6 Top Hikes Near Colorado Springs

As every Coloradan knows, there are plenty of scenic hiking choices around the Centennial
State. While places like Garden of the Gods and the extreme Manitou Incline are popular
choices, here’s a list of some lesser-known scenic spots to add to the list!

Hikes Near Colorado Springs

Pulpit Rock

Located inside Austin Bluffs Open Space, this rock structure is easily seen while driving north of
downtown. The site has an accessible trailhead with free parking but like most trails, the parking
lot fills up fairly quickly during peak hours. The moderate 1.4-mile hike provides a well-groomed
path to the stunning views of Colorado Springs below. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Mt. Muscoco

Hidden inside North Cheyenne Canon, the hike to the top of Mt. Musoco offers a notable scenic
overlook. The 3.7-mile out-and-back hike provides expansive sights of the city and mountains.
The last half of the hike can be slippery due to loose gravel. The area has paved parking and
leashed dogs are welcome. If you have time, stop into the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center
to see a variety of exhibits highlighting the park’s history.

Pancake Rocks

Near Cripple Creek, Colorado, this six-mile out-and-back trail is a bit more challenging. The best
months to avoid a muddy hike are March through October. The mixed pine forest path
eventually leads to the Pancake Rocks formation, appropriately named for the way the
expansive rocks are layered on top of one another. The Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range can
also be seen from the top of the trail.

Catamount Trail

Beginning in the small charming town of Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, this 4.4-mile roundtrip
hike is worth the trek. One of the highlights is the Garden of Eden area which flattens out and
provides an area full of colorful wildflowers in the summer months. Near the end of the trail,
there’s a dirt road that leads to impressive views of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain at the
South Catamount Reservoir. If there’s time, fuel up with breakfast at the historic Pantry on the
west shore of Gazebo Lake.

Red Mountain Trail

Head to Manitou Springs, Colorado to hit this lesser-known trail. The 2.5-mile in-and-out hike is
considered more difficult and follows along a single-track path. The site’s challenges come with
the switchbacks and a steeper incline. Spot clear views of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain and
the famous Manitou Incline nearby. For history buffs, the mountain is where Emma Crawford
was originally buried before her coffin slid down the mountain during a storm and inspired the
annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races. Manitou mostly has paid, metered parking, but not a
dedicated lot for the trail.

Old Skyline Drive

Head south to Cañon City to hit historic Skyline Drive. The short one-mile in-and-out trail
ascends rock formations that prove the area’s rich prehistoric history. Found in the Hogbacks Open Space there are a few trail choices but this one offers the best view of the city below.
Make sure to stop and read the signage and take a look at the dinosaur tracks preserved on the
sides of the rock formations.

Let me know if you’ve hiked any of these top hikes near Colorado Springs recently! I am sure with all the rain we have had lately, the wild flowers are amazing! See you on the trails!

Check out this post for cabin and camping ideas near Colorado Springs!