7 Best Trails for Hiking Near Colorado Springs
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Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and is the perfect destination for nature lovers with its abundance of nearby scenic hikes. Spending some time hiking near Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas is a wonderful time and a great addition to any Colorado trip. This guide covers hikes at a variety of levels, from easy beginner hikes to challenging hikes up Pikes Peak.
Before you go hiking near Colorado Springs, remember to always check the weather and trail conditions before you go. Also, the best trails in Colorado Springs do sit at higher elevations than you may be used to if you are traveling to the area from somewhere else. Remember to give yourself a couple of days to adjust to the altitude before trying more challenging hikes.
Some of these hikes should not be attempted without the proper gear. Remember to pack layers as higher elevations will be colder. Remember to also pack good hiking shoes or boots, plenty of water, and spikes if you’re hiking in colder weather months.
Easy Hiking Near Colorado Springs
1. Garden of the Gods
If you’re in the Colorado Springs area, you absolutely have to visit the Garden of the Gods. Most of the main trails here are relatively easy paths, but there are a couple of slightly more challenging trails (nothing too crazy). Garden of the Gods is famous for its beautiful red rock formations and views of the nearby Pikes Peak from some trails.
Head to the visitors center to learn more about the red rocks that make this park unique, and then spend some time walking the main trails. The staff at the visitors center can also assist you with picking the perfect hike for your skill level. Alternatively, you could book a jeep tour for a different experience.
2. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is close to the Garden of the Gods and also has some beautiful red rock formations. There are a variety of hiking trails here, as well as trails for biking and a dog park! As always, make sure you select a trail appropriate for your skill level. It is also a good idea to download a trail map for this area because a lot of the trails connect to each other, so it could be easy to make a wrong turn.
This area is beautiful and absolutely worth hiking through at least once on your trip. You can see the Garden of the Gods at a distance from some trails. This area does not have a lot of shade, so I recommend going early in the morning and bringing sunscreen, hats, and any other sun protection you may need, as well as plenty of water.
3. North Cheyenne Cañon Park
This park does have a variety of trails for hiking in Colorado Springs across all levels of difficulty, but I do want to highlight that it does have some easy trails if you are looking for a beginner hike. You can see Helen Hunt Falls from a parking lot, and there is an accessible path in the area in front of the waterfall. Crystal Falls is another short, easy hike.
For more moderate hikes, you could do the famous Seven Bridges Trail – one of the best trails in Colorado Springs. You could also do St. Mary’s Falls for another moderately challenging hike in this park. Be aware that the roads through the park are narrow with lots of turns so be prepared to take your time driving up through the park.
Moderate Hiking Near Colorado Springs
4. Mount Cutler Trail
Mount Cutler Trail is a little bit under 2 miles round trip and is also located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. This short but scenic hike brings you to the summit of Mount Cutler, giving you views of the surrounding mountains and the Seven Falls area along the way. You’ll probably find Seven Bridges to be a prettier hike, but the view from Mount Cutler is still fun to see and a nice little challenge.
5. Seven Bridges Trail
Seven Bridges Trail is about 3.5 miles round trip and is located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. This hike brings you along a creek and across 7 bridges as you walk through some of the most beautiful scenery of the park. You will have to drive all the way up through the park to access this trailhead, so be ready for the narrow, curvy road but the views are worth it. Make sure to bring hiking shoes or boots and plenty of water.
Challenging Hiking Near Colorado Springs
6. Manitou Incline
The Manitou Incline was at one point a set of railway tracks going up Pikes Peak. Now, it is a popular but challenging and steep hike. You have to be in excellent shape to hike the Manitou Incline. As you climb the steps, you’ll gain 2000 feet of elevation in less than a mile! You will need a reservation to hike and be sure to bring the proper gear and plenty of water.
7. Barr Trail (Pikes Peak Trailhead)
Barr Trail is about 13 miles one way and will take you to the summit of Pikes Peak. It starts in Manitou Springs near the same area as the Manitou Incline. This is an incredibly challenging route that takes you to the summit of one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers and should only be done if you are prepared for it. The views are stunning, but the hike does get more challenging as you get to higher altitudes. Be sure to bring the proper gear and plenty of water.
Things to Know Before You Go
When hiking in Colorado, always be prepared before you go. Be sure to bring a backpack with sunscreen, any other sun protection, plenty of water, snacks, and layers (it’ll get colder the higher you go). Check trail conditions before you leave for your hike and bring the proper gear.
Keep an eye on the weather while hiking. Storms are common in the afternoons and are incredibly dangerous if you are above the treeline. If you are doing a hike that takes you above the treeline, plan to be there before noon.
Always remember to leave no trace and bring anything you bring with you on your hike back with you. Be respectful of the areas you hike in and follow the rules on signs. It is also a good idea to bring a trail map with you on your hike.
As always, choose the hike that matches your desired difficulty level and know your limitations. If you would like more hiking recommendations in Colorado, see my post about the best easy and moderate hikes at Rocky Mountain National Park.
What is your favorite hike in the Colorado Springs area? Let me know in the comments!
