OverviewSt. Peters Dome is a striking foothill in the Pikes Peak Region that is not well know today but was a very popular side trip back in the Pikes Peak or Bust gold rush days for folks traveling back and forth between Colorado Springs and the Cripple Creek area via Gold Camp Road. You can still see the remnants of the stairway that was used by travelers to access the lookout point.
St. Peter's Dome is a fairly short hike ending in a fun scramble (since the stairway is in ruins) from Gold Camp Road with unique views of Cheyenne Mountain, South Cheyenne Canyon, Cook Stove Mountain, Mt. Rosa, and the rarely visited Rosa Cascade tumbling down the east slopes of Mt. Rosa.
Getting ThereTravel south on Nevada Avenue (SH 115) from I-25 on the south side of Colorado Springs. Turn right (west) on Lake Avenue. Continue straight west on Lake Avenue towards the famous Broadmoor Hotel.
At the second roundabout head south (left) on Old Broadmoor Road. Continue on this road as it changes to Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard through the Broadmoor Golf Course. Just past the golf course you will come to the intersection where Penrose Boulevard heads right, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road heads left and Old Stage Road heads straight.
Proceed straight on Old Stage Road approximately 6.8 miles past this intersection to the intersection with Gold Camp Road on the right. Continue approximately 0.9 miles on Gold Camp Road to the Colorado Springs lookout point which will be quite obvious. The trail heads off to the left from the parking area.
Misc. PhotosRed TapeThe entire area is located within Pike National Forest. Road conditions on Old Stage Road and/or Gold Camp Road will limit access during snow season.
When To ClimbThe route can be climbed anytime the trailhead is accessible, however the upper section of the trail and the final summit scramble could be rather dangerous under the wrong conditions due to steepness and occasional exposure.
CampingThe area is entirely in Pike National Forest but there is not really any suitable camping areas along the trail or at the trailhead. Camping opportunities are available occasionally along Gold Camp Road. After summiting St. Peter's Dome, you could head further west on Gold Camp Road and take a right on Frosty's Park Road (FR 379) and camp in Frosty's Park. The next day a Summit of Mt. Rosa would be possible from here.
Mountain ConditionsCheck Colorado Springs weather at: Colorado Springs weather
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