This classic back-of-the-peak wander is great for summer days. Due west of Colorado Springs, on the western slope of Pikes Peak.

To get there: Take U.S. Highway 24 west to Divide; turn left (south) on Colorado Highway 67. Drive 4.5 miles to the road to the Crags (FR 383), just past the entrance to Mueller State Park. Turn left on 383 and drive to the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. Turn right and follow road to entrance to Crags Campground (watch for it on your left; the sign is hard to see from this direction). Turn left into the campground and continue to trailhead parking area.

Hike: From the trailhead you’ll venture into a mixed-conifer forest with stands of aspen. The trail rolls along and is almost level in spots. Soon, the forest opens to a marshy meadow that in the summer is bright with wildflowers. Rock formations that look like a kindergartner’s Play-Doh creations rise on both sides and protect this valley that stays relatively windless and cool. 

The trail is easy to follow as it leaves the open section for more trees. With a quarter-mile to go, it starts uphill on a short, steep stretch. Follow the trail, made apparent with water bars and strategically placed branches. Soon, the trees open up to a formation of huge, flat boulders. Keep heading uphill toward ancient, twisted bristlecone pines. Your destination is the top, where crumbling Pikes Peak granite rocks provide the perfect chairs for lounging or checking out the view of the Sangre de Cristos in the distance and the reservoirs in the North Slope Recreation Area below you. Option: Not far from the Crags trailhead is a sign directing hikers over the creek and up the Devil’s Playground Trail. This 8.5-mile trail, which gains 4,000 feet in elevation, is another way to reach the summit of Pikes Peak.

Details: On weekends and almost every day in the summer, visit this trail early; the parking lot fills up quickly. Information: Pikes Peak Ranger District, 636-1602.

Trip log: 2 boots, about 3 miles round-trip.