Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado
Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and gives hikers direct access to an unusually varied trail network — over 800 listed routes that range from flat urban connectors to steep mountain approaches.
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Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and gives hikers direct access to an unusually varied trail network — over 800 listed routes that range from flat urban connectors to steep mountain approaches. The Pikes Peak Greenway and Sand Creek Trail are good starting points if you want paved or packed-surface mileage close to the city core, while trails like Blodgett Peak Trail and Kineo Mountain Trail push into genuine Front Range terrain with real elevation gain. Garden of the Gods-area routes such as the Mesa Trail and Grandview Trail offer the sandstone ridge scenery Colorado Springs is known for, and you can link them with connector trails to build longer loops. On the quieter end, the Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail and Yucca Trail work well for shorter outings or introducing kids to the area. Sweetwater Canyon Trail and St. Mary's Falls Access get you into the canyon country west of the city, where the crowds thin out noticeably compared to the main Cheyenne Mountain corridors. West Cheyenne Trail and East Cheyenne Trail are popular enough that early starts matter on weekends. With 816 active listings in the area, there is genuine variety here across skill levels and time commitments.
Frequently asked questions
What time of year can you hike in Colorado Springs?
Most lower-elevation trails like the Pikes Peak Greenway, Templeton Gap Trail, and Rock Island Trail are accessible year-round, though snow and ice can make them slippery from November through March. Higher routes such as Blodgett Peak Trail and Kineo Mountain Trail typically see snow into April and can get afternoon thunderstorms from July through early September, so morning starts matter most in summer.
Are the trails around Colorado Springs crowded?
Trails near Garden of the Gods and Cheyenne Mountain — including the Mesa Trail, Grandview Trail, and the Cheyenne corridor routes — see heavy weekend traffic, especially from late spring through fall. If you want more solitude, Sweetwater Canyon Trail and Kineo Mountain Trail tend to be quieter. Arriving before 8 a.m. on weekends makes a real difference on the popular routes.
What gear do you actually need for a day hike here?
For shorter, lower trails like the Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail or Yucca Trail, trail runners or sturdy sneakers are fine. For anything with significant elevation gain — Blodgett Peak Trail, St. Mary's Falls Access, or the Cheyenne trails — wear proper hiking boots, carry at least two liters of water, and bring a layer for wind and afternoon temperature drops. Sun exposure is intense at this elevation, so sunscreen is not optional.
Are dogs allowed on these trails?
Many Colorado Springs trails permit leashed dogs, including segments of the Pikes Peak Greenway and Sand Creek Trail. Rules vary by land management area — Cheyenne Mountain State Park trails require leashes and charge a day-use fee, while some open space trails have different requirements. Check the specific trailhead signage or the managing agency's website before you go, since regulations are not uniform across the 800-plus listings in the area.
Which trails are best for beginners or families?
The Talon trail is listed as easy and is a reasonable starting point. The Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail, Yucca Trail, and the paved sections of the Pikes Peak Greenway are all low-commitment options with minimal elevation change. The Rock Island Trail is another accessible choice that follows an old rail corridor and stays relatively flat, making it manageable for mixed-ability groups.
