Day hikes around Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is full of activities and fun things going on. My favorite things are always the ones outside! After a year and a half of living here these are still my go to hikes close by.
1. Painted Mines Interpretive Park
3.4 miles
300 ft of elevation
Just a short hike from the parking lot.
This park was SO beautiful! Not kidding I could go there every week and not be sick of it.
Just slightly East of Colorado Springs and very easy to get to, lots of parking off a dirt road.
2. The Craig’s trail
4.8 round trip
800ft of elevation gain
This has got to be my favorite, though you do have to drive outside of town a little bit it is so worth it!
The Criags Trail
*disclaimer… I’m not a Colorado native at all.
3. Garden of The Gods
So many different hikes in this park, most to all are easy and have wide paths for wheelchairs.
Garden of the Gods
4. Rainbow Falls
.5 miles round trip
100 ft of elevation gain
Note this park is by $1 donation and is open on weekends only.
Very easy to get to but sometimes busy parking and yes there were a lot of tourists but any chance to get in some water and I’m there. Just look how beautiful it is! Lower down the stream there are picnic tables and places to hangout!
5. Mount Muscoco Trail
4 mile round trip
Elevation 1,300
Definitely not a leasure walk but only two miles there and two miles back I’d say most people can do this hike they just might get a good workout in.
Mount Muscoco
This hike will make you feel like you’re completely surrounded by mountains and not just a short drive from the Springs.
6. Heizer Trail
5.6 miles round trip
2,460 elevation gain
7. The incline
3.6 round trip
1,900 elevation gain
Definitely the most popular trail here other than Garden of the Gods. Big leg burner but definitely worth being able to say you did it! bring a hat and go early in the day, most of it is in direct sunlight.
*by reservation only at the moment
8. Pulpit Rock
4.2 miles round trip
500 ft of elevation gain
A fairly easy walk up to the rocks and then there’s some steep lose rocks to hike up but nothing crazy.
Very easy to get to it’s literally in town, you can see these rocks from the highway!
Pulpit Rock
Pro tip: best times to go are at sunset and get a good view of pikes peak while the sun goes down over the city…or at night and bring a blanket to watch stars!
9. Seven Bridges Trail
3.8 miles round trip
1,000 ft of elevation gain
Any hike with water im totally in,
It is slightly harder to find this trail, parking is off of Gold Camp rd at pull off #18. You’ll walk down the dirt road a little over half a mile till you come up on hiking marker 622 on the right side and that will lead you to bridge #1!
Seven Bridges
The dirt road that leads you to your mile marker has tons of pretty views!
10. Rampart Reservoir
13 mile hiking loop around the reservoir
900 ft of elevation gain
Again, this one is a little ways from the springs, near Woodland Park. But come up here for the day, have a picnic, kayak or fish. It’s such a beautiful area I love coming here!
11. Blodgett Peak
3.4 round trip
2,145 elevation gain
We call this a burner my friends, a lot of steep incline on uneven rocks. But a very rewarding view from the top!
12. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
This park is underrated and just as beautiful as Garden of the Gods, lots of climbing done here as well as biking and exploring.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
