Content Trails: A considerably less-traveled path, plus a spooky twist, at common Entrance Array open up space

A typical take a look at to Spruce Mountain Open Space in the Douglas County countryside typically requires a tour of the namesake mountaintop. That is for great motive it’s a splendid journey amid the bluffs of the modest butte, with sweeping sights of other flat tops recognizing the Palmer Divide.

A much less-traveled journey is together the Eagle Go Path, a stem functioning in between Spruce Mountain and Eagle Mountain, in the same way outlined by a craggy crown. The trail potential customers to the outer, westernmost boundaries of the open up room. On this bluebird Saturday in winter season, we observed this side to be empty and silent. It was pretty much eerie — in truth, in shape for a grave.

The flat craze of Eagle Pass appeals to runners and cyclists seeking to keep away from the steeper, far more complex character of the mountaintop. All of the open up place appeals to horseback riders. The bonus of Eagle Pass? Solitude, along with that spooky intrigue.

From the trailhead, continue on straight as a result of the meadow, passing turnoffs to the mountaintop loop. Shortly about a hill, Rampart Assortment joins the see and remains in see, all those coniferous promontories working south and north as much as the eye can see.

The trail alternates involving oak and tree shade and meadow openness. On this crystal clear working day, we seemed out to snow-capped peaks to the north.

Close to the 1.75-mile mark, we stayed straight, splitting with all people else who veered left towards the mountaintop. A trail marker in this article curiously details to a grave internet site a half-mile ahead.

A small, steep incline sales opportunities to a scenic ridge. At the top rated, we hung ideal, pursuing the obvious route amongst forget benches and picnic tables. It potential customers down to a pioneer style fence, showing up to protect a resting place and marked as a modern Eagle Scout venture. Our only firm here were being the birds and neighborhood horses.

Excursion log: 5.1 miles spherical journey (out and again), 511 toes elevation gain

Problems: Easy

Receiving there: 13415 Spruce Mountain Street, Larkspur. Heading north on Interstate 25 from Colorado Springs, exit in Monument for Colorado 105 and observe as a result of Palmer Lake. Stay straight for Spruce Mountain Street, coming to parking large amount on the left.

FYI: Hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders. Pet dogs on leash. Trails icy in winter provide traction.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE