Overview
View from near the summit
Not so much a mountain as a butte, Spruce Mountain provides a nice day outing that is close to home for many residents and visotors along the Front Range (particularly the northern Colorado Springs area or southern Denver). Convenient to I-25, the hike to Spruce Mountain treats the hiker to cool breezes and wide-open views with minimal sacrifice. Views of Pikes Peak are particularly striking.
Spruce Mountain is part of the 3,000 acre
Greenland Ranch Open Space. This rolling "Marlborough Man" country dotted with buttes is especially lovely in the fall when the grasses turn golden and the scrub oak rust a lovely red. From the summit, look for snow dusted Pikes Peak to your south-southwest, sit down and enjoy a snack.
Colorado Rank: Unranked
Prominance: 265 feet
Getting There
Enjoying wide open views from near the summit
From I-25 take Exit #163 (County Line Road). Turn left and drive 2.5 miles to a T intersection. Turn right on Spruce Mountain Road and drive 3.6 miles to a dirt parking lot on the left.
See the Upper Loop on Spruce Mountain route for trail details.
Red Tape
Nice formation north of Spruce Mountain
Photo by csmcgranahan
Douglas County Open Space welcomes horses and bicyles. Dogs must be on a leash.
Weather
Spruce Mountain is an all-weather objective. Heavy snows in the winter may increase the challenge, while heat and crowds may make summer a less enjoyable time to visit.
Jeremy Hakes - Jan 26, 2011 9:36 am - Voted 10/10
Re: Douglas Co...Deleted. :)