In fact, Colorado Springs with close to 200 square miles in area practically screams outdoor recreation—much of it for the nature-lover.
There is just so much to see and do in this area that it can really be difficult when figuring out what type of vacation you want. As a former resident I can tell you there is always so much to do, but my favorite spots will continue to be the best paths for me.
Nestled at the base of the foothills, this sprawling city is a haven for those who love spending time outside. With numerous hiking trails, like the iconic Pikes Peak and beautiful Garden of the Gods park there is so much natural beauty to take in.
One of the things that Colorado Springs is known for it’s dog-friendly atmosphere. Many trails are dog-friendly (on leash) so you can bring your furry friend on the adventure of a [distant] lifetime.
Here are some of the best hikes that we have had the pleasure to hiking in Colorado Springs, beginning with St. Mary’s Falls!
1. St. Mary’s Falls: A Cascade Adventure in Colorado Springs
Why you should visit: Follow the melody of cascading water as you journey into one of Colorado Springs’ prime canyons.
- Distance: 6.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This park, located only a 10 minute drive from busy downtown Colorado Springs is a place where you can escape the city and disappear into the surrounding canyon walls.
The St. Mary’s Falls Trail is a climb, but boy are the views worth each step! At the waterfall you have a pretty nice view of both, city and canyon.
Like a lot of the Colorado Springs area trails centipede scree interspersed with the primary tread while it works in and out some lightly vegetated meadows.
The good news is the trail was excellent, with a clear path all along it — meaning you could hike at your own pace without worrying about losing yourself.
2. Mt. Herman: A Hidden Gem in Pike National Forest
Why you should explore: Immerse yourself in a secluded world within Pike National Forest.
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
It also explains the obsession that generations of indigenous people and frontiersmen had with this area, standing atop Mount Herman looking out over it.
Wildflowers along a short hike with an exceptional photo op of Pikes Peak. The scale of Pikes Peak is clear from this national forest overlook, with the familiar mountain towering above adjacent hills and canyons.
Mt. Herman Trail: Leads you to a low profile top You know you are on the right trail when you discover yourself not having a clue where it leads to — the path ends here! You may see a couple of lightly-marked trails from others who took this an further explored or camped, but the official trail ends here.
On the right side, East: The forest fall below making a lot of room to camp. Beyond that, gap up at the rugged massif of Mount Sudan graciously draped to its east: further west are breathtaking boulder fields scatted across Mt. Herman, a real spectacle!
This area has a plethora of dirt roads leading off Mt. Herman Road where you could spend an entire day exploring out here. Even if you are not a hiker I highly recommend checking out the nearby walks or doing what we did and driving around to take in all of nature.
3. Red Rock Canyon Loop: A Journey Through Colorado Springs’ Red Rock Marvel
Why you should visit: Delve into the intriguing red rock landscape of Colorado Springs, a beloved spot for outdoor enthusiasts!
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 885 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
The park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space shares geological similarities with Garden of the Gods located near Manitou Springs. The canyon boasts miles of sandstone walls where both hikers and mountain bikers can explore, while rock climbers can ascend its ever-present cliffs.
It’s made by combining the Sand Canyon, Mesa, Greenlee & Red Rock Canyon Loop trails. They are large enough to accommodate mountain bikers, folks jogging and even strollers.
You’ll have glimpses of the incredibly dramatic rock formations in Garden of the Gods from several points on this trail, with its trails hitting city limits. Just minutes from the downtown area, it’s no surprise why Colorado Springs is one of the most popular outdoor destinations.
4. Pikes Peak via Barr Trail: A Journey to the Top of America’s Mountain
Why you should go: Savor fresh doughnuts and a latte at the summit of Pikes Peak!
- Distance: 21.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 7,400 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
Humans have treasured Pikes Peak since around 500 AD, when the Ute tribe settled there long before anyone else. They called it Tava, a name with still more significance to our present story, meaning “sun,” for this was the mountain’s sunlit peak.
Climbing Pikes Peak A Different Colorado 14er Experience The trail has some great features like a waterfall, running stream, lush wild life and chances are you will hear one or two Sasquatch sightings as well.
Barr Camp (You can reserve a cabin, lean to or tent site there) is at about the 6.5 mile point of the hike. This makes it a very convenient place for hikers and the camp even provides meals to those trekking through. In Pike National Forest, primitive camping is permitted it’s free and there are some quasi-developed sites that work well for larger groups.
Pikes Peak has a gift shop and cafe (including doughnuts) due to being accessible both by car on the Pikes Peak Highway road, as well as via cog-railway.
Those seeking additional options can hike up using the Crags Trail and down on Barr Trail. If you can shuttle a car at both ends of the trail, Crags Trail provides an another vantage point, but it’s also difficult in spots and recommended for experienced hikers.
5. Blodgett Peak: A Challenging Ascent with Rewarding Views
Why you should go: Blodgett Peak’s exposed summit offers breathtaking views that make the climb worthwhile.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,150 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
Yes, that number is right—if you want the wide open views at Blodgett Peak, you’re going to have put in some work on a grind of an uphill. This path and the subsequent scree provide a great, punishing workout to keep you in shape for more peaks. They might feel like the path has vanished, follow your guessed easiest route upwards along scree to approx /lleft.
Cool it with the rock scrambling up your right. Though it is a less attractive way, this shortcut land you in one of two places: broke or miserable (this predicament happens more than what most people would think).
Summitting Blodgett Peak The little rocky narrow peak lies out in the open between two tree lines and is quite nice for soaking up air only scarcely sullied. The to is exspansvie, you can look down into the Air Force Academy Rockrimmon area of colorado springs and out ond uponltey plains that sretch for miles especially to th east This seems like the ideal place to chill out for a sec and nom on some trail mix while you take in your surroundings.
5. Blodgett Peak: A Challenging Ascent with Rewarding Views
Why you should go: Blodgett Peak’s exposed summit offers breathtaking views that make the climb worthwhile.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,150 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
Yes, that increase in elevation is real, do not mistake it for a typo (raised eyebrow) — Blodgett Peak requires some effort to get to the top but we swear these 360 panoramic views are worth every step! You will be servicing your engine with plenty of oxygen, especially high up on the screen. The route can look like it dies here, but just climb the easiest scree to your left.
The rock face to your right is tempting, but stay on the loop ranch path. It looks like a shortcut, but it’s an unstable and risky road that many fall prey to.
The summit of Blodgett Peak is worth the effort. This small, rocky and exposed summit provides a gorgeous perspective to view the accomplished trek from. From there you can see into the Air Force Academy, Rockrimmon area of Colorado Springs and east to gigantic plains. The perfect place to stop, rest and eat a deserved food while admiring the views.
6. Garden of the Gods: Marvel at Colorado Springs’ Iconic Sandstone Formations
Why you should visit: Be captivated by striking sandstone formations with Pikes Peak as the dramatic backdrop of this renowned red rock park.
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 75 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
If you are headed to Colorado Springs and have never been before, head straight first timer who aventure into Garden of the Gods!
This immediately accessible path is the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which serves as a good introduction to the park considering it starts from it’s main parking lot.
Although the park has many trails that can be trekked, only the paved paths all circumnavigate through the largest formations. Those interested in longer or more difficult hikes should refer to the park’s website, of stop at a Visitor Center for (free) trail maps.
Just as fascinating and the park, too, is it’s history — if you can spare the time while in Red Rock Canyon: Visit their Visitor Center. Renovated in recent years and containing displays on the flora and fauna found at Hawk Mountain, geological exhibits of how rock walls have formed over millions of years, a park map you can interact with yourself to see what will best suit your humble or extreme adventurer needs, along with some 360 movie about “fly like an eagle” that drives kids bananas. It also contains two artesian wells for replenishing mountain spring water into any container not covered by paper labeled ‘spring water’ if need be.
7. Stanley Canyon Trail: An Adventure into Aspen Groves and Meadows
Why you should go: Venture deep into Stanley Canyon to experience young aspen groves, expansive meadows, and a sizable reservoir.
- Distance: 5.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,150 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
The area is covered in granite wall that some how appear to have been cut out of the mountain.
There are a few technical parts of this trail and it starts off with an intense climb. There are steep drop-offs and the need for some scrambling because of towering canyon walls.
Towards the end of the canyon, it opens up. The creek calms down, the aspens grow tall around you. We cover a dense aspen grove, enter meadows that begin to feel like actual fairytales you could come across in the wilderness, and then finally get to the reservoir.
Before you go, it is important to check the weather. The towering canyon walls, combined with Indio’s proximity to the mysterious Salton Sea and its sporadic weather patterns make for challenging conditions; when it rains at J-Tree (and rain does happen), that granite turns ultra-slick.
Even though the Stanley Canyon Trail is located in Pike National Forest, it actually starts on Air Force Academy property. This provides you the unique experience to roam around. You do not need to be military and just armed driver licence or id by the entrance.
8. Paint Mines Interpretive Park: A Journey Through Colorful Clay Canyons
Why you should go: Experience the transition from sweeping grasslands to vividly colored clay canyons in this historic and distinctive location.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 330 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Near Colorado Springs is the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, which offers an unparalleled respite in our backyard.
With Eastern Colorado Springs almost dismissed as “the Plains” to the locals, this park is one of those unassuming hidden gems that surprises people who venture in.
In Paint Mines Interpretive Park, the trail is in a figure-eight loop and beautiful as nothing else you’ll find. Indians used to prepare colors from the clay which was available in these colorful walls around them. Human activity in the area can be traced back 9,000 years etc. Because of how valuable this land is, we cannot bring dogs, horses or bikes into the park.
9. Sundance Loop Trail: A Morning Adventure in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Why you should go: Kickstart your day with a hike through the high-desert landscape of Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
- Distance: 3.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 440 feet
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
South of Colorado Springs, Cheyenne mountain houses both NORAD and the Cheyenee Mtn Zoo Cheyenne Mountain State Park is at the base of the mountain, with a terrain reminiscent of Colorado Springs’ high-desert setting.
Because fewer people hike the trails here, it’s more likely you’ll see a black bear or even mountain lion.
Dogs are not allowed on all of the trails in Acadia National Park, and it is clearly marked when you can no longer bring your dog along. It creates an opportunity to customize this trail a bit for what suits you best!
The Sundance Loop is a nice rolling trail, perfect for either running or mountain biking. All of the trails here are well signed and it is easy to find your way around and make links with other trails.
This is a great park for mountain biking, you should definitely do the trails of you like riding them!
Please remember that Cheyenne Mountain State Park is one of the few areas in Colorado Springs where you may need to pay a small fee for entry.
10. The Incline with Barr Trail Descent: A Test of Endurance in Colorado Springs
Why you should go: Challenge yourself on the rigorous training grounds favored by Colorado Springs residents, then treat yourself to ice cream or pizza nearby.
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,922 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
No discussion of hiking in Colorado Springs would be complete without mentioning The Incline.
This challenging path will include an incredible 1,922 foot elevation gain going up over 2,744 tall steps made from old railroad ties. A famous site for out-of-town athletes, The Incline was originally built as a cog railway to carry materials from the base to build Pikes Peak pipelines. After you tackle The Incline, hit the Barr Trail for your descent. Springs of barr trail guide Rank: 11 A/km: When coming down, your knees will especially welcome the steady switchbacking descent you have to make in this place instead of clambering back down all those steep steps.
Constructed in 1907, the Incline was closed down between 1990 when a rockslide damaged part of the track. Nevertheless, brave trekkers kept coming. In 2013, following some funding post-Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012, Manitou Springs did a complete renovation and reopened the trail officially. Additionally, the trailhead is so close to downtown Manitou Springs you can enjoy a post-hike meal and treats.
The trail is so steep that no dogs are allowed to hike here.
Colorado Springs has tons of trails, most with various skill levels or serving a specific purpose. Are you looking forward to an extended adventure in Pike National Forest or exploring the town of red rock forms with unique colors?
And of course, follow Leave No Trace guidelines to keep the trails in good standing for years to come! Stay in campgrounds — or if you’re backcountry camping, stay at least 300 feet (about two-thirds of a football field) from lakeshores and stream banks.
Where to Stay Near Colorado Springs
Planning your next Colorado adventure and need a great place to stay? Explore our guides on top secluded cabin rentals and glamping resorts for insider tips. You’ll also find some of the best cabin rentals in Colorado Springs for your upcoming trip.
For those seeking a memorable glamping experience, consider visiting the Black Tree Resort in Lake George.
Located about an hour west of Colorado Springs within Pike National Forest, this resort offers an ideal retreat for adventurous families and active couples.
