HAPPY TRAILS: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
Colorado Springs and Colorado State Parks plan to buy the top of Cheyenne Mountain by the end of summer and add it to Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
This oft-seen but rarely visited mountaintop is a real gem. The steep sides guard a gentle top with long, lush meadows flanked by arcades of mature aspen. Much of the top is public land. It can be visited by combining two almost forgotten historic trails, the McNeil Trail and the Swisher Trail.
To get there: Drive up Old Stage Road 5.7 miles to a sign for the Broadmoor Stables, just over the crest of a hill. Park in a pull-off on the right, or on the side road to the left.
Trip log: Three boots, 6.5 miles round-trip, 800 feet elevation gain, some route-finding possible.
The hike: The Pikes Peak Atlas, the only map that shows both trails you’ll take, could be helpful. The paths are somewhat faint.
Start by walking to the crest of the hill on the road. On the south side is a pile of gravel. Right behind it, pick up a trail that contours around a hill to the northeast. You’ll see a wider track going uphill. Don’t take this, even if the atlas makes it look like you should.
The contouring trail is the McNeil Trail. It leads to the ruins of the Broadmoor’s lodge on private property on top of Cheyenne Mountain and probably was a leg on the multiday trail rides The Broadmoor used to offer. This gentle trail contours at 8,500 feet along the backside of the mountain for 2.2 miles to a point where it meets the Swisher Trail on a subtle ridge.
The Swisher is easy to miss. If you come across an old pump and engine (the water supply for the lodge) you’ve gone about 50 yards too far. Retrace your steps.
Once on the Swisher, the trail climbs relentlessly. The trail switchbacks southeast to a gentle saddle. It is generally easy to follow until it disappears just as the path crests the ridge on Cheyenne Mountain.
A few steps ahead is a lush meadow. This is a perfect place for a picnic. As you wander around, keep your eye out for the ruins of an old settlers cabin on the left. Return the way you came.
Details: Stay off private land: the road, antenna farm and eastern half of summit.
Dogs: Welcome
Information: Pike National Forest, 636-1602
Rating system: A scale of one to four boots. One is easiest, with little elevation gain. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length.
