Hiking Trails in Colorado Springs

As the weather is starting to warm up, what better way to enjoy Colorado (and social distance) than to go hiking?! There are so many amazing hiking trails in Colorado Springs to choose from. Here are some of the most popular hiking locations nearby:

Garden of the Gods Park: By far one of the most popular places to hike! This rated #1 park in Colorado Springs by TripAdvisor, has both paved and natural trails that wind through  magnificent red rock formations and offer stunning views of Pikes Peak. The Garden of the Gods trail map offers a good overview of your options. Dog friendly. Easy

Red Rock Canyon Open Space:22 great hiking trails, running trails, mountain biking trails. Trails vary from easy to hard. Gorgeous views from a series of parallel ridges (called “hogbacks”) and eroded canyons, a continuation of the same sandstone rocks of the Fountain Formation that make up Garden of the Gods a few miles to the north. Varies

Cheyenne Mountain State Park: Just south of Colorado Springs you can explore nature’s diversity on 2,700 acres with prairie-to-peak ecosystems on 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Entrance fee. Easy to Moderate

Palmer Park: 737-acre park offering hiking and biking on a mesa overlooking the city. Enclosed off-leash dog park as well as a separate off-leash area with incredible views. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas. Easy to Moderate 

Austin Bluffs Open Space: This area is known for its unique rock formations created by the most recent geological uplift. The 585 acres can be accessed via two trailheads. Easy to Moderate 

Midland Trail: This 5-mile trail runs from the town of Manitou Springs to America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs; some parts of the trail are on streets. Easy 

Barr Trail: 12-mile (one-way) hike gaining 7,800 vertical feet from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Hike to the summit and book a ride back down the mountain with Rocky Mountain Ride. Moderate to Difficult

Palmer Loop Trail: (Also known as Red Rock Palmer Loop Trail) A 6-mile loop hike of moderate difficulty among the pine forest with spectacular views, shade and a small waterfall. Moderate

Intemann Trail: This new 3-mile trail (round-trip) is part of the Intemann Trail and provides access to a summit that was only recently open to the public. Moderate 

Manitou Incline: For the ultimate workout tackle the 1-mile, 2,000-ft. vertical rise trail made from the track of a historic rail car line.  Descend on the lower 4 miles of Barr Trail. Difficult

Helen Hunt Falls: (Officially known as Silver Cascade Trail) This short trail offers a pleasant hike through the forest alongside a cascading stream and waterfall. Moderate

Seven Bridges: This is an easy to moderate trail as there is a constant gain in elevation as you cross 7 bridges after hiking a portion of the old Midland Railroad line. Moderate 

Mt. Hermann Trail: A 4-mile out-and-back trail rated as moderate with great views of Monument, Colorado Springs and the mountains. Moderate

Paint Mines Interpretive Park: Rich in both animal and plant life, the park’s gentle trails take you by overhangs, spires, hoodoos, carved walls and chasms that are in beautiful colors such as golden yellow, rose pink, snowy white and mauve.  No dogs. Easy

Mt. Cutler: This one-way trail parallels N. Cheyenne Canon Road and heads up to the summit. Along the way, you’ll see great views of Stratton Open Space, Seven Falls, and Will Rogers Shrine. Easy

The Crags Trail: A wonderful 4.2-mile hike in Pike National Forest that is great for families and dogs. If you want a more intense hike, you can go all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak. Moderate to Difficult

Mueller State Park: Scenic wildlife viewing of elk, bighorn sheep, and birds on 5,511 acres of land with 55 miles of hiking & biking trails. No dogs. Entrance fee. Easy to Moderate 

Pancake Rocks Trail: A 5.5 mile out and back trail located near Woodland Park, rated as difficult. Great for hiking and mountain biking from May to October. Difficult 

Fox Run Trail: A 3.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Colorado Springs, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching. Dog friendly. Easy.

Please remember to respect your fellow hiking and biking enthusiast and follow this suggested trail etiquette.

What are your favorite hiking/biking trails in the Colorado Springs area?

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