Best Easy Hikes Within Day of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs hikes amaze, with some featuring red rock formations, views of Pikes Peak, and sparkling creeks and ponds! Whether you're out for a day with the kids or you want to try a lung-busting trek up a mountain, there's something for every hiking ability.

I live in Denver, and Colorado Springs is a close enough drive that it's easy to pop down for a day of hiking. Based on my personal experiences, I wrote up this list of some of the best hikes near Colorado Springs.

Each of these Colorado Springs hiking trails are marked as Easy, Moderate, or Difficult, and I've included links to Google Maps (tip: click, then hit "Save" on Maps). Note that if you want to take an overnight trip, some trails have campgrounds nearby or allow dispersed camping.

Table of Contents

Best Hikes Near Colorado Springs
- Central Gardens Trail
- Red Rock Rim To Red Rock Canyon Trail
- Broadmoor Seven Falls
- Manitou Incline
- Cheyenne Mountain Short Loop
- Palmer Loop Trail (Section 16)
- Austin Bluffs Main & Pulpit Ridge Trail
- Barr Trail To Pikes Peak
- Bear Creek Dog Park Loop
- Ute Valley Park Loop Trail
- Seven Bridges Trail
- Helen Hunt Falls Loop
- Fountain Creek Nature Trail
- Midland Trail
- Intemann Trail Loop
- Mount Muscoco Trail
- Tunnel Drive Trail
- Paint Mines Loop
- Mount Cutler Trail
- Lovell Gulch Trail
- Crags Trail
- Lost Pond Loop
- Pancake Rocks & Horsethief Falls

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

Best Hikes Near Colorado Springs

Central Gardens Trail

An easy, paved path that passes several iconic attractions in Garden of the Gods

The red rock formation in Garden of the Gods during sunset

Hiking in Garden of the Gods is one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs. There are many easy hiking trails at Garden of the Gods, and most of them are paved. This lollipop loop takes you by popular Garden of the Gods sights like the Tower of Babel, the Three Graces, and the Kissing Camels.

📚 Related Reading: If you'll be in Colorado Springs for a while, check out our list of fun day trips around Colorado Springs!

Red Rock Rim To Red Rock Canyon Trail

Enjoy views of Red Rock Canyon Open Space on this family-friendly trail

The lake in Red Rocks Canyon in Colorado Springs

Red Rock Canyon is popular with a variety of outdoor adventurers from rock climbers to mountain bikers to hikers! This Colorado Springs hiking trail is one of the easier trails in the park and takes you by a pond and quarry.

🥾 Read Next: Best Colorado Hiking Trails

Broadmoor Seven Falls

"The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado" is easily one of the best hikes in Colorado Springs

Follow a paved path to the falls, where there is a restaurant, bathrooms, and stairs leading up to the top. If you continue on from the top of the falls, you'll come to Inspiration Point with beautiful views of the surrounding area.

During the summer, the falls are illuminated by multicolored lights at night, providing a unique show.

👉 My Favorite Gear: Bugs can be pesky, especially when you're hiking near water! Ranger Ready is mosquito repellent with no DEET, and no lingering scent.

Manitou Incline

Though only a mile in length, this Manitou Springs hike challenges even top athletes

The Manitou Incline has been used for training (and bragging rights) by everyone from Olympic athletes to military members.

Famed as some of the most difficult hiking near Colorado Springs, The Incline is basically a set of stairs… that stretches for a mile with a massive 2,000 foot elevation gain. You'll definitely want to train before tackling it!

👉 Pro Tip: Free reservations are required to climb the Manitou Incline.

Cheyenne Mountain Short Loop

Adjust to the altitude at Cheyenne Mountain State Park

The Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs from afar

Cheyenne Mountain State Park has lots of beautiful Colorado Springs trails. This 4.2-mile loop is a good one for families or people not used to the altitude.

Palmer Loop Trail (Section 16)

A scenic trail in Bear Creek Cañon Park, offering panoramic mountain views

Scenic view from the rocky landscape in Palmer Loop Trail

This loop trail has a summit pretty much smack in the middle, so you can reward yourself with downhill the rest of the way. It's best hiked from March through November.

Note that due to rock slides in May 2022, this loop is currently closed. However, Bear Creek Cañon Park is one of the best places to hike in Colorado Springs, and offers many other trails to explore.

Austin Bluffs Main & Pulpit Ridge Trail

Climb to the top of Pulpit Rock in Austin Bluffs Open Space

View of the pulpit rock in Pulpit Ridge Trail in Colorado Springs

One of the best trails in Colorado Springs, this loop through the Austin Bluff Open Space heads to the top of Pulpit Rock. You'll get views of Pikes Peak and the Rockies. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Barr Trail To Pikes Peak

Hike to the summit of Pikes Peak, a famous Colorado 14er

As one of Colorado's 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation), hiking Pikes Peak is a serious undertaking; you shouldn't try it unless you have trained for it. Barr Trail is the most popular trail to the top and starts in Manitou Springs.

👉 My Favorite Gear: Trekking poles can make a huge difference in helping you get up a hill! I have REI poles like these and I love them.

Bear Creek Dog Park Loop

Take your pup to Bear Creek Dog Park, where you'll find pet-friendly hiking in Colorado Springs

The dog park has an agility area and space to run and fetch, but it also has open prairie, hills, and creek access. There are a few walking trails, including a ¾-mile loop you can walk in the park. This is definitely one of the best dog-friendly hiking trails near Colorado Springs.

Ute Valley Park Loop Trail

Trek along the river in Ute Valley Park

The scenic view from Ute Valley in Colorado Springs

The Ute Valley loop has amazing views of the Rockies and Colorado Springs below. The trail also features a river. It's kid and dog-friendly, though dogs need to be on a leash.

👉 My Favorite Gear: If you're hiking with your pup, don't forget to bring extra water! We use a collapsible bowl when we hike with our dog.

Seven Bridges Trail

Cross bridges in North Cheyenne Cañon Park to reach waterfalls and a historic cabin

This trail does, in fact, cross seven bridges, as it follows North Cheyenne Creek past waterfalls and up the mountain. After the seventh bridge, you can continue on Trail 622A to Loud's Cabin or turn back.

📚 Related Reading: Looking for more things to do in Colorado? Check out my complete list of stuff to do across the state!

Helen Hunt Falls Loop

Reach this overlook in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, or hike your way to the top of the falls

View of the Helen Hunt Falls in Colorado Springs

A very short drive (or walk) from the start of the Seven Bridges Trail is the trail for Helen Hunt Falls. The walk to view the falls is just 1/10 of a mile to an overlook, but you can do a loop that takes you on a short, intense hike to the top of the falls as well.

Fountain Creek Nature Trail

Meander along the water's edge in Fountain Creek Park

The Fountain Creek Nature Trail is a creekside trail, and is one of the best easy hikes in Colorado Springs. The park also has a Nature Center and stocked ponds where people can fish.

👉 Pro Tip: If you're staying near Denver, or just want to head north for the day, be sure to check out this epic list of the Top Things To Do In Denver This Weekend!

Midland Trail

This paved trail connects America the Beautiful Park with Manitou Springs

View of the Julie Penrose Fountain in Colorado Springs — *(photo: Brian Kenney / Shutterstock)*

The Midland Trail goes from America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs. It follows Fountain Creek and is an easy, paved corridor.

Intemann Trail Loop

Enjoy mountain views on this scenic trail in Manitou Springs

This is a pretty popular loop with scenic views of the mountains and of Colorado Springs below. Dogs are allowed if they're on a leash.

📚 Related Reading: Check out more places to visit in Colorado here!

Mount Muscoco Trail

Push to the summit at North Cheyenne Canon Park

The trail to the summit isn't terribly long but with a 1,300-foot elevation gain, it is a consistent uphill the entire way. Mt. Cutler and Mt. Muscoco share the same trailhead and you could even do both trails in one day. The best time for this hike is May through late October.

Tunnel Drive Trail

Walk through expansive tunnels and take in Arkansas River views in Cañon City

One of the best hikes around Colorado Springs, this Cañon City route follows the Arkansas Riverwalk Trail. There are three different tunnels along the path, and you'll get beautiful views of the Arkansas River Gorge.

Paint Mines Loop

See colorful rock formations at Paint Mines Interpretive Park

The sandstone erosion geological formation in Paint Mines Interpretive Park

See the colorful, unique rocks that Native Americans used to make paint on this loop trail through the park. Dogs, bikes, and horses are not allowed at the park.

Mount Cutler Trail

An easy trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, home to some of the best hiking in Colorado Springs

The trail is easy and great for families and dogs. You'll also get nice views of the Seven Falls along with views of Colorado Springs.

Lovell Gulch Trail

Follow this meadow trail in nearby Woodland Park

This trail is northwest of Colorado Springs, near Woodland Park. It crosses a stream, then follows it up to a meadow. You'll get views of Pikes Peak and Ute Pass.

Crags Trail

A popular winter route in the Pike National Forest

Crags Trail leads to rock pinnacles and is popular in winter for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. This is a fairly gentle trail, but you can continue on to the summit of Pikes Peak (if you've prepared) for more of a challenge.

🥾 Read Next: Best Fort Collins Hiking Trails

Lost Pond Loop

Take the family on this mellow loop in Mueller State Park

The refreshing view from Mueller State Park

Lost Pond Loop is an easy trail with little elevation gain, taking you through a valley with wildflowers and wildlife, and by a pond. It's an easy one for families with young children to meander.

Pancake Rocks & Horsethief Falls

Traverse this long, picturesque trail in Divide, Colorado

View of the Horsethief Trail on a sunny day

🥾 Difficult | 12.5 miles | Google Maps | 21 minute drive from Colorado Springs | Cost: free

You can choose to visit just Pancake Rocks, or head on to the falls as well. There is also usually lots of wildlife, and one of the popular hiking trails in summer and fall, and a snowshoeing trail in winter.

🥾 Read Next: 15 Best Colorado Hiking Trails

***

Whether you're a Colorado Springs resident or stopping in for the day to hike, hopefully you found enough ideas here to keep you busy! Which of these do you think are the best hikes near Colorado Springs? Let us know in the comments!

👉 Before You Go: If you want more hiking trails around the Front Range, be sure to check out my list of hiking trails near Denver or my post about the best hikes in the Boulder area!

Laura is a freelance writer in Colorado. She has written for publications and websites including BabyCenter, Colorado Parent Magazine, and Denver Parent. She loves hiking, paddle boarding, camping, and snowboarding, and she has run exactly one marathon. She now lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband and four children. They love exploring the state and the rest of the U.S., usually by car, and they are pros at 20-hour road trips.

padillamittilen.blogspot.com

Source: https://travellemming.com/hikes-near-colorado-springs/