4 Miles, Out/Back 10300-11500 Elevation

The pointy peak of Mount Rosa is a prominent landmark south of Pikes Peak. The little known trail to its tiny point takes you to an impressive panorama of the Front Range where the slope drops away sharply on all sides.

The big meadow of Frosty Park is a popular gathering area on the Mount Baldy Road. On most summer weekends it will be home to a half dozen campers and day trippers who bring along bikes or motorcycles for a day on the network of trails that cross the area.

Park anywhere and hike east on the dirt road that heads into the trees. After 200 yards the road bends left, but we turn right. Follow the ravine a hundred yards and turn left on the trail that crosses the ravine.

This trail winds its way up the hillside for nearly a mile through a mossy green forest before coming out on the bare ridge on Mount Rosa's north slope. The narrow path of loose rocks isn't too bad for a hike, but impossible on a bike.

The ridge is half way up Mount Rosa and is a scenic destination in its self. Once on top, the trail turns south at a "Y" that has been marked out in stones. Head up the hill and into the trees.

The trail now runs straight up the north face with only a few gentle bends, ducking in and out of the trees before turning rocky near the top. In this thin air the moderate climb turns into a pretty good workout.

Mount Rosa is one of the few peaks that actually comes to a point. The tiny summit drops away in all directions, offering a panoramic view without even getting out of your seat. It's easy to spend an hour up here, studying the hills below. This vantage even looks down on the antennas on Cheyenne Mountain.

Mount Rosa can be reached by going west 14 miles from Colorado Springs on Old Stage Road (near the Zoo). Turn north on the Mount Baldy Road, directly across from the Rosemont Reservoir parking, labeled only as Forest Road 379 but pretty obvious. Drive 1.5 miles up the four wheel drive road and park in the big meadow.