Mount Muscoco Trail

Route Description for Mount Muscoco Trail

The Mount Muscoco Trail is a memorable adventure. Conveniently located near Colorado Springs in the North Cheyenne Cañon Park, this scenic excursion attracts plenty of eager explorers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Reconnect with nature as you wander through the foothills and enjoy the stunning vistas. A family-friendly adventure, this hike attracts dozens of outdoor enthusiasts on the weekend, so expect to share the trail with other keen venturers. If you seek a more sequestered experience, consider a weekday hike, or even better, an off-season trek. If you do head out in the winter months, be sure to strap on a pair of microspikes or snowshoes!

Boasting awe-inspiring views of Colorado’s diverse topographies, the Mount Muscoco Hike is a lovely summit adventure. Climbing over 390 m of elevation, this trek is no walk in the park– but it is manageable for most. Get a workout in as you ascend the orange-hued dirt path up to the summit of the foothill. Versatile and quick, this climb attracts families, novice hikers, after-work adventurers, and visitors acclimating to the area’s altitude. Hiking through mixed pine forests up to the summit, you will be at a loss for words from the exposed peak. Revel in the panoramic vista of the plains, the canyon, the city of Colorado Springs, and the Front Range. We love this short but steep challenge, and we know you will too.

Embark on your adventure along the Mount Muscoco Hike from the Mount Cutler Trailhead. From here, hikers will be guided along the Mount Cutler Trail east into the woodlands. Immediately after departing the trailhead, the path will begin to climb, so hopefully, you are ready for a leg-burner! Enjoy the shade of the sweet-smelling pines as you travel further into the wilderness. Curving southeast, you will eventually reach an intersection. Here, veer right, and you will be diverted onto the Mount Muscoco Trail. The Mount Muscoco Trail will guide adventurers west. As you begin to near the summit, the terrain will transform. Increasingly exposed and rocky, you will have to mind your footing as you navigate the impressive outcroppings that litter the route.

Eventually, you will be diverted south, up the northern slope of Mount Muscoco. Summiting the peak, you will be dumbfounded by the expansive views. Compared to most hikes in the Front Range, this small mountain reveals 360-degree panoramas of the interesting and scenic landscapes with little elevation gain. In the west, admire the grandeur of the mountainous Front Range topography. In the northwest, you will be granted sights of the verdant canyon below and in the southeast, views of Colorado Springs and the plains that stretch for as far as the eye can see. Encompassed by breathtaking scenery, this is a great spot to enjoy lunch. After appreciating the views, begin your descent. Finally, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Mount Muscoco Trail?

The Mount Muscoco Trail is a 6.4 km out-and-back hike.

How tall is Mount Muscoco?

Mount Muscoco sits at an elevation of 2,444 m.

Insider Hints for Mount Muscoco Trail

• There is a small dirt parking lot at the trailhead, but it fills up fast, so we advise arriving early
• If you head out in the fall or winter months, then consider wearing a pair of microspikes to easily navigate the likely icy terrain
• Pack a picnic and have lunch atop the peak, admiring the awe-inspiring views
• Don’t forget to charge your camera, the wonderful scenery warrants countless photo opportunities
• Check out the Helen Hunt Falls after your hike