Date: 03/08/2015
Who: Sammy and myself
Length: 1.0 miles
Time: <1 hour Weather: about 45 degrees, partly cloudy This is a short trail off of state hwy 67 near Victor, Colorado. At the top, it offers fair views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the south, the Collegiate peaks to the west, and Cripple Creek north. It is one of several trails in the region around Cripple Creek and Victor known as The Golden Loop.

Photo of map in a Victor brochure:

The Golden Loop Map

We drove up to Victor from the South on Phantom Canyon Road, which is a part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway. Other sections of the byway include Shelf Road and High Park Road. This is the first time I’ve made the drive in Winter. It was muddy in places, but passable. The area is really popular for golden Aspen leaf viewing in the Fall.

Today was just warm enough to take the tops off, and enjoy the views in Phantom Canyon.

Muddy Jeep

Samadhi and I both enjoyed the short hike:

Chris on Little Grouse Mtn

Samadhi on Little Grouse Mtn

This hike followed the BLUE line:

View Colorado Chris Hikes in a larger map

On the way to Phantom Canyon, we stopped at Coyote’s Coffee Den off of hwy 115 in Penrose. This place doesn’t look like too much from the outside, with a dirt parking lot. But, it has good quality food, pastries, and a nice patio with outdoor seating. Recommended!