Good Morning Travel Bugs!
Coming to Colorado, the main event by far is Hiking. Getting outside in nature is one of the best things you can do for your soul in my opinion. There are some incredible hikes all around Colorado but Colorado Springs Specifically has some super cool hikes!
Below are my top 10 hikes in Colorado Springs. They are in order from easiest to hardest so if you are not super experienced stay on the top of the list if you want a challenge, venture down to number 10. The best way to access these trails is to download the app “AllTrails” there is information about each hike and they also give specific directions on where to park and how to get there!
Please remember if you are going to do any of these trails to leave no trace and pick up after yourself. If you are not going to respect nature you should not be blessed by its beauty.
1. Garden of Gods
This one is a great “hike” for those who can’t hike or don’t want to hike. There is an amazing view of the mountains as well as an up-close and personal experience of the incredible red rock structures. There are well-groomed paths (some even paved) that take you around the park and it is completely free to park and walk around. The park is a must-see and one you can spend 5 minutes at or 5 hours.
2. Red Rock Open Space
This park is another flat ground with well-groomed paths. It has a few uphill spots but nothing more than a small hill. There are lots of trails around this park area and even some great bike trails if that is something you are into.
3. Palmer Lake Park
The last of the flat ground “hikes” is Palmer Lake. This is a trail that circles a lake surrounded by mountains. This walk also has a trail that goes off for miles if you want something longer than the 1-mile lake loop.
4. Ute Vally Park Trail
This is a great beginner trail. There are some steeper inclines but for the most part, it is quite flat and overall an easy hike. In this park, you are able to see the mountains in a distance and have a cool view of the city. There again are a ton of trails throughout this park so if you get the app all trails you can look at some easier or harder ones throughout the park. They also have tons of bike trails scattered throughout that look like a blast if you are into biking.
5. Iron Mountain
This is by far my favorite Hike! The begging is a bit steeper but still not too overwhelming and there is a great viewpoint to stop and rest halfway. This hike also gives you a great mountain view as well as an insane view of the city. You can even see the Garden of Gods from it!
6. Mount Cutler
This hike has a gorgeous view of the mountain range and is about the same level of difficulty as the last hike. The hike itself is not overly difficult but it is uphill most of the way.
7.Mount Muscoco
This hike starts on the same trail as Mount Cutler and then halfway through goes off to the right and whereas Culter goes to the left. This trail is not only 2 miles longer but a lot more uphill than Mount Cutler. The view is incredible and well worth the climb.
8. Mount Herman
This hike is one of the hardest on this list yet as it is straight up the mountain and does not zig zag like many of the other trails do. When getting to the peak you will be amazed by a 360-degree view of the city and mountain range behind Mount Herman.
9. The Incline
This hike is less than a mile long but don’t be fooled, it is 2,744 stairs straight up the mountain. Stair master on the hardest level. The stairs are quite large towards the end making the climb a bit more difficult. The accomplished feeling you have when you reach the top is so worth the pain of nearly 3,000 stairs. They also recommend taking the Barr trail down since the stairs are quite dangerous to go down. It is nice to walk the trail down after trust me.
10. Pikes Peak
This hike is one of the 50+ 14ers in Colorado. This means that the peak is higher than 14,000 feet! This hike is one that many summit as there are multiple trails to the top but if you wish you could go to the top without hiking, you’re in the right place. There is also a road to the top where you can pay and drive to a nice lookout point at the top.
Happy Hiking – Remember to leave no trace!
See You Soon
xoxo Gina
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