Hiking – Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Blackmer Loop via Zook Loop. This is a casually paced spring hike in Colorado, so be sure to watch the weather forecast and bring appropriate gear. Leader will email an update to participants on the Friday before the hike.  

Questions about the hike? Email Glenn at gjb2000@gmail.com

A valid Colorado State Park Pass is required on every vehicle entering the park. A self-service pass dispenser ($10) is available when the Visitor Center or Entrance Station are closed.

We will meet at the west end of the Lime Kiln Parking Lot (near the information board/trailhead) at 12:15pm for a 12:30pm start to hike the lollipop trail route counter-clockwise as a group starting on the Zook Trail (.7mi) and connecting with the Blackmer Loop (3.3mi) before returning via the Zook trail (.7mi).

Planning on 2-hours which will get us back in time to attend the PPG Picnic for those that RSVP'd and plan to attend.
- Pace driven by the group - we are not in a hurry - no rabbits please
- Time for photos and to read the many information signs
- We will practice Leave No Trace principles - especially being courteous to other hikers as we will be a larger group
- No Pets. Prohibited by CMSP regulations on these trails.
- Restrooms at trailhead
- Sun protection and water a must - if the sun is out it will be a hot hike
- Leader's Trail Map: https://caltopo.com/m/U4A3HT0
- PPG 107th Anniversary Picnic Info https://www.cmc.org/community/front-range-groups/pikes-peak/upcoming-pikes-peak-group-events-trips-and-courses/pikes-peak-group-picnic-and-celebration-of-106-years-2026-05-03

Area information
CMSP website: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/cheyenne-mountain-state-park
COTREX Route Info: https://trails.colorado.gov/map/@38.732082,-104.827890,15.00z
AllTrails Route Info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/blackmer-loop-via-zook-loop
CMSP brochure at https://cpw.state.co.us/sites/default/files/dam/5kdmua7w7p/cheyenne-mountain-state-park-brochure.pdf

Cheyenne Mountain State Park
410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80926

Meet at the west end of the Lime Kiln Parking lot (near bathroom and information boards) at 12:15pm for a quick trailhead brief and a 12:30pm start.

Google Map to Lime Kiln Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2kJaA61fVZHEAJqy8

Location: I-25 exit #135, South Academy, head west on South Academy past Pikes Peak Community College, continue west to Highway 115, turn left (south) on Highway 115. Turn right at the first stop light, JL Ranch Heights Road (also the light for Fort Carson Gate 1), the park entrance is to the west. Go west and follow the road into the park. Look for state highway signs directing you to Cheyenne Mountain State Park.