I found the Pancake Rocks trail in a local guidebook shortly after I moved to Colorado, and it’s still one of my favorite hikes — one I typically hit at least twice per summer. Like Section 16, the beginning section is a steep (brutal, at times) ascent, and I find myself early on wondering, “why do I like this one, again?” Once I hit the top of the switchbacks, that’s no longer a question. The views are stunning, and the relatively flat walk through aspen-lined meadows is idyllic.

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Maya and Dominic play at the top lookout among the rocks. Joy and I were in the background, constantly herding the kidlets away from any sharp dropoffs. A relaxing stop, this was NOT.

View from the top, looking toward Cripple Creek.

Maya, two-fisting her snacks.

Whew, what a workout! We celebrated with a late lunch at The Loop in Manitou Springs afterward, and plan to repeat this one during September, during the Fall color explosion.

(Note to self: when hiking at 11000 feet, it’s pretty fool-hardy to forget the sunscreen — even if the trail is mostly shady. Can you say, “farmer tan”?)