Spruce Mountain Hike

It's only been three weeks since I was last on trail.  It felt much longer.  As I tossed my day pack in the truck bed, I thought 'what is this new activity you are doing today?'  After meeting my buddy, Ed, in Parker for the drive to the TH, he too had a similar thought.

Spruce Mountain Open Space trail system kiosk.

The drive south on I-25 would bring us to the Greenland exit #67.  From there, it is a short distance to the TH.  The Spruce Mountain Open Space tract includes 893 acres.

The forecast for today called for temps. in the low 60's.  In fact, it reached a hi of 64 degrees, thanks to cloudless skies.  Cool morning temps would transition to more moderate temps as the sun climbed overhead.  It was exhilirating to be back on trail.



The TH (7100' el.) includes a small dirt parking lot surrounded by a log fence.  A kiosk showing the trail system and a port-a-john are the only structures on site.  Trail bed is natural dirt throughout the system.  Snow from the first storm of the season remained on trail where there is a full canopy and in shaded areas.

Pike Peak in the distance.

A spur trail leads from the TH .2 mi. to Pine Junction (7250' el.).  From here, a handful of loose switchbacks take hikers another .5 mi. to the first  overlook called Greenland (7400' el.).  Here one has a clear view of the expansive Greenland Open Space below, numerous surrounding limestone buttes, the towering Pikes Peak to the south, the Palmer Divide, and Carpenter Creek.  

A train loaded with low sulfur coal, mined at the North Antelope Rochelle mine, outside Gillette, Wyoming, slowly makes its way to the Martin Drake Power Plant, in Colorado Springs.

The sound of a southbound train whistle can be heard as we gain elevation.  Peering through the pines it is an estimated 70 to 80 car train loaded with coal mined in Wyoming and bound for the power generating plant in Colorado Springs.  Two engines in front are pulling and two more at the rear are needed to move the huge load along.  The long eel-like line of black box cars appears to be barely moving.  It's hard to imagine the tonnage those engines are pushing and pulling mile after mile after mile.

Trail continues its gradual climb over the next .5 mi., to a junction with Upper Loop trail (7500' el.).

We encounter numerous pet owners throughout the day exercising themselves as well as their pets. This trail system is open to equestrians as well as hikers, although we saw no horses today.

Rock outcropping atop the mesa.

At the Loop Trail junction, Spruce Mountain trail leads hikers .7mi. on what is without question the most scenic part of the Open Space tract.  A series of shear rock cliffs and unique rock outcroppings catch the eye atop this large tree covered mesa.  Pockets of scrub oak dot the slopes.  On top, Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir offer hikers an abundance of canopy.  

Snow covered trail in some sections.

 
Countless majestic views of the rockies to the west are not to be missed while on this part of the loop.    The most interesting and scenic spot on this loop is Windy Point (7605' el.), located at the southern tip of the loop. 

The view south from Windy Point

.We had lunch here sitting among the boulders for protection from light breezes.   

Our return to the TH followed the east side perimeter of the mesa for 1.6 mi. bringing us back to the junction with Spruce Mountain trail for return to the TH on the spur trail.

NOTE:  This hike is recommended to those with limited climbing skills.  It is a hike offering elements of interest for families with young children.  Seniors will also find this hike one they will enjoy.  Be sure to pack water, a lunch and a camera to record your day at Spruce Mountain.

Total Miles = 4.7

Total Elevation Gain = 505'

Greenland, History:  The town name was first penned by author and poet, Helen Hunt Jackson from her impressions of the natural beauty of the surrounding area.  Greenland was first developed when tracks of the Denver and Rio Grande RR came south from Denver in 1871.  At the time, there were 25 residents in this tiny 20-acre town.  

Greenland Ranch, surrounded the town.  It was homesteaded in 1870.  Later it was known as the Greenland Breeding Farm, then Greenland Land and Cattle Company.  In its heyday, the ranch had 15,000 acres of open praire where 1600 head of cattle and 500 horses grazed.  Plus the ranch raised 7000 bushels of wheat, oats, rye, corn, and barley.  It was recognized across the country for its fine selection of Shorthorn, Galloway, and Hereford cattle and thoroughbred horses.  Today, all that remains are some original sections of a corral, wooden ramps for loading livestock, and a sizable barn, rebuilt after the original was destroyed by fire.  As we passed the barn, there were grand images in mind, of the dawn to dusk daily activitys this area experienced many years ago.

Spur trail to the TH.  This land was part of the once massive Greenland Ranch.