General Description
The Horns is a nice side-trip from the summit, or a day-hike in its own right. The trail remains on National Forest land until a scenic rock outcropping, after which the map shows it as a "faint trail" which is probably overgrown.
Direct Route (no summit)
Trailhead Elevation: 8,500'
Total Climbing: about 2,300'
Distance: 4.0 miles (one-way)
Summit, to Horns, and back
Total Climbing: about 3,200'
Distance: 9.2 miles
Approach
The Horns can be approached as a separate hike, or an addition to a summit trip. This is a bonus hike and is not a route to the summit of the mountain.
If bypassing the summit, start at the gravel mound as indicated in the "Getting There" section. From the top of the gravel mound, look left and find a singletrack trail. Follow this trail, which is correctly shown on the Pikes Peak Atlas. This trail merges into the MacNeil Trail and is easy to follow. This trail intersects with the Swisher Trail at about 8500'. Whereas the Swisher Trail is a hard right, you will go just past Swisher and continue right on the MacNeil Trail. From here, continue with the Route Description from the intersection of the MacNeil and Swisher Trails.
If approaching The Horns from the summit of Cheyenne Mountain, follow the directions on the "Southwest Ridge" route until you descend the Swisher Trail. From here, continue with the Route Description from the intersection of the MacNeil and Swisher Trails.
Route Description
From the intersection of the MacNeil and Swisher Trails, follow the MacNeil Trail to the east. Very shortly, you will come across an old pumping machine. This apparently was used to pump water up to the old restaurant. From this point on, the water pipe will closely follow the trail. In fact, the pipe can be used as a hint to where the trail goes if it becomes faint.
The trail continues east, and then north, and is mostly a very good trail. Continue to a ridge between the Horns and the antenna farm at 8870'. From this ridge there are some rock outcroppings that afford excellent views. The trail skirts the rock outcropping to the right, but unfortunately from this point on, the trail is in private property.
When ready to return, retrace your steps back to the intersection of the MacNeil and Swisher Trails. Then continue southwest on the MacNeil Trail. When the MacNeil Trail forks, follow the right fork, which will drop you right onto the gravel mound where you started from.
Essential Gear
Bring your maps, compass, GPS, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
Images
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Front Range (CO)
