
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
1. Garden of the Gods Park
A stunning red-rock wonderland offering breathtaking views and easy hiking trails.
- Unique Formations: Home to iconic formations like the 'Kissing Camels' and 'Balanced Rock'.
- Easy Accessibility: Offers paved trails for easy exploration, perfect for families and beginners.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, offers exceptional stargazing at night.
2. Pikes Peak - America's Mountain
A legendary 14er (fourteener) with panoramic views from its summit.
- Peak Ascent by Cog Railway: Historic cog railway offers a scenic climb to the summit for those who prefer not to hike.
- Summit Visitor Center: Offers amenities like restaurants, gift shops, and restrooms at the top.
- Seasonal Weather Conditions: Conditions can change rapidly, so it's essential to check weather updates before your visit.
3. Seven Bridges Trail
A moderate trail leading to seven bridges crossing the south canyon of Cheyenne Cañon.
- Waterfall Views: Features multiple waterfalls along the way, especially after a good rain.
- Canyon Exploration: Provides opportunities to explore the unique geology of Cheyenne Cañon.
- Historic Bridge Ruins: Discover the remnants of the original bridges built in the late 1800s.
4. Manitou Incline
A steep, challenging hike up a former cog railway with breathtaking views at the top.
- Steep Ascent: Includes a near-vertical climb of 2000 feet in just over a mile.
- Strenuous Hike: Recommended for experienced hikers and those seeking a serious workout.
- Scenic Rewards: Rewarded with stunning views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding mountains.
5. Palmer Park
A popular park with numerous hiking trails, rock climbing areas, and mountain biking trails.
- Multi-Use Trails: Offers a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails for various activities.
- Scenic Overlooks: Features several scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the city.
- Rock Climbing Opportunities: Home to numerous climbing routes for all skill levels.
6. North Cheyenne Cañon Park
A natural park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a museum of the arts.
- Waterfall Hikes: Offers several hiking trails leading to various waterfalls.
- Fine Arts Center: Features rotating exhibitions and performances, including a children's museum.
- Geology Museum: Displays rocks, minerals, fossils, and interactive exhibits on geology.
7. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
A serene canyon featuring sandstone formations, hiking trails, and rock climbing opportunities.
- Sandstone Formations: Features unique red sandstone formations, including the 'Kissing Couple'.
- Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails for easy to challenging hikes.
- Rock Climbing: Features many rock climbing routes for various skill levels.
8. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
A large park offering hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to various species of birds, deer, elk, and black bears.
- Camping Sites: Features both tent and RV camping sites with amenities.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties.
9. Green Mountain Falls
A charming mountain town with hiking trails, a waterfall, and historic buildings.
- Historic Buildings: Features several well-preserved historical buildings.
- Seven Falls: Visit the Seven Falls, a series of seven waterfalls in Pike National Forest.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails for various skill levels, including the Green Mountain Trail.
10. Cascade Falls via Helen Hunt Falls Trail
A moderate trail leading to a scenic waterfall and additional falls further up.
- Waterfall Views: Features the picturesque Helen Hunt Falls, as well as Cascade Falls.
- Scenic Overlooks: Provides several scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of Cheyenne Cañon.
- Seasonal Water Flow: Water flow varies throughout the year, making it an exciting sight during and after rain.
11. Stratton Open Space
A natural open space offering hiking trails, horseback riding, and scenic views.
- Scenic Views: Features breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding mountains.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails for various skill levels.
- Equestrian Trails: Features designated equestrian trails for horseback riding.
12. Black Forest Regional Park
A large park offering hiking trails, camping, and horseback riding.
- Camping Sites: Features both tent and RV camping sites with amenities.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for various skill levels.
- Equestrian Trails: Features designated equestrian trails for horseback riding.
13. Fox Run Regional Park
A park offering hiking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails for various skill levels.
- Playground Area: Features a playground area for children to enjoy.
- Picnic Sites: Provides several picnic sites for a family outing.
14. Mueller State Park
A scenic state park offering hiking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to various species of birds, deer, elk, and black bears.
- Camping Sites: Features both tent and RV camping sites with amenities.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for various skill levels.
15. Rampart Range Nature Center
A nature center offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
- Wildlife Viewing: Features a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, elk, and foxes.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails for various skill levels.
- Educational Programs: Hosts various educational programs on wildlife, nature, and conservation.