Posted: September 15, 2022

Top 25 Hiking & Biking Trails in Colorado Springs

We've rounded up the top 25 hiking and biking trails in Colorado Springs. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls beneath towering rock formations or challenging hikes and rides through alpine forests, we have the trail for you.

Please remember to respect your fellow hiking and biking enthusiast and follow this suggested trail etiquette.

Four people walk along a paved path towards red rock formations at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs' Top Trails

1. Garden of the Gods Park

Difficulty: Easy

Rated the #1 U.S. park by TripAdvisor, you’ll find both paved and natural trails that wind through magnificent red rock formations and offer stunning views of Pikes Peak at Garden of the Gods Park. The Garden of the Gods trail map offers a good overview of your options. There is an off-leash dog area between Rock Ledge Ranch and 30th Street, but dogs in the park must be leashed.

2. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers a variety of trails that wind along the canyons and ridges of red rock and provide great views of the Garden of the Gods. These trails connect to many other hiking trails in the area. There are two off-leash dog loops and a free-ride bike park.

3. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Just south of Colorado Springs, you can explore nature’s diversity on 2,700 acres with prairie-to-peak ecosystems on 20 miles of hiking and biking trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Entrance fee.

4. Palmer Park

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

This 737-acre park offers hiking and biking on a mesa overlooking the city. Enclosed off-leash dog park as well as a separate off-leash area with incredible views. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas.

5. Austin Bluffs Open Space

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

This area is known for its unique rock formations created by the most recent geological uplift. The 585 acres can be accessed via two trailheads.

6. Bear Creek Dog Park

Difficulty: Easy

Located near the foothills, this 25-acre off-leash park provides dogs and their owners with a variety of hiking options; great amenities such as shade, creek, small-dog area, agility course, and restrooms. Named a top-10 U.S. dog park and considered to be among the region's finest.

7. Fountain Creek Park

Difficulty: Easy

View wildlife, marshes, streams, and ponds as you hike these gentle and shaded trails at Fountain Creek Park.

8. Midland Trail

Difficulty: Easy

This 5-mile trail runs from the town of Manitou Springs to America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs; some parts of the trail are on streets.

9. Barr Trail

Difficulty: Challenging

This is a 12-mile (one-way) hike gaining 7,800 vertical feet from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. Parking Tip: Enjoy the great outdoors and support your local business by parking at Iron Springs Chateau during the day.

10. Palmer Loop Trail (AKA Red Rock Palmer Loop Trail)

Difficulty: Moderate

A 6-mile loop hike of moderate difficulty among the pine forest with spectacular views, shade, and a small waterfall.

11. Intemann Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

This new 3-mile trail (round-trip) is part of the Intemann Trail and provides access to a summit that was only recently open to the public.

Hikers walk along a path of stairs as they begin the arduous hike up the Manitou Incline towards Pikes Peak.

12. Manitou Incline

Difficulty: Challenging

NOTE: The Manitou Incline requires all users make a free online reservation before hiking. Learn details here.

For the ultimate workout, tackle the 1-mile, 2,000-foot vertical rise trail made from the track of a historic rail car line at the Manitou Incline. Descend on lower 4 miles of the Barr Trail.

13. Royal Gorge Park

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Stare 1,000 feet into the famed Royal Gorge at Royal George Park. Outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities will find plenty of options for overlooks, winding trails, and mountain biking.

14. Helen Hunt Falls (AKA Silver Cascade Trail)

Difficulty: Moderate

This short trail offers a pleasant hike through the forest alongside a cascading stream and waterfall.

15. Seven Bridges

Difficulty: Moderate

This is an easy to moderate trail as there is a constant gain in elevation as you cross 7 bridges after hiking a portion of the old Midland Railroad line.

A dog stands amidst green fields and beside boulders along the Catamount Trail in Colorado Springs.

16. Catamount Trail

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

A 6-mile round trip hike of moderate difficulty that starts in Green Mountain Falls and ends at South Catamount Reservoir.

17. Tunnel Drive

Difficulty: Easy

This historic section of the Arkansas Riverwalk Trail enters three separate tunnels and offers stunning views of the Arkansas River Gorge.

18. Mt. Herman Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

A 4-mile, out-and-back trail rated as moderate with great views of Monument, Colorado Springs, and the mountains.

Colorful rock formations that give the appearance of being painted in Colorado Springs, CO.

19. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Difficulty: Easy

Rich in both animal and plant life, the park’s gentle trails take you by overhangs, spires, hoodoos, carved walls, and chasms that are in beautiful colors such as golden yellow, rose pink, snowy white, and mauve. No dogs.

20. Mt. Cutler

Difficulty: Easy

This one-way trail parallels N. Cheyenne Canon Road and heads up to the summit. Along the way, you'll see great views of Stratton Open Space, Seven Falls, and Will Rogers Shrine.

21. Lovell Gulch Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

This loop trail takes you on a pleasant 5-mile hike near Woodland Park. Once at the ridge you’ll have a great view of the north face of Pikes Peak.

22. The Crags Trail

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

A wonderful 4.2-mile hike in Pike National Forest that is great for families and dogs. If you want a more intense hike, you can go all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak.

23. Mueller State Park

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Scenic wildlife viewing of elk, bighorn sheep, and birds on 5,511 acres of land with 55 miles of hiking & biking trails. No dogs. Entrance fee.

24. Pancake Rocks Trail

Difficulty: Challenging

A 5.5 mile out and back trail located near Woodland Park, rated as difficult. Great for hiking and mountain biking from May to October.

25. South Cañon Trails

Difficulty: Easy/Advanced

Both beginning and advanced mountain bikers will enjoy this 10-mile trail system. Climb technical singletrack to Great Escape for views of the south side of the Royal Gorge.

Please remember to respect your fellow hiking and biking enthusiast and take a few minutes to learn how to keep our natural wonders wonderful for years to come.