I did a memorable and picturesque hike last week to Spruce Mountain south of Larkspur, CO. Spruce Mountain is not so much a “mountain” as a relatively flat-topped, rock-rimmed mesa that rises out of the foothills/grassland between Denver and Colorado Springs in an area known as “Greenland.” It’s part of the Douglas County Open Space system. The mesa’s eastern rocky rim affords lovely views of the Front Range, including 14,114-foot-high Pikes Peak to the south. The north side of the park has wonderful views of Eagle Mountain, which is part of a conservation easement.
While hiking, I actually missed a turn and instead of taking the gentle switchbacks up the northeast side of the mesa, I wandered along on the Eagle Pass Trail to the “back” side of Spruce Mountain where a ridiculously steep service road heads straight to the top. I advise against that route. But once I made it to the top, the mostly-flat jaunt through the Ponderosa forest was delightful.
Regardless of the route I took, it was still a very pleasant hike and the wildflowers were abundant.
Eagle Mountain
Toothed Evening Primrose
My first Colorado Columbine of the season
On top of Spruce Mountain – the path through the Ponderosas
The view to the north/northeast
Pikes Peak way off in the distance
Click HERE to view additional photos from my Spruce Mountain hike.