St. Peter’s Dome Trail Offers Quick and Unique Adventure

High above Colorado Springs off of Old Stage Road, there’s a place called St. Peter’s Dome – a rock outcropping amidst foothills of green. While the trail offers awesome views of the surrounding forest and of the city below, it’s known for something else – an old rope.

This hike is short – a 1.2 mile out-and-back trail. It’s not too strenuous, climbing just more than 300 feet in elevation gain. Overall, this seems like a beginner trail…but, then there’s the rope.

At the base of St. Peter’s Dome, the trail dead ends at a rock face. The only way to go is up, which is done by using a blue cord to pull yourself over the sheer face of rock. It’s no more than 15-feet high, but as you’re gripping the rope that’s been dangling there over time, storms, and seasons, you can’t help but think about the consequences of falling. If the rope were to give out, you could die.

Once you’ve made it over the roped section, you’ll be hiking up a rock face until you’re surrounded by cliffs. The panoramic view is one that could be enjoyed for hours. I recommend bringing binoculars.

But don’t lose the sun, as the trip back down will have you using the rope again. You’ll have to carefully lower yourself over the ledge while maintaining a strong grip. From there, it’s an easy walk back to the car.

*Note: The white frayed rope that was once there has been replaced with a flat blue cord (as seen in images). This makes the hike seem a little safer, but you’ll still need to be confident enough in your grip strength to make the climb. Be aware of the weather in the area and avoid this hike while it’s wet or icy.