Don’t let Colorado Springs fool you. Even though it’s the second largest city in the state, Colorado Springs has plenty of green space with several parks, open spaces, and protected lands with miles of trails to explore. It’s also home to Pikes Peak (also known as America’s Mountain), Garden of the Gods and other natural wonders. Check out our favorite trails with a view below!
RELATED: [DRONE] Colorado’s craziest hike!
1. Ute Valley Park Loop Trail
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 452 feet
Summary: The Ute Valley Park Loop is a popular recreational trail for hikers, runners, dog-walkers and mountain bikers. On a Colorado bluebird day, you’ll be able to see Pikes Peak towering in the distance.
RELATED: [READ] 35.5 Hours in Colorado Springs
2. Pulpit Rock Park Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 728 feet
Summary: Look no further than Pulpit Rock if you want a short hike, close to town. Summiting Pulpit Rock requires a 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead parking lot. Near the top of Pulpit Rock, you will have to do some scrambling, but the expansive views overlooking Colorado Springs are definitely worth the struggle.
3. Garden of the Gods Loop Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 561 feet
Summary: This easy hike connects three trails that loop around the beautiful red and white sandstone formations that make Garden of the Gods famous. You’ll quickly see why more than two million visitors a year are attracted to this National Natural Landmark.
RELATED: [WATCH] You’ve Never Seen Garden of the Gods Look This Good!
4. Palmer Park Outer Loop Trail
Distance: 7.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,177 feet
Summary: This single-track dirt trail weaves in and around the unique rock formations in Palmer Park’s roughly 730 acres. Keep your eyes up to take in the views of the city and to watch out for the mountain bikers, runners, horse riders and dog owners who frequently take up the narrow trail.
5. Mount Cutler Trail
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 587 feet
Summary: Mount Cutler is a great leisurely hiking trail for families and hikers of all ability levels. The out and back trail in North Cheyenne Canyon cuts through the forest to start and then opens up to spectacular city views from the summit. On the hike up, there’s also a good chance you’ll see people soaring down the zip lines at Seven Falls in the distance.
6. St. Mary’s Falls Trail
Distance: 6.3miles
Elevation Gain: 1,535 feet
Summary: This well-shaded trail follows a creek up to a small, beautiful waterfall. The varied, moderate terrain with several mountainous outlooks begins on Gold Camp Road and passes a collapsed tunnel before reaching a marked trailhead.
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT!
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.