Stratton Open Space to Gold Camp Rd

To get there

Drive west on Cheyenne Boulevard to the Ridgeway entrance. This will be on the right, before you get to the North Cheyenne Canon park. If you see the Sacred Grounds coffee shop, you've gone too far.

The hike

We'll walk from Ridgeway over to the entrance off North Cheyenne Canon Road, then we'll begin the trail as listed.

The trail starts on a service road at the west end of the parking lot. Follow the road up as it winds past a maintenance shack and water tower, and into the trees. The road narrows to a trail and levels out as it comes alongside Gold Camp Reservoir. At the north end of the reservoir, at a marked intersection, take Gold Camp Trail left and let the climbing begin.

The trail switchbacks up the foothills through oak brush and ponderosa pines. In early spring, the southeast-facing slope is a good place to spot wildflowers and migrating birds. Near the top, the trail squeezes through a wooden fence and joins the Chutes Trail for a few last steep steps to Gold Camp Road.

A pullout provides a sweeping view of the city, particularly stunning at night (making this spot a favorite for full moon hikers and late-night teenage parkers). Look straight north for the fins of Garden of the Gods. Northeast lie the squat towers of downtown. Below, to the southeast, is the pinkish Broadmoor resort. Wait long enough and the chimes of Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun will echo from Cheyenne Mountain. Return the way you came.

Details

Bring a leash (as you may need it if the park is busy)

We will wait for 5 minutes after the scheduled start time for folks. Call/text me, if you will be late, are lost, or need to cancel last minute: Sandy 440-537-8922

• 3 miles round-trip + the dab we are adding by coming from the Ridgeway parking lot
• 700-foot elevation gain

• Moderate difficulty level

Read more at http://gazette.com/happy-trails-stratton-open-spaces-gold-camp-trail/article/55119#Vh0VY7rMEbVv5YB9.99

If this is your first event with the group for 2013, please bring your $5 dues with you. They will be collected before the event begins.