Topping out at 11,300 feet, Mount Rosa is an easy climb for amateur hikers and children and affords the spectacular views of Pike's Peak without the exhaustion.

Our family climbed Mount Rosa in early August of 1999. Wildflowers, butterflies, and other surprises were in abundance. The hike offers a variety of scenic landscapes, from dense forests to babbling brooks, to wide meadows exploding with color. Our mutt Bridger and all four of our children, ages 5 to 9, reached the summit of Mount Rosa, their very first mountain peak with minimal whining and complaining. It was challenging, but by no means impossible for them. To our delight, there was a surprise waiting for us at the top besides just the view -- zillions of ladybugs! This made the climb all the more worthwhile for the kids.

To get the main trailhead, drive up Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard as if you are headed up to the zoo. At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sign, turn right onto Old Stage Road. The road will turn into a dirt road. Go about 10 miles until you get to a Forest Service access road on your right. It will be the first road on your right after you see a parking sign for a lake recreation area. You should park here on the left if you are driving a regular passenger car. If you have a high-clearance 4WD, you can drive another 2-3 miles up that road until you get to the trail that cuts across a meadow into the forest on your right. Do not attempt this road in a regular 2WD passenger vehicle. The road is often mostly creek. Water flows downhill almost constantly and it is very slick and uneven with very high and very low spots.

From the trailhead, the hike takes about 2 hours depending on your pace, the number of children, and the length of your rest-stops, of course. If you start at the main road, plan on at least 3 1/2 hours to the summit. Be forewarned that at the base of the first false summit, the ground becomes very sandy and the trail disappears. Other hikers have made an attempt to mark the trail using dead wood and stones, but if the trail becomes obscured to you, head to your right (south). The trail becomes clear again as it heads up to the false summit.

As with all mountain climbing expeditions large and small, start out early and get down fast if you hear thunder. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Better safe than sorry! Of course, be kind to Mother Nature and pack out all your litter.