Top 10 Easy Hiking Trails in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of the greenest cities in the nation! Why not start exploring? It is easy with one of these best places to hike in Colorado Springs and then continue with more challenging ones. There is so much to see and do in Colorado Springs, you have to start somewhere. How about these 10 Trails?
Don’t forget to put sunscreen on (a hat is a great idea!) and bring water. Please never feed wild animals!
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One more note: Some trails and hiking areas are in the process of being closed off to hikers, bikers, horseback riders. It’s very unfortunate. I hope that by the time you read this the trails listed are ALL still open and available for enjoyment. Enjoy some of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs!
1. Gardens of the Gods Loop
Even if you are visiting only for a few days, there is a good chance you are visiting Gardens of the Gods. Use the opportunity to take a short stroll or begin hiking in Colorado Springs with exploring the trails here. Up to 4 miles of paved and well maintained dirt trails -The Garden of the God’s really deserves its own post. This loop takes you on a walk around the main section of the formations that constitute the Garden of the Gods as most people experience it. There are 3 main trails that make up the 4 mile loop: Buckskin Charlie Trail, Ute Trail and Susan Breitag trail.
2. Mount Cutler
Hike on the South Side of Cheyenne Canyon. The hike is only 2 miles in length and spectacular views are available from the summit. It’s an easy trail but there are some steep areas. Exit I-25 at exit 140. Go south on Tejon and bear right onto Cheyenne Blvd. This joins W. Cheyenne Canyon Rd about 50 yards from the Starsmore Discovery Center.
Near the top of Mt Cutler
3. Helen Hunt Falls
Close to Mt. Cutler Trail, Helen Hunt Falls hike takes you up beside the face of the falls, then back around to another creek and a promontory from which you can view the entire valley. Once you get back down you can enjoy lunch at the picnic areas and put your feet in the water (summer) – dog friendly, keep on leash, some steep areas.
Helen Hunt Falls Trail
4. Spring Canyon Trail Complex
Round-About/Walk-About. In the southwest corner of the Garden of the Gods park you’ll find a small, almost hidden trail head. The interlocking trails from this location offer an easy 2.5 mile meander through the rock strewn lower reaches of the Front Range. Drive to the Garden of the God’s entrance sign. Turn right. Once inside the park, you’ll have to turn right onto the tourist loop road. From the entrance sign to the Spring Canyon turn off is approximately 2 miles.
5. Seven Bridges Trail
An easy 4.75 miles out and back. The trail head is off of North Cheyenne Cañon and Gold Camp roads, past Helen Hunt Falls. This trail crosses North Cheyenne Creek seven times and strolls through forest land with views of small waterfalls, making for a peaceful outing. Great for hiking novices because the trail is well-marked.
Seven Bridges Trail
6. Red Rock Canyon Trails
Miles of mostly easy trails with various loops to choose from. “Red Rock Canyon Open Space” invites hikers to enjoy the same geological strata as Gardens of the Gods but with much less tourist traffic. Take Hwy 24 west, you will see the park on your left hand side. There is also a small bike terrain park to ‘play’ on. Great for kids and dogs are allowed on leash.
7. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Trails
This park has a mixture of trail types, including dirt, rock and gravel trails that all include lots of nature. The trails are easy and of varying length. Make sure you take plenty of water because it gets quite hot and dry in the park. Dogs are not allowed.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
8. The Crags
Basically the backside of Pikes Peak, this hike has meadows, rock formations, and great views. Very lovely. Take Hwy 24 to Divide, go South on 67 turn left where you see the “Crags Campground” sign and follow up to the trail head. It’s an out and back trail (not a loop) and dog friendly.
9. Mueller State Park Trails
On the way to the Crags you will see Mueller State Park immediately before your turn off. Mueller State Park offers great hiking trails for people and horse back riders. It’s a state park so dogs are not allowed.
Mueller State Park
10. Spruce Mountain Trail Loop
Just east of the Rampart Range section of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the limestone buttes rise randomly across the plains. One of the largest of these rocky islands is Spruce Mountain, situated west of I-25 and north of the small town of Palmer Lake, CO. Spruce Mtn. provides a delightful opportunity to enjoy views of Pikes Peak, Rampart Range, the Greenland Open Space, and the Palmer Divide. Colorado Springs, take the County Line Rd Exit off I-25. Drive west toward Palmer Park, past the Greenland Open Space parking area, across the railroad track. Turn right (north) on Spruce Mtn. Rd, and drive north about 3 miles to the trail head (on the left).
Just start somewhere, pick any one of these best Colorado Springs hiking trails that are easy. They allow you to see some of the sights and get a taste of the Colorado lifestyle experience. Looking for kid friendly trails take a look at this blog post/
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