Mount Kineo

I will admit that since the trail re-routing in Bear Creek Canyon, I've had to run the new trails several times to help adjust my mental map of our local mountains.

This weekend's long run task was also a Mount Kineo summit. I knew the shortest and most direct way was Seven Bridges, so I didn't go that way.

Instead I fabricated a pretty nice figure 8 loop by running up High Drive from Bear Creek Canyon to the saddle, then up Mount Buckhorn/667, continuing on 667 until the junction with 622A, upon which I turned up the Mount Kineo summit trail , returning by scrambling down the east face of Kineo (I am not a huge fan of scrambling but somehow I always end up doing it) until 667, then connecting the new 776 trail to where it joins 666 or the old Bear Creek Canyon trail. This gave me an 11.5 mile kinda-figure 8 loop.

Here is the view of Sentinel (left) and Specimen  (right) Rocks from High Drive near the start of my run.

Wildflowers! 

The view down into North Cheyenne Cañon from 667/ Buckhorn trail. 

Here is a summit photo from Mount Buckhorn, with St. Peter's Dome being in the distance in the very center, and Cookstove Mountain being the interesting summit in the midground of the right side. Of course, the long horizontal line along the valley is Gold Camp road  (closed to vehicles section). Basically the hiking/biking down below.

I love this rock outcropping along 667.

The trail to Mount Kineo was so easy to find. Basically, as I came from 667 to the junction with 622A, I turned around (facing east) and found a clear offshoot that was the Kineo summit trail.

The summit area of Mount Kineo has large flat areas with fantastic views.

Pikes Peak in the background.

There are several fire rings and campsites within the summit area. The open and flat nature of the summit is ideal for a local overnight backcountry trip. 

I intend to return to Kineo soon, a summit I thoroughly enjoyed. I underestimated it for far too long because it tops out not much more than 9k.

Here are a few more photos of Colorado's flora.

Next weekend is the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent!! I am not racing, but I have many running friends who are. I wish you all so much the best. Crush your goals!

I will be in Rocky Mountain National park next weekend. I'll likely do Estes Cone for my long run, unless something changes.

I look forward to hearing all about the races this year!