HAPPY TRAILS: Duffields Meadows

This high, aspen-fringed meadow hidden on the shoulder of Black Mountain above Emerald Valley is a splendid fall backcountry picnic spot.

To get there

From behind The Broadmoor hotel on the way to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, drive 6.6 miles up Old Stage Road. Turn left on Forest Road 371 at the sign for Emerald Valley Ranch. The road is passable, though rough, for a mile. Cars should park on a shoulder at the start of the downhill. Beyond that, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the mile of remaining road to a gate that marks the start of the hike.

The hike

From the gate, walk up the recently closed Emerald Valley Road for about 1.5 miles to an obscure trail to Duffields Meadow on the left. The trail was intentionally disguised when the road was still open to keep out motorcycles and four-wheelers. Now the best marker is a large yellow aspen trunk lying perpendicularly across the road. Hikers should be able to take a few steps southwest from the trunk into the woods and pick up the trail. The farther in you go, the better it gets. Still, a good map, such as the Pikes Peak Atlas, could be a help. The trail climbs 800 feet in 1.5 miles up the north slope of Black Mountain, then spills out into a broad, grassy avenue surrounded by aspens. This is Duffields Meadow. The quiet here is almost absolute. The open meadow is a natural thoroughfare for wildlife. Return the way you came.

Details

Bikes, camping and horses welcome. Dogs allowed. For information call Pike National Forest, 636-1602.

Rating

A scale of one to four boots. One is more gentle, with little elevation gain at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme distance or altitude.

 
TRIP LOG
• Three boots
• Six miles
• 1,000-foot elevation gain