Almagre Mountain South via FSR 379

A high-clearance vehicle is necessary to access the Portal 9 (Frosty Park) trailhead, or park at the intersection of Gold Camp Rd. and FSR 379, then hike approx. 1.6 mi. down FSR 379 to the trailhead. FSR 379 and FSR 379A is open to motorized vehicles, so foot traffic needs to be alert. With that said, most users are hiker friendly and slow as to not spit rocks from tires and even offer waves, smiles and at times window chats. From the trailhead, FSR 379 gradually ascends for about 0.6 miles to a clearing that overlooks Jones Park. From the overlook, the trail takes a hard left and starts to meander and gain more elevation along the edge of timbers. Deer Park, noted by its wetlands, is about 1.3 miles down the road after it starts to swing around to the north. Soon after passing Deer Park, is another clearing that comprises the intersection of FSR 379A. Take a sharp right to access the trailhead of FSR 379A. At this point, FSR 379A continues along the timbered ridgeline for about 1.5 miles before it begins a steep ascent. FSR 379A has some blind curves for motorized vehicles, so hikers should be vigilant. Continue the ascent for another .25 miles to the locked gate. Motorized vehicles are not allowed past the locked gate due to the fragile ecosystem. Go around the locked gate, and follow the trail as it curves to the left. From here, it is another mile to the summit with an elevation gain of about 700 ft. Listen for the marmots whistling, as they are warning others of your presence. The Almagre Mountain South summit is nothing spectacular, as it is a platform for communication towers; but the views are quite something, offering miles of sights of the Sawatch Mountain Range. Additionally, at this elevation, Pikes Peak looks a bit less assuming, but still wondrous.

In 1779, Governor Don Juan Bautista de Anza of New Mexico first mapped "La Sierra Del Almagre." The name Almagre (AL-MA-GREY), a Spanish name, means red earth and is descriptive of the pink-colored rocks of these mountains. Almagre Mountain is the second highest mountain in the Colorado Springs skyline and sits just south of Pikes Peak and reaches above the timberline.Currently, Almagre Mountain South summit houses communication towers.