Top Hiking Trails in Colorado Springs

Whether you’re looking to climb a fourteener or take a leisurely stroll in the park, there’s a wide variety of hikes in Colorado Springs. Here, you’ll encounter beautiful red rocks, towering waterfalls, and otherworldly terrain at the foot of the Rockies. The hard part is determining which trail to explore first; however, rest assured that you can’t go wrong. These hikes will help you get in your steps—and then some.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Best unique hike for adventurers
3.4 miles round trip, 500 feet elevation gain, 2 to 3 hours

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, a visit to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park is exactly what you need. About 30 miles east of Colorado Springs, a walk in this park feels otherworldly—the rare geological formations are stunning, and the sandstone-capped spires called hoodoos can only be found in three regions of the country.

The park was named for its colorful bands of white, orange, and pink clay, once used by Native Americans to make paint. For the best light, rangers and photographers recommend visiting early or late in the day, when the colors appear more vibrant.

Visitors can explore and wander along the trail, though climbing the structures is prohibited. Make sure to visit the overlook for a unique vantage point. Note: there are limited facilities on site, including one picnic table and a restroom near the main parking lot. There’s no shade available, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Bikes, dogs, and horses are not permitted.

Seven Falls Waterfall & Midnight Falls Hike

Best for sightseers
0.8-mile walk to waterfalls and a 224-step staircase, 2 to 4 hours, easy

Surround yourself in nature and enjoy the iconic views of the Broadmoor Seven Falls. Climb along the waterfall to the top of a 224-step staircase. From here, you can choose between two hikes—Midnight Falls or Inspiration Point. At 0.36 miles one way (about 30 minutes round trip), Midnight Falls is the shorter of the two; it offers a leisurely walk through the woods leading to a small waterfall. Inspiration Point is about a mile hike (an hour round trip) to a lookout providing views of Colorado Springs. From the bottom of the falls, an elevator is also available for visitors to admire the Seven Falls from an observation deck.

While Seven Falls is open year-round, check the website for current operating hours—it is often closed a few days a week depending on the season. Entrance fees range from $10.50 – $16.50; children under 2 are free. Note: there’s no parking at the entrance for Seven Falls, but free parking and shuttle-bus service are available for visitors at the Norris Penrose Event Center. In the summer, aim to park 30 minutes before it opens to avoid long waits. From the ticket gate, there is a 0.8-mile walk at the bottom of the canyon to the waterfalls or a $2 tram ride for those who prefer not to walk.

Garden of the Gods

Most iconic and easy hike for all ages
1.5 miles round trip, less than 30 feet elevation gain, easy

No trip to Colorado Springs would be complete without a visit to Garden of the Gods, which is accessible and free year-round. While visitors can loop around the park by car or dive in deeper with a Segway or climbing tour, most travelers begin with an easy walk along the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a paved path that leads through and around the tallest of the park’s famous red rock formations. There are more than a dozen trails to explore here, but if time allows for just one, the Central Garden Trail provides the best overview of the land.

Helen Hunt Falls & Silver Cascade Falls Trail

Best free waterfalls
0.6 miles round trip, 175-foot elevation gain, easy to moderate

Admire the breathtaking view of Helen Hunt Falls as soon as you step out of the car at North Cheyenne Canyon Park. The upper parking lot next to the visitors’ center marks the beginning of this trail. Take a short walk over a bridge spanning a waterfall, then continue up the mountain for a nature hike to a second waterfall.

Silver Cascade Falls Trail is well-maintained, with handrails and graded steps leading to the taller of the two falls. Along the way, you’ll witness water cascading off the rocks, as well as two viewpoints. While it’s challenging to view the Silver Cascade Falls from the top, the main observation point offers glimpses of North Cheyenne Canyon.

Seven Bridges Trail

Best for adventure seekers
5.78 miles round trip, 1597-foot elevation gain, 2 to 3 hours, moderate

For hikers eager to immerse themselves in nature, the Seven Bridges Trail is ideal. This trail keeps you guessing about when you’ll discover the next bridge as you strive to check them all off your list. It offers a shady escape during the heat of summer, though hiking is best in winter when the snowpack is low.

After driving through North Cheyenne Canyon, you’ll reach a parking lot on the west end where the journey begins. Walk up Lower Gold Camp Road, which was once a narrow-gauge railroad bed but is now a dirt road. The first bend in the trail indicates where the Seven Bridges Trail starts—look for a marker on the right side, indicating Trail 622. From this point, you’ll enter the forest, following the creek to discover the seven numbered bridges. The first two appear early in the adventure; continue on to find all seven! The last bridge ends at Jones Park, featuring various trails for those who wish to continue their exploration.

Manitou Incline

Best for hiking enthusiasts and athletes
1 mile round trip (2768 steps), 2000-foot elevation gain, 1 hour+, advanced

For hikers seeking a challenge in the form of a glute workout, the Manitou Incline is the ultimate destination. It comprises 2768 steps leading to the top—a rite of passage for many. Originally built to transport materials for pipeline construction on Pikes Peak via cable car, it transformed into a beloved tourist attraction once the pipelines were completed.

The Incline is not for the faint of heart; expect steep inclines with an average grade of 45%, peaking at 68% in some sections. At this elevation, reaching the top can take anywhere from less than 30 minutes to more than an hour, depending on fitness levels. Successful climbers are rewarded with a spectacular view of Colorado Springs and the eastern plains. If your legs start feeling tired, an alternate route down via the Northern Incline Return Trail offers a gentler descent. While the Manitou Incline is free, online reservations are now required to manage crowds, so consider using the complimentary Manitou Springs shuttle to avoid parking struggles.

Mesa and Yucca Trail Loop

Best sunset walk
2.7 miles round trip, 262-foot elevation gain, 1 to 2 hours, easy

For stunning views of the front range with the city below, head northeast of Colorado Springs to Palmer Park. You’ll be amazed by the unique terrain of this urban park—it creates the feeling of entering the mountains while remaining in the city. The drive along Paseo Road winds to the top, where you’ll find a gravel road leading to a parking lot and trailhead for Yucca Flats. Follow the Mesa and Yucca trails, a loop offering beautiful wildflowers and intriguing scenery suitable for all skill levels, along with incredible views of the Rockies as a backdrop.

Barr Trail

Best advanced hike
12+ miles one way, 7,800-foot elevation gain, 6 to 10 hours, difficult

For those in search of a challenging hike, Barr Trail ranks as one of the most demanding trails in the area, leading to the summit of Pikes Peak. Affectionately dubbed America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak is a famous fourteener often explored by car or cog railway. Nonetheless, hikers are enticed by the challenge it presents, as Barr Trail features a 12-mile trek with a staggering 7800-foot elevation gain. Make sure to dress in layers to prepare for shifting weather conditions and to bring plenty of snacks and water.

The summer and fall months are popular for hikers seeking to avoid deep snow. While many opt to wake up early for a head start (and to dodge afternoon storms at the summit), overnight camping is available for those wanting a two-day hike. Barr Camp, located 6.5 miles in, offers indoor seating, picnic tables, and clean restrooms. Coordinate transportation for the return trip, whether through friends with vehicles or by taking the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to Manitou Springs.

Tips for Hiking in Colorado Springs

Keep in mind that Colorado Springs is situated around six thousand feet above sea level, resulting in thin and dry air. It’s essential to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, minimize alcohol intake, and apply sunscreen—especially since the sun’s intensity is higher here. Out-of-towners might require a day or two to acclimate to the high altitude, so it’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities initially.