South Slope Recreational Area - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Mason Reservoir is located in Teller County. It was created in 1962 by the Denver Water Board for the purpose of storing water for the city of Denver. The reservoir is named after former Denver mayor Benjamin F. Stapleton. The reservoir has a capacity of 44,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,200 acres. It is fed by the South Platte River and is used for recreation, fishing, and boating. The reservoir is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, deer, and beavers.

This Road is a scenic byway that runs through Teller County. The byway offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and passes by many historic sites. Originally built in 1859, the road was used as a mining route during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The byway is open to both cars and bicycles, and there are numerous pull-offs and picnic areas along the route. Upper Gold Camp Road is a beautiful place to visit any time of year.

Gold Camp Road is a historic road, which was built in the late 19th century to connect the mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor. Today, the road is open to vehicles and is popular with tourists who want to experience a piece of Colorado's history. The road takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery, and there are numerous opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

Mount Rosar is a mountain which has an elevation of 12,941 feet and is the ninth highest peak in the state of Colorado. Mount Rosar is part of the Mosquito Range and is located within Pike National Forest. The mountain was named after John C. Frémont's guide, Kit Carson. Mount Rosar is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The most popular route to the summit is via the north slope. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Pikes Peak and the Collegiate Peaks.

This is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The mountain is named in honor of American explorer Zebulon Pike. There are several visitor centers on Pikes Peak, some with a gift shop and restaurant. These centers are located at the 6-mile and 12-mile markers of the toll road, plus one at the summit itself. Along with other food, the Summit House sells special high altitude doughnuts, frying up to 700 per hour.

The Barr Trail is the most popular way to climb Pikes Peak. It is a 12-mile trail with 7500 feet of elevation gain. The high elevation trail with a long sustained grade is rated more difficult by the U.S. Forest Service. With a 7,800 feet elevation gain to reach the summit, the Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau states that it is an advanced trail and is the most difficult trail in the Pikes Peak region.