The best walks and hikes in El Paso County

Yes, there's a huge variety. You can find over 300 hiking routes in El Paso County, ranging from easy strolls through unique geological formations to strenuous high-altitude climbs. The region offers a great mix of mountain trails, sandstone canyons, and forested parklands.

El Paso County has several highly-regarded parks and open spaces perfect for hiking. Some local favorites include:

• Red Rock Canyon Open Space: A popular alternative to Garden of the Gods, offering beautiful red-rock formations with fewer crowds.
• North Cheyenne Cañon Park: A dramatic canyon setting with an extensive trail system, including paths that lead to waterfalls.
• Fox Run Regional Park: A well-maintained park with trails offering lovely lake and mountain views.
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park: Features over 28 miles of trails with diverse terrain and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Absolutely. For a gentle walk with incredible scenery, the Central Garden and Palmer Trail loop in Garden of the Gods is an excellent choice. It's a relatively flat 4.1-mile (6.5 km) route on well-maintained paths that lets you get up close to the famous red rock formations.

Many trails in El Paso County are dog-friendly, but rules vary by park. Places like Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Cheyenne Mountain State Park generally welcome leashed dogs. However, some specific areas or trails may have restrictions. Always check the regulations for the specific park you plan to visit before you go.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park is your best destination for waterfall hikes. The park is home to the beautiful Helen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade Falls. You can explore trails within the park that lead you to these scenic spots, with the Seven Bridges Trail being a particularly picturesque option that follows a creek through the forest.

If you're looking for a strenuous climb with rewarding views, the one-way hike to Pikes Peak Summit via the Barr Trail is an iconic challenge. This is a difficult, high-altitude trek covering over 12 miles (20 km) and gaining more than 7,500 feet (2,280 m) in elevation. Proper acclimatization and preparation are essential for this adventure.

Yes, the Section 16-Palmer Trail loop is a great moderate option. This 5.9-mile (9.5 km) route offers fantastic views of the mountains and Colorado Springs. It involves a steady climb and descent through Bear Creek Cañon Park, making for a rewarding few hours on the trail.

The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning and varied scenery, from the unique red rocks of Garden of the Gods to the dramatic mountain vistas and forested canyons. The well-maintained and clearly marked trail systems are also frequently mentioned.

The hike to Muscoco Mountain and Mount Cutler is considered difficult. It's a 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route with a significant elevation gain of over 1,350 feet (413 m). The trail is steep and rocky in sections, requiring good fitness and sturdy footwear, but it rewards you with panoramic views from the summit.

Due to the altitude and changing weather, it's important to be prepared. Essentials include plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and layered clothing (including a waterproof jacket). Sun protection like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses is crucial, even on cloudy days. For more challenging trails, navigation tools and sturdy hiking boots are a must.

Yes, a very popular option is to descend via the Barr Trail after climbing the Incline. This creates the Manitou Incline & Bar Trail loop. The loop is about 4.4 miles (7 km) and provides a much more gradual and scenic descent through the forest compared to going back down the steep steps.

Hiking is possible year-round, but the best conditions are typically from late spring to early fall (May through October). Summer offers warm weather, though afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors. Winter hiking is possible on lower elevation trails, but expect snow and ice, requiring gear like microspikes.