Una Guía Para Excursionistas Paisaje Natural De Barr Trail Y Pikes Peak

A HIKER’S GUIDE TO THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE OF BARR TRAIL AND PIKES PEAK

Una Guía para Excursionistas Paisaje Natural de Barr Trail y Pikes Peak

By Teresa A. Taylor

A HIKER’S GUIDE TO THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE OF BARR TRAIL AND PIKES PEAK

Una Guía para Excursionistas al Paisaje Natural de Barr Trail y Pikes Peak

Teresa A. Taylor

Thanks to my husband Neal, who supported my return to college, and who knows a walk in the woods with me means lots of stopping, looking, listening, smelling and analyzing, and that something from the outside will always come inside with me - be it a rock or pinecone. Thank you Neal.

My professors at Colorado College have inspired me to look at all landscapes in new and exci ng ways. Thanks to San ago Guerra who helped me with the Spanish transla ons. Thanks to Ma Go ried for his assistance in the GIS lab Special thanks to Tass Kelso for her pa ence as I idenﬁ ed the plants collected on Pikes Peak and for her support of wri ng this guide. Tass, you have been instrumental in my experience at Colorado College. A big thanks to Eric Perramond whose lessons and assignments inspired me to think and write at a whole new level, and whose support and direc on have been a great help.

Thanks to the thousands of hikers who have stopped in at Barr Camp while hiking Barr Trail. They have informed this guide with their ques ons, and proved that engaging with the landscape does create a connec on and a sense of place. Many of these hikers have become stewards of the Pikes Peak landscape, and landscapes everywhere.

Thanks to the Barr Camp community of hikers, board members, and friends who encouraged me and supported my eﬀ orts.

Happy Trails, Teresa A. Taylor Colorado College Colorado Springs, Colorado I have had the good fortune to live at Barr Camp on the shoulders of Pikes Peak for eight years. As a caretaker of a remote yet busy cabin on the main hiking trail to the summit, I have had the opportunity to share the landscape with hikers from around the world. Barr Camp provides shelter, weather and trail informa- on, ﬁ rst aid, and rus c overnight accommoda ons. It also provides a unique opportunity for hikers to pause on the deck and to ask a lot of ques ons about the cultural and natural history, the trail, and the ﬂ ora and fauna. It is with these ques ons in mind that I have wri en this guide. While not all inclusive, I have tried to provide the type of informa on that hikers most commonly request. Ul- mately, my goal is to encourage stewardship of the Pikes Peak landscape. With a be er understanding of the landscape, we can all be be er stewards. Happy hiking!

IntroducƟ on

Pikes Peak is the hallmark of the physical landscape of Colorado Springs. Ris- ing above the plains, it stands as a modern-day beacon to those seeking outdoor adventures as it once did to pre-historic peoples in search of food, and to the gold-seekers of the 1859 “Pikes Peak or Bust” gold rush. It invites new residents in search of a quality of life that includes natural beauty and easy access to the outdoors. It beckons tourists from near and far to its summit, and hikers to its trails. Pikes Peak is an icon that announces ones’ arrival to the Rocky Mountain West, and the Red Rocks and pinion-juniper forests of its southern ﬂ anks lead one to the American Southwest. The breathtaking views from the summit inspired Katherine Lee Bates’ poem “America the Beau ful” which has given rise to the branding of Pikes Peak as “America’s Mountain.” The city of Colorado Springs, the county of El Paso and many businesses and organiza ons use its likeness in their logos and literature. Pikes Peak is a symbol, rich in natural and cultural histories; it is a na onal treasure. For residents and visitors alike, Pikes Peak inspires a sense of place with its rich natural and cultural history.

Pikes Peak may well be the most popular of Colorado’s fi y-four Fourteen- ers—mountains that rise over 14,000 feet above sea level. A cog railway, a toll- road, and hiking trails to the summit make Pikes Peak one of the most accessible mountain summits in the world. Barr Trail is the most popular route for hikers. While the hike to the summit is long (approximately 12.9 miles) and the eleva on gain is signifi cant (7,410 feet) Barr Trail is rated class one, meaning it is a good trail with li le exposure to steep slopes, no technical sec ons and no need to use your hands to hoist yourself up the rocks. Barr Camp at the halfway point and the Summit House at the top provide a sense of security not found on other Fourteeners. The diffi culty of the hike arises from the distance and eleva on gain, and the thinner air. At 14,000 feet, there is 43% less available oxygen than at sea level. HIkers no ce a shortness of breath with gain in al tude, and a slow- ing of pace. This is normal. It is helpful to stand up straight while hiking, and to be conscious of breathing. It is common to bend forward when climbing up- hill, which causes a reduc on in lung capacity. Occasional pauses to stand erect 1 while exhaling deeply and then inhaling slowly and with purpose help with the shortness of breath. These pauses are more helpful than prolonged stops, and they off er an opportunity to take a look at the mountainside and the new and diff erent landscape while considering your breathing.

The temperature decreases with eleva on gain at a rate close to 5.4°F per 1,000 , which means the summit is o en forty degrees colder than the trail head. Snow is possible at the summit any me of the year. Summer thunderstorms normally occur shortly a er noon. It is advisable to start early, in the cool before sunrise in order to make the summit before the a ernoon thunderstorms. Once above mberline, there is no shelter and lightning is common. It is recom- mended that hikers dress in layers of moisture-wicking fabrics rather than cot- ton. At a minimum, hikers should carry water and some means to treat stream water, food, and a waterproof layer. A cheap rain poncho works well and can be used to hold in heat as well as keep you dry. See the list at the end of this guide for useful resources. regarding essen als, weather, and other hiking concerns. The more prepared you are for your hike to the summit, the more you can enjoy the Pikes Peak landscape.

This guide focuses on Barr Trail, the most common route to the summit of Pikes Peak. As an interpre ve guide, it is designed to help trail users understand the landscape. This guide covers the lower half of Barr Trail to Barr Camp, and general overview of the trail from Barr Camp to the summit is included. A hike up Barr Trail to the summit passes through four life zones. Observing the changes in vegeta on can help hikers iden fy the diff erent life zones and the specialized ecologies of each zone. While the pines, spruces and fi rs can be idenfi ed year around, many of the plants are only iden fi able during their season of bloom.

The purpose of this guide is to encourage considera on of the landscape as a complex of interconnected systems of nature - both human and non-human - that are Pikes Peak. In doing so, it is the author’s hope that through an understanding of the landscape including cultural and natural history, a sense of the place can develop enhancing concern for both the Pikes Peak landscape, and the landscape that found in your own backyard. How exci ng the crumbly Pikes Peak granite is with its sparkling mirror-like mica! What rocks exist at home? Is there a unique microhabitat with diff erent plant and animal life that you can iden fy? The mundane is interes ng in a new landscape, and it is my hope that you might take a new look at your home landscape and to consider the interconnected systems of human and non-human nature that exist within it. Understanding all landscapes, urban and rural, mountain and meadow, is the fi rst step in connec- on to and stewardship of them. Caring for your backyard Social trail from the incline. or neighborhood park is as important as caring for the wide Note broken ground cover open prairies and the majes c Rocky mountains. and larger rocks eroding from above. 2 While enjoying Pikes Peak or any other landscape, it is important to realize that we do leave an impact wherever we go. Being conscious of this fact is the fi rst step toward minimizing that impact. Consider the term “conscious footprints” when you hike in any landscape. If stepping off the trail to explore rocks and fl owers consider where you Th ere are many aspen along the trail step. Above mberline, stepping on alpine plants refl ecting human impact. can have devasta ng eff ects as can cu ng switchbacks - the sharp turns in the trail. Damage from repeated impact is visible along the trail where “social trails” used as shortcuts by many users have caused loss of the plant life necessary to hold the soil in place. The map in the middle of this guide points out a specifi c loca on where users of the incline, an abandoned railway, have created shortcuts to Barr Trail. Theses paths have quickly deepened with the runoff from rain and snow melt, further eroding the slopes and vegeta- on, and undermining the integrity of Barr Trail itself. While no one sets out to purposely damage the slopes of Pikes Peak, a lack of understanding of the interconnected ecological systems means damage does occur. Remaining conscious of the fact you are leaving an impact is a good fi rst step toward reducing the eff ects of your presence in any landscape. A popular slogan among backpackers and hikers is “Leave No Trace” and while it is not realis c that you can leave no trace, minimizing what trace you leave is possible.

Minimizing Impact means Conscious Footprints

We impact the natural world by our very presence. Remaining conscious of our impact and minimizing it should be a guiding principle in our outdoor experience as well as our day to day life. A commonly used system of principles known as “Leave No Trace” have been established and used successfully to de- crease uninten onal degrada on of lands preserved under federal law. These preserves include but are not limited to lands managed by the Na onal Park System, US Forests, State Parks, Bureau of Land Management, and state Depart- ments of Wildlife. Through kiosks, ranger talks, on-site brochures, published literature, and outreach programs sponsored by outdoor recrea on corpora ons, the Leave No Trace organiza on has been successful in raising awareness and educa ng users, and has thus minimized human impact on these preserved lands. Their seven principles are useful guidelines, and are applicable in all landscapes, not only those deemed wilderness or under preserva on.

Barr Trail lies in the Pikes Peak Na onal Forest. With easy access and ra ng as an one of the easier Fourteeners to hike, Barr Trail and the Pikes Peak ecosys- tems face signifi cant human impact. For example, over the last fi ve years, Barr Camp at the halfway point on the trail has recorded over 24,000 visitors per year, and that does not include trail users from the Incline or those who hike only the upper reaches of the trail. While there are plenty of opportuni es to meander and explore, considering your impact as you do so does make a diff erence.

3 Leave No Trace Principles

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. • Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. • Repackage food to minimize waste. • Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or fl ag- ging. 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.  In popular areas: • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. • Walk single fi le in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.  In pristine areas: • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when fi nished. • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. 4. Leave What You Find • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you fi nd them. • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. • Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. 5. Minimize Campfi re Impacts • Campfi res can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. • Where fi res are permitted, use established fire rings, fi re pans, or mound fi res. • Keep fi res small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfi res completely, then scatter cool ashes. 4 6. Respect Wildlife • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. • Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

El Centro Sin Dejar Huellas y Ética al Aire Libre es una organización educa- tiva sin fi nes de lucro dedicada a la recreación responsable, al aire libre y a la protección de áreas públicas por todas las personas Siete Principios ÉTICA AL AIRE LIBRE PARA SITIOS NATURALES: 1. Planifi que con anticipación y prepárese. 2. Viaje y acampe sobre superfi cies durables 3. Deseche los residuos de forma adecuada 4. Deje lo que encuentre 5. Minimice los impactos de las fogatas 6. Respete la vida silvestre 7. Sea considerado con otros visitantes ÉTICA AL AIRE LIBRE PARA SITIOS NATURALES DE FÁCIL ACCESO: 1. Prepárese antes de salir de casa 2. Camine por los senderos marcados y acampe por la noche de manera adecuada 3. Tire su basura en un basurero o llévela de vuelta y recoja los excrementos 4. Déjelo tal como lo encontró 5. Tenga mucho cuidado con el fuego y observe siempre las medidas preventivas contra incendios 6. Permita que los animales salvajes se mantengan salvajes 7. Comparta los senderos y cuide a su mascota

5 IDENTIFYING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FIRS, SPRUCE, AND PINES During any season on Pikes Peak, the most distinctive and visible characteristic of the different life zones and habitats are the trees. While aspen are easy to identify with their white bark and trembling leaves, the evergreen trees are more diff cult. Keep in mind: • Firs have f at needles that do not poke you • Pines have fascicles, small leaf bundles with multiple needles joined at the base: Bundles of Needles = Pine • Spruces have needles that grow singularly on branches and they are sharp at the tip; and triangular in cross section (feel the edge when you roll on in your f ngers) Sharp + Spiny = Spruce

• Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) • Height: 100 ft • Needle length: .5-1.25 inch, soft and f exible • Cone length 3-4 in, with three-peaked bracts often referred to as “mouse tails” • Not a true f r • Life zones: Foothill to sub-alpine (5,000-11,000 ft) Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum) • Height: 50-150 ft • Needle length: 4-9 in; three needles per fascicle • Cone length: 1-4 in • Bark of mature cinnamon brown, irregularly furrowed pieces look like puzzle pieces. Smells like vanilla or butterscotch when scratched • Life zones: Foothills transition zone to the sub-alpine; from the trail-head to Barr Camp (5,000-9000 ft) Limber Pine (Pinus f exilis) • Height: 15-30 ft; shorter, contorted trees at timberline • Needle length: 2.4-5 in, yellow-green, f ve per fascicle • Cone length: 2-4 in • Branches very f exible • Life zones: Lower foothills to subalpine zone (5,000-12,000 ft) Bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) • Height: 45 ft; shorter and contorted at timberline • Needle length: 1-2 in; long dark green to light blue, 5 per fascicle. • Cone length: 2-4 in • Needles and cones bear white, sticky resin • Some bristlecone pines in the Pikes Peak region are more than 2,500 years old • Life zones: Upper Montane to sub-alpine (7,000-13,000 ft) Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) • Height: 115 ft • Needle length .5-1.25 in • Blue-green needles are very aromatic when crushed • Cone length: 2.5-4 in; green when young, light brown when mature • Bark grayish-brown; scaly • Life zones: From the foothills to the montane (6,000-9,500 ft)

6 Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii) • Height: 115 ft • Needle length: .6-1.2 in • Cone Length: 2.5-4 in, light brown • Bark: Thin and scaly, peeling off in small circular plates 4-2 in wide • Blue-green color easy to confuse with Colorado blue spruce, with which it is believed to hybridize. • Life zones: Upper montane to sub-alpine; No-Name to timberline (8,500-12,000 ft)

Five Conifers at 8,980

Point 7 on map

j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j Limber j pine Señale 7 en el mapa Engelmann spruce j

j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j

Colorado blue spruce Ponderosaj pine

j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j Bristlecone pine

CÊÄÊÙ ½Ý ®¥ÙÄ®Ý ÄãÙ ½ÊÝ ãÊÝ, Ö® ù Ö®ÄÊÝ En cualquier época del año en Pikes Peak, el rasgo más distintivo y visible de las diferentes zonas de vida y hábitat son los árboles. Mientras álamo temblón son fáciles de identif car con su corteza blanca y hojas temblorosas, los árboles de hoja perenne son más difíciles. • Abetos tienen agujas planas que no te asoman • Pinos tienen fascículos llevan agujas múltiples • Abetos tienen af ladas agujas espinosas que asoman Abeto de Douglas (Pseudotsuga menziesii) • 34 m. de altura • Long. de las acículas: 15-30mm; suaves y f exibles • Long. de los conos: 8-10 cm. Con tres brácteas pico, referido como “colas de ratón” • Llamado el abeto de Douglas, pero no un verdadero abeto • Zonas de vida: Estribaciones a subalpino (1.850-3.650 m) Pino ponderosa (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum) • 15-45 m de altura • Tres agujas por fasciculo • Long. de las agujas: 9-22 cm • Long. de los conos: 5-9 cm • Corteza de los árboles maduros de color marrón canela y profundamente surcada de placas escamosas que parecen piezas de un rompecabezas. Cuando se raspa,

7 huele a vanillia o caramelo • Zonas de vida: Pinos Ponderosa se encuentran en la zona de transición estribaciones de la sub-alpino, y se pueden encontrar a partir incinio del Sendero “Barr” hacia campmento “Barr” (1.525-2.750 m) Pino Flexibile (Pinus f exilis) • 5-10 m altura (más cortos, más árboles contorsionadas a línea de árboles alpina) • Long. de las acículas: 6-11 cm.; amarillo-verde, en fascículos de cinco • Long. de los conos: 10-20 cm • Las ramas son muy f exible. • Zonas de vida: Estribaciones a subalpino (1.850-3.650 m) Pino de Colorado (Pinus aristata) • 15 m de altura; muy contorsionado en a línea de los árboles • Long. de las acículas: 2,5-4,5 cm; color verde profundo a azulverdoso, en fascícu- los de cinco • Long. de los conos: 5-10 cm • Resina blanca y pegajosa en las agujas y los conos • Algunos pinos de Colorado en la región de Pikes Peak son de más de 2.500 años de antigüedad • Zonas de vida: Montaño superior a línea de los árboles (2.150-3.950m)

La Picea de azul del Colorado (Picea pungens) • 35 m. de altura • Long. de las agujuas: 15-30 mm • Las agujuas de color verde azulado, muy aromáticas cuando se frotan • Long. de los conos: 6-10 cm. Verde cuando joven; marrón de luz en la madurez • La corteza marrón-grisácea, escamosa • Zonas de vida: Desde las estribaciones a las zonas montaño (1.850-2.900 m) La Picea de Engelmann (Picea engelmannii) • 35 m de altura • Long. de las agujuas: 15-30 mm; de sección rómbica; verde azulado • Long. de los conos: 6-10 cm. marrón claro • La corteza es delgada y escamosa, desconchándose en pequeñas placas circulares de 5-10 cm de ancho • Azul verde en color, fácil de confundir con abeto azul de Colorado, con la que a menudo se hibrida • Zonas de vida: Montaño superior a subalpino (2.600-3.650 m)

8 Overview: Rock, Moisture, Season, and Elevation The Plant Landscapes of Pikes Peak Hiking Barr Trail from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak takes you on a journey through three life zones—Foothills-Montane (approx. 6,500 . to about 10,000 .), Sub-Alpine (approx. 10,000 to about 11,400 .), and Alpine (approx. 11,400 to about 14,115 .). Your hike begins in a dry open foothill shrubland with cactus and yucca, and ends on the tundra where ny alpine plants have adapted to a short summer season and harsh winter condi ons. Al tudinal changes roughly approximate changes in la tude; therefore, the ver cal climb to the summit of Pikes Peak is approximately the equivalent of travelling north from the woodlands of Maine to the tundra of the Arc c Circle. These zones and the changes in vegeta on that mark them reﬂ ect the eﬀ ects of geology, topography, temperature, and moisture. While eleva on ranges are useful guides, very local- ized condi ons called microhabitats exist in which one zone overlaps another. Slope direc on, steepness of canyons, and moisture add to the complex mosaic of zones and habitats encountered along the trail. As you hike, be aware of the changes in vegeta on and habitat. Some will be subtle and others, like the microhabitat above No-Name Creek, will be startlingly obvious.

As you Hike up Barr Trail, you will immediately no ce the loose gravel that causes a slip with each step you take. This pink-colored gravel is weathered Pikes Peak Granite, making its way from the summit to the lower reaches of the mountain. Born of the molten layers of the earth, this granite made its way to the surface approximately 1.1 million years ago. Over me, the forces of wind and water have eroded this rock from solid mass to boulders, and from boulders to gravel. On your hike, you will encounter large outcroppings and boulders. Take me to examine them and see how easily the rock crumbles into ever-smaller pieces. This crumbling, or fracturing, of grani c rock gives rise to the gravel soil of the forests and tundra of Pikes Peak. More gravel and rock than dirt or soil, these grani c soils are also acidic. While this dry, acidic, grani c soil is inhospitable to many plants, some, such as ponderosa pine, have adapted to these dry slopes. With no topsoil to provide nutrients, rain and snowmelt dissolve miner- als from the granite and carry them down through the gravely soil, providing nourishment directly at the root level of ponderosa pine and other plants and trees.

Caminando por Sendero Barr, usted notará inmediatamente la superfi cie suelta del sendero de grava. Esta grava de color rosa es resistida granito “Pikes Peak”, haciendo su camino desde la cima hasta la parte baja de la montaña. Nacido de las capas fundidas de la tierra, este granito llega a la superfi cie aproximadamente hace 1,1 millones de años. Con el tiempo, las fuerzas del viento y el agua han erosionado la roca de masa sólida a rocas y despues de rocas a grava. Parése y examinar las rocas y los afl oramientos rocosos a lo largo del camino.

The direc on a slope faces, or its “aspect,” plays a signifi cant role in the moisture available for plant life. A north-facing slope receives less sun and re- 9 mains cooler throughout the year; snow melts more slowly, and there is less evapora on of moisture. Spruce and fi r that prefer cooler, damp condi ons will dominate the forest on these slopes. Such a slope in the foothills-montane zone will therefore give rise to the characteris c vegeta on of the higher and cooler sub-alpine zone. Likewise, a deep canyon or the presence of a stream or seep can create a microhabitat characteris c of one zone within another. Both slope aspect and eleva on aff ect temperature and moisture, adding to the complexity of zones and microhabitats along the trail. As you hike, be aware of the changes in temperature, al tude, of slope-aspects, and of moisture levels, and try to de- cipher the eff ects these have upon the landscape. Pendientes con orientación al norte reciben menos luz solar, por lo tanto la humedad se evapora más lentamente y las temperaturas son más frescas. Las plantas que requieren más humedad y temperaturas más bajas crecen en estas laderas, especialmente picea. El suelo del bosque está sombreada con poca maleza. Pendientes orientadas al sur son más cálidas y más secas, dando lugar a los pinos Ponderosa y otras plantas que se han adaptado a las pistas calientes, más abiertas y secas. Hay más maleza en las laderas orientadas al sur, incluyendo pastos y juníperos.

Seasons on Pikes Peak o en diff er from the seasons marked by the calendar. Historical records show that Pikes Peak has received most of its snowfall in the months of February, March, April, and May and that the summit has received some snow every month of the year. Barr Camp, at the halfway point to the summit, normally receives its fi rst snowfall in September. In addi on to an extended snow season, a dry summer can bring an early fall, and a dry winter an early summer. Because clima c cycles shorten and extend the tradi onal summer season, a be er approach to the summer season along Barr Trail and up Pikes Peak divides summer into three seasons: Early season (May-June), mid-season (June-July) and late-season (July-August). Temperature and moisture condi ons greatly aff ect the overlap of these seasons from year to year. While columbine, the striking state fl ower of Colorado, o en bloom above No-Name Creek as early as May, it is more common to see its spectacular bloom in June. The same area may glow with the gold of aspen leaves in late August, but more o en in early September. While seasons vary in all regions of the world, the combina on of al tude and microhabitats found on Pikes Peak result in a greater variability of seasons than most of our backyards.

 Clockwise from left: Blue columbine, gold-mantled ground squirrel, stellar’s jay, side view of columbine with nectar spurs, young mule deer buck at Barr Camp, mountain cottontail rabbit,. 10 Mountain shrubland, just above Barr Trailhead.

Section 1 Trailhead (6,718’) to No-Name Creek (8,754’): Mile 0-3 Foothills Shrubland – Foothills/Montane Barr Trail begins in a classic Foothills Shrubland of mountain mahogany, Gambel oak and 3-leaf sumac. These shrubs are important habitat for many small mammals and birds, they provide organic ma er that builds a thin layer of soil that supports other plants, and their roots hold soil in place. You can iden- fy Gambel oak by its classic lobed-leaves and growth pa ern of dense thickets, 3-5 feet in height. Some years, the acorns are abundant and though desirable food for many animals, they may not last long. Oak thickets dominate the vegeta on of north-facing slopes and shaded areas where moisture is more prevalent. Mountain mahogany prefers the drier, more exposed south-facing slopes. Look for clumps of thin trunks with li le side branching, and the telltale curly- cue tailed seed heads. These seed heads are specially adapted to uncurl when moist, drilling itself into the ground, playing a role in its own -plan ng. 3-leaf sumac, also known as skunkbrush, has red berries in mid-June-early July, and 3-lobed leaves that are green above and pale beneath; they smell like a skunk when crushed. Along with the food they supply, foothill shrubs provide shelter for birds such as ﬂ ycatchers and towhees, and small rodents like mice and voles, as well as larger animals such as ground squirrels, chipmunks, and coyotes.

The pasque fl ower is one of the fi rst wildfl owers to bloom in the early-season, and its pale purple, cup-like fl owers resemble the garden crocus. Yucca, with a base of rigid, lance-like leaves and a tall fl ower stalk can be seen blooming in mid-season, with creamy white bell-like fl owers alterna ng up a single center spike. The four –channeled seed pods o en remain through the winter. Watch 11 for low-growing prickly-pear cactus with delicate paper-thin fl owers amongst the yucca. Other mid-season blooms include penstemon, with blue-purple fl owers resembling snapdragons, and scarlet gila with trumpet shaped fl owers ranging from pink to scarlet. The many blooming plants draw moths, bu erfl ies, and hummingbirds.

Toadfl ax (bu er and eggs) and mullein are two invasive species that mark heavily eroded and disturbed areas in this shrub land por on of Barr Trail. Look for the tall spikes of yellow snapdragon-type fl owers where switchbacks in the trail are short cut, and where the sides of the trail have steep eroded banks. Shaped like lamb’s ears, mullein leaves are gray-green with velvety Toadfl ax, left, with yellow fl owers and mullein hairs. This species is biennial, with a two- with light green lamb’s-ear shaped leaves. year life cycle. In the fi rst year, it produces only a leaf rose e; in the second it produces a single stalk with many ghtly- packed ½-1 inch yellow fl owers. A er fl owering, seed-laden capsules remain along the top of the tall (up to 3 foot long) stalk that resembles a torch head. In- vasive species are excellent self-propagators and can easily choke out na ve species. They are common along eroded roadsides and trails, and disturbed areas.

A er a li le less than a mile, the trail crosses to a cooler, north-facing slope with a spruce and fi r forest. Remembering the phrases “fl at friendly fi r” (referring to the fl at needles that do not poke you) and “sharp spiny spruce” (for the sharp, angled needles that are painful to touch) will help you diff eren ate between the fi rs and spruce. Shallow, north-facing ravines are cool and damp enough that a few white fi r grow. Their aroma c, fl at, needles are so to the touch and up to several inches long. Douglas fi r is common here. You can iden fy Douglas fi r by its fl at, 1.25-inch long blue green needles and the three-point paper bracts or “mouse tails” of the cones. The state tree, Colorado blue spruce is interspersed with the fi rs, and its spiny, Douglas fi r cones. Note the four-side blue needles will help you iden fy it. Along characteristic “mouse tails” on this sec on of the trail, white-breasted nuthatches the bracts. are common, hopping headfi rst down the tree-trunks as they look for insects in the bark, and mountain chickadees call out “pips-a- dee-dee-dee” from the forest.

At the end of a switchback you will come to the Incline Overlook, point 3 on the map. The Incline is an abandoned railway that is now a popular workout trail. Many of the downhill hikers and runners you encounter on the trail are returning to the bo om on Barr Trail a er their climb up the Incline. Just beyond the ﬁ h switch back above this point is point 4 on the map. Here you can see

12 a social trail cu ng down through the gravelly slope. There are several such trails intersec ng Barr Trail in this sec on. Look to your le , below the trail where erosion from these trails con nue below the trail. In some places, you can see where heavy rain funneled along these social trails has carried debris downhill across several switchbacks. Señale 3 Incline vista, Senale 4: Ponderosa pine bark. Sendero sociales y erosión. You will soon cross back to south-facing slopes where you will o en no ce the characteris c warmth a er experiencing the coolness of the fi r-spruce forest. The trail is not as steep above the “Ws” as the switchbacks below are called, and as it traverses this slope, you will begin to see the predominance of ponderosa pine with its deeply furrowed rust-orange bark and 4-5 inch long needles in bundles of three. Ponderosa are well adapted to the dry gravely slopes; they grow best when spaced apart from other trees so they receive lots of sunlight. Their thick fl aky bark resembles puzzle pieces and provides defense against fi re. When scratched, it yields a bu erscotch or vanilla smell. Few plants grow in the shade of these pines, but juniper, wild currants, and roses are common just beyond the shade of the ponderosa, as are penstemon and wild sage. Kinnickin- nick, or bear-berry, is a common ground-cover on the open gravel hillsides from here to mberline. With leaves that stay green year-around and red berries that remain on the plant throughout the winter, it is an important food source for bears, coyotes, and birds. Along this sec on of trail, you will see the tracks of the cog railway far below the trail in the canyon bo om. Look above the tracks and note the dense forest of tall, narrow spruce and fi r. You are viewing a north- facing slope. See how it contrasts with the more open, ponderosa pine covered slope you are crossing. Crows o en play on the wind currents rising from this canyon. Listen for their “caw-caw” and enjoy their aerial an cs.

The trail makes a sharp le -turn at a narrow, damp canyon. As you approach this turn, no ce the white- barked deciduous trees. This is point 5 on the map, and the ﬁ rst grove of quaking aspen along the trail. In autumn, the golden leaves glow in sunlight, brightening this corner. Aspen are clonal, meaning they have an interconnected root system, so they act as one-organism rather than individual trees. Aspen groves share a root system and each tree is a gene c clone with the others. There are not as many aspen groves on the east face of Pikes White aspen, golden leaves Peak as on other mountains, but you can see young as-

13 map map pen groves taking up the space where large pine, ﬁ r, and spruce have fallen, let- ng the sunlight reach the ground. Señale 5: Usted se encontrará con la primera arboleda de álamos temblón en el siguiente giro de la ruta donde hay una hondonada muy estrecha, con más humedad. Alamedas comparten un sistema de raíces y cada árbol es un clon genético de los otros.

As the trail crosses back to the south beyond the aspen, the open trailside is lined with oak and mountain mahogany once again. To your le and downhill there are only a few ponderosa pines clinging to the steep, eroding hillside. Above you to the right, the slope is not as steep, and ponderosa and the kinnickinnick ground cover help stabilize the gravel. At the end of this long straight sec on of trail is the “rock overhang” where large granite boulders form a tunnel across the trail. As you approach these massive boulders, note the Colorado blue spruce on the right side of the trail, growing ght against the rock. While it has a southerly aspect, the moisture from snow and ice-melt off the top of the boulder provides ample moisture for the spruce. In the winter,long icicles deco- rate this tree. Two switch backs more, and you will reach the “top of the incline” sign. This is also the last point Incline users access Barr Trail. You will encounter less downhill traffi c beyond this point. Another 300 yards and you arrive at No-Name Creek at 8,754 feet. You are now halfway to Barr Camp and a quarter of the way to the summit. Section 2 No-Name Creek- Experimental Forest Sign (8,754’): Mile 3.0 – 3.5 A Microhabitat Sign at No-Name Creek. Note shrubby To the le of this sign (point 6 on the map) cinquefoil bush at right leg of sign. is a ny stream known as No-Name Creek. The canyon to the right of the creek was the site of the U.S. Forest Service’s Fremont Experimental Forest from 1909-1936. No structures remain, but here scien sts developed forestry prac ces later used to replant forests of the west that were se- verely impacted by human ac vi es, and in some cases, natural processes. By 1900, es mates showed Pikes Peak had lost 75% of its forests to fi re and logging. Much of the modern forest is a result of replan ng using the new prac ces of the Fremont Ex- perimental sta on. Upper end of meadow beneath ponderosa pines. Penstemon in the foreground. The cooler, moist air and the abundant, diverse plant life are immediately obvious at this point. Willows line the shallow creek, and their red stems scent the air while their catkins, li le “pussy willows” hint of spring in late March-early April. The trail climbs up a shallow gulch le of the sign, through a microhabitat. These li le pockets of life that dif- 16 fer from the surrounding landscape due to topography, moisture, temperature, and light dot the Pikes Peak landscape. There is no creek here, but the steep, north-facing slope on the le shades this small valley, reducing the rate of evapora on of snowmelt and rain; the increased moisture and cooler temps provide a favor- able habitat for a greater diversity of plants. The grassy hillside-meadow on your right receives more sunlight. The clump forming grass is mountain muhly, a Colorado na ve. Smooth brome, a non-na ve mat-forming grass is invasive; it lines the edges of the trail here. Watch for Shrubby cinquefoil, a patches of purple-blue penstemon below the ponderosa member of the rose family. pine on the ridge line above during mid-season, and the tall spikes of yellow toadfl ax that mark an old path through the meadow. The old path is a “social trail” created as a short cut where the trampled na ve muhly grass eventually gave way to the hardier toadfl ax. Invasive mulleins fl ourish at the upper end of this eroded path. Bushes of the na ve shrubby cinquefoil (1-3 . tall) bearing yellow fl owers with fi ve rounded petals are sca ered across the hillside; beyond this point, it is common in grassy forest openings. If hiking in the early morning or evening, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of mule deer or co ontail rabbits here.

As you approach the next switch back beyond the creek crossing, no ce how the slopes converge at the trail. On the le , note the small opening at the bo om of the spruce-covered hillside. Aspen also grow here, and in mid-season, the spur-tailed blooms of blue columbine dot the forest understory. Other colorful early- to mid-season blooms include pink wild rose and wild geranium, red-orange paintbrush, magenta Blue Columbine shoo ng stars, black and yellow black-eyed Susan, and purple harebells. Notable because of its size is the tall (up to 4 feet) cow parsnip, with large fl eshy leaves and upside down-umbrella like fl ower heads, growing in the moist pockets of the meadow. Above the meadow to the le , are Douglas and white fi r, and Colorado blue spruce. Señale 6: El área por encima de la señal Bosque Experimental es un microhábi- tat. Usted puede ver la diferencia en la vegetación aquí, con sauces, álamo temblón, “Colorado Columbine” azul a la izquierda de la pista. La fuerte pendiente de la izquierda es orientada al norte y cubierta de abeto. El prado de la derecha está cubierto de hierba y abierto con pino Ponderosa alineando su borde. Flores silvestres y arbustos línean al fondo del valle a la izquierda de la pista. Con menos evaporación y más agua, una comunidad diversa de Penstemon on rocky slope. plantas prospera aquí.

17 Now at the right-hand switchback, you climb up and out of the dense trees a er the ght, dark switchback above the meadow into the light, where deciduous shrubs enjoy the half-shade, half-sun of the east-facing slope. The boulder raspberry and thimbleberry stand out against the hillside when covered in their large white fl owers during the early-season. Their fruits are fl a er and contain more seeds than the more familiar raspberries; these bushes provide food and shelter for birds and small mammals. At the next le -turning switchback, you face a gravel bank that bears the four petal-bloom of evening primrose during early to late season. This low, almost stem-less plant bears large, creamy white four-petal fl owers nged with pink; these open in the evening and wither by the next morning. Penstemon, yarrow with feather-like leaves and heads of ny white fl owers, and so , co ony pussy toes dot the dry gravely forest fl oor.

At the switchback just below the ridge at 8,980 feet (point 7 on the map and photo page 7), you can see fi ve conifers growing together on the le side of the trail. Douglas fi r, Engelmann spruce, and three pine species—limber, ponderosa, and bristlecone—stand within feet of each other. You can iden fy the bristlecone pine by the dots of s cky white resin on its needles. There are few bristlecone pines at this eleva on; they are more common near mberline. Bristlecone are some of the oldest living organisms on earth – some individuals in the Pikes Peak region are nearly 2,500 years old. The limber pine has gray-white branches, with bundles of fi ve 2.5-inch long needles growing near the end of its very fl exible branches. Engelmann and blue spruce are similar, both have spiny inch-long needles covering the branches. While blue spruce is typically more blue in color, these spruce hybridize and can be hard to tell apart at fi rst glance. Señale 7: Cinco coniferas y cima de nicrohábitat “No-Name” Vea la photo p.7

As you near the top of the switchbacks, look back and to the east for a view of the plains reaching far beyond Colorado Springs. No ce how green the zone is below you. This half mile of trail is one of the richest in plant diversity and density along the trail. This vegeta on provides habitat for animals such as deer, bear, mountain lions, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels and small rodents, as well as birds, such as hawks, jays, juncos, crows and ravens, kinglets, chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches and owls. Sit for a few minutes in this area, and listen for birds and watch for small animals in the meadow. Section 3 Top of No-Name Creek (9,000’) to Lightning Point (9,626’) Mile 3.5-5.5 Foothills/Montane – Sub-Alpine Barr Trail crisscrosses a ridge line over the next two miles, rolling gently up and down; alterna ng between north and south facing slopes. Expect the same forest types as you have experienced below this point, but note the increase in the number of limber pine along the ridge and interspersed in both forest types, especially the ponderosa. In several places, the trail follows the ridge, where ponderosa pines dominate the landscape. Young aspen are beginning to colonize some of the open ridge line; their bright green leaves of spring and

18 golden leaves of autumn provide a sharp color contrast against the blue sky and deep green of the forest. This is a welcome contrast as the trail makes li le change in eleva on or aspect for some distance, and there is li le change in vegeta on over the next two miles.

The dead and dying trees along the ridge provide habitat for many birds. Commonly seen and heard along this sec on of trail is the red-sha ed race of the northern fl icker. The fl icker is a member of the woodpecker family, a large species iden fi ed by the large black tri- angle on its chest, a brown back marked with black “ladder steps”, and the fl ash of red visible beneath its wings in fl ight. During ma ng sea- Mature ponderosa pine on ridge line with son, male fl ickers hammer loudly on dead trees aspen and juniper. to a ract females. Once they have mated their loud and dis nc ve “wik-wik-wik” territorial call echoes through the forest. Wild turkeys and blue grouse are also residents of the open ponderosa forest. It is rare to see the fl ock of turkeys but their dis nc ve “gobble-gobble-gobble” o en rises from below the ridge along this sec on, especially in the early-season. The grouse, a chicken- sized, well-camoufl aged ground nester, is hard to see. Most o en, the grouse’s presence is obvious only when it explodes into Woodpecker activity on dead spruce. noisy, cumbersome fl ight from ground to tree branch as you pass. Occasionally, a male grouse will chase hikers up the trail to protect his territory. If lucky, you might glimpse a females with young in tow crossing the trail to the shelter of low-hanging spruce boughs.

Just beyond the “7.8 miles to the Summit” sign–point 8 on the map, the trail turns le and makes a short but steep climb. Here you can see moss and perhaps a delicate fern growing on the shaded hillside on your right. Turning the corner at the top of this climb, you gradually climb for a quarter of a mile to a large rock outcropping informally known as Lightning Point. As you round the corner, a sudden, impressive view of Pikes Peak ju ng skyward greets you. The summit appears ever closer, yet is s ll far away. In the valley below, an unnamed stream runs for a distance and disappears underground. Willow and birch cover the bot- tom of the valley, and raspberries and roses add to the tangled vegeta on. The streamside shrubs and plants provide habitat for small animals such as bobcat, and small rodents including mice and skunk, as well as deer, coyote and bear. You are now one mile from Barr Camp. Señale 8-9: Esta sección del sendero sigue la cresta con pocos cambios en la elevación. 19 Usted puede notar cuando se cruza de norte a pendientes orientadas al sur por los tipos de árboles, y en el verano, el cambio de temperatura. En un giro a la derecha en el camino, se llega a un afl oramiento de rocas altas a la izquierda y una pendiente rocosa a la derecha. Esto se conoce como Punto de relámpago y ofrece una buena vista de Pikes Peak.

Section 4 Lightning Point (9,626’) to Barr Camp (10,200’) Mile 3.5-5.5 Montane - Sub-Alpine Crossing the rocks below Lightning Point, you pass very near the stream where large patches of bluebells bloom during mid-season. Beyond the stream is a wide meadow beneath ponderosa pine. This is the last large stand of ponderosa, as the trail climbs 800 feet in eleva on over the next mile and the vegeta on transi ons to a sub-alpine forest of Engelmann spruce, limber pine, Douglas ﬁ r, and small groves of aspen. No ce the large patch of kinnickinnick, the evergreen groundcover in the meadow. Kinnickinnick keeps its waxy green leaves year round. In the early season, ny pink, heart-shaped ﬂ owers hang delicately among the leaves. The red- Kinnikinnick, commonly called “bear-berry” berries that follow are important food for small animals and birds, as are the frosted-blue juniper berries of the low growing blue-gray shrubs at the perim- eter of the meadow. La planta de hoja perenne que cubre la pendiente a la derecha del sendero en la parte inferior de la colina es “kinnikinnick”, o un “bayas de oso”. Es una buena fuente de alimento para muchos animales y aves porque las bayas permanecen en las plantas todo el año. Al pasar el puente de madera a la derecha de la pista, al nivel de las vista, se encuentra una “escoba de bruja”. Es causada por el muérdago, una infección parasitaria que engaña al árbol para producir las ramas adicionales. El muérdago se alimenta de los azúcares y minerales adicionales en las ramas. Aunque este árbol está muerto, no todos los árboles mueren por causa del parásito.

Just a er you cross a low wooden bridge, no ce the “witch’s broom” at eye-level in a spruce tree on the right side of the trail. Witch’s broom occurs when parasi c mistletoes trick the tree into producing a tangled mass of branches and twigs. The mistletoe within the broom then consume the food and nutrients meant for the branches. While not necessarily deadly, these brooms Witch’s broom - erratic growth caused by mistletoe. can weaken healthy trees. This tree and broom are both dead.

20 A small aspen grove is on the shady le side of the trail. As you climb to the “.5 mile to Barr Camp” sign, an open gravel meadow blooms with whorled- lousewort, wild geranium, wild strawberry, and wild rose throughout the summer. From here, the trail gains 400’ as it rises to Barr Camp. Halfway to the camp the trail traverses a well-shaded, rocky hillside. A ny stream and a seep keep this area moist most of the year. This twenty-foot sec on of trail is lined with grasses, sedges, shoo ng stars, elephant’s head (the small fl owers have the shape of an elephant’s outstretched trunk), and wintergreen fl owers during mid-season. Enjoy this microhabitat for its cool air and colorful blooms. The last two hundred yards into camp take you past an aspen grove, and just as you see the Barr Camp fence in front of you, no ce the willow on your le and the short (ten-inch) grass-like rushes of dark green lining the edge of the trail. Both are indicators of subsurface moisture. Turn one last switchback to climb a few more steps and you will be at Barr Elephant’s head Camp, just over halfway up Pikes Peak. Barr Camp Area: (10,200’) Mile 6.5 Sub-Alpine Fred Barr built Barr Camp in the early 1920s to support his burro rides to the summit and other areas of Pikes Peak. Its loca on halfway up the mountain on Barr Trail makes it a popular stop for trail users. In spite of a long history as a rest stop and des na on for hikers and resultant human impact on this site, the plants of the sub-alpine environment persist. The bluebell patch that grows beside the front deck is a good example. In 2005, camp caretakers removed a small structure from this loca on, exposing bare gravel. Bluebells began to grow the next spring, and by 2007, bluebells completely covered the area. The ny seed heads are a favorite food of the chipmunks in the late-season. As the chipmunks climb the stems, the plant bends to the ground, and just as they sever the dried fl ower heads, they jump (or fall!) off the plant. Gather- Bluebells at Barr Camp ing their harvest into their cheeks, they scurry away to hide their winter stash. Bu erfl ies, especially yellow swallowtails and black admirals, feed on the nectar of the bluebells. Fred Barr construyo a campamento Barr en la década de 1920 para apoyar a sus paseos en burro a la cumbre y otras áreas de Pikes Peak. Su ubicación a mitad de camino por la montaña en sendero Barr hace una parada popular para los usuarios del sendero.

False-Solomon’s seal blooms beside the deck in the early season, its spike of alterna ng leaves more obvious than the ny blooms. Around the cabin, wild rose and strawberries grow, along with two types of penstemon, shrubby cinquefoil, and more bluebells. Three limber pines grow next to the deck; two of them

21 stand as sen nels at the front of the cabin. An Engelmann spruce grows up at the back of the deck. A few aspen grow in the openings of the spruce and pine.

The unnamed stream that fl ows through the camp creates a “riparian” microhabitat—that is, one situated along running water. Sedges and rushes grow along the sunny gravel bank downstream of the bridge. While they look like grasses, their fl ower structure is diff erent. Willows grow upstream in an opening along the stream, as does shrubby cinquefoil, Indian paintbrush, mountain parsley, and pussy-toes. The willows and grasses along the stream help hold the banks in place when water rushes downhill a er a rainstorm or snow melt. A large Fremont’s squirrel “midden,” a storage area for winter food supplies, lies along the bank upstream from the bridge, beneath a large Douglas fi r. There are many layers of pinecones stored just below the surface, as well as dried mushrooms and berries. The Fremont’s squirrel is the only tree squirrel at Barr Camp; their scolding cha er will accompany you along the trail from No-Name Creek to mberline. Its white underbelly, red-gray back, white eye-ring, and pe te size make it easy to Fremont’s Squirrel. iden fy. In autumn, the “plunkety-plunk” of falling pinecones sounds like rain, as in- dustrious squirrels harvest their winter food, severing cones from branches, and carrying them one at a me to their middens. The squirrels use the same path repeatedly, crea ng well-worn trails leading to the middens through the gravel, pine debris of the forest fl oor. La ardilla Fremont es la unica ardilla de árbol en Campamento Barr; su charla regañina le acompañará a lo largo de la ruta de No Name-Creek a línea de los árboles. Su panza blanca, la espalda rojo-gris, ojo de anillo blanco y el tamaño pequeño le hace más fácil de identifi car. En otoño, el sonido de conas que caen suenan como la lluvia, las ardillas laboriosas cosechan su comida para invierno, cortando los conos de las ramas, y llevan- dolas un a la vez a sus áreas de almacenamiento de invierno, o los “yacimiento”. Las ardillas utilizan el mismo camino varias veces, creando senderos trillados que conducen a los yacimiento a través de los escombros de pino y la grava.

Across the Barr Trail and to the south of the camp, fl ows the larger Cabin Creek. Marsh marigold covers the damp mossy ground in the early-season, its white fl owers nged blue beneath and large heart shaped leaves make it easy to iden fy. Mid-season, along the boggy banks, Parry’s primrose grows, a beau ful magenta wildfl ower with an unexpected skunk-like fragrance. Follow- Gray’s louse wort, shrubby ing the creek, you will encounter willow in sunny open- cinquefoil, blue spruce and ings, and below the Mountain View trail, birch thickets aspen. 22 mark the fl ow of the stream across the fl ats. Bluebells, wild rose, geranium, wild strawberry, penstemon, shrubby cinquefoil, yarrow, and pussy toes are common along the sunny gravel banks and hillsides. Gray’s louse wort is no ceable in forest openings. In early-season, it resembles a clump of fern and by mid-season, it bears a tall spike (up to 3 .) covered with small yellow fl owers that looks somewhat like a parrot. Thistle grows tall and stout and their fl ower heads provide food for many insects. Th istle head with insects. Just north of Barr Camp on the Elk Park Trail is a large grani c rock outcropping known informally as Adaman Rock. The views from this rock are worth the fi een-minute hike. In mid-season, the cooler north face of this rock bears a mantle of deep pink, when the fl owers of telesonix burst from the cracks and crevices of rock. While common on rocky slopes in sub-alpine zone of Pikes Peak, it is rare elsewhere in the Front Range. Sheltered crevices give rise to species of currant (gooseberry), some of which are quite spiny; and to waxfl ower, whose white blooms provide a nice contrast to the pink telesonix. On top of the rock, grass and stunted shrubby cinquefoil grow; a single Engelmann spruce clings to the windblown edge.

Although many people pass through Telesonix. Barr Camp, small animals and birds are ac- customed to their presence, and many are nearby daily. Co ontail rabbit, gold- mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks, spo ed skunks, and mule deer are common around the cabin. Gray jays, Stellar’s jays, white-breasted nuthatches, and mountain chickadees are year round visitors to the deck. From late April to early September, broad-tailed and rufous hummingbirds fl ock to the feeder on the deck and to blooming plants throughout the forest. Standing near the feeder, you can watch their amazing fl ight, feel the wind of their wings, see pollen on their long bills, and if lucky, glimpse their long black tongues as they lap sugar water. Woodpeckers, fl ycatchers, warblers, kinglets, robins, Clark’s nutcrackers, sharp-shinned hawks, and ravens are common in the surrounding woods.

Spotted skunk, mountain chickadee and cottontail rabbit at Barr Camp. 23 An overview of the trail from Barr Camp (10,200’) to the Summit (14,115’) Mile 6.5 – 12.5 Sub-Alpine – Alpine Over the next three miles, Barr Trail con nues to weave its way through the sub-alpine forest. A streamside microhabitat occurs a half mile up the trail. In wet years, a seasonal stream fl ows trail side at this point as well; it is marked with willows. Two bridges cross the stream that fl ows through Barr Camp just past the willows. Approximately one mile above Barr Camp, a trail branches off to the Bo omless Pit. If you are looking down at your feet here, it is easy to miss the sign painted yellow that points le to the summit and right to the Bo omless Pit. If you fi nd the trail suddenly narrow and less steep, you have missed the turn. There is no easy way to summit from this side trail - turn around and follow the trail back out should you miss the turn. Above the turn-off to the Bo omless Pit trail, the aspen become smaller and fewer. The trail crosses from south facing to north-facing slopes, and the density of the forests refl ects the eff ect of moisture accordingly. As the trail nears the edge of mberline, the point beyond which trees can no longer survive the harsh condi ons, trunks of old trees stand as they have since fi re burned them around 1900. The dry, wind-blown condi ons of mberline preserve the wood of these dead trees; there is not enough moisture to enable decomposi on.

Si usted está mira hacia abajo a sus pies aquí, es fácil pasar el cartel pintado de amarillo que señala a la izquierda hasta la cima y a la derecha a la fosa sin fondo. Si encuentras que el sendero de repente esta más angosto y más nivelado, se equívoco. No hay manera fácil a la cumbre por este camino lateral - de la vuelta y siga el camino hacia fuera en caso de que se pierda el turno.

Bristlecone pine is prevalent here, with limber pine and Engelmann spruce on the more sheltered slopes. No ce the low growing clump-like forma ons of the bristlecone pines. These growth pa erns are called “krummholz” (the German word for “crooked wood”), and are common at mberlines around the world. One to a few taller “ﬂ ags” rise above the lower pines, their windblown side bare of needles. The krummholz growth creates unique microclimates that enable sur- vival during the icy, windblown snows of winter, and during the intense, evapora ve heat of summer sun. Ac ng as an oasis among the tundra, krummholz islands slow wind, con- serve water, and share nutrients, thus crea ng a microhabitat in which young trees have the chance to mature in an otherwise inhospitable Bluebell covered meadow at a-frame shelter, environment. Many of these bristlecone pine timberline, 11,500 ft. krummholz are quite old, and the larger contorted trees can be ancient.

A stop at the A-frame shelter just below the trail at mberline (11,500 .) of- fers a sampling of Colorado’s alpine summer blooms at their best. Bluebells line

24 the creek here, and shrubby cinquefoil, fern-leafed yellow mountain avens (its leaves turn deep red in the fall), marsh marigolds, periwinkle colored sky pilot, and alpine primrose bloom throughout the mid- to late-season here. The plains seem to reach eastward forever as you look out across the ridgeline you crossed above No-Name creek. To the south, the steep gravel slopes of Almagre appear barren, and to the west, the rocky summit of Pikes Peak pierces the sky. This is the last water source before the summit. Una parada en el albergue triangular justo debajo del sendero en la vegetación arbórea ofrece una muestra de fl ores alpinas de verano de Colorado en su mejor momento. Colo- res azules, amarillos y morados salpican el prado alpino. Las Alpine primrose llanuras parecen alcanzar hacia el este para siempre como puedes ver a través de la cordillera que cruza por encima de No Name-cala. Hacia el sur, las laderas empinadas de grava de Almagre aparecen estéril, y al oeste, la cima rocosa de Pikes Peak perfora al cielo. Esta es la última fuente de agua antes de la cumbre.

The ﬁ nal three miles of Barr Trail are marked by signs. These may well be the slowest miles you ever hike, as the air is thin. Take me to look around as you catch your breath on the switchbacks. The tundra of the alpine zone is fragile and easily disturbed. It is important to stay on the trail to protect the highly specialized plants that struggle to grow here. Alpine primrose, yellow mountain avens, ny blue forget-me-nots, dwarf clover, yellow dryad, alp lily, and moss pinks grow low Mountain avens just below the summit. and ght to the tundra. These plants survive the severe environment through specialized adapta ons. Deep roots, low cushion-like growth pa ern, and hairs for insula on and moisture reten on are but a few.

The tundra is home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and marmots (large beaver-looking animals of the ground squirrel family) that graze on the grasses and plants growing here. Bighorn are hard to see; they blend into the rocks, well camoufl aged, as they Th e fi nal trail sign...at the summit. easily scamper across rocky crags. Marmots, also called “whistle pigs,” can be hard to locate as well. Their high-pitched chirp, or whistle, echoes among the rocks. With pa ence and careful listening, you might be able to locate the marmot, but it is easier if you catch a glimpse its movement as it lets out its whistle. When you reach the “16 golden Stairs” sign, you will fi nd no stairs, and nothing golden. You will fi nd large rocks with short stretches of trail between them. Once through this sec on, you will see the tourists who

25 drove or took the train to the summit looking down upon the trail from the summit. Golden eagles and falcons hunt the tundra; along with ravens, they soar on the up sloping winds here, and watching them against the rocky mountaintop and blue sky is a treat. Los últimos cinco kilómetros de sendero cruzan por la delicada tundra. Las plantas aquí son especialmente adaptadas para cortas temporadas de cultivo y temperaturas frías. Por favor, permanezca en el sendero para proteger estas plantas. El aire es delgado y es más difícil respirar a esta altitud. Cuando pause para respirar, asegúrese de mirar a su alrededor a la vegetación y las vistas. Si usted es afortunado, podra ver “Big-Horn” ovejas y marmotas. Los cuervos se disparan a menudo en las corrientes de aire y usted podra ver la alegría de su vuelo sin esfuerzo.

~Notes and Refl ections~

26 LIST OF PLANTS COMMON ALONG BARR TRAIL

Alp lily (Lloydia serotina) Sand lily (Leucocrinum montanum) Avens, alpine (Acomastylis rossii) Scarlet gila (Ipomopsis aggregata) Avens, mountain (Dryas octopetala) Sedges (Carex spp.) Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Shooting star (Dodecatheon pulchellum) Birch (Betula glandulosa) Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)_ Skunkbush (Rhus trilobata) Blue columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) Sky pilot (Polemonium delicatum) Bluebells (Mertensia spp.) Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) Boulder raspberry (Rubus deliciosus) Telesonix (Telesonix jammesii) Bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) Toadf ax (Linaria spp.) Cherry (Prunus spp.) Waxf ower (Jamesia american) Cinquefoil, shrubby (Pentaphylloides Whorled lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis) f oribunda) Wild geranium (Geranium caespitosum) Cinquefoil (Pontentila spp.) Wild rose (Rosa spp.) Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) Wild sage (Artemisia spp.) Cow parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium) Wild strawberry (Fragaria spp.) Currant, wax (Ribes cereum) Willow (Salix spp.) Douglas f r (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Wintergreen (Pyrola asarifolia) Dwarf clover (Trifolium nanum) Wood rush (Luzula parvif ora) Elephant head (Pedicularis groenlandica) Yarrow (Achillea lanulosa) Elk thistle (Cirsum spp) Yucca (Yucca glauca) Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) Evening primrose (Oenothera caespitosa) False-Solomon seal (Maianthemum stellata) Forget-me-not, Alpine (Eritrichum aretioides) Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) Gooseberry (Ribes inerme) Grays lousewort (Pedicularis grayi) Harebells (Campanula rotundifolia) Juniper (Juniperus communis) Kinnickinnick (Arctostaphlos uva-ursi) Limber pine (Pinus f exilis) Marsh marigold (Caltha leptosepala) Miner’s candle (Oreocarya virgata Moss campion (Silene acaulis) Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) Mountain muhly (Muhlenbergia montana) Mullein (Verbascusm thapsus) Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) Paintbrush (Castelleja spp.) Primrose, Alpine (Primula angustifolia) Primrose, Parry’s (Primula parryi) Pasque f ower (Pulsatilla patens) Penstemon (Penstemon spp) Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) Prickly pear Opuntia spp.) Pussy toes (Antennaria spp.)

27 Useful Guides and References

Birds of Denver and the Front Range, Fisher, Chris C; Butcher, Greg; Alberta, Lone Pine Publishing, 1997 Good illustrations and descriptions of birds common along Barr Trail

National Audubon Society: Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States, Peter Alden and John Grassy Toronto, Knopf, 2010 Guide to birds, animals, plants, insects, rocks, weather, night sky, and more

Flora of Pikes Peak,- (Identifi cation keys for the regions flora) Peak to Prairie: botanical landscapes of the Pikes Peak Region, Tass Kelso, PhD, Colorado College Biology Department Downloadable pdf fi les at http://www.coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/biology/herbarium.dot

Scats and track of the Rocky Mountains, James Halfpenny, PhD Morris book Publishing, 2001 Useful guide to animal scat and tracks

Guide to Colorado Insects, Whitney Cranshwo and Boris Kondrtieff Westcliff e Publishing, 2006

Prairie, peak and plateau: a guide to the geology of Colorado, John and Halka Chronic Colorado Geological Survey, 1972

Trees and Shrubs of Colorado, Carter, Jack L. Silver City Mimbres Publishing, 2006 Identifi cation key.

A guide to the Geological History of the Pikes Peak Region, Noblett, Jeff rey B. Colorado College, Colorado Springs Department of Geology, 2011

Rocky Mountain Flora: a fi eld guide for the identifi cation of the ferns, conifers, and fl owering plants of the southern Rocky Mountains from Pikes Peak to Rocky Moun- tain National Park and from the plains to the Continental Divide, Weber, William A. Boulder, Colorado Associated Press, 1976

Colorado Flora: Eastern slope. a fi eld guide to the vascular Plants, Weber, William A and Wittmann, Ronald C. Boulder University Press of Colorado, 2012 Wildlife and Plants of the Southern Rocky Mountains, Yocom, Charles: Weber, William:, Beidleman, Richard; and Malick, Donald Naturegraph Publishers, 1969

Colorado’s Fourteeners: from hikes to climbs, 3rd ed.; Roach, Gerry Fulcrum Publishing, 2011 General mountain hiking information as well as directions to and routes on all 54 of the Colorado Fourteeners.

Beyond the Aspen Grove, Zwinger, Ann H. Boulder, Johnson Books, 2002 A naturalist’s narrative about her cabin on the western slope of Pikes Peak with lovely hand drawn illustrations.

Useful Websites www.barrcamp.com Current information regarding parking at the trailhead, overnight accommoda- tions, and useful weather links for Barr Camp and the summit. www.cograilway.com Scheduling and ticketing for the Pikes Peak and Manitou Cog Railway. Also web cams at the summit and a summit weather station. http://www.altitudemedicine.org/index.php/altitude-medicine/altitude-physiology Information on the eff ects of altitude www.colorado14ers.com Information on all Colorado Fourteeners, as well as recent trip reports. Good fo- rums regarding hiking.

Corrections or Questions