Best Hikes Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is the home of Pikes Peak and has the most diverse hiking terrain of any Colorado city, from red rock to alpine tundra in one drive.
Manitou Incline
An extreme workout on the old railway bed with railroad ties creating natural steps. Reservations required for this bucket-list Colorado challenge.
Perkins Central Garden Trail
The paved 1.1-mile loop at the heart of Garden of the Gods. Wheelchair and stroller accessible, with the closest views of the Cathedral Spires, Three Graces, and Sleeping Giant formations.
Barr Trail
The classic 13-mile foot-trail from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak. Climbs through ponderosa forest, past Barr Camp at the midpoint (a popular overnight stop), into the high alpine, and up to the 14,115-foot summit. The longest standard-route 14er trail in Colorado.
Siamese Twins Trail
A short loop in the southern half of Garden of the Gods to the Siamese Twins, twin sandstone columns with a natural window that frames Pikes Peak when conditions are right. Crowded at sunrise and sunset for the photo.
The Crags Trail
An easier alternative to Barr Trail accessing the west side of Pikes Peak. Climbs through aspen and bristlecone pine to a granite outcrop with views of Pikes Peak's back side and the Lost Creek Wilderness. Often the family-friendly Pikes Peak experience.
Mount Cutler Trail
Short popular trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park with views down into the Seven Falls area and across Colorado Springs to the plains. Local favorite for a quick after-work hike or sunset spot.
Mount Muscoco Trail
Steeper, longer alternative to Mount Cutler from the same North Cheyenne Cañon trailhead area. Climbs to a granite summit with 360-degree views of Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain, and the city.
Lovell Gulch Trail
Forested loop in the hills above Woodland Park with views of the Pikes Peak massif from the upper ridges. Multiple trail intersections allow shorter or longer loop options. Popular with Colorado Springs locals avoiding the Manitou crowds.
Manitou Incline
One of Colorado's most famous workouts. 2,768 stairs gaining 2,000 feet in less than a mile. Reservation required during peak season. Descend via Barr Trail to complete the loop.
Red Mountain Trail (Manitou Springs)
Short, steep summit hike from downtown Manitou. Views over Manitou Springs and out to Pikes Peak. Less crowded alternative to the Incline.
Intemann Trail
Six-mile traverse along the bluffs above Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. Connects multiple trailheads with mostly gentle grade and big city-edge views.
Hiking in Colorado Springs: what to know
Hiking near Colorado Springs falls into four zones with very different character. Garden of the Gods has the iconic red rock formations and easy paved trails. North Cheyenne Cañon (Helen Hunt Falls, Mount Cutler, Mount Muscoco) offers steep granite trails with city views. The Pikes Peak area has the famous Barr Trail and the easier Crags Trail. And Manitou Springs has the brutal Manitou Incline if you want a workout.
Barr Trail is the iconic 26-mile round trip from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Most people hike up and take the cog railway or shuttle down to avoid the brutal descent. Plan for 10-14 hours of hiking; many split it across two days with an overnight at Barr Camp.
The Manitou Incline is the other infamous Colorado Springs workout: 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a mile on the steps of an old railway bed. Reservations are required in summer and the trail is steep enough that running shoes work better than hiking boots.
Garden of the Gods is free, open year-round, and crowded. The Central Garden Trail (formerly mislabeled as the Trading Post Trail) is the iconic 1.1-mile paved loop. For something less crowded, try the Siamese Twins Trail or Palmer Trail.
Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet (lower than Denver), which makes acclimatization easier for sea-level visitors. The city stays milder than Denver in winter, with most foothills trails accessible year-round with microspikes.
If you're visiting Colorado Springs and want to climb Pikes Peak but don't want to hike Barr Trail, drive the toll road or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.