12 Best Hikes Near Colorado Springs 2026: Complete Trail Guide

Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, offering some of the most spectacular hiking in Colorado. With red rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and mountain vistas around every corner, this city is a hiker's paradise. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll through Garden of the Gods or a lung-busting challenge on the Incline, we've got you covered.

Here are the 12 best hikes near Colorado Springs for 2026, ranging from family-friendly walks to serious summit attempts.

The stunning mountain vistas that await on Colorado Springs trails

Table of Contents

• 1. The Manitou Incline

• 2. Garden of the Gods Loop

• 3. Seven Bridges Trail

• 4. Barr Trail to Pikes Peak

• 5. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

• 6. Columbine Trail

• 7. Palmer Park Mesa Trail

• 8. Waldo Canyon Trail

• 9. Ute Valley Park Trail System

• 10. Catamount Trail to Crystal Reservoir

• 11. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

• 12. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

• Essential Gear for Colorado Springs Hiking

• Best Times to Hike in Colorado Springs

• Final Tips

1. The Manitou Incline

Distance: 1 mile (one-way) | Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous

The Incline is legendary among Colorado hikers. This former railway bed climbs nearly 2,000 feet in just one mile, with some sections approaching a 68% grade. It's brutal, it's beautiful, and it's a bucket-list hike for fitness enthusiasts.

Pro Tips:

• Start early—the parking lot fills by 7 AM on weekends

• Bring trekking poles for the descent on Barr Trail

• The false summit will trick you—keep pushing!

• Reservations are required; book at inclinetrailreservations.com

2. Garden of the Gods Loop

Distance: 3.8 miles | Elevation Gain: 300 ft | Difficulty: Easy

This iconic park features towering red sandstone formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. The Garden of the Gods Loop connects several trails including Perkins Central Garden Trail and Palmer Trail for a complete park experience.

The formations—including Balanced Rock, Kissing Camels, and Cathedral Spires—are 300 million years old. Best of all, the park is free and open year-round.

What to Bring: A good camera backpack is essential here—you'll want both hands free for photos while keeping your gear safe on the rocky terrain.

3. Seven Bridges Trail

Distance: 4 miles (out-and-back) | Elevation Gain: 900 ft | Difficulty: Moderate

Located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Seven Bridges Trail is exactly what it sounds like—a beautiful canyon hike crossing seven wooden bridges over North Cheyenne Creek. The trail winds through a narrow granite canyon with towering walls and lush vegetation.

This is one of Colorado Springs' most popular trails, so arrive early to snag parking. The creek crossings can be tricky in spring runoff—pack waterproof hiking boots or be prepared for wet feet.

4. Barr Trail to Pikes Peak

Distance: 26 miles (round-trip) | Elevation Gain: 7,400 ft | Difficulty: Very Strenuous

For the ultimate Colorado Springs hiking challenge, Barr Trail takes you from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. This is a serious undertaking—most hikers split it into a two-day trip with an overnight at Barr Camp (reservations required).

The views are unmatched. On a clear day, you can see the Continental Divide, the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and the plains stretching toward Kansas.

Essential Gear:

• 30L daypack with rain cover

• Reliable headlamp for early starts

• Layers—it's often 40°F colder at the summit

• At least 3 liters of water

5. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Distance: 4-6 miles (various loops) | Elevation Gain: 400-800 ft | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Think of this as Garden of the Gods' less crowded cousin. Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers 15 miles of trails through similar red rock formations without the tourist crowds. The Contemplative Loop and Sand Canyon Trail are local favorites.

Dogs are welcome on-leash, and there's a designated off-leash area. Mountain bikers share many trails, so stay alert.

6. Columbine Trail

Distance: 4.4 miles (out-and-back) | Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft | Difficulty: Moderate

This trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park climbs through forest to Helen Hunt Falls, one of Colorado Springs' prettiest waterfalls. In spring, the falls thunder with snowmelt; in fall, golden aspens frame the cascades.

Continue past the falls to Silver Cascade Falls for even more water features. The upper section gets steep—sturdy trail shoes are a must.

Experience the joy of hiking Colorado trails

7. Palmer Park Mesa Trail

Distance: 6.5 miles | Elevation Gain: 600 ft | Difficulty: Moderate

Palmer Park is Colorado Springs' largest city park, and the Mesa Trail offers panoramic views of Pikes Peak, the city, and the plains to the east. The park features unique rock formations, yucca-covered hillsides, and even some technical rock scrambling if you venture off-trail.

This is a great year-round option—the mesa's south-facing slopes stay snow-free most of winter.

8. Waldo Canyon Trail

Distance: 6 miles (loop) | Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft | Difficulty: Moderate

Reopened after the devastating 2012 fire, Waldo Canyon has regenerated beautifully. The loop trail climbs through recovering forest to a saddle with views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains.

Go clockwise for a more gradual ascent. Bring plenty of water—there's no shade in the burned sections, and summer temperatures can climb quickly.

9. Ute Valley Park Trail System

Distance: 1-5 miles (various options) | Elevation Gain: 200-500 ft | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

This 531-acre park on the west side of Colorado Springs offers 10+ miles of interconnected trails. The terrain varies from meadows to scrub oak forests to dramatic hogback ridges. It's perfect for a quick after-work hike or a longer weekend exploration.

The Pineries Open Space connects directly, allowing for extended adventures.

10. Catamount Trail to Crystal Reservoir

Distance: 7 miles (out-and-back) | Elevation Gain: 800 ft | Difficulty: Moderate

Located on Pikes Peak's slopes, this trail follows a historic pipeline route through aspen groves to a scenic reservoir. It's one of the best fall hikes near Colorado Springs when the aspens turn gold.

The trail is shared with mountain bikers and open to dogs. An hydration pack keeps you hands-free for the rocky sections.

11. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Distance: 4 miles | Elevation Gain: 200 ft | Difficulty: Easy

About 35 minutes east of Colorado Springs, Paint Mines features otherworldly badlands formations in bands of purple, orange, yellow, and white. Native Americans mined pigments here for centuries—hence the name.

The best light for photos is early morning or late afternoon when the colors really pop. Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile formations.

12. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Distance: 2-10 miles (various trails) | Elevation Gain: Up to 1,700 ft | Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous

This state park offers 21 miles of trails ranging from easy prairie walks to challenging mountain climbs. The Talon Trail to Dixon Trail loop is a local favorite, combining forest hiking with panoramic summit views.

A Colorado Parks Pass is required. Wildlife sightings are common—keep an eye out for mule deer, wild turkeys, and black bears.

Many trails wind through beautiful forested areas

Essential Gear for Colorado Springs Hiking

Colorado's high altitude and unpredictable weather demand proper preparation. Here's what we recommend:

• Footwear: Ankle-supporting hiking boots for rocky terrain

• Sun Protection: UPF-rated sun hat and reef-safe sunscreen

• Layers: Packable rain jacket for afternoon thunderstorms

• Navigation: Handheld GPS or downloaded offline maps

• Safety: Bear spray for backcountry trails

Best Times to Hike in Colorado Springs

Spring (April-May): Waterfalls at peak flow, wildflowers blooming. Snow may linger on higher trails.

Summer (June-August): Longest days, warmest weather. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms (common after 2 PM).

Fall (September-October): Peak aspen colors, cooler temperatures, fewer crowds. Our favorite season!

Winter (November-March): Lower elevation trails like Garden of the Gods remain accessible. Higher trails may require microspikes or snowshoes.

Final Tips

• Acclimate first. Colorado Springs sits at 6,000 feet. If you're coming from sea level, take it easy the first day or two.

• Hydrate aggressively. You'll lose moisture faster at altitude than you realize.

• Check conditions. Trail closures happen. Visit the park websites or AllTrails before heading out.

• Leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in. Colorado's beauty depends on it.

Colorado Springs delivers some of the most diverse hiking in the state—from desert-like rock gardens to alpine summits, all within a 30-minute drive. Lace up your boots and explore!