Raspberry Mountain via ring-the-peak trail
Details
The hike to the top of Raspberry Mountain via the ring-the peak-trail can be found on AllTrails at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/raspberry-mountain-trail-via-ring-the-peak-trail. It is a 3-hour, 4.2-mile out-and back trail with 1,038 in total elevation gain to a summit elevation of 10,581 feet. The trailhead itself is just under 10,000 feet, and the elevation gain is mainly due to up and down undulation through Pike National Forest. The hike is rated as moderate difficulty, beginning with short, steep switchbacks, then leveling out through a meadow and gentle forest floors. Mid-point, you leave the Ring the Peak trail and head up a relatively intense and mostly uphill climb. The summit features a 360 degree view the Front Range, with Pike's Peak and the Catamount Reservoirs spread across the horizon's southeastern quadrant. There is a lot of scree, and there may be some residual snow, so microspikes are highly recommended especially for the return downhill, and you may want to bring hiking poles as well. Boots, sunglasses, windbreakers and hats will be required, and you should plan on bringing water and snacks in a day pack. We will meet at 9:00 at the Raspberry Mountain Trailhead, 456-798 Teller Co Rd 62, Divide, CO, which can be found on Google maps. The road up to the trailhead cuts off from Route 67 just south of Mueller State Park. It is a well-maintained dirt and gravel road, but high-clearance vehicles with all wheel or four-wheel drive are recommended. The trailhead parking lot fills up fairly quickly on weekends, so you may want to arrive early. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Note: the gate to access the trailhead is seasonally closed, depending on snowfall.