Offering over 60 areas of attraction composed of trains, parks, a zoo, museums, and trails, Colorado Springs is a place where tourists will find no shortage when it comes to fun activities to do. Whether you feel adventurous or feel like relaxing throughout your visit, the city has all kinds of activities that go from mild strolls to some of the most physically taxing adventures you will ever do. Being blessed with marvelous land formations and terrain, Colorado Springs is a popular place for hikers, trekkers, and campers to visit. If you are planning to do some hiking upon your visit, below is a list of the top hiking and trekking spots in Colorado Springs that you should check out.
1. Seven Bridges Trail
The Seven Bridges Trail is a 3.3-kilometer (2.05-mile) path that continuously elevates throughout the trail. Those who take this trail will pass by the Helen Hunt Falls, North Cheyenne Creek, the beautiful forestry, and all seven bridges where the trail got its name. The trail’s lowest elevation starts at 2,324 meters elevating to 2,766 meters at its peak. Hikers will have to ascend up to 443 meters (7,624 feet) and descend for only - 2 meters (-6 feet) throughout the trail. Dogs, cycling, and camping are allowed on the trail. Some obstacles that hikers will have to pass through are large rocks and small boulders.
Seven Bridges Trail
Address: Seven Bridges Trail, Western Colorado, Paonia
2. St. Mary's Falls Trail
St. Mary Falls Trail is a 6-kilometer (5.5-mile) trail that is mostly flat with a lot of sloped pathways throughout the trail. This trail is great for families as there is a creek where they can take photos, do some bird watching, have beautiful views of the waterfall, as well as have the ability to do some camping should they wish to stay longer. The trail starts at an elevation of 2,367 meters above sea level and goes up to 3,018 meters at its peak. Hikers will have to ascend 669 meters (2,194 feet) and descend -17 meters (-55.7 feet) throughout the trail to the finish.
St. Mary's Falls Trail
Address: Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States
3. Helen Hunt Falls
The Helen Hunt Falls Trail is an easy 200-meter (656-feet) trail packed with many beautiful views of the surroundings. The trail is great for people who have a hard time taking on regular long trails, as not only is it short, but only has an elevation gain of 2 meters (6.5 feet), making the trail mostly flat. Although short, the trail is great for bird watching, and it offers a great view of the Helen Hunt Falls and the surrounding area. You can also bring your dog with you on the trail.
Helen Hunt Falls
Address: Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado 80906, USA
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4. Garden of the Gods Loop
Garden of the Gods Loop Trail is a 3.7-kilometer (2.9-mile) trail that makes a loop, perfect for people looking for different angles of a certain view of the place. People taking this trail will be rewarded with beautiful views of the mountain, have a chance to observe the wildflowers, as go bird watching in certain spots of the trail. The trail is of medium difficulty, with 126 meters (416 feet) of elevation gain as well as limited amounts of shade throughout the route. Dogs are also allowed to join you on the trail as long as you leash them.
Garden of the Gods Loop
Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States
Website: Garden of the Gods Loop
5. Blodgett Peak Open Space
The Blodgett Peak Open Space Trail is a 2.9-kilometer (1.8 mi) trail that is mostly flat with steep paths and smooth descents. On the trails, hikers will have a great view of several rock formations, the mountains, and the wild animals and flowers spread throughout the trail. The trail is great for any regular hikers who are willing to walk a steep 147-meter (482-foot) path with plenty of shade in several areas. People looking to hike with their pet dog can also do so, provided that the dog uses a leash throughout the trail.
Blodgett Peak Open Space
Address: 3786 W Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919, United States
Website: Blodgett Peak Open Space
6. Sand Canyon Trail
The Sand Canyon Trail is a 2.7-kilometer (1.6-mile) trail that constantly slopes upward throughout the trail. People who love to see huge beautiful red sandstone formations, the mountains and the overall scenic view, will be satisfied with hiking this trail. The trail at its lowest is at 1,884 meters (6181 feet) above sea level and peaking at 2,013 meters (6,604 feet) high. Hikers will have to ascend 129 meters (423 feet) with no descents and very limited shade. The trail will have a few obstacles, such as big rock and small boulders along the path.
Sand Canyon Trail
Address: West Colorado Springs, CO, USA
7. Hogback Ridge Summit Trail
The Hogback Ridge Summit Trail is a 6.1-kilometer (3.8-mile heavily) trafficked trail, with a mostly flat path throughout the hike. People taking this trail will be rewarded with beautiful views of the open landscapes, wildflowers, and several species of birds flying around the open fields. The trail is well-kept, with markers and signs to help hikers navigate through the entire trail. Hikers will have to go through a scattered 155-meter (511-foot) steep with little shade, and a grassy path.
Hogback Ridge Summit Trail
Address: Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA
8. Red Rock Rim Trail
The Red Rock Rim Trail is an easy 2.3-kilometer (1.4-mile) trail with a mostly flat path throughout the hike. The trail is perfect for those who like to do some easy bird watching as the entire route is very open spaced with little obstructions. The trail’s lowest elevation is at 1,885 meters (6,184 feet) above sea level and peaks as high as 1,963 meters (6,440 feet). Ascents will only be minimal with only 78 meters (256 feet), and descents of -12 meters (-39 feet). The trail is easy for anyone who is fit to walk the required length.
Red Rock Rim Trail
Address: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States
Website: Red Rock Rim Trail
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
9. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park has 14 trails which are all identical in terms of environment general views and obstacles. The most popular trail is the one that starts at Talong and Dixon Trail, which is a 6.7-kilometer (4.1-mile) hike with elevation gains of up to 711 meters (2,332 feet), and descents as low as -2 meters (-6 feet). The trail is considered to be of intermediate to hard in difficulty due to the obstacles of the path, as well as the constant elevation gains throughout the trail. All trails will provide hikers with beautiful views of the park, wildflowers, wild animals, and multiple species of trees.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Address: 410 JL Ranch Heights Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80926, United States
Website: Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
10. Austin Bluffs Open Space
Austin Bluffs Open Space is a place that offers seven hiking routes, all with identical environments, obstacles, and views as well as features. Their trails are the Austin Main Trail, Austin Bluffs Connector, South Hill, Angry Squirrel, Rockhurst Connector, House Hopper South, and the most popular and highest rated on the Pulpit Ridge Loop. All trails give great views of the open field from the rocky landscapes of Austin Bluffs and allow for some easy bird watching. The trails are mostly flat and obstructed with rocks and a few tall grassy areas.
Austin Bluffs Open Space
Address: Colorado Springs, CO 80918, United States
Website: Austin Bluffs Open Space
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
Great hikes with great views
Colorado Springs is a very popular spot to do some fun outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and camping. There are plenty of places in the area, which provide beautiful trails with well-kept pathways that are also near natural attractions such as creeks and waterfalls. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran when it comes to hiking or trekking, Colorado Springs has a few surprises that you will love. Hiking and trekking are probably some of the most inexpensive things you can do yet still some of the most fulfilling activities you can experience in any vacation.
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