Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Divide, Colorado
Divide sits at roughly 9,165 feet on the south slope of Pikes Peak, and the hiking here reflects that position: you get high-country access without the crowds that pile into Colorado Springs or Woodland Park.
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Divide sits at roughly 9,165 feet on the south slope of Pikes Peak, and the hiking here reflects that position: you get high-country access without the crowds that pile into Colorado Springs or Woodland Park. The trail network spreads across Pike National Forest and pulls in everything from short pond walks to ridge-line routes with serious elevation. Peak View Pond Trail and Brook Pond are good entry points if you want something mellow, while Lone Eagle Overlook Trail, Grouse Mountain Overlook, and Four Mile Overlook reward the extra effort with open views across the Pikes Peak massif. The North Divide Trail 717 and its connector 717C are both rated easy and work well for families or hikers still acclimating to altitude. For something with more character, Revenuer's Ridge Trail, Moonshine, and Lost Still follow terrain named after the area's old bootlegging history. Ring the Peak Trail is the big-ticket route, a long multi-segment trail that circles Pikes Peak and passes through the Divide area. With 96 active listings in and around town, you have enough variety to fill several days without repeating yourself. Most trailheads are reached via forest roads, so a high-clearance vehicle helps on rougher spurs like Forest Road 970 and Forest Service Road 360K.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Divide?
Late June through September is the main window, once snow has cleared the higher routes and before early-season storms return in October. July and August bring reliable afternoon thunderstorms, so plan to be off exposed ridges like Lone Eagle Overlook Trail and Grouse Mountain Overlook by early afternoon. May and early June can work for lower trails near the ponds, but expect muddy forest roads and patchy snow above 9,500 feet.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach trailheads?
Not always, but it helps. Paved or well-graded dirt roads serve some trailheads, including access to the North Divide Trail 717 corridor. Rougher spurs like Forest Road 970, Forest Service Road 360K, and Forest Service Road 363B can have washboards, ruts, or soft shoulders after rain, and a high-clearance vehicle will save you a long walk-in. Check road conditions with Pike National Forest before heading out, especially early and late in the season.
What skill level do most of the trails around Divide require?
The range is wide. North Divide Trail 717, North Divide Trail 717C, and North Divide Trail 357C are all rated easy and are reasonable for beginners and families. Trails like Ring the Peak, Revenuer's Ridge, and Cabin Creek Trail involve more elevation change and longer distances. Altitude is the equalizer here: even easy-rated trails sit above 9,000 feet, so give yourself a day to acclimate if you're coming from lower elevation.
Are there any permits or fees required to hike in this area?
Most trailheads in Pike National Forest around Divide do not require a permit for day hiking, but some developed trailheads charge a parking fee or require an America the Beautiful pass. Ring the Peak Trail passes through multiple jurisdictions, including areas managed by Colorado Springs Utilities, which has its own access rules for certain segments. Confirm current requirements directly with Pike National Forest's South Park Ranger District before your trip.
What gear should I bring for a day hike out of Divide?
Layers are non-negotiable at this elevation even in summer, since temperatures can drop fast when clouds move in. Bring rain gear for afternoon storms, at least two liters of water per person, and sun protection since the UV index is high above 9,000 feet. Trekking poles help on the rockier sections of trails like Crazy Gulch and Willow Creek Trail. A paper or downloaded map is worth carrying since cell coverage is inconsistent on the forest roads leading to many trailheads.
