Lincoln Mountain Hike

Three members of the High Country Hikers group arrived at the meet site for what would turn out to be a near perfect day for a hike.  The ride south on state highway # 83 (Parker Road), had little traffic, compared to previous weeks of fighting through thousands of morning commuters.

At Jones Road (unmarked), we turned off the highway and followed a dirt road about .4 mi. to the Lincoln Mountain Open Space TH. 

Douglas County spared no expense for sinage.

History:  The area was formerly known as the Palmer Divide Ranch on West Cherry Creek.  It was a cattle ranch for many years. Douglas County acquired a number of parcels and now offers visitors 876 acres to enjoy. 

In July, 2012, a crew from Arrowhead Trails Inc., based in Salida, Colorado, began developing a 6.5 mi. trail system at Lincoln Mountain Open Space.  The firm has been specializing in the design, construction, and management of shared use trails in ten states since 1994.  Based on what we experienced on this hike, they did a fine job.

The large gravel parking area at the TH is surrounded by a buck and rail log fence, giving the space a back country feel.  A Port-A-John is the only facility.  The trail system is displayed on a large trail marker.  Unfortunately. all the Open Space maps were gone today.

We began the day on a short  .3 mi. spur trail that led to a junction with the 4.5 mile Palmer Divide Ranch Loop Trail, and the 4.2 mile Lincoln Mountain Loop Trail.  The one undeniable feature that would be in numerous images taken today,is that of a snow covered Pikes Peak. Within the first mile on trail, we stop to shed one layer for comfort.  A baby black snake, soaking in the sun on trail, darted off into the grass as we arrived at it's previously private spot.

Ed and Judy on Palmer Divide Ranch Trail.

We decide to take the Palmer Divide Ranch Loop to start.  Open to equestrian, bikers and hikers, the trail zigs and zags across the landscape, as it passes huge cottonwoods, and patches of thick willow. We arrive at the Willow Tree spur trail that would lead us to two old willows.  The amount of shade these two old woods provide is incredible.  A tire swing hangs from one of the lower branches.  It reminds me of such a swing I had as a boy at Shadeville farmhouse.  Between the old willows is a log bench.  One of a number of similar rest sites we saw throughout the area.  Just beyond these willows, West Cherry Creek flows quietly through tall grass.

One of two huge willows with tire swing.

We return to the loop trail, and continue to the back side, where it slowly climbs a few feet of elevation to Dewey's Hill.  Nice views of the surrounding landscape and Highway # 83 can be made from this point.

Trail then drops back into the grassland before coming to the end of the loop.  A short distance beyond that, we are at the junction of the Lincoln Mountain Loop Trail.   This 4.2 mile loop takes hikers on a 400' climb, through Gamble Oak and Ponderosa Pine to the top of  Lincoln Mountain.

Looking east from atop Dewey's Hill.

Trail becomes a bit more rocky as it makes a series of squiggly switchbacks while gaininng elevation.  Still not much to boast about scenery except for the forever obvious Pikes Peak not far to the southwest

As we make our way to the top of Lincoln Mountain, we can see a pickup pulling a horse trailer has parked at the TH.  The sun remains a good friend to us as it beams its warm rays from near cloudless skies.  A second black snake darted across trail.

Ed and Judy clear a wilow thicket.

The loop around the top provides hikers the best views of the surrounding area.  Large residential tracts can be seen to the north, west and south.  Up here someone had taken the time to build large carins to assure patrons they are on trail.  Top elevation today is 7,394'.

Now close to mid-day we decide to stop for lunch beside trail just after completing about half of the loop.  A light breeze doesn't keep me from setting up the backpackers stove.  My day pack leans against my leg serving as a somewhat effective windscreen.

Why would we need to "Slow Down" on this trail?

While eating, two bikers pass us in one direction, and two women on horseback pass by in the opposite direction.  All are out enjoying the day.

Back on trail to complete the loop and return to the TH.  A few quick stops to take in the view as we make our way down slope.  We would see yet another small snake on trail before the day was over.


Total Miles = 9.1

Total Elevation Gain =  472'


NOTE:  Check this blog for information on next weeks hike.  Hopefully, it won't be the last of the season before we transition to snowshoes.