13 Mile Jeep Road, Out/Back 9800-11800 Elevation

Just south of Pikes Peak is smooth topped Almagre Mtn, which is also called Mt Baldy. A six mile jeep road is the access to the reservoir and antennas, and makes scenic ride on a bike. The road is a steep, high altitude lung burner, but panoramic views are worth the effort if you can make it.

From the southwest part of town, follow the Old Stage Road south and into the mountains until it connects with Gold Camp Road. Follow Gold Camp Road six miles west and park in the clearing for Rosemont Reservoir, on the left. The Mt Baldy Road is right across the road. Pull out the bike and ride uphill.

This is a tough ride because of the altitude. The road isn't that steep, but it's the second highest road in the region (after the Pikes Peak Highway) and at this altitude even power riders are out of breath.

The road's first mile is a badly beatup four wheel drive road. It's no big deal for a bike, but if you want to drive part way up, you'll need a 4wd to climb the first mile.

After a mile and a half is a scenic meadow called Frosty Park, which has turned into a provisional picnic ground and link to several trails. Follow the road around to the west, where it goes through several sharp bends as it climbs past several scenic overlooks.

Two miles past Frosty Park is a right hand bend and then the road runs through another scenic meadow called High Park, and then comes to a fork. Going straight is the beat up Seven Steps Road, a hard right turn is the final stretch of Mt Baldy road.

Make the hard right, and then the another bend to the left as the road comes out of the trees and onto the bald slope of Baldy's east side. This last mile and a half has incredible views of the mountains and canyons below, and the thin air makes for a real workout.

The road tops out at 11,800 feet when the ride ends at the gate for Stratton Reservoir. Hikers can continue past and explore the dual peaks of Almagre Mountain and Stratton Reservoir. And then you can enjoy the six mile downhill back to the car.