Heizer Trail

Heizer trail (3 miles one way) is an old but not very well known trail. It climbs relentlessly from the town of Cascade up to Cascade Mountain. After passing the trail head sign start your ascent through first series of wide switchbacks. As you gain elevation views of westbound US-24 and North Pole amusement park open up bellow. As you reach the top of the ridge, the view opens up in the east as well, where the wood cover is much less dense. The trail continues climbing until you reach a great rocky overlook point. Enjoy the views of Pikes Peak Highway from above. Continue another half-a-mile until you reach the top of Cascade Mountain. Make sure you leave the trail to climb up huge boulders for exceptional views of Pikes Peak. The trail goes on, descending gently, until you reach the sign pointing to trail #703. Official trail ends here, you can follow pink/orange ribbons on trees and steeply descend down until you reach trail #703 which connects to Barr Trail and other trails in area. This is watershed area with Manitou Reservoir nearby so please stay on trail.

Directions: Take US-24 west past Manitou Springs to town of Cascade. Turn left at the light following directions to Pikes Peak Highway but right after crossing the highway turn left again on Emporia Ave. Turn left again on Park St and then to Amenome Hill Rd. You can park by the "Snow Plow Turn Around" sign on the left. From there walk up to the trail head up the hill.