Blodgett Peak

I absolutely loved doing this hike TODAY. The heavy rains have completely transformed the little creek and waterfalls. Instead of the rivulet of water we usually see, there is now a roaring creek and two full size respectful waterfalls that can be proud to be called such. It is very very sad once you get towards the top. It is a scene of desolation and despair. You can truly see the extent of the damage of Waldo Canyon fire on our mountains and hills. Atop Blodgett you get a 360 degree view of all the fire area as well as gorgeous views of the Air Force Academy, Black Forest, Colorado Springs and as far as your eye can see really. Oddly enough we get cell phone coverage all the way to the top. LOL.
I disagree with the previous reviews stating that this is an easy hike or that it is good for children. THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. The terrain is treacherous at times and the trail is NOT marked. At times there is no trail at all, and you hike on your hands and knees. It is approximately a 4.7 miles climb from the parking area to the top of Blodgett… and the same if you want to get back to your car ;-) So expect this hike to take most of your day (unless you are a very experienced hiker).
Only go with EXPERIENCED hikers who know how to get to the top or you will end up a casualty of the mountain as it happened only a month ago :-(((
If one wants to only hike half way up the mountain, that is a fairly easy hike and one can bring kids. But NOT for the entire ascent to the peak. Too dangerous. Rock is loose and gravel is aplenty. Be careful out there!

Absolutely amazing trails and great view from the top. The hike is steep on some patches but it’s fairly easy that you can bring your kids or pets. The noise from the waterfall is relaxing as you go up. I would recommend if you want to go on a hike that’s not too crowded and not too hard.

I’ve hiked Blodgett once to the summit on the south side, from Blodgett Open Space. Another time, I went up about ½ way on the north ridge, from the AFA to check out the remains of the plane crash from the 1940’s. Either way you hike the peak, it’s very steep and very loose.. . think scree. The scree is not so bad going up but (for me anyway) contending with the downward force of my body and scree at the same time makes for slow going and falling. And probably comedy relief for anyone who witnesses my descent.
I like the hike from the South side best mainly because I didn’t have to go onto the AFA to access the peak.
From personal experience, wear long pants if hiking the south side. Once you start ascending the trail (there is really not a well defined trail at this point) to the peak, the trail is overgrown. My calves look like a cat mistook them for a scratching post because I wore shorts. Also, I wish I would have worn shoes with a higher top or wore a pair of summer weight gaiters. I wore trail runners and had to stop many times on the way down to get all the debris out of my shoes.
While the Incline is out of commission for repair, this may be a good alternative for some. It’s not as steep but it’s longer. The views from the top are mainly of the city but you also get to catch some views to the west as well.

Looking for a decent hike in the Colorado Springs area aside from Pike’s Peak or the Incline? Look no further…
Blodgett Peak is closer to the Springs than both of those, and it’s a relatively short hike (when compared to hiking Pikes Peak or any 14’er for the matter). The total altitude gain is about 2,000−2,500′ and is about 4 – 5 miles round trip.
The views from the top are actually quite nice and gives a much better perspective of the Springs, specifically all the neighborhoods that are literally at the base of the Front Range. Also offers a view looking North at the Academy and is close enough so that you can just make out people walking about there.
The trail isn’t extraordinarily well marked, but just aim up and you’ll summit without a problem. There are areas of loose gravel/​dirt which make getting down slightly more difficult but nothing hard.
In short: A really nice hike close to home.
Also, bonus fact: On the backside of the mountain, mid-​way is an airplane that crashed in the 50’s. The wreckage is still there if you feel like exploring