Hikers can get peek at South Slope this weekend
Spots are still available for the first guided hike up the South Slope of Pikes Peak on Sunday.
Hikers will follow a seven-mile round-trip route from McReynolds Reservoir to Boehmer Reservoir.
The South Slope watershed has been closed to the public since 1913 when Colorado Springs Utilities locked the gates to protect the area from fires. Utilities released a plan for recreational use on the 45,000-acre watershed in January. In April, City Council voted to allow public access to the remote area.
Public access is still prohibited, but trail-building efforts are expected to begin in August, said Sarah Bryarly, interim manager for the Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space and Parks program.
Sunday’s hike is the first of several throughout the summer meant to introduce hikers to the Slope’s ecosystem, goals for the project and volunteer opportunities, Bryarly said.
Reservations are required for the hike and the cost is $10. The group is limited to 20 people. Hikers will meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Red Rocks Canyon Open Space parking lot and caravan to McReynolds Reservoir. Contact the Trails and Open Space Coalition at 633-6884 for more information or to reserve a spot.
Mountain Penstemon grows along Gold Camp Road near Cathedral Park on the South Slope of Pikes Peak. Photo by MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE FILE
An aerial view of the South Slope of Pikes Peak. Photo by THE GAZETTE FILE