Rocky Mountain is a small, forested peak towering over the town of Manitou Springs. A former incline cog railway traces a path up the east side of the mountain. Closed and dismantled in 1990, the railway path now known as The Incline is a favorite of local and visiting hikers alike.
This 4-stage multi-cache will take you on a circumnavigation of Rocky Mountain starting at another long-abandoned facility, the Fremont Forest Experiment Station. Operating from 1909 to 1935, this laboratory was the site of scientific experiments that would guide the reforestation of the Rocky Mountains. The station was closed in 1935 because it was considered too remote. Their loss is your gain as you can now explore the station ruins and experience some solitude after leaving the Incline crowds behind.
From the station, your route proceeds clockwise around Rocky Mountain, at first following Longs Ranch Road, open to hiking and bicycles and occasionally used for utilities vehicle access.
There are at least three ways to access this cache. All will involve about 2500 feet of elevation gain and between 6 and 9 miles of travel on well-established trails.
| The Incline |
Your hike will be approximately 4 miles round trip from the top of The Incline. Begin by following the wide trail that heads uphill toward the west from the Incline summit area. |
| Barr Trail |
The 3-mile loop around Rocky Mountain begins near the 3-mile mark on Barr Trail. |
| Longs Ranch Road (FR 329) |
This route is suited to mountain bikes and begins at the gate on Highway 24 just opposite the Waldo Canyon Trailhead. However, there is no legal parking near the trailhead. It's about 4 miles to the starting point of this multi-cache. |
Congratulations to billkat - FTF!