Hiking – Lone Pine Peak via South Blodgett Open Space Trailhead

The hike starts at the South Blodgett Loop Trailhead from the South Blodgett Open Space Parking lot. From the trailhead the hike follows several trails in the South Blodgett Open space with joining Douglas Fir Trail that follows a steady ascent with eventually leaving the open space and entering Pike National Forest until reaching the ridge. A large portion of Douglas Fir Trail particularly in the forested area of the open space is very steep with lose scree. Once leaving the forest and entering remnants of the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire, the trail continues to climb up to the ridge but is less steep. After reaching the ridge, the hike follows a faint social trail for a short distance until reaching the rocky base of Lone Pine Peak. From the base of the peak, the summit is reached with a short section of class two scrambling on large stable rocks with 1 to 2 steps of class 3 scrambling across two rocks with use of a solid hand hold. Once reaching the summit of Lone Pine Peak, the plan is to eat lunch and enjoy the views especially of Pikes, Blodget, and Ormes Peaks.

If there is interest from the group, after descending Lone Pine and reaching the main trail on the ridge, the hike can be continued to the summit of Ormes Peak. The hike to Ormes follows a well-established rocky social trail that ultimately descends to FSR 302, follows the road a short distance, and then ascends up to the mostly flat summit of the peak. The plan is to explore the beautiful views from the east and west side of the summit while sitting to enjoy a snack and water break. After descending the summit, the hike will ascend back up to the ridge before descending down to the trailhead.

After reaching the trailhead, those who are interested, can go to a local restaurant for an after-hike celebratory libation and meal.

This hike is directed at experienced hikers who have completed peak summits with some scrambing within the last 1-2 months and those individuals comfortable hiking as a group with keeping the leader in close eyesight range.

This is a "leader permission required" hike for those of you that I have not had the pleasure of completing summit hikes with within the last 2 months.  For permission to register, please text me at (702) 480-5704 to share what peaks you have completed including the distance, gain, and if summitting required some scrambling.  If I have never hiked with you, I also would like to know what medical conditions you might have (diabetes, heart condition, asthma/COPD/emphysema, orthopedic condition, and/or medication you take) that may affect your ability to hike. The hike will be limited to a small number of participants with registration preference given to El Pueblo and Pikes Peak Group members.

Pueblo participants will meet at the Southeast corner of Albertson's Parking lot at 1601 Hwy 50, Pueblo, 81008 for a 7am departure. We will meet all participants at the South Blodgett Open Space Parking Lot in Colorado Springs, 80919 at 8am with a hike departure of 8:15am. Per CMC policy, the hike starts and ends at the trailhead.