All around the Pikes Peak region, there are trails and trails and trails for various skill levels found not far from Colorado Springs. Short drives lead you into deep forests, unusual rock formations, and endless views.
Living or visiting in the Pikes Peak area these trails get you close to nature and are guaranteed to leave you loving the outdoors!
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
St. Mary’s Falls Trail
St. Mary’s Falls is a delightful trail that takes you deep into a canyon among spruce, aspens, and a mixture of pines with Buffalo Canyon Creek trickling down alongside you. When reaching the end of the trail a signpost will lead you to the right and this is when the trail gets a bit sketchy as you start going up and up before reaching the bottom of the falls. Extremely popular and crowded in the summer months. Tip: go in October and be rewarded with clear skies, fewer hikers, and an abundance of gold leaves fluttering about.
6.3 miles out and back
Trail #624
Rated: easy/moderate – NOTE: at the end of the hike it becomes mostly moderate
Elevation gain: 1,397 ft.
Portable restrooms at Helen Hunt Falls parking area in North Cheyenne Canon Park
Located: at the intersection of North Cheyenne Canon Road, Gold Camp Road and High Drive
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Nearest town: Colorado Springs, CO
Pike National Forest
Dispersed Camping permitted: information: Pike Peak Ranger District: 719-636-1602
From Colorado Springs: Take Cheyenne Rd to North Cheyenne Canon Park – go into Park and drive pass Helen Hunt Falls (3 miles) to upper parking lot at intersection of High Dr. and Gold Camp Rd. Park here, Hike through gate and follow dirt road to the 3rd tunnel. (1.2 miles) Go past tunnel (over the hill) this is where the trailhead starts.
Section 16 Trail, Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Need a good workout and beautiful surroundings. This would do it. This trail is one of our get-ready for the higher mountain hikes before summer simply because it has a little bit of everything. Going counter-clockwise you hike through red rocks then end up on a steep inline through a dense forest, to stunning views on top and a nice hike the rest of the loop. It’s super crowded in the summer so come early if possible, it’s a trail not to miss.
5.7 mile loop
Rated: moderate
Open to hiking, biking & horseback
Dog friendly
Portable restrooms at Trailhead
Located: Gold Camp Road, Manitou Springs
Closest Town: Manitou Springs, CO
Pike National Forest
Catamount Trail
Catamount Trail was a complete surprise. We had no idea it would take us all the way to the North Slope Recreation area. From the start of the trailhead to the end was a treat. First passing Crystal Creek Falls then winding up steep switchbacks through a beautiful forest, then into a wildflower-filled meadow called “the Garden of Eden” and on up to the Catamount Reservoirs at the North Slope Recreation area.
After your hike or even before don’t miss “The Pantry” in Green Mountain Falls for breakfast or lunch. Highly recommend!
4.9 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
Elevation gain: 1,506 ft.
Hiking only
Located in the town of Green Mountain Falls, CO – Hwy 24 West
NOTE: Must park in town and hike up Hondo Ave. to reach trailhead
Restrooms at Green Mountain Falls Lake Parking lot.
The Crags Trail
The Crags Trail is one of the most memorable hikes in the Pike Peak region. Get ready for the unexpected when you hike The Crags. You won’t be disappointed, instead, you’ll be giddy with awe. Not your normal trek through the Colorado forests when reaching the top. The views, bristlecone pines, and rock formations will leave you stunned. The Crags Trail, A Local Favorite!
4.9 miles out and back
Trail #664
Rated: easy/moderate
868 ft. elevation gain
Pike National Forest, information: Pike Peak Ranger District: 719-636-1602
Open year round – best May-October
Located: Hwy 67 South, Divide, CO
Dog and horse friendly
Views of Rampart Range, Ute Pass, Catamount Reservoirs
Note: the gate before the trailhead might be closed due to weather in winter but park at the gate and snowshoe in.
Hikes you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. At high altitudes, dehydration plus fickle weather is always something to consider. >CLICK HERE for a look at Practical gear that we love at Crazy About Colorado and have in our backpacks on every hike
Pancake Rocks Trail
Pancake Rocks is a hike to remember when reaching your final destination. A good portion of this trail is an uphill trek that got our hearts pumping. However, close to the top, it becomes a gentle up and down trail surrounded by rock formations within a beautiful forest. Views started appearing and soon we are at Pancake Rocks. To top it off we found locals cooking pancakes when we reached the Rocks! Guess it’s a tradition.
You start this hike at Horsethief Falls Trailhead for about a mile and turn right just before the Falls onto Pancake Rock Trail. Do the extra 1/2 mile to the Falls, it’s small but sweet with homemade teepees about. Pancake Rocks Trail, Nothing Else Like It
Rated: Moderate to hard
Approx: 6 miles out and back
Highest Elevation: about 11,000 ft.
Open to Hiking, snowshoeing, biking and horses
Dog friendly
Located: Hwy 67 South, Divide, CO
Pike National Forest
Closest Towns: Divide, Woodland Park
Trail #704 at first trailhead, Trail #704A for Pancake Rocks
No restrooms
Mueller State Park
So many trails for every skill level within Mueller State Park that you could hike within the Park for weeks. Beautiful meadows, rock formations, ponds, pines, spruces, and loads of Aspens. Its truly a mountain experience. The Park is open year-round, including the visitor center which offers amazing guided hikes.
Rated: a trail for every skill level!
55 miles of trails
Open year round
Dogs not allowed on hiking trails (to protect the abundant wildlife)
Pike National Forest
Closest Towns: Divide, Woodland Park
Mueller State Park – Colorado Parks & Wildlife – for information and trail map.
Mule Trail
Off the beaten path and an easy peasy couple of miles among pines & aspens within rock canyon walls and a flowing creek gurgling alongside you. This is a perfect family of small kiddos trail or a great “getaway for a while” hike. It’s green and lush in the summer, provides lots of shade, and the perfect easy way to get outside and relax. I know not everyone wants the hill climbs! Mule Trail is an Unkown Hiker Haven
Just across the street (Hwy 67) is Red Rock Trail – another easy peasy hike in a mini Garden of the Gods!
Rated: easy
2.8 miles out and back
Start Elevation: 8,066 ft. minimal gain
Nearest Town: Woodland Park
Dog friendly
Raspberry Mountain Trail
This hike was beyond our expectations. At the summit of Raspberry Mountain, we had sweeping views of Colorado’s highest peaks while scrambling over amazing rock formations. Hiking most of the way on Ring the Peak trail through deep shaded forests and open meadows until suddenly you turn off and head straight up a short way and “WOW”. The views kept us here for a long time. It will you too. Astonishing Views Hiking Raspberry Mountain
4.6 miles out and back.
Via – Ring the Peak Trail
Rated: moderate
Dog & family friendly
Popular for hiking & mountain biking
Lots of shade for summer hikes
Located: Hwy 67 South –
Closest Towns: Divide, Woodland Park
Manitou Incline
Yikes! It’s definitely not your average hike or a day hike but it’s one of the most popular treks in the area. You will either love it or hate it. I love it but most times when I bring someone they hate me for it. I debated adding this one but thought it might be for someone! It’s grueling and not for someone who has not acclimated to the altitude. Please check their website for added information on safety and everything else. The hike down on Barr Trail is beautiful, yet crowded in summer. The 2,744 steps going up is for you to decide! No time to see the scenery as you’re simply trying to breathe. The sense of accomplishment is a feeling that few other challenges can deliver. I’ve encountered a lot of kids on the Incline.
Highest point: 8550 ft
East side of Pikes Peak
Rated: difficult (extreme) no kidding!
2,744 steps
Located: Manitou Springs, CO
Information: Manitou Incline
Signal Butte Hike
Signal Butte is one weird off the beaten path trail, however, the views are unsurpassed so I added it to the list. Not actually in the Pikes Peak area but close enough! The conical peak is the tallest thing in a vast valley floor that stretches for miles. After only a 1/2 mile hike straight up you find stellar views of Pike Peak, the Sawatch Range, Tenmile/Mosquito Range, and the Lost Creek Wilderness. As we reached the summit 2 golden Eagles flew off the top and flew overhead. That was sensational. Signal Butte Hike is Weird and Wonderful
IF PLANNING A DAY HIKE this is not it … its certainly worth checking out.
Rated: moderate
Trail #719
1 mile out and back
Dog friendly with a leash
Start elevation: 8900 ft – End elevation: 9423 ft
Nearest Town: Divide, CO
HOW TO FIND THIS HIDDEN GEM: from the traffic light at US 24 and Hwy 67 in Divide, turn north for a short distance and veer left. Stay on CR 51 for about 11 miles. Turn right onto FSR 363. (Only a small Forest Service Road marker). Watch for it its easy to miss! Go 1/2 mile and veer left at the intersection onto FSR 362 (easy to miss marker so make sure you veer left. Follow for 3.3 miles until you reach FS 363A. You can’t miss it as the Butte is on your left and the road visibly leads into a parking area.
Hikes beyond Pikes Peak Region
McCullough Gulch Trail Hoosier Pass, Breckenridge, CO
Browns Lake Trail Between Buena Vista & Salida, CO
Ptarmigan Lake Trail Cottonwood Pass, Buena Vista, CO
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
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