Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Cañon City, Colorado
Cañon City sits at the bottom of the Arkansas River canyon at roughly 5,300 feet elevation, which means hiking here looks different than what most people expect from Colorado.
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Cañon City sits at the bottom of the Arkansas River canyon at roughly 5,300 feet elevation, which means hiking here looks different than what most people expect from Colorado. You're not grinding up a 14er — you're threading through BLM desert terrain, sandstone formations, and scrubby canyon country that stays hikeable well into November and opens back up in March while the high country is still buried. The 229 active trails in and around the city range from short connector paths like the Twisted Cistern Connector and Upper Bench Cut Trail to longer road-and-ridge routes such as Castle Rock Road and Mill Gulch Spur Road. Named trails like The Maze, Redemption, and Smooth Criminal hint at the character of the terrain — technical enough to be interesting, but not so committing that a fit beginner can't manage them with the right footwear. Much of the land here is managed by the BLM, so you'll see a lot of numbered designations like Trail 5830D or BLM 5825B alongside the informal names locals use. That mix of access roads, singletrack, and open desert makes Cañon City a genuinely underrated hiking destination for people who want mileage and solitude without a two-hour drive to a trailhead parking lot.
Frequently asked questions
What time of year is best for hiking around Cañon City?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots — March through May and September through November give you mild temperatures and manageable trail conditions. Summer works too, but canyon terrain heats up fast; start before 8 a.m. if you're heading out in July or August. Winter hiking is genuinely viable here at this elevation, though some BLM access roads like Mill Gulch Spur Road can get muddy or rutted after snowmelt.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike the BLM trails here?
Most BLM trails in the Cañon City area — including the numbered routes like Trail 5830D, 5820B, and BLM 5825D — are free and open to the public with no permit required. That said, regulations can change and some areas have specific rules around camping or motorized use, so it's worth checking with the Royal Gorge Field Office before your trip, especially for multi-day plans.
What skill level do these trails suit?
The range is wide. Connector paths like the Twisted Cistern Connector and Upper Bench Cut Trail are short and relatively flat, suitable for beginners or families. Trails with names like The Maze and Smooth Criminal tend to involve more route-finding and uneven terrain, and are better suited to hikers comfortable navigating without a clear marked path. Check trail-specific listings for elevation gain before you go.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
Desert canyon hiking demands more water than people expect — carry at least two liters per person even on shorter routes. Sturdy trail runners or low hiking boots handle the rocky BLM terrain well. Sun protection is non-negotiable in the open sections, and a light layer is smart year-round since canyon shade can drop temperatures quickly in the afternoon.
Is there reliable cell service and navigation on these trails?
Coverage is inconsistent across the BLM land outside the city, particularly on routes like County Road F29 and the more remote numbered trails. Download an offline map through a GPS app before you leave — many of the BLM trail designations won't appear on standard mapping apps without a dedicated topo layer. A paper map from the Royal Gorge Field Office is a solid backup.
