Spruce Mountain

This Thursday we are going to ride Spruce Mountain Trail in Spruce. It is quite likely that none of us will have ridden the trail tomorrow, so as always be prepared with the camel pack J . It is a short ride (4.5 miles), and does not have any significant elevation difference, so if we are left unsatisfied with the ride we can always piggy-back with Spruce Meadows Trail, which is a little longer. Pets are allowed (leashed) if you would like to bring your dog (or puma) along.

We will meet at the trailhead at 5:30. Hope to see everyone out there tomorrow!

Link to Trail Map

Weather forecast for 6:00 PM Thursday – may want to bring a rain coat ;) :
53 deg, 60% rain, from NW 14 mph

Here is the information copy/pasted from the website:

Highlights:
Spruce Mountain Trail ascends Spruce Mountain through a ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest. The first lookout offers breathtaking views of Greenland Open Space, surrounding buttes, Pikes Peak, the Palmer Divide, Carpenter Creek and thousands of acres of protected open space. There will be plenty of opportunities to gaze off rocky lookouts in all directions. Bring your camera!

Trail Rating:
The 4.5 mile shady hike, although fairly steep and narrow in the beginning, will take you to a wide and gentle trail that circles the top of the mountain. Ice and snow can build up on the shaded trails. You will encounter switchbacks on the ascent and back down again, and may need to step off the narrow trail, or back up, for passing trail users. Depending on the time of year, the trail will have its challenging sections and very easy sections. Small children have been known to hike it well, but keep an eye on them at the rocky lookouts!

Trail Length:
4.5 miles from Spruce Mountain Road parking lot, roundtrip.

Trail Surface:
Natural; some rock; steep and narrow 1/4-mile climb on north side with switchbacks.

Uses:
Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and pets on leash can use the trail.

Amenities:
There is a temporary, small grassy parking lot that will accommodate cars and light trucks only. Sorry, there is no room for horse trailers here. Trailers may be parked at the roomy Spruce Meadows Trailhead along Noe Road to the NE, adding a couple of miles in each direction to your ride. One port-a-potty is available. Please pack your trash out. There is no water available at this site. Water is available at stock ponds along the Spruce Meadows Trails and at nearby Greenland Open Space Trailhead.

Location:
From I-25, take the Greenland Exit (167) to the west and travel 1/4 mile west and 1/2 mile south. Bypass the Greenland Trailhead and continue right on the main gravel road (Noe Road) over two sets of railroad tracks and continue another mile to Spruce Mountain Road. Take a left and head south for about 3/4 mile to the small parking area on your right. Remember, cars and light trucks only.

Or, travel about 4 miles south of Larkspur on Spruce Mountain Road and the entrance will be on your right.

Contact:
Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources at 303-660-7495.