Happy Trails: A significantly less-traveled route, plus a spooky twist, at common Entrance Array open up place | Lifestyle
A common stop by to Spruce Mountain Open up House in the Douglas County countryside typically entails a tour of the namesake mountaintop. That is for great cause it can be a splendid journey amid the bluffs of the modest butte, with sweeping sights of other flat tops spotting the Palmer Divide.
A considerably less-traveled vacation is alongside the Eagle Pass Path, a stem managing between Spruce Mountain and Eagle Mountain, similarly described by a craggy crown. The path sales opportunities to the outer, westernmost boundaries of the open area. On this bluebird Saturday in winter season, we identified this facet to be vacant and silent. It was virtually eerie — indeed, fit for a grave.
The flat craze of Eagle Pass appeals to runners and cyclists seeking to stay clear of the steeper, more complex character of the mountaintop. All of the open room appeals to horseback riders. The reward of Eagle Pass? Solitude, along with that spooky intrigue.
From the trailhead, keep on straight by way of the meadow, passing turnoffs to the mountaintop loop. Before long above a hill, Rampart Range joins the look at and continues to be in see, individuals coniferous promontories jogging south and north as significantly as the eye can see.
The trail alternates involving oak and tree shade and meadow openness. On this obvious working day, we looked out to snow-capped peaks to the north.
All over the 1.75-mile mark, we stayed straight, splitting with every person else who veered left towards the mountaintop. A path marker listed here curiously points to a grave site a 50 %-mile forward.
A limited, steep incline sales opportunities to a scenic ridge. At the prime, we hung proper, pursuing the apparent route amongst ignore benches and picnic tables. It qualified prospects down to a pioneer design and style fence, appearing to shield a resting area and marked as a present day Eagle Scout undertaking. Our only business here ended up the birds and community horses.
Vacation log: 5.1 miles round vacation (out and back again), 511 toes elevation gain
Problems: Easy
Acquiring there: 13415 Spruce Mountain Road, Larkspur. Heading north on Interstate 25 from Colorado Springs, exit in Monument for Colorado 105 and abide by through Palmer Lake. Keep straight for Spruce Mountain Highway, coming to parking ton on the remaining.
FYI: Hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders. Canine on leash. Trails icy in winter season convey traction.
SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE