The best walks and hikes around Colorado Springs

Yes, many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check local regulations for specific parks. For example, Mesa Trail loop — Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a popular choice for hiking with dogs. Remember to keep your dog on a leash and carry water for them, especially on warm days.

Colorado Springs has numerous options for easier walks. The Central Garden of the Gods loop — Garden of the Gods is a very popular, mostly paved trail that is great for all ages and offers fantastic views of the famous red rock formations. Ute Valley Park is another local favorite, offering relatively flat trails with scenic views.

Absolutely. The region has several trails leading to waterfalls. The Seven Bridges Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a well-loved hike that crosses a creek multiple times. For a more direct waterfall destination, the trails to Helen Hunt Falls or St. Mary's Falls are excellent choices, offering rewarding sights after a moderate walk.

For expansive views of the city and the plains, the hike to the summit of Mount Muscoco is a rewarding challenge. If you're looking for a difficult, all-day adventure with incredible vistas, the Red Rock Canyon to Section 16 — Red Rock Canyon Open Space trail gains significant elevation and delivers stunning panoramic scenery.

There are over 200 hiking routes to explore around Colorado Springs. The network includes everything from short, accessible loops in city parks to strenuous mountain ascents, catering to all skill levels.

The trails around Colorado Springs are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic red rock landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the stunning views of Pikes Peak.

Colorado's weather can change quickly. For a summer hike, wear moisture-wicking clothing and dress in layers. A light jacket or rain shell is recommended, even on a sunny day. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential. Also, due to the high altitude, sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is crucial.

Yes, there are many excellent loop trails. The Garden of the Gods loop via Siamese Twins, Cabin Canyon, and Palmer Trails offers a longer, more comprehensive tour of the park's varied formations. Many parks, like Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Palmer Park, feature interconnected trail systems that allow you to create loops of various lengths.

The Manitou Incline is a unique and strenuous fitness challenge, not a traditional hike. It gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in under a mile via 2,744 steps. Compared to the Barr Trail up Pikes Peak, the Incline is much shorter but significantly steeper and more intense over its distance. The Barr Trail is a long-distance endurance hike, while the Incline is a short, maximum-effort climb. A free online reservation is required for the Incline.

Several key areas serve as hubs for hiking. Garden of the Gods is the most famous, known for its iconic red rock formations and accessible trails. For a similar landscape with often fewer people, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a highly-regarded alternative. North Cheyenne Cañon Park is another local favorite, providing access to popular routes like the Seven Bridges Trail and the Mt. Muscoco summit hike.

You can hike year-round, but late spring through fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant weather. Summer provides long, sunny days, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winter hiking is possible on lower-elevation trails, but expect snow and ice, requiring gear like microspikes.