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

Distance: 0.88 mile (one-way) | Elevation Gain: ~2,000 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous

The Incline is legendary among Colorado hikers. This former railway bed climbs about 2,000 feet in less than a mile across 2,744 wooden steps, 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!

• Free timed reservations are required during operating hours; book at coloradosprings.gov/manitouincline

2. Garden of the Gods Loop

Distance: 3-4 miles (combined trail loop) | Elevation Gain: ~400 ft | Difficulty: Easy

This iconic park features towering red sandstone formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. A combined Palmer, Buckskin, and Niobrara trail loop is the most popular full-park route, while the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail is a 1.5-mile family-friendly walk through the heart of the formations.

The red sandstone here is roughly 300 million years old. Best of all, the park is free and open year-round.

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

3. Seven Bridges Trail

Distance: ~3.5 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 best 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.

necessary 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: Up to 8.4 miles round trip (shorter sections available) | Elevation Gain: ~1,750 ft full trail | Difficulty: Moderate

This trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park climbs through forest, with multiple trailheads that let you tailor distance. The full Lower-to-Upper run terminates at 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. Stanley Canyon Trail (Air Force Academy)

Distance: ~4 miles (out-and-back) | Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft | Difficulty: Moderate

Note: the popular Waldo Canyon Loop has been closed since the 2012 fire, and the Forest Service has extended that closure through at least June 2029 for safety reasons. As a substitute, Stanley Canyon climbs through pines and aspen to a small reservoir on Air Force Academy land. The trail is open to the public when the Academy is not on lockdown; check the USAFA visitor pages before heading out.

Bring plenty of water and start early. There is little shade once you reach the upper meadows, and summer afternoon storms roll in quickly.