Hiking is rewarding enough, but hiking while high can be transcendent. What's critical for a good high hike? First: that you can't get lost. Second: that the hike lasts long enough for you to come down before driving back to civilization. Third: the fewer people, the better. Wigwam Trail in Pike National Forest near Cheesman Reservoir checks all of those boxes, plus offers killer views of McCurdy Mountain and Buffalo Peak and the chance to wander through a red rock wall maze. The eleven-mile out-and-back is an amble through old-growth evergreens, aspen groves and wildflower meadows. Bikes aren't allowed, and you're not likely to encounter anyone else. Stop off at the beaver ponds and enjoy the quiet.
fs.usda.gov