From bridges, waterfalls to running creeks, never-ending views and geological wonders, hiking Colorado Springs is a near-magical experience for avid hikers of any experience level. Check out these 12 seriously epic hikes throughout Colorado Springs that provide spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Colorado Springs sits at an elevation of 6035 feet, with Pikes Peak reaching 14,115 feet. With this many feet of elevation gain, you’re going to want to be aware of the effects of the high altitude when hiking the trails. If you are used to a lower altitude, it’s recommended that you spend at least a day hanging out in town acclimating before tackling a big hike.
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Seven Bridges Trail
One of the most popular trails in the area is Seven Bridges Trail, which is located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
This trail is a great first hike, as it is fairly easy to get through, with a few stairs here and there and some beautiful views of the creek. The trail takes you across 7 bridges (bet you didn’t see that coming), which are well maintained. The air is crisp and clean, and you’ll be filled with a euphoric sense of accomplishment the rest of the day.
Park at the Upper Gold Parking Lot and walk 0.7 miles west to the trailhead. Partially paved, the trail is open to all sorts of hiking types from runners, kid-friendly walks, and everyone in-between.
Finding the actual trailhead is a bit tricky. As you turn left into the dirt parking area, there is a closed road straight ahead. Note, this is at the opposite end of the parking lot, and not the closed off-road beyond the parking turn. You’ll walk along this road for a bit – the gravel is deep and the path is wide. It is about 0.7 miles.
Eventually, you’ll come to a marker to turn off into the actual trail – Trail 622. A short walk will take you to a slightly confusing area. Walk around a tree, climb over roots carefully, and continue upstream along the creek’s edge. Once you make it to this point, the rest of the trail is easy to follow.
If you are hiking this trail during icy weather, you’ll find footing beyond Bridge 6 to be very slippery and steep – microspikes and sure footing recommended.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.7 miles
- Time to hike: 1 1/2 – 4 hours out and back (depending on snow/ice conditions)
- Elevation gain: 1600 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes: must be leashed – don’t forget your compostable poop bags
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: All day
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Manitou Incline Colorado Springs
Do you like steps? I don’t think you answered YES! passionately enough. If you’re the kind of hiker that hates your own legs, there is a mile-long set of stairs waiting for you along with a 2000 foot elevation gain. Apparently someone has a 17-minute record to summit this trail.
There is a bailout path halfway up which takes you back down via the Barr Trail, which is still a difficult hike, but easier than The Incline Trail. The top of The Incline will also bring you to another section of the Barr Trail, slightly higher up. Or just go back down the stairs and make everyone else feel inadequate.
Protip: Your knees might hate you on the way down, so bring along some trekking poles for your descent.
Steeped in history, the Manitou Incline originated as a railway track in 1907 to provide access to water tanks at the top of the mountain. Soon after, it turned into a tourist attraction with a summit house. In 1990, it officially closed as a railway. Locals began using the abandoned tracks as a serious workout to hike to the top.
As the illegal trail grew in popularity, it became a legal hiking trail in 2013, with legal battles finding themselves all the way in the front of the United States Congress. As for as hiking Colorado Springs, this trail is going to be one of the most difficult trails you’ll ever experience in a short distance.
After you’ve completed the hike and you feel your entire lower body steeped in soreness and pain the next day, think about the Incline 500 Club, which is reserved for people who have hiked to the top of the Incline Trail in 365 consecutive days.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 1 mile up the stairs, 2.5 miles down the Barr Trail
- Time to hike: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 2000 feet
- Dogs allowed: No
- Parking fee: $5-$10 [credit] or Free shuttle
- Trail hours: 6am to 8pm from April 1 to October 31. 6am to 6am November 1 to March 31.
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Manitou Incline Parking
For free parking: Park at the Tajine Alami Moroccan restaurant near 10 Old Man’s Trail. A shuttle runs from the lot to the entrance of the paid parking lot between 6am and 6pm daily, every 20 minutes. To verify the shuttle is running, visit this page and look for Route 33.
Section 16 Trail / Palmer Loop
The Section 16 Trail is an immensely popular hiking trail. The first half hike takes you on a steep ascent, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Red Rock Open Space and Garden of the Gods throughout the hike. The trail is full of rock formations, waterfalls, creeks, and wildlife. In addition to leashed dogs, you will also find horseback riders and mountain bikers.
The Section 16 trailhead parking lot is free, with a secondary lot to the left. From US-24, exit 26th Street. After two switchbacks, turn right onto Gold Camp Road. The trailhead parking lot is on the right side at around 0.9 miles.
This particular trail has multiple intersections and splits along the trail. You’re going to want to reference your favorite hiking app or website for specific directions or an offline map to follow along.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 5.7 mile loop
- Time to hike: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 1300 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: 24/7
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Mount Cutler Trail
The Mount Cutler Trail is perfect for introducing new hikers or bringing along families to the beauty of nature. Find your way to the top and you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding areas.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.7 miles out and back
- Time to hike: 1-2 hours
- Elevation gain: 470 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: 24/7
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Barr Trail to Pikes Peak
No hike to scoff at, the Barr Trail will take you up the 14’er also known as Pike’s Peak – a worthy accomplishment for many a hiker. Add this long and difficult hike to your repertoire of hiking Colorado Springs for views unmatched by any other mountain in the front range of the Rocky Mountains. You’re best off to begin your ascent by 6am in order to reach Pikes Peak by noon.
Some mountain bikers attempt this challenging trail, but only those with the expertise to navigate the gnarly climb and descent.
Afternoon storms are a common occurrence, which you’ll want to avoid. Expect temperatures at the top to be 30 degrees during hot summer days, and much much colder during winter. This is not the trail to underestimate. Only experienced hikers whom are acclimated to higher altitudes should attempt this. Disclosures aside, the trail and summit is a spiritual experience.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 21.3 miles out and back
- Time to hike: 12-16 hours
- Elevation gain: 7400 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: $40/day and take shuttle from Manitou Springs
- Trail hours: 24/7
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Catamount Falls / Green Mountain Falls Trail
For the hiker interested in streams and waterfalls, this trail is best suited when the water is flowing to fully enjoy. Catamount Falls will take you through three different waterfalls and over several creeks. If you are a waterfall hound like me – this is an excellent trail to experience.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 6.4 miles out and back
- Time to hike: 2-4 hours
- Elevation gain: 1700 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: 24/7
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
The Crags Trail
With rock formations and twisted bristle cone pine trees throughout the trail, The Crags will provide photographers and nature lovers alike with some pretty great views. This is a must-do hike for amateur geologists because of the many unique rock pinnacle formations.
If hiking this during the winter season, park at Mennonite Camp and hike an extra 1.4 miles from there, as the road beyond is often unplowed, with reports of people being trapped between stuck vehicles.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 4.8 miles out and back
- Time to hike: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 820 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: 24/7
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Garden of the Gods Rocks and Vistas
From the main parking lot, the Rocks and Vistas Trail is an easy scenic loop that will take you through the beauty that is the Garden of the Gods. Pose alongside unique rock formations, watch rock climbers of varying skill levels, and perhaps sign up for yourself.
This is considered by many to be a touristy hike, perhaps more of a stroll, but I recommend trying it at least once, as all skill levels are able to get a close-up view of the towering rock formations.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 4-mile loop
- Time to hike: 1 1/2 – 2 hours
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Garden of the Gods Overlook and Scenic View
This iconic view of Garden of the Gods with Pike’s Peak in the background is not an actual hike, but a worthwhile stop to provide perspective after you’ve visited and hiked around Garden of the Gods.
Directions to the Mesa Overlook
Helen Hunt Falls
Named after Helen Maria Hunt Jackson, a poet and writer, this waterfall is part of the Cheyenne Creek in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. The falls are a short hike, with a viewpoint at the bottom and a bridge at the top. If you are feeling extra adventurous and want a bit more step, you can follow the trail upwards and onwards even further. You’ll eventually find yourself at a bench with views of the surrounding mountains.
For those of you who are avid social media posters – don’t expect reception in this area. You’ll have to share your photos with the world once you exit the park.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.3 miles
- Time to hike: 15 minutes
- Elevation gain: 45 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: 24/7
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Blodgett Peak
The trail to Blodgett Peak takes you through the Blodgett Peak Open Space and offers vast open views of the valley below.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Time to hike: 1-2 hours
- Elevation gain: 2145 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours:24/7
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Pulpit Rock Park
The hike to Pulpit Rock Park will bring you to sweeping panoramas of Colorado Springs with a view of Pikes Peak. While this is an easy hike, expect to get lost amongst some of the offshoot trails as you scramble around to the top. This is also a great destination for experiencing gorgeous sunsets.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 4.2 miles loop
- Time to hike: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 583 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: None
- Trail hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Ute Trail
The Ute Trail in Estes Park will take you into the alpine tundra, far above where trees can no longer survive – a truly epic way to experience hiking Colorado Springs. The elevation and conditions makes this a fairly difficult hike, although adventurers will be well rewarded throughout the entire hike between flora and fauna.
According to Out There Colorado, this is one of the few places you can mountain bike while taking in the splendor of Garden of the Gods, including the Morrison Formation. This trail is ideal for beginner mountain bikers.
The trail is closed during winters, making this a springtime through fall accessible hike.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 5.3 mils out and back
- Time to hike: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 3169 feet
- Dogs allowed: Yes – must be leashed
- Parking fee: Free
- Trail hours: June – September
- Parking directions
- Trailhead location
Colorado Springs Waterfalls
As a bonus, here is a list of all hiking trails near Colorado Springs which have waterfall features. There about 25 waterfalls total which I have identified.
- Seven Falls / Seven Bridges Trail
- St Marys Falls Trail
- Barr Trail to Pikes Peak
- Helen Hunt Falls Trail
- Columbine Trail
- Silver Cascade Falls Trail
- Catamount Falls Trail
- Trail 666
- Eagles Peak Trail
- Loud’s Cabin
- Rainbow Falls (currently closed)
- Seven Falls to Inspiration Point
- Lower Columbine Trail
- South Cheyenne Canyon
- Three Peaks Loop
- Thomas Trail Loop
- Crystal Creek Reservoir Trail
- Buffalo Canyon Trail
- Cameron Cone
- Green Mountain Falls
- Crystal Falls to Catamount
- William’s Canyon Trail (currently closed)
- Nelson’s Camp Loop
- Dorothy Falls via Queens (Private property, guest access only)
- Kineo Mountain
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
You’ve done a great job putting together this extensive list of amazing hikes in Colorado Springs. I’ve been hiking in CO once and I’m proud to have gone up my first 14’er – Mount Massive! That was quite an experience 🙂 The Manitou Incline looks like quite a challenge. I’d love to do it one day. Reading this inspires me to visit Colorado again soon.
Walking and hiking are my primary forms of exercise so I appreciate you spotlighting these trails. Getting out in nature is a great way to stay healthy.
I love visiting this area. However, I’ve not been on most of these trails. Can’t wait to do this entire list!
This is so helpful. We are trying to go to Colorado sometime next year so definitely will save this for later. The pictures look so amazing!!!
Thank you so much, Nene. I hope you find this writeup helpful during your future travels!
Wow they all look amazing! I’m not sure how you would even choose which one to do! I think I’d do the Seven Bridges…it looks amazing!
-madi | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Howdy Madi, “hikes in a hat” is a fun game to play to choose! You certainly can’t go wrong with any of them.
I saved this for later…so many great places to hike! Colorado looks amazing! I know I will love the 7 bridges since I have a thing for bridges, but that one with all the stairs?! That is insane!!
Haha! Thank you for saving. I agree, seven bridges is great – and the bridges consist of a variety to explore.
Wow, such beautiful pictures! How peaceful it must be walk among such greatness.
*Samantha- https://herjournal.blog
Thank you Samantha!
The manitou incline looks interesting.. I love hiking and I want to do one soon again!!!!
Complete the Incline and you’ll forever have an impressive story!
Wow! What a beautiful park and trail system. Have not been to Colorado yet. On our list.
Karen, Colorado has an incredibly diverse selection of trails. So many if them bring you to the absolute beauty Colorado has to offer.
My wife has an uncle in Boulder we were talking about seeing this summer. Maybe we will check some of these out…except for Manitou. That Manitou Incline looks insane!
Hey Dave! Yes! By the way, if you’re up in Boulder, you have to check out the Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenic drive along 36/34 is something you can’t miss.
This looks absolutely amazing! I would lovet o go one day I have never been hiking so I want to check off my bucket list
If you’ve never tried hiking, Seven Bridges would be such a wonderful start for you. Its a great mix of all the good things.
This is such an in-depth post of these trails! They all sound and look quite spectacular and I’d love to visit at least one of them.
Absolutely! However, you’ll find that one simple isn’t enough. 🙂
Wow amazing capture of colorado springs and the scenic views there. Great job!! Starting to yearn for travelling again 🙂
Leanne, thank you so much for those compliments. I highly encourage you to travel!
Awesome post Mike! Thank you.
Thrilled you liked it Anna!