Summary
Jagged Mount Vigil, looming above the Emerald Valley, is one of the most stately granite sentinels in the Pikes Peak massif, and one of the least appreciated. Rock climbing gear is recommended for reaching the summit block, but those who prefer to keep both feet on the ground will find a hike to the spire's shoulder, with its tumbling brook and exhaustive views, is just as rewarding.

Location
Pike National Forest

Hike
Start this hike by walking down the hill on the road. In less than a quarter of a mile, turn right on a trail with a bit of 10-inch metal pipe exposed in the tread. This is the Pipeline Trail. If you reach Emerald Valley Ranch, you have gone too far. The pipeline was built at least 70 years ago to deliver water from Rosemont Reservoir to The Broadmoor. The trail follows it along the base of a rocky ridge that towers 2,000 feet above. Follow the pipeline for just less than a half-mile. Just after it crosses a branch of Little Fountain Creek at a signed junction, turn right and start climbing. The trail follows the creek as it tumbles over rocky wildflower terraces and squeezes between boulders. Some historians think this un-named draw was the route a very cold Zebulon Pike used in 1806 to leave the mountains after realizing he and his men were unable to climb Pikes Peak. After a half-mile of climbing, the trail enters Bear Trap Ranch, a privately run retreat on national forest land. Walk through the camp to a large two-story log building on the left with wood tie stairs leading up to it. The trail continues up the stairs, to the right of the building. It quickly leaves the creek and the ranch and starts to climb up a ridge. Keep an eye out for signs directing hikers left to Mount Vigil or right to San Luis Peak. As the trail nears the top of the ridge, it gets steeper. Suddenly, it levels out at a saddle, giving hikers an expansive view of aspen-shrouded Emerald Valley to the south, and flat-topped Black Mountain beyond. Mount Vigil's imposing granite cap is just to the east. From the ridge, go left up a short boulder field to a broad ledge on the north shoulder of the granite cap. Beyond this point, ropes and safety gear are recommended. The first 10-foot wall above the ledge is the crux. It is reported to be 5.6, but seems much easier. Start by stepping out on a ledge on the airy east face. Look for the first (and only) bolt just over the top of the block, reachable without any climbing. Past the bolt, the rock levels out into an easy scramble, but hundreds of feet of exposure may convince beginning climbers that additional protection is a good idea. Go left around a corner and up a shrubby crevice to a rappelling anchor. Just right of the anchor is the last exposed move before the top. It has no bolts, but is easy to protect. On the return, use the rappelling anchor. A standard 50-meter rope will reach. Out There's trail research consultants didn't bring a rope on their first visit to this peak, but debated climbing anyway. "It is prudence that has kept us in the gene pool. But it is risk that has allowed us to survive," one member said. "However, today, I think prudence should prevail." The consultants opted to stop and have lunch at the ledge, particularly because two tail-wagging members of the group had no opposable thumbs. A few days later, a group returned with a rope. They were glad they did. This is a favored and perhaps the best introduction to technical mountaineering in the region.

To get there
From behind The Broadmoor on the way to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, drive 6.6 miles on Old Stage Road. Turn left on Forest Road 371 at the sign for Emerald Valley Ranch. Continue another half-mile to a pass where the road drops into Emerald Valley. Drive a quarter of a mile and look for an unmarked pull-off on the right. Park there. The trail begins a few hundred yards down the road.

Trip Log
3 to 5 boots. 3.5 miles round-trip. 1,500-foot elevation gain. Technical.

Details
Bear Trap Ranch asks that hikers check in at its office, just above the lodge, before they hike up. This trail is not suitable for horses or bikes. Information: Pike National Forest, 636-1602; Bear Trap Ranch, 632-0740.
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