 The difficulty rating system: scale of one to four boots. One is easiest with little elevation gain, and it is at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length or altitude.
Buckhorn Trail Loop
Area: South Colorado Springs Miles: 4 Elevation gain: 700 Dogs: yes
Summary
Buckhorn Trail climbs a ridge on the sunny side of Cheyenne Canon, where snow quickly melts away. It's a favorite local bike and trail run, and in winter, is one of a few Cheyenne Canon hikes that don't require snow shoes.
Location
Cheyenne Canyon
Hike
Winter is the best time to explore the Buckhorn Trail on foot. In the summer it's a popular thoroughfare for mountain bikers and finishes on a dirt road open to motor traffic. But when snow is falling, most bikers stay home and the road, the High Drive connecting Cheyenne and Bear Creek canyons, has a big padlock on its entrance. But the best reason to take this stroll is to see how snow melts in our mountains and leaves its mark on the hillsides long after winter is gone. Start the hike by heading up Gold Camp Road past a hefty metal gate on the west side of the parking lot. Follow this old railroad grade-turned-toll road-turned dog-walking area for a half-mile until a distinct path climbs off to the right. If the road makes a hairpin turn back to the east, you've gone too far. Now begin the long, steady climb all the way to the top of Mount Buckhorn. The trail is clear except for one junction 100 yards up from the road that leads down and left. Keep right and head up, up, up to the ridge. When you're ready to stop and catch your breath, look around at the ground of this mountainside. For most of the winter, the snow is patchy or nonexistent because sun bakes the south-facing slope. Now look out across the canyon at the north-facing slopes. Snow blankets them all winter, sometimes not melting until May or June. The trees on the far side are the straight, narrow spruces and firs that need a lot of moisture. The trees flanking the trail by your feet are scraggly ponderosa pines that thrive in dry weather. On sunny slopes, much of the melting snow evaporates or runs off, leaving sparse, dry vegetation. On the shaded north-facing slopes, more water seeps down into the roots. The forests grow lush and shady. As the trail continues higher, look for examples of the difference in small turns in the hillside. When the trail reaches the top of Buckhorn Ridge, it forms a T. Turn right and amble another quarter-mile along the ridge to a craggy point that commands a sprawling view of Cheyenne Canon and its less-visited neighboring valleys. You have reached the halfway point. The trail leads down to the top of the High Drive. From there, summer mountain bikers cross the road to Captain Jack's Trail. Winter hikers should turn right and saunter down the empty road to complete the loop.
To get there
From Colorado Springs, take U.S. Highway 24 west to 21st Street. Go south on 21st until you reach Cheyenne Boulevard. Turn west on Cheyenne Boulevard and follow it about a half-mile to the mouth of Cheyenne Canon. Drive up to the top of the canyon, past the Helen Hunt Falls parking area, to a large dirt parking lot at the beginning of the High Drive.
Trip Log
Two boots. 4 miles. 700-feet elevation gain.
Details
The trail has regular foot traffic. If you take a dog, put it on a leash and stay on the trail. Info: Pike National Forest, 636-1602. 
View Trail Map
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