Nestled between Manitou Springs on the west and Colorado Springs on the east, the Manitou Part 16 Open House overlaps with the Purple Rock Canyon Open House to the north, simply off Freeway 24. Each of those techniques join to 2 different regional parks, creating a large advanced of trails that delights hikers of all ages and talents. This route follows three trails by two territories for one heckuva hike! For the keen, this route will be augmented with the Mt. Buckhorn hike, and even the Seven Bridges & Kineo Mountain hike for the all-day trekker.
The stunning side of this Part 16 hike is its immediacy ā inside minutes of turning off the freeway the trailhead seems. Inside minutes of leaving the trailhead the cityscape disappears. Even higher, this hike delights hikers in all seasons: the brand new progress of spring, the complete blossom of summer season, the altering colours of fall, and the magically reflective mild of winterās snow. Discover the complete Part 16 Hike profile under for path map, driving instructions, and extra suggestions and particulars that can assist you take pleasure in this year-round journey simply south of Denver.
Path Snapshot: Part 16 Path
| Hike Distance | 5.5-6.25 miles Spherical Journey |
|---|---|
| Issue | Average |
| Period | Approx 3-4hr |
| Path Sort | Loop |
| Beginning Elevation | 6,600ā² |
| Elevation Acquire | Approx +1,300ā² |
| Seasons | 12 months Spherical |
| Canine | Allowed On Leash |
| Hike Path Map | Click on for Path Map of Part 16 Hike |
| Denver Drive Time | 1.25 hours |
| Driving Instructions to Part 16 Trailhead (Part 16) | Click on for Google Map |
| City Nearest Hike | Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Magnificence | Pikeās Peak, views of Colorado Springs |
| Actions | Mountain climbing, Biking, Snowshoeing |
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Parking & Trailhead Info for Part 16 Path
From Denver, cruising south on I-25, take exit 141 for Freeway 24 West. After roughly 1.5 miles, flip left (south) onto twenty first Avenue, after which shortly thereafter, proper (west) onto Decrease Gold Camp Highway. Staying straight by the 4-way cease (junction with Bear Creek Highway), the Palmer Purple Rock (Part 16 Open House) trailhead is slightly below one mile up on the suitable. This parking zone gives a few dozen head-in spots and fills quick; one other pullout parking zone is on the market up the highway on the left.
The Hike: Part 16 Path in Purple Rock Canyon Open House
Whereas many hikers bounce straight into the trek by ascending the steps on the trailhead, taking a counter-clockwise tack, the next notes describe a clockwise path. This path offers a spectacular viewing angle on Pikeās Peak, and positions hikers for a enjoyable descent by the bushes on the finish.
Leaving the parking zone, persevering with up Gold Camp Highway (which truly heads southwest), the route joins Excessive Drive after 1/4-mile simply because the highway turns sharply left. Excessive Drive meanders up into the backcountry previous split-rail fences, over rock bridges, and thru broad slot canyons. At roughly the 1-mile mark, the junction for the Part 16 Path branches off to the suitable.
Now on Part 16 path formally, the path weaves out and in of forest, gently ascending towards a prime elevation of practically 7,900ft. At this level, across the 3.5 miles, look ahead to a connector path taking pictures off to the left. For the curious, a brief jaunt out and again affords sweeping views of peaks round Manitou Springs, in addition to Backyard of the Gods outdoors Colorado Springs.
Staying proper and starting a descent, the Part 16 Path continues one other 3/4-mile to a wonderful tour on an unmarked overlook path. The tributary is closely trafficked and straightforward to establish: it runs straight out from the principle path simply previous to a reasonable lefthand descent deep into the forest and rounds of switchbacks. The overlook ridge out-and-back provides roughly 3/4-mile to the general milage of this loop. As soon as on the ridge edge, the sprawling plains of Colorado Springs unfold out like a carpet from the forestās edge. Turning again towards the principle path, hikers gaze on Pikeās Peak, perched between two converging foothill peaks.
The final a part of the Part 16 Hike loop presents hikers with a number of connector trails. Typically staying straight, the path flows again down and out of the valley roughly 2.25 miles to the parking zone.
Ideas & Assets for Mountain climbing Part 16 within the Purple Rock Canyon Open House
- TIP: The 2 connecting open house path techniques stay fashionable all yr lengthy. Parking fills quick, however an early begin helps noticeably. Additionally, contemplate carrying an entire map that shows the various connector trails, resembling this Purple Rock Canyon Open House Path Map.
- Path Map: Part 16 Hike
- Packing Listing: At all times pack the ten Necessities. Obtain our Mountain climbing Information to get the listing and dayhiking packing guidelines. Moreover, take a while to evaluation our 10 Winter Mountain climbing Ideas.
- Colorado Highway Circumstances: Colorado Highway Circumstances
- After the Hike: A neighborhood favourite, Wild Goose Assembly Home (or their counterpart, Good Neighbors Assembly Home), captures the essence of downtown COS. Seize a craft espresso and chef-level dish, or later within the day, an area beer on faucet. For a fast grab-n-go, contemplate Wimbergerās Previous World Bakery and Delicatessen, on the best way out from the trailhead.
Climate
Map & Driving Instructions
Click on for Driving Instructions
