Spruce Mountain Trail
Highlights
Spruce Mountain Trail ascends Spruce Mountain through a ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest. The first lookout offers breathtaking views of Greenland Open Space, surrounding buttes, Pikes Peak, the Palmer Divide, Carpenter Creek and thousands of acres of protected open space. There will be plenty of opportunities to gaze off rocky lookouts in all directions. Bring your camera. For variety, descend on the service road and hike back along the Eagle Pass trail.
Trail Rating
The 5.5 mile shady hike will take you to a wide and gentle trail that circles the top of the mountain. Ice and snow can build up on the shaded trails. You will encounter switchbacks on the ascent and back down again. Small children have been known to hike it well, but keep an eye on them at the rocky lookouts!
Trail Length
5.5 miles from Spruce Mountain Road parking lot, roundtrip
Trail Surface
Natural; some rock; steep and narrow ¼-mile climb on north side with switchbacks
Users
Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and pets on leash can use the trail.
Amenities
The parking lot accommodates cars and light trucks only. Sorry, there is no room for horse trailers here. Trailers may be parked at the large Spruce Meadows Trailhead along Noe Road to the northeast, adding a couple of miles in each direction to your ride. One port-a-potty is available. There is no water available at this site. Water is available at stock ponds along the Spruce Meadows Trail and at nearby Greenland Open Space Trailhead.
Location
From I-25, take the Greenland Exit (167) to the west and travel ¼ mile west and ½ mile south. Bypass the Greenland Trailhead and continue right on the main gravel road (Noe Road) over two sets of railroad tracks and continue another mile to Spruce Mountain Road. Take a left and head south for about one mile to the parking area on your right. Remember, cars and light trucks only.
Or, travel about six miles south of the Larkspur Exit along Spruce Mountain Road and the entrance will be on your right.
Contact
Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources at 303.660.7495.
