The best views are usually big sweeping panoramas, like
the kind you'll see from mountain tops, and the higher
the better. These are some of the highest and most
accessable peaks in the area.
Pikes Peak Highway
For a really big panoramic view it's hard to beat Pikes
Peak. At 14,110 feet it provides an unobstructed view
in every directions, looking down on virtually everything
within 100 miles. It's airplane-like view is almost too
high, offering lots to see but very little detail. It's
also easy to get here - drive the 20 mile road, ride the
10 mile train or hike the 12 mile trail, they all go to
the top.
Mount Baldy Road
Just south of Pikes Peak is Almagre Mountain, topping out
at just over 12,000 feet, and often refered to as Mount Baldy.
Near the midpoint of Gold Camp Road is a ten mile jeep road
that goes to the microwave tower at the top. Though the
last half mile is closed, you're free to explore the top
on foot or bike, where you'll find great views of the
plains and the southern Pikes Peak foothills.
Mount Big Chief
At the start of the Mount Baldy Road is the trail that
takes you to the top of Mount Big Chief. This 11,200
foot peak offers spectacular views of the entire range
south of Pikes Peak.
Mount Herman
The big peak just west of Monument is Mount Herman. The
short trail to its summit is a little rough but the views
are great. To the east, it overlooks the whole Palmer
Divide region and to the west is the unbroken expanse of
the huge Pike National Forest.
Devils Head Trail
Thirty miles north of Woodland Park is the jagged peak of
Devils Head. This giant dome of a peak, towers over the
forest like a Christmas Ham in the middle of the table.
The exhausting trail ends in a scenic meadow and then you
get to climb a hundred feet of stairs to the fire tower
at the peaks highest point.
