This week in Happy Trails: Heizer/Barr Trail shuttle loop

The trail
Parts of this beautiful trail, which traverses a seldom-visited area on the northeast side of Pikes Peak, aren’t on most maps. It was a social trail created by people wandering the hills above Green Mountain Falls.

Photos from this trail were featured in our recent story on the 100th anniversary of the Colorado Mountain Club.

But trail work and signs have made the route easy to follow, and wide-open vistas of Pikes Peak and relative solitude make this partial loop a fantastic hike for any time of the year, especially autumn.

You’ll need two vehicles to complete the loop.

Getting there

Leave one vehicle in Manitou Springs, as close to the Barr Trail trailhead as you can get, as your tired legs will appreciate your foresight later. Take the second vehicle up U.S. 24 and turn left at the traffic light for the Pikes Peak Highway.

Take a left on Emporia Avenue, then left on Park Street, and left on Amenome Hill Road. Park along the road and walk up the hill. Watch for a small wooden trail sign.

The hike

The good thing about this hike is you get the toughest part out of the way first, though that may come as small comfort as you’re huffing and puffing relentlessly up the hillside above Cascade.

You’ll see an overlook on the right, after about 1,400 feet of steady climbing. Catch your breath before proceeding, and after a little more uphill hiking the trail levels out.

When Pikes Peak pops into view on your right, you’ll know the hard part is over.

Follow the trail through pleasant meadows, with views of the peak that get more inspiring with every step. The trail eventually reaches an intersection. Trail 703 goes left, eventually ending up in the Manitou Experimental Forest, a good way to shorten the loop.

Hardier hikers should go right, on Trail 638, and then left at the spot where numerous stern signs warn you to stay away from Manitou Reservoir, the property of Manitou Springs. Proceed through gorgeous meadows with long views and then up and down the aspen-studded valleys of the lower slopes of Pikes Peak.

Hit the junction with Barr Trail and go left on 4.6 miles of steady, well-traveled downhill trail to Manitou Springs.

Return to your car knowing you’ve seen a side of the peak not many get to experience, then retrieve the other vehicle.

Information

The trail is in Pike National Forest. The early section is steep and north-facing, so prepare for snow and ice in winter.

Don’t trespass on Manitou watershed property unless you want to risk an angry lecture from the caretaker — or a ticket.

Rating system

One boot is easiest, with little elevation gain, and is at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length or altitude.