There are thousands of trails, parks and recreation areas scattered throughout the Pikes Peak region. After eight decades climbing and hiking throughout this magnificent state, here are ten local favorites, ranging from a world-renowned city park to obscure getaways. Enjoy!
1. Garden of the Gods
This spacious, heavily visited city park is laced with family-friendly trails winding through the extraordinary rock formations. There’s abundant parking at the visitor center there, or in various lots within the park. During the summer or weekends, try to get there early to avoid the crowds. There’s an off-leash dog area between Rock Ledge Ranch & 30th St. but dogs anywhere else in the park must be leashed.
2. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Geologically similar to the Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks was acquired by the city in 2002, thanks to a citizen initiative that established a dedicated tax to fund open space purchases. Multiple trails give easy access to red rock canyons, ridges and even a spectacular 19th century quarry. Amenities include:
. Off-leash dog area
• Picnic Pavilion
• Rock climbing (permit required)
• Portable toilets at both main parking lots
• Dirt trails for pedestrians, bikes, horses, and leashed dogs (on trails other than the off-leash areas)
• Connection to Section 16 and Intemann Trail
• Bike only area
3. Section 16
Park at the trailhead on Lower Gold Camp Road, and get ready for a challenging, reasonably scenic 5.5-mile loop. Decades ago, when I was considering competing in the 14-mile Pikes Peak Ascent, a veteran runner suggested training on Section 16.
“You climb more than1,000 feet in the first 1.5 miles,” he said. “When you can run – not walk! – that part and then keep up a decent pace for the rest, you’re ready for the Ascent.”
He was right. It’s not technically demanding, but the first stretch is a killer. The rest is a rolling downhill scamper, with magnificent views as you cross a stream and trot through shady forests. There are portable toilets at the trailhead, but no other amenities. It’s popular with locals, but weekdays are relatively uncrowded.
4. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a few miles south of Colorado Springs on Highway 115. Including nearly 3,000 acres of pristine mountain and prairie terrain, the park is open year-round with 28 miles of hiking and biking trails, with designated trails for equestrians and dog walkers. There’s an admission fee, and the fully developed park includes a visitor center, parking, restroom facilities, picnic tables, a playground and 51 full-service campsites (reservations required). Forty-one dayuse, handicap accessible, picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, each with its own table and grill. 2020 because of coronavirus concerns.
5. Barr Trail
Parking is an issue with this legendary route to the summit of Pikes Peak. You need to park in a remote lot and take a shuttle or walk a mile to the trailhead at the end of Ruxton Ave. in Manitou Springs.
The trail rises 7,800 feet in 13 miles, ending at the 14,115-foot summit. It’s a tough hike because of length and altitude gain, but not because of steepness and exposure. You’re climbing a Colorado 14’er, so be prepared! You may encounter temperatures in the 30’s, high winds, rain, lightning, and snow. If you don’t want to do the round trip, book a ride down from the Summit House with Rocky Mountain Ride (COVID-19 mask required).In any case, start early and check the weather forecast. You can expect the hike to take from 6-10 hours.
The trail itself is well marked and obvious. It begins with a long series of switchbacks up Mt. Manitou (often crowded with folks descending from the adjacent Manitou Incline), then levels out for a while and steepens as you approach Barr Camp at 6.8 miles. The camp has picnic tables, restrooms, and indoor seating for hikers.
The final 4,000 feet are almost all above timberline. If you’ve come from sea level, you may have problems with the altitude, even if you’re young and reasonably fit. The views are amazing, giving you plenty of occasions to pause, catch your breath and be amazed.
6. The Crags
In the Highway 19 corridor between Divide and Cripple Creek, there are enough magnificent hikes to keep you busy for weeks– if not months. One of the most popular is the the Crags trail that takes you up the backside of Pikes Peak. To get to the trailhead take Highway 24 to Divide, turn south on Highway 67 and after 3 miles turn left on Forest Service Road 383, which is a little over 3 miles from Colorado Highway 67. Park in the lot next to the Crags campground – the trailhead is next to the lot. This alternate route to the summit is shorter, far less crowded and much easier than Barr Trail. If you don’t want to summit, turn back at about 3 miles up at the Devil’s Playground where you first encounter the Pikes Peak Highway.
7. Mueller State Park
This 5,000-acre state park’s well-marked entrance is also about 3 miles from Divide on Highway 67. Pets on leash are permitted, but not allowed on hiking trails so as to avoid conflict with resident wildlife. Park inhabitants include bears, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and many bird species. There’s an entrance fee, which you can pay on entry or online at cpwshop.com. The park is open year- round from 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
8. Dome Rock State Wildlife Area
No dogs or other pets are permitted, and public access is prohibited from December 1 to July 15. The 7,000-acre area is an important calving ground for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. When open, it’s absolutely lovely and not heavily visited. From Divide, go 5 miles south on Hwy. 67 to Rainbow Valley, then turn right on C.R. 61 and continue 1.8 miles to the State Wildlife Area access road.
9. Pancake Rocks
A fun, somewhat difficult hike that’s best attempted between June and September. The winter snows linger in the shaded high-altitude forest, and instead of striding purposely, you may find yourself slipping and post holing. The trailhead is 9.3 miles from Divide, and there’s roadside parking. No amenities. Six miles round-trip.
10. South Slope Recreation Area
One of the crown jewels of the Pikes Peak region, the South Slope Recreation Area is one of the most regulated and least easily accessible publicly owned lands in Colorado. Controlled by the city of Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs Utilities, it’s both a key part if the city’s watershed and a vital wildlife habitat. No dogs, hunting, shooting, pursuing wildlife, motorized vehicles, fireworks, alcohol, camping or straying from established paths.
The city of Colorado Springs’ website offers the following information:
The south slope recreation area is open Thursday – Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. No access to the area will be allowed without pre-registering, permits are not available onsite. Rangers will be at the gate from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 8:00 a.m., at which time the gates will be locked as the Rangers are on patrol (approx.1 hour). If you arrive to a locked gate, please wait for the Ranger to return from patrol to gain access. Recreation users must leave by the designated closing time. The gate will be locked at 3:00 p.m. The opening and closing day of each season are determined by current conditions in the recreation area. Annual targeted opening date is the end of May and the closing date the end of September. Details online: coloradosprings.gov/southslope
Lots of hassle, but it’s worth it. Pristine lakes for fishing, beautiful views – an uncrowded high-altitude paradise.
