St. Peter's Dome
St. Peter's Dome is a granite-topped peak on Pikes Peak massif in the Pike National Forest. The peak, at in elevation, is located in El Paso County, Colorado, above Colorado Springs. It is located about from Colorado Springs along Old Stage and Gold Camp Roads. Old Stage Road is picked up behind The Broadmoor and Gold Camp Road winds through Cheyenne Canyon.
The St. Peter's Dome mining district, also called the Cheyenne District, has been operational since 1910. In the early 20th century, trains stopped at the St. Peter's Dome for the trip between Cripple Creek and Colorado Springs. Tourists had picnics, hiked, and camped in the area.
Recreation
St. Peter's Dome can be climbed via a trail with a gain in altitude. The trail heads northwest from the parking lot by the sign for the St. Peter's Dome Shooting Range. One section of the trail is a vertical ascent that requires use of the knotted rope to climb. From the ledge above, the trail continues to the summit where there is a view of the city of Colorado Springs and Cheyenne Mountain. It is not recommended for small children and dogs.There is rock climbing on nearby formations, such as the Aiguille de St. Peter formation.
History
In the early 20th century, the Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek District Railway passed from Cripple Creek through St. Peter's Dome to Colorado Springs. In 1902, about 200,000 people took the train along the rim of South Cheyenne Cañon to Colorado Springs. It was a picnic and camping site. The vertical ascent of was first made by a wooden ladder and then a spiral staircase. It is now made by using a knotted rope.There was also a trail for burro and pony rides to St. Peter's Dome.