Eagle Peak
From USAFA Folklore
Eagle Peak (or sometimes "Eagle's Peak")is the colloquial name for the mountain geographically named North Peak (elev. 9368 ft). It is located immediately southwest of the Cadet Area and is one of the taller peaks in the vicinity of the Academy. As such, Eagle Peak is featured on many class paintings. The rock face of the peak resembles the figure of an eagle, especially when viewed from the Cadet Area, which is a possible source for its name. Some civilian hikers in Colorado Springs refer to Eagle Peak as "Cedar Mountain." The origin of this name is unknown, and doesn't make much sense either, seeing that there are no cedars up there. The peak lies just a few feet south of the 39th parallel.
Eagle Peak is a popular hiking destination for cadets and visitors. Most cadets have been up this mountain at one time or another. It offers unparalleled views of the entire Academy reservation, Pikes Peak and the backcountry, and on clear days it is possible to see the skyscrapers of Denver. The mountain can be accessed via a dirt road behind the Goldwater Visitor Center and Lawrence Paul Lodge, then by a steep trail running along Goat Camp Creek. The mountain is within the Pike National Forest, and is not actually on the military reservation.
In the past, there have been several deaths and injuries resulting from cadets falling or jumping off the peak. Although it has been placed off-limits at times by the PTB, it is currently open. However, cadets are prohibited from climbing the rock face (with technical climbing equipment). There is also an old aircraft crash in the immediate vicinity of Eagle Peak.
