Chief Mountain

To the west rises the Continental Divide. Mount Evans looms to the southwest, gentle and comforting, like a big, white-shouldered grandpa. Southward, beyond the green summits of the lesser mountains, the distinctive cone of Pike’s Peak is etched against the sky; to the north are the silvery flanks of Longs Peak. And to the east, the high plains stretch away, looking remarkably like a vast sea of green and gold. Marginal poetry, no doubt, but this hike is truly inspirational. On a cloudless day, the views from the summit of 11,709-foot Chief Mountain rival those from atop of any of Colorado’s famed 14,000-foot peaks. The trail is a steady climb, but because it is fairly short, it qualifies as easy. Take your time, and recognize that the thinning air will slow your progress. Bring plenty of water. Pack extra clothing as well, as it can be blustery on the summit.