Eagle Rock Trail Colorado
Eagle Rock Trail is located near Colorado Springs and the drive to the trail head has some of the best views of the surrounding area. The level of difficulty on Eagle Rock is excellent, even some of the bypasses provided a nice challenge, definitely making this trail rank right up there with one of the better trails Patrol 6 has encountered.
We decided to take this trip on an unusual day, a very nice Wednesday in November, making us the only ones on the trail that afternoon. This did not deter us and we would continue to push on through Colorado Springs up past the Broadmoar Hotel. Once we passed the hotel and its surrounding golf course we began to wind up the side of the foothills just north of the famous Cheyenne Mountain. As we began our climb into the foothills we were surprised with the tremendous views of the plains below.
Further up the mountain there were several areas where the jeeps could be pulled over allowing us to take in the scenery.
After a few more miles we reached the trail head where we disconnected and aired down so we could began our run.
The start of the trail was relatively flat, with nothing that would foretell the fun that was ahead.
As we traveled up the trail we came upon the first obstacle. There looked to be three possible lines that would enable us to conquer this section of the trail. Normally we would be eager to give it a try, but because there were only two of us and we were on this trail during the week, we decided to take the bypass. Even the bypass provided some excitement with the steepness of the slope. Little did we know that this would be the same incline we’d encounter throughout most of the trail.
(The picture on the left is the bypass and the main trail is shown on the right.)
Once through this obstacle we continued up the trail only to come to the next challenge just a few yards up. Though not difficult, this obstacle sported a large trench down the middle. Entering this trench meant a strong possibility of rolling the vehicle. As long as it was straddled we found no danger associated with this section of the trail, but it did still provide a little excitement.
As we continued to navigate up the trail the trees began to close in. Even though it became tight, there was no diminishment in the rocks that were scattered throughout the trail.
Further up the trail, there was an interesting spot where a small stream would ran across. It was covered with rocks so the water didn’t factor into the crossing. However, careful tire placement was still crucial.
Following the stream crossing there was a section that proved to be too tough for us to even consider trying. The rocks there were high enough that one would need a good 4 to 6 inch lift and 35” tires to make it over. We both chose to take the bypass and not even attempt that obstacle.
(The two pictures above show the trail as one approaches the obstacle which lies at the top of this hill.)
The trail remained narrow and rocky until we came out to a meadow.
Just past the meadow we came to a fork in the road. Taking the left led out to the main road via a flat dirt trail. Going right provided a slight hill and a few rocks but the end result was the same.
This was a very enjoyable trip that provided the chances to attempt all obstacles with the comfort of bypasses if one felt their nerves or vehicle were not up to the task. With the excitement and challenges found during this trip, we are definitely looking forward to returning next spring or summer to tackle the trail again.