This hike is close to the denver metro. Just off I-25 going south off exit 167. We passed many trains as we were traveling down to the trailhead. This is far enough from the interstate that you don't hear it but softly blowing trains. The hike does a loop around a butte (Spruce mountain) with views of Pikes peak, rampart range and the Palmer Divide.
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| This loop hike is only 5.5 miles . There is a lower and upper loop. There is not a huge parking lot but they do have a bathroom. |
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| There are two ways to go at the start to get to the loop, Oak Shortcut is steeper or the regular ascent to the top of the butte. When we started there was not much snow but wished I had my snowshoes as we ascended to deeper areas. |
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| Sandstone rocks peek out as you hike. Vegetation on the mesa includes scrub oak, douglas fir, and Ponderosa Pine. |
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| The elevation starts at 7100' and ascends to 7620 feet. Easy level hiking. Dogs allowed on leash. |
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| Paddock's Point is a lovely overlook of ranch land and Eagle Mountain, a sandstone formation to the west. |
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| There are many great spots for a picnic lunch. |
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| The snow got deeper in spots you may want to have your spikes and snowshoes with you. |
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| This sign shows the two ways for the loop. Go either way . |
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| Sandstone cliffs and mountain views |
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| This hike was a beautiful easy hike with views and variety of switchbacks, trails along ridges, and through trees. There are several ways to go so I recommend you print out a map. |
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