Past the suburbs of Rockrimmon and even Peregrine, where Colorado Spring's north end U-Turns back on itself, find Blodgett Peak Open Space. Shooting Douglas firs and Ponderosa pines envelop the inclines of Blodgett Peak creating a striking wilderness. The peak itself towers at an altitude of 9,423 ft., and its embracing forests welcome much of Colorado's animal kingdom, including the graceful Peregrine falcon, which not long ago was listed as endangered.
Blodgett Peak extends a relaxing atmosphere where one can enjoy authentically Colorado's joie de vivre. Among the reaching branches, one can find the nature-induced spirituality to which Walt Whitman might refer. Scrambling the park's mostly maintained trails, one will definitely attain the desired heart rate for fitness goals. And, for the romantics out there, take the time to turn around—this is one of the best lookout spots in the Springs, even just from the base parking lot. Come dusk, the city offers a glittering panorama, while the sky competes with its starry constellations. This lookout point is unique because it is just far enough away from city lights where the eyes can begin to make out the smoky furls of the Milky Way.
But if you're seeking more than a romantic evening, turn back around and start hiking. From the base parking lot, several trails spill forth to ascend the steep mountain. The hike, which covers about 2 – 2 ½ miles, scales approximately 2,400 ft. to reach the peak's summit. It's challenging, but very do-able. From the rocky crags at the top, one can look forward to an even more spectacular view that
incorporates the purple hues of Pikes Peak, the thick forests of the Air Force Academy, the expansive eastern plains and the rolling slopes that tug at the Front Range.
The trails are even surmountable in the winter snows. But beware the summer thunder storms, which, fortunately for one's hiking schedule, are predictable as clockwork: every day around 2 p.m. There is perhaps nothing as hair-raising as the sound of internal thunder… My suggestion: the 2 – 2 ½ hour hike will be most enjoyable in the morning hours before it get too hot or too thunderous.
For more information on the mountain, contact the Forest Service at (719) 636-1602.
Where: about a mile before West Woodmen Rd. turns into Centennial Blvd, find the base parking lot on the west side of Woodmen Rd. This area is behind Mount St. Francis Convent and through the Peregrine neighborhood.
