Get ready for the unexpected when you hike The Crags. My curiosity was up to find out what all the hype was about.
You won’t be disappointed, instead, you’ll be giddy with awe.
Not your normal trek through the Colorado forests when reaching the top. The views and the rock formations will leave you stunned.
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The Crags Trail is truly a favorite among locals in the area.
Its early summer and I’m hiking today with a hiking group of friends I’m privileged to be a part of. It’s one of those cobalt blue sky days in Colorado, with a few sporadic clouds about. Yippee!
NOTE: being a part of a hiking group is a great way to get outdoors, meet like minded people and most times learn a bunch from others experiences and knowledge. We have one gal who is a whiz at wildflowers and another who can name that bird!
The Crags trail started on a fairly steep uphill grade through a thick forest of very tall pines and aspens. After a few switchbacks. the trail leveled off and opened onto a meadow of stunning scenery.
NOTE: After a short hike up the switchbacks you will see the sign for Trail # 664A which goes to the top of Pikes Peak over Devil’s Playground. Stay on Trail #664, heading left.
In the meadow the path runs alongside gurgling Fourmile Creek which can be a bit muddy and marshy in spring. However, in summer it’s beautiful with wildflowers and of course splendid in fall with Aspen colors.
It’s simply a hike you never get tired of in any season! Very popular trail for snowshoeing!
Owning a pair of snowshoes is like having hiking boots, you’ll get out there more!
We found loads of amazing rock formations to view along the meadow part of the trail. Soon we were hiking into the forest again and encountered one final push up to The Crags.
From here we began to get a sneak peek at just a portion of what’s to come!
At the top, we came upon astonishing gnarled ancient Bristlecone Pines sprinkled throughout the rocks and found ourselves feeling quite excited, like finding a hidden gem.
You’ll spend a ridiculous amount of time on the top, exploring the odd rock formations and taking in the views and maybe (hopefully) you’ve brought lunch or a snack.
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Curious rock formations like I’ve never seen before in every direction you looked.
Pikes Peak and its surrounding area is known for its ever changing weather, even in summer.
This is a trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. Please check out “ What’s in Your Backpack” for a list of items to consider anytime hiking.
I love high mountain peak views. Here we were, with the most amazing views of the valley below and even the snow-covered peaks far to the west.
The hike back was an easy peasy trek with stops along the way to look for wildflowers, try to name that bird, and watch for wildlife who make this area home.
I would highly recommend even beginners to try this trail. It has its challenges but is so worth the few uphill areas to see scenery like no other trail in Colorado.
Located in Divide CO., the Trailhead is on Teller County Road 62, 3 miles off of Hwy 67 South, close to the Crags Campground. From Colorado Springs, take Hwy 24 to Divide, turn left on Hwy 67 South, go 4.3 miles to Teller County Road 62, turn left, go 3 miles to the well-marked parking area, and Trailhead.
The Crags Campground, a popular camping spot close to the Trailhead.
TIDBITS:
4.9 miles out and back
869 ft. elevation gain.
Rated: easy/moderate, yet be aware there are sections that are definitely more moderate.
Pike National Forest, Information: Pikes Peak Ranger District: 719-636-1602
Open year around, best time is May-October
Dog and horse friendly
Views of Rampart Range, Ute Pass, Catamount Reservoirs
Trail #664
Approx: 3.5 hours out and backNote: the gate before the trailhead might be closed due to weather in winter but park at the gate and snowshoe in.
A GENTILE REMINDER: Venturing off trails damages vegetation, leads to erosion and impacts wildlife.
Happy trails…
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you)
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