Start your morning with a hearty breakfast then head to the tiny town of Green Mountain Falls just off Highway 24. The trailhead starts here. This free trail is six miles round-trip (about seven miles when you include the hike from parking to the trailhead) and will take you to South Catamount Reservoir found along the Pikes Peak Highway.
You won’t see many aspen trees toward the beginning of the trail, but once you get to a spot called the Garden of Eden, you’ll be able to see the aspens along the rest of the hike. Depending on the time of year, you’ll also see a wide variety of wildflowers along the way. Make sure to take the dirt road to the South Catamount Reservoir. The aspens are beautiful along the road and once you get to the reservoir, you’ll have a gorgeous view of Pikes Peak.
Pack plenty of water and snacks or lunch in case you get hungry. And don’t forget your camera! The hike could take between 2-5 hours depending on how often you rest and enjoy the scenery. Find more details here.
If you’d like to stay overnight close to this trail, the Outlook Lodge is a rustic cabin within walking distance of the trailhead.
