Blodgett Peak

Blodgett Peak rises to 9,430 feet with rocky steep paths cutting through canyons and thick forest sections. The open space spans across different elevations, moving from shaded woodlands to more exposed higher terrain.

Military planners considered this mountain in 1959 as a possible command center location before choosing Cheyenne Mountain instead. A major fire in 2012 changed the landscape significantly and led to large-scale restoration work.

The summit serves as a habitat for rare mountain birds that visitors may spot during their climb. The restored slopes reflect how the community and landscape have recovered together from past damage.

The climb is demanding and requires sturdy shoes and plenty of water for the full journey. The path is marked clearly, but hikers should start early to spend daylight hours there, especially since weather changes quickly at this elevation.

Three different rock layers - Pierre Shale, Fountain Formation, and Manitou Limestone - make up the mountain's foundation. These layers tell the story of different ocean and environmental periods from millions of years ago.