10 Best Trails and Hikes in Colorado Springs | AllTrails

Best Trails in Colorado Springs

116,324 Reviews
Looking for the best hiking trails in Colorado Springs? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 231 scenic trails in the Colorado Springs area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore one of 99 easy hiking trails in Colorado Springs or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Colorado Springs that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
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Map of trails in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Top trails (230)

  1. Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop
    Easy4.7(3734)
    #1 - Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop
    Length: 4.0 miEst. 1h 37m
    This loop trail takes you on a walk around the main section of the formations that constitute the Garden of the Gods as most people experience it. Three primary trails connect to form a 4 mile loop: The Palmer Trail begins on the north side of the main parking area, heading west and then south. After a little more than a mile, a short 400 yard trail branches off to the Siamese Twins formation. Returning to the main trail, you'll cross the road and cut through the main park area's southern...
  2. Palmer Trail (Section 16)
    Moderate4.7(5759)
    #2 - Palmer Trail (Section 16)
    Length: 6.0 miEst. 3h 5m
    This loop trail is a great option for a day hike or a quick mountain bike ride, located in Bear Creek Cañon Park near Colorado Springs. The track winds through a pine forest with red rock outcroppings, meadows, and stream canyons adorned with tiny waterfalls. Be prepared for steep climbs and drops on uneven terrain, which includes tree roots and patches of dirt mixed with rocks. Hiking boots and poles are recommended, and hiking spikes and snowshoes are advised in winter. You will be...
  3. Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon Path Loop
    Easy4.6(2789)
    #3 - Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon Path Loop
    Length: 1.8 miEst. 49m
  4. Mount Muscoco Trail
    Hard4.7(3723)
    #4 - Mount Muscoco Trail
    Length: 3.7 mi
    This very well-marked and well-maintained popular trail in Colorado Springs can be challenging but the breathtaking views are worth it. In one direction you will see the mountains and in the other you see Colorado Springs for miles and even the wind mills in the distance. It's a pretty easy hike except for the last half mile to the summit of Mount Muscoco is extra steep. Definitely recommend hiking boots over sneakers because of the loose gravel. The route starts at the Mount Cutler/Mount...
  5. Mount Cutler Trail
    Moderate4.7(2848)
    #5 - Mount Cutler Trail
    Length: 1.7 miEst. 58m
    Here is a leisurely family hike you can do in a morning or afternoon. Mount Cutler - named after Henry Cutler, one of General Palmer's friends and a supporter of Colorado College - rises above Cheyenne Creek about half way up the Cheyenne Canyon, on the south side. The trailhead is well marked and has limited parking. Spectacular views are available from the summits.
  6. Susan G. Bretag Trail and Palmer Trail Loop
    Easy4.7(1825)
    #6 - Susan G. Bretag Trail and Palmer Trail Loop
    Length: 2.5 miEst. 1h 3m
    The Palmer Trail is a less-traveled route in the Garden of the Gods that makes its way up and down the forested hills along the western edge of the park. This trail may not be the most popular in the area, but it nonetheless offers visitors some truly great views of the rock formations, without nearly the same number of tourists.
  7. Lower Columbine Trail
    Easy4.5(2753)
    #7 - Lower Columbine Trail
    Length: 2.2 miEst. 57m
  8. Cabin Canyon, Siamese Twins, Palmer and Central Garden Trail Loop
    Moderate4.6(1092)
    #8 - Cabin Canyon, Siamese Twins, Palmer and Central Garden Trail Loop
    Length: 4.3 miEst. 1h 53m
    Most of this trail is easy with about 30% at moderate level, largely due to elevation gains in short bursts. You could alter this hike in a number of ways by adding or substituting any of the connecting trails, depending on the kind of hiking experience you’re looking for, whether you wanted a longer or shorter trip.
  9. Mesa Trail to Red Rock Canyon Trail Loop
    Moderate4.6(1623)
    #9 - Mesa Trail to Red Rock Canyon Trail Loop
    Length: 3.3 miEst. 1h 30m
  10. Columbine Trail
    Moderate4.6(1861)
    #10 - Columbine Trail
    Length: 8.0 miEst. 4h 4m
    North Cheyenne Creek slices through Cheyenne Canyon, bordered on the north by Mays Peak and Mount Buckhorn, and on the south by Mount Cutler and Muscoco Mountain. Columbine Trail traces the cut of the creek from the canyon's mouth in southwestern Colorado Springs, west about four miles to its terminus at Helen Hunt Falls. With the lower trailhead located at the Starsmore Discovery Center (2120 N. Cheyenne Canyon Rd), Columbine Trail provides a variety of hiking possibilities in itself and...
Showing results 1 - 10 of 230

Helpful reviews of trails in Colorado Springs

8 days ago
Not busy at all with it still being chilly outside.
6 days ago
Palmer Trail (Section 16)
Great trail conditions. Only a small portion with snow/ice.
It was really nice out. Views were amazing. Great starter trail.
5 days ago
Mount Muscoco Trail
it’s a perty one, worth it
8 days ago
Mount Cutler Trail
Great conditions, awesome sunrise hike! Just wish it wasn’t so cloudy this morning!
23 days ago
Super easy and beginner friendly trail at GOG! The last half of the trail is in tourist city so if you’re looking to avoid any sort of crowd, I’d pick a different route.

Frequently asked trail questions about Colorado Springs

What are the different types of hiking trails in Colorado Springs?

There are plenty of things to do on Colorado Springs's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 196 hiking trails, 146 running trails, 143 walking trails, and more.

What is the longest trail in Colorado Springs?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Colorado Springs is Cap'n Jacks Trail to Jones Park and Bear Creek Trail. This trail is estimated to be 21.8 mi long.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs: With an ascent of 117,490 ft, The Loneliest Road (US Highway 50) has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Captain Jacks and Big Bikes OHV Route with 7,814 ft of elevation gain.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in Colorado Springs?

The most popular and difficult trail in Colorado Springs is Mount Muscoco Trail with a 4.7-star rating from 3,723 reviews.

Are there camping trails available in Colorado Springs?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 camping trails in Colorado Springs and the most popular is Cheyenne Mountain via Talon and Dixon Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 747 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Colorado Springs?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 146 running trails in Colorado Springs and the most popular is Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,734 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Colorado Springs?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 83 biking trails in Colorado Springs and the most popular is Palmer Trail (Section 16) with an average 4.7 star rating from 5,759 community reviews.