Hiking in Colorado

29 April 2008

Heizer Trail

Posted by kris under: Trails .

Name of Trial: Heizer Trail
Total Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Hike Type: Out and back

Today we hiked Heizer Trail which is just up Highway 24 and take the same exit as you would to take the Pikes Peak Highway. The signs for the trail are a little small and do not look like the normal park and recreation sings but once you take the exit you should be able to find your way. Also it is good to note that parking is very limited for the trail, only 4-5 cars can fit at the foot of the tail at most.

This is a beautiful hike through the pine trees with many opportunities to see the hills and valleys throughout the area. It is a hard hike with many steep sections but I was able to keep a good pace and keep myself moving. Most of the terrain is a typical forest floor and some spots a little rocky and gravelly. Towards the second half of the trail, there was still some snow on the trail which you had to maneuver around. The trail is only about a foot wide and in some sections saplings have gown close to the trail so it is a little tight.

The hike up is about 2.5 miles to get to the top of the mountain (or at lest before the trail starts going down again) and you gain a lot of altitude so it is quite a workout. On the way down it is a little treacherous in spots, where hiking poles could be helpful. You have to be a little quick on your feet so that you don’t trip and fall. There are a few place where the drop off of the edge is quick steep and rocky to you have to be careful.

Over all, the roughly 5 mile hike was a hard assent but there was great scenery and the view from the top was gorgeous.

To see photos that I took while on my hike, visit my Photo Gallery.

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