No Almost!

Last year, Nick and I rode up to the Red Gate on Almagre, with the plan of hitting both the Radio Towers and the Almagre summit. We made it to the Radio Towers, but bailed on Almagre because of the weather moving in. So we descended Smokey City, riding out of the clouds and thunder. I figured that we would make back up there as part of the training for Vapor Trail 125. Then Vapor was cancelled and I refocused on running long distances instead of riding. But missing the summit of Almagre always came back to me whenever I looked west. The second highest mountain in the Colorado Springs Front Range and I hadn’t gotten there yet. It remained unfinished business that gnawed at me.

That all changed yesterday. Almost exactly a year to the day from the ride up, I caved to peer pressure and decided to join a group of friends who were running to the summit. The route would be a little different then the ride - taking 7 Bridges and Pipeline up instead of the road. The goal was the same though. I knew the pace would be a little slower then my normal pace, but that didn’t matter. Time on feet, time with friends and new views were a higher priority. A staycation kind of adventure!
(Warning - lots of photos!

Some of us are more excited then other to be finally heading out! 

 After the group photo at the Buckhorn lot, we split up into different groups. My group set a comfortable tempo up the single track, just marching up the hill. It was amazingly quiet on the trails with our early start - just us and the raging creek the trail follows to Frosty’s Park. I haven’t seen the creek that full in years! It was so cool and green on the trail, which kept our minds off the steady climb. We saw one other hiker once we got off 7 Bridges and then two mountain bikers near the top of Pipeline. Even the recreational shooters weren’t yet awake! We waited for a little at Frosty’s then kept marching. Definitely social pace, which gave me plenty of time to look around.

Crossing the creek on Pipeline. Haven't had to use the bridge in a while!
Photo - Katie B

Once we got to the Red Gate, we decided that we would actually do both summits. Seemed like a great idea at the time! We’d see the views from all angles and that would allow some of the other groups a chance to catch up so we could get a great photo at the Almagre summit. Worked on both accounts! We could see some of the other runners crossing the dam just as we reached the shelter on the way back down. Unlike last year, there was still snow up high and water in what was left of the reservoir and the creek was flowing strong through the remains of the dam. Crossing the dam was a little sketchy in places, but hey - it’s an adventure, right?

Staring across the saddle to the true summit. This time it would not elude me.
Photo - Katie B

Alpine flowers - so many up there this year!

Pikes Peak and the north summit of Almagre

Part of the group crossing the dam to reach the north summit trail

As we climbed up to the true summit of Almagre, I was happy that Nick and I had made the smart choice last year. It took us about half an hour to hike up from Stratton Reservoir to the summit - and that was without bikes. It’s definitely easier to power hike when not pushing a bike! The view from the top was amazing - Pikes Peak to the North, the continental divide to west, with Sawatch and Sangre’s still covered in snow. And no thunderstorms to be seen! We hung out at the summit for a while, then decided to head back down.

More alpine flowers!

A brief glimpse of the Sangres between the two summits

The march towards the top!
Photo - Katie B

Most of the group at the summit. We did not find the tube with the trail register

Unlike with the climb up, there were multiple options for going down. Return the way we’d come. Take a trail shortcut to knock off a few miles or road. Or take the adventure trail route! Since I was leading my little group of four, I of course opted for the adventure trail route. Shorter then the road - yes. Faster? Heck no! Not on foot anyways... Those two miles coming down Smokey City were the slowest of the bunch - including all the climbing miles to get to the summits of Almagre! I only lost the trail once though... Just steep scree surfing which is actually easier to do on wheels. Once we got to Foresters Trail, we refilled water for the rest of the run. Yay for raging creeks! Last year, it was dicy being able to refill after we dropped down from Almagre. Then the mostly runnable drop down the new 667 back to 7 bridges. I was going a little horse to the barn on that section, forgetting how long of a day it had been for all of us. I’m training for some really long stuff, so the six hours on feet wasn’t feeling bad at all. No so for some of my companions. Time to chill out and just be smart whilst dealing with the Tourons coming down 7 Bridges.

We'd only just started the descent and were already well below the dam
Photo - Katie B

Yep! Still on the trail!
Photo - Carrie R

While the day was much longer then I’d originally planned, it was worth it for the experience. Having some other runners with me on some of those lonely roads was definitely nice. I wouldn’t have a problem running up there alone, but there’s something about company that puts you at ease. And when the company is a bunch of likeminded crazies who think nothing of taking what looks like a goat trail? Even better. Almagre might make a return appearance come August - when i need a few more miles and some solid climbing in prep for Sangre de Cristo 100. But for today, it was a great last long run before Last Call 50.