Raleigh Peak hike and scramble

Raleigh Peak is a local high spot (elev 8183 feet) in the Pike National Forest kind of near Buffalo Creek. We will hike toward it on the Colorado Trail for about 5 miles and then bushwhack another mile to the top. The organizer has not done this hike but the Event Host has. We will call this an exploratory hike.

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Raleigh Peak seen from the west (we approach from the east and ascend the north side)

There is a pedestrian bridge (Gudy Gaskill Bridge) that carries the Colorado Trail across the South Platte River. On the east side of the river there is a large parking lot and pit toilet. We will meet there.

To reach the trail head travel south on US285 to the Foxton Road/Kennedy Gulch exit. It is the exit west of the Staples strip mall at Highway 73. After exiting US285 go under the overpass and get onto Foxton Road. After six miles you will pass Reynolds Park and after about eight miles you reach the tee-intersection with the road along the Platte River. Turn left (east and down river) and go about six miles to the South Platte Hotel. Continue driving across the bridge another half mile to the TH on your right. The road along the river is narrow and winding. Sight lines are very limited so you will need at least twenty minutes to drive from the end of Kennedy Gulch to the Trailhead.

We will hike part of Segment 2 of the Colorado Trail. We will go from the S Platte River generally west. The CT is well-used by mountain bikers and hikers and is in very good condition. Some of the trail passes through a burn area but most is in Ponderosa pine forest.

starting elevation at TH: 6100 feet [ N 39°24.022' x W 105°10.063']

highest elevation at Raleigh Peak: 8183 feet [N 39·23.722' x W 105°12.923']

net elevation gain: approximately 2200 feet

distance on the trail: 10 miles plus 2 miles off trail

pace: 2 miles per hour (moderate)

time on the trail: 6 or 7 hours

subjective rating: strenuous owing to length and steep scrambling

dogs: no dogs on this one

Good feature of this hike: great views

Cautions: we will be hiking off-trail and scrambling on rocks

Some of the route is open and exposed to the sun so bring sunscreen and plenty of water to drink.

You are solely responsible for your own comfort and safety on this hike. Please do the appropriate research to assure that you are properly informed and that you carry the right gear.

Carpool from the Fort Resturant at 8:00.