From Red Rocks Drive

Overview

This is a nice, surprisingly on-trail route to the summit of Raspberry Mountain. The social trails in the area twist, turn and overlap, but common sense (stay on the broadest footpath and continuously head uphill) should get you to the summit of Raspberry Mountain entirely on-trail (save the last few feet to the summit). Along this route, you’ll enjoy grassy meadows, deep forest and funky, rounded boulder outcrops. There are even nice, if limited, views from the summit of the peak. Ascending the drainage between Mount Herman and Raspberry Mountain, the trail tops out on the south ridge of Raspberry Mountain for a delightful amble along mountain biking trails through boulders to the summit of the peak.

Roundtrip Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
YDS Class: 1
Planning Map: Trails Illustrated #137 Pikes Peak | Cañon City or Pikes Peak Atlas
Trailhead Coordinates: 39.0887 -104.9130

Getting There

This route is easily accessed from the unmarked Red Rocks Trailhead west of Monument, Colorado.

From I-25:

• Exit #161
• Head west on CO 105
• Head straight through the light then over railroad tracks
• Turn left on Mitchell Road
• Turn right on Mount Herman Road and follow Mount Herman Road for 2.3 miles
• Turn right on Red Rocks Drive
• Look for a dirt parking area on the right

Route Description

• From the dirt parking area, cross the road and head west around a wooded vehicle barrier on trail.
• The trail heads first across a field, and then enters a level treed savannah area.
• As the route enters the drainage, you will enter deeper forest and begin gaining more elevation.
• Ascend the drainage between Mount Herman to the south and Raspberry Mountain to the north.
• The trail gets steep and braided at times on the eastern slopes. If you stick to the broadest trail with the best footing that heads uphill, you will eventually gain the gentle saddle between Mount Herman and Raspberry Mountain.
• Nearing the saddle, there will be a junction where one footpath heads up to Mount Herman and the other up to the saddle to gain the south ridge of Raspberry Mountain. Naturally, head right (toward Raspberry Mountain) at this junction.
• Upon reaching the saddle, it may be tempting to bushwhack directly up the south ridge of Raspberry Mountain (a mistake we made initially). Instead, follow a gentle footpath that heads a bit westward.
• A really pleasant path snakes and curves along this gentle, wooded ridgeline and carries you through an amazing jungle of huge, rounded granite boulders.
• Continue northbound along this trail until the trail turns sharply eastward (and slightly downhill) toward the summit.
• The trail regains elevation then bypasses the summit just to its north. Turn sharply right and leave the trail to reach the summit cairn.

Along the southern ridgeline of Raspberry Mountain the trail passes through a wonderland of large granite boulders

Essential Gear

• Map & compass
• Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
• Outerwear appropriate to the season
• Snowshoes in snow season
• Water and snacks
• A camera to save memories of the high country views
• First aid kit
• Other standard backcountry essentials

External Links

If you have any external links, information or trip reports you would like for me to add to this page, please let me know via Additions & Corrections. Thanks!

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Images

View From Red Rocks Drive Image Gallery - 17 Images