24 to Divide, CO. Turn left onto Hwy 67 South. Travel 9.5 miles and just past the closed Little Ike Tunnel you’ll find a parking lot on your left. No sign indicates where the hike is, just the remains of the old road tunnel. Parking is limited.
Colorado Hikes We Loved!
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