Ice Cave Cliffs and Cap Rock (Part II), Rampart Range Wildlands, Pike National Forest Colorado

January 3, 2026. Much of this hike is off trail.

This hike begins at the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead. The video shows continuation after taking a right on the Sundance Valley Trail and then using the Sundance Mountain Trail to get down to the Swank Trail. The Swank Trail continues on to the Harrison Plane Crash Site:    • Harrison Plane Crash Site, Rampart Range W...  

But to get to the Ice Cave Cliffs take a left at the saddle about .7 miles after the intersection with the Sundance Mountain Trail. It's just a social trail from here to the Cliffs.

I'd failed to reach Cap Rock on New Year's Day:    • Ice Cave Creek Loop, with the Ice Caves an...  

I really wanted to try again but didn't want to repeat the same hike, so I headed out from the Cliffs. But first I headed over to a point about 300 meters to the east of the Cliffs. This point gives a good look across the gully at Cap Rock.

From the Cliffs, just head south along the ridge to Cap Rock. Be very careful, and have fun!

On the return trip, I used the lovely Ice Cave Creek Trail.

0:00 TH and Sundance Valley/Mtn Trls
1:11 Swank Trail
1:27 Trail to Ice Cave Cliffs
2:06 The Cliffs
5:24 Sidetrip with view
6:10 Trip to Cap Rock
8:29 Cap Rock
9:56 Return to Ice Cave Creek
11:23 Ice Cave Creek and TH