Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Security-Widefield, Colorado
Security-Widefield sits on the southern edge of Colorado Springs, where the Front Range foothills flatten into shortgrass prairie and the hiking reflects that transition. This isn't alpine terrain — you won't find 14,000-foot summits or technical scrambles here.
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Security-Widefield sits on the southern edge of Colorado Springs, where the Front Range foothills flatten into shortgrass prairie and the hiking reflects that transition. This isn't alpine terrain — you won't find 14,000-foot summits or technical scrambles here. What you will find are accessible, low-elevation trails that work well for families, dog walkers, and anyone who wants to get outside without a long drive or a big elevation gain. The Fountain Creek Regional Trail is the backbone of the area, running along the creek corridor and connecting neighborhoods to riparian habitat full of cottonwoods and wildlife. Crews Gulch Trail offers a more rugged feel as it cuts through the gulch terrain east of the mountains. The Big Bluestem Trail and the various Nature Trail segments add shorter loop options, while Clearview Drive provides a straightforward out-and-back that many locals use for a quick morning walk. The trail network here is genuinely useful for everyday hiking rather than destination trekking, and that's its real appeal. Expect wide skies, prairie grasses, and views back toward Pikes Peak rather than views from above it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difficulty level of hiking in Security-Widefield?
Most trails here are easy to moderate. Fountain Creek Regional Trail and the Nature Trail segments are flat and well-maintained, suitable for beginners and families with young kids. Crews Gulch Trail has a bit more elevation change and uneven footing, making it the most physically demanding option in the area, though it still falls well short of strenuous by Colorado standards.
When is the best time of year to hike these trails?
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summer mornings before 9 or 10 a.m. are your best bet from June through August, since afternoon temperatures on exposed prairie trails can climb quickly and there's little shade on routes like Clearview Drive or Big Bluestem Trail. Winter is generally hikeable — snow accumulation at this elevation is modest and melts faster than in the mountains — but check conditions after storms.
What gear do I actually need for a day hike here?
These are low-elevation, relatively short trails, so you don't need mountaineering gear. Sturdy trail shoes or even good sneakers work fine on Fountain Creek Regional Trail and the Nature Trail. For Crews Gulch Trail, trail runners or light hiking boots give better ankle support on the uneven ground. Bring water regardless of trail length — there's limited shade and no reliable water sources on most of these routes.
Are the trails dog-friendly?
Dogs are commonly seen on all the trails listed here, including Fountain Creek Regional Trail and Crews Gulch Trail. Keep your dog leashed, especially near the creek corridor where wildlife is more active. Bring water for your dog on warmer days since natural water sources along the trail aren't always accessible or clean.
Is there parking and trailhead access for visitors coming from outside the area?
Most trailheads in Security-Widefield have small parking areas or roadside pullouts rather than large developed lots. Fountain Creek Regional Trail has multiple access points through the corridor, which gives you some flexibility. Clearview Drive access is straightforward from the surrounding neighborhood streets. Arriving on weekday mornings generally means less competition for parking than weekend afternoons.
