Mount Muscoco Loop

Mount Muscoco is a mountain located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park near Colorado Springs. Combining two approaches to the mountain creates an enjoyable hiking loop. This loop is 4.5 miles long and gains 1,599 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from Bruin Inn Trail and Picnic Area. The picnic tables are the only amenity at the trailhead. Begin hiking southeast on Bruin Trail. Almost immediately, you will cross a bridge over North Cheyenne Creek and start hiking uphill. As you hike amongst coniferous trees, you will enjoy intermittent views of the canyon's rocky walls. after 0.6 miles, you will come to a junction. Go right here to take Daniels Pass Trail. Continue hiking uphill. Another 0.4 miles will bring you to a junction. Go left here onto Sweetwater Canyon Trail. You will stay on this trail for 0.2 miles before turning left onto Mount Muscoco Hiking Trail. Continue hiking steeply uphill.After 0.3 miles, you will reach another junction. Turn right here to stay on Mount Muscoco Hiking Trail. Another 0.2 miles on this trail will bring you to the summit of Mount Muscoco.

From the summit, you will have views of the city of Colorado Springs, Mount Cutler and various other front range peaks. From the summit, retrace your steps back to the junction with Mount Muscoco Hiking Trail and Sweetwater Canyon Trail. Turn left onto Sweetwater Canyon Trail. You will be hiking downhill for 0.6 miles. Then you will head uphill. After 0.1 miles, you will come to a junction and turn right onto Middle Sweetwater Trail. Continue uphill for 0.4 miles to reach another junction. Turn right onto Daniels Pass Trail. Now, you will have completed the loop. Retrace your steps from the beginning of the hike to return to the trailhead.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park is open 5am-9pm from November through April. It is open from 5am-10pm from May through October. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash.