Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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38.73360°N / 104.9145°W |
Route Type:
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Walk Up |
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Time Required:
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Less than two hours |
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Difficulty:
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Class 1Hiking |
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Approach
I strongly recommend using the Pikes Peak Atlas for this route. This can be found at the Colorado Springs REI and many local bookstores. I think it is much better than the National Geo. Topo map. Take I-25 from either the north or south to Exit 140. Go south on Rt. 115, which is Nevada Ave. Get off at the westbound Lake Ave exit. Take your second left onto Cheyenne Mt. Rd. and follow this until you come to the sign for the Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, which will be to the left. Go straight through this intersection and take Old Stage Road into the mountains. I strongly recommend using the Pikes Peak Atlas Map from this point. 6.3 miles from the point that Old Stage Road goes from pavement to dirt you will come upon the sign for Bear Trap Ranch. About 0.5 miles prior to this point Gold Camp Road will merge from the right. Take a left into Bear Trap Ranch and follow its road to the main entrance sign. Park at the main gate sign. The trailhead is immediately across a small open area from the main sign. It is unmarked, but very easy to find.
Route Description
The Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead is just inside the main gate of Bear Trap Ranch. (See the “Getting There” section). It is just across a small turnaround area from the gate. The trail is strait forward and easy to follow to the summit. For such a small and infrequently climbed mountain the trail is in excellent condition and maintained impeccably by the caretakers of Bear Trap Ranch. The one way distance to the summit is ~ 0.4 miles as the trail makes its way up quite a few switchbacks to the top. Upon reaching the summit you will discover that there is no single spot for full 360 degree views. However, there are still numerous points with excellent views. Probably the most scenic spot will be a small spur on the west side of the summit that provides unobstructed views of the mountain’s larger neighbors, particularly Vigil and San Luis Peaks. There are also great views of Cheyenne Mountain, St. Peters Dome and the ever beautiful Mt. Rosa.
Essential Gear
Good hiking gear and seasonally appropriate attire.
Miscellaneous Info
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