Barr Trail

Barr Trail is the most famous footpath in the Pikes Peak region, the premier route to the top of America’s Mountain. Stretching 13 miles to the 14,115-foot summit, the trail is also the site of a widely celebrated marathon a century after it was envisioned by Fred Barr. He also envisioned the halfway refuge that is Barr Camp.

Since it was finished in 1924, the main cabin has a long and colorful history of caretakers, who reside in the remoteness year-round, welcoming tired hikers with pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners. While some reserve a campsite, many fit locals have made Barr Camp the destination of their usual training runs. For casual hikers who aren’t quite feeling up to the full, 13-mile task, Barr Camp makes for a scenic, unique journey.

You’ll want to start early, avoiding the infamous storms of summer afternoons. The first half will test your mettle. The 3 miles are known as the “Ws,” for how the switchbacks appear on a map. They climb relentlessly and are clogged with people on weekends — returnees of the Manitou Incline.

At the sign for the spur to the Incline, go straight. You’ll have just passed through a “keyhole,” a small entry through massive boulders, some of the many that line the way.

The second half of the path levels off with brief uphill portions, ascending to elevations where more aspens live among the pines. You might eventually catch a whiff of cooking, signaling you’re close.

Trip log: 12.6-mile round trip (out and back), 3,540-foot elevation gain, 10,178 feet max

Difficulty: Moderate-difficult

Getting there: The trailhead is at the end of Ruxton Avenue, which starts from the traffic circle in downtown Manitou Springs. Past the Pikes Peak Cog Railway depot, look right for the paved hill beside the hydro plant, leading to trail.

Rather than park here for a fee, ride the free shuttle from the free lot at Hiawatha Gardens in town, at 10 Old Man’s Trail.

FYI: Bikes not recommended. Don’t cut switchbacks. Icy in winter; use traction. Dogs allowed.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE