22 Best Hikes and Biking Trails Near Colorado Springs, CO

Are you ready to explore the natural wonders of Colorado Springs? Known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, Colorado Springs offers a plethora of hiking and biking trails to satisfy every nature enthusiast. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls beneath towering rock formations or challenging hikes through alpine forests, this guide will help you discover the best trails near Colorado Springs. So, grab your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and let’s explore the beauty of Colorado Springs.

Before we dive into the trails, let’s take a moment to appreciate the convenience of RV travel. If you’re planning a trip to Colorado Springs and want to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the comfort of an RV, look no further than RVnGO. RVnGO offers a wide selection of RV rentals in Colorado Springs, allowing you to explore the trails and campgrounds at your own pace.

1. Garden of the Gods Park

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy\ Terrain: Paved and natural trails

Rated as the #1 U.S. park by TripAdvisor, Garden of the Gods Park is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature lovers. This iconic park features a combination of paved and natural trails that wind through magnificent red rock formations, offering stunning views of Pikes Peak. Whether you choose to take a leisurely stroll or embark on a longer hike, Garden of the Gods Park has something for everyone. Don’t forget to grab a trail map to explore the various trails available.

2. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate\ Terrain: Varied

For those seeking a diverse hiking experience, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is the perfect choice. With a variety of trails that wind along canyons and ridges of red rock, this open space offers breathtaking views of the Garden of the Gods. The trails in Red Rock Canyon Open Space connect to many other hiking trails in the area, providing endless opportunities for exploration. Additionally, there are two off-leash dog loops and a free-ride bike park for those who prefer biking.

3. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate\ Terrain: Varied

Just south of Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers a unique opportunity to explore nature’s diversity. Spanning over 2,700 acres, this state park is home to a range of ecosystems, from prairies to peaks. With 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park while enjoying picturesque views. Please note that there is an entrance fee to access the park.

4. Palmer Park

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate\ Terrain: Varied

Located on a mesa overlooking the city, Palmer Park offers a unique hiking and biking experience. With 737 acres of open space, this park provides a variety of trails for all skill levels. You can enjoy enclosed off-leash dog parks, incredible views, and picturesque landscapes. Please note that dogs must be leashed in all areas of the park except for the designated off-leash areas.

5. Austin Bluffs Open Space

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate\ Terrain: Rocky

Known for its unique rock formations, Austin Bluffs Open Space offers a distinctive hiking experience. Created by the most recent geological uplift, the 585-acre open space can be accessed through two trailheads. As you explore the trails, you’ll be surrounded by stunning rock formations, providing a unique backdrop for your adventure.

6. Bear Creek Dog Park

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy\ Terrain: Varied

If you’re looking for a hiking option that allows you to bring your furry friend along, Bear Creek Dog Park is the perfect choice. This 25-acre off-leash park offers a variety of hiking options for dogs and their owners. With amenities such as shade, a creek, a small-dog area, an agility course, and restrooms, Bear Creek Dog Park has everything you need for a fun and enjoyable hike with your four-legged companion. It has been named as one of the top 10 dog parks in the U.S. and is considered to be among the finest in the region.

7. Fountain Creek Park

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy\ Terrain: Gentle and shaded

For a tranquil hiking experience surrounded by nature, Fountain Creek Park is a hidden gem. This park offers gentle and shaded trails that meander through wildlife-rich marshes, streams, and ponds. As you hike, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this park home. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a peaceful stroll.

8. Midland Trail

Length: 5 miles\ Difficulty: Easy\ Terrain: Paved and streets

The Midland Trail offers a unique hiking experience that combines nature and urban landscapes. Running from the town of Manitou Springs to America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs, this 5-mile trail takes you on a journey through scenic beauty and historical sites. Please note that some parts of the trail are on streets, so be cautious of traffic.

9. Barr Trail

Length: 12 miles (one-way)\ Difficulty: Challenging\ Terrain: Varied

For those seeking a challenging hiking adventure, the Barr Trail is a must-do. Spanning 12 miles from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak, this trail offers breathtaking views and a true test of endurance. With a vertical gain of 7,800 feet, this hike is not for the faint of heart. However, the reward of reaching the summit and enjoying the panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains is worth every step. 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)

Length: 6 miles\ Difficulty: Moderate\ Terrain: Pine forest with views and a small waterfall

If you’re looking for a moderately challenging hike with spectacular views, the Palmer Loop Trail is a great choice. This 6-mile loop hike takes you through a serene pine forest, offering shade and breathtaking vistas. Along the way, you’ll encounter a small waterfall, adding to the beauty of the trail.

11. Intemann Trail

Length: 3 miles (round-trip)\ Difficulty: Moderate\ Terrain: Varied

The Intemann Trail is a hidden gem that provides access to a summit that was only recently open to the public. This 3-mile trail offers a moderate hike with diverse terrain and stunning views. As you explore the trail, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Monument, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding mountains.

12. Manitou Incline

Length: 1 mile (one-way)\ Difficulty: Challenging\ Terrain: Stairs

For those seeking an intense workout and stunning views, the Manitou Incline is the ultimate challenge. This 1-mile trail gains 2,000 feet in elevation with its historic rail car line transformed into a staircase. Make sure to check the mandatory free online reservation system before hiking the Incline. Once you conquer the ascent, you can descend on the lower 4 miles of the Barr Trail.

13. Royal Gorge Park

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate\ Terrain: Varied

For breathtaking views of the famous Royal Gorge, head to Royal Gorge Park. This park offers a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. Whether you prefer overlooks, winding trails, or mountain biking, Royal Gorge Park has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the gorge and enjoy the outdoor adventures this park has to offer.

14. Helen Hunt Falls (AKA Silver Cascade Trail)

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Moderate\ Terrain: Forested with a stream and waterfall

If you’re looking for a picturesque hike alongside a cascading stream and waterfall, Helen Hunt Falls is the perfect destination. This moderate trail takes you through a beautiful forested area, offering a pleasant and serene hiking experience. Take your time to admire the natural beauty of the surroundings and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall.

15. Seven Bridges

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Moderate\ Terrain: Varied with bridges

As the name suggests, the Seven Bridges trail takes you across seven bridges as you hike a portion of the old Midland Railroad line. This easy to moderate trail offers a continuous gain in elevation, providing a rewarding and scenic hiking experience. Enjoy the picturesque bridges and embrace the beauty of the surrounding nature.

16. Catamount Trail

Length: 6 miles (round trip)\ Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging\ Terrain: Varied

For a longer hike with moderate difficulty, the Catamount Trail is a great choice. This 6-mile round trip hike starts in Green Mountain Falls and ends at South Catamount Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse terrain and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great option for those looking to challenge themselves and explore the beauty of the area.

17. Tunnel Drive

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy\ Terrain: Tunnels with stunning river views

If you’re looking for a unique hiking experience, Tunnel Drive is a must-visit trail. This historic section of the Arkansas Riverwalk Trail takes you through three separate tunnels and offers stunning views of the Arkansas River Gorge. Take your time to admire the beauty of the river and soak in the peaceful ambiance of the trail.

18. Mt. Herman Trail

Length: 4 miles (out and back)\ Difficulty: Moderate\ Terrain: Varied with great views

For panoramic views of Monument, Colorado Springs, and the mountains, the Mt. Herman Trail is a fantastic choice. This 4-mile out-and-back trail offers a moderately challenging hike with diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the stunning views that await you along the way.

19. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy\ Terrain: Unique geological formations

If you’re looking for a hike that showcases unique geological formations, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is the place to go. Rich in both animal and plant life, this park offers gentle trails that take you past overhangs, spires, hoodoos, carved walls, and chasms. The vibrant colors of the rocks, including golden yellow, rose pink, snowy white, and mauve, create a visually stunning environment. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the park.

20. Mt. Cutler

Length: Varies\ Difficulty: Easy\ Terrain: Varied

For a scenic hike with great views, Mt. Cutler is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. This one-way trail parallels N. Cheyenne Canon Road and leads you up to the summit. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Stratton Open Space, Seven Falls, and Will Rogers Shrine. Take your time to savor the beauty of the surrounding landscape and capture memorable photos.

21. Lovell Gulch Trail

Length: 5 miles (loop)\ Difficulty: Moderate\ Terrain: Varied with a view of Pikes Peak

For a pleasant hike near Woodland Park, the Lovell Gulch Trail is a great option. This 5-mile loop trail takes you through beautiful scenery, including a view of the north face of Pikes Peak. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the trail and take in the stunning views that await you at the ridge.

22. The Crags Trail

Length: 4.2 miles\ Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging\ Terrain: Varied

The Crags Trail is a hidden gem in Pike National Forest, offering a wonderful hiking experience for families and dogs. This 4.2-mile trail is great for a day hike, but if you’re up for a more intense adventure, you can continue all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the forest and embrace the sense of accomplishment as you reach the summit.

Discover RV Rentals in Colorado Springs at RVnGO

Now that you have a comprehensive list of the best hikes and biking trails near Colorado Springs, it’s time to plan your adventure. Remember to respect the trails and follow trail etiquette to ensure the preservation of these natural wonders for years to come. And if you’re looking to enhance your outdoor experience with the comfort of an RV, RVnGO offers a wide selection of RV rentals in Colorado Springs. Click the following link to find the perfect RV for your Colorado Springs adventure.

Happy hiking and biking!