Horsethief Park Trail (#704.C)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Make sure to bring ample hydration and calories. There are no restrooms or facilities anywhere along this route.

Trekking poles and traction would be good things to carry with you on this route regardless of season. Snowshoes are likely required in winter. Runners may also wish to bring gloves for rock scrambling sections as the Pikes Peak granite here is very sharp.

This trail begins shortly after you pass a mountain lake at a Y split as you are following Horsethief Park Trail (#704). Staying to the right at this split will put you on Horsethief Park Trail (#704C). Note: Runners will quickly lose a defined trail shortly after beginning this section, however, this route is well marked with cairns all the way to the summit.

Horsethief Park Trail (#704C) runs approximately parallel to the Oil Creek tributary all the way to a large boulder field just below tree line. Runners will find numerous cairned routes through the boulder field. This runner initially attempted a route to the right side, which appeared more direct, however, ultimately had to move more to the left side of the boulder field to find a less steep route.

Following one of the routes which leads more to the left and appears to skirt the boulder field toward the bottom initially would likely have been faster given the benefit of hindsight. Once you reach the top of the boulder field, a short distance through a few more trees will bring you to tree line.

From here, a short but steep climb up a ridge of alpine tundra will bring the summit of Sentinel Point into view. Note: class 3 rock scrambling is required to attain the summit.

Typical flora and fauna found in alpine forest and alpine tundra environments.