The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Colorado Springs

The Centennial State's second-largest city has plenty to offer active travelers.

Nestled in the southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a rich, vibrant city with plenty to see and do. Best known for its proximity to the iconic Pikes Peak, the town also features fantastic museums, a delicious dining scene, and a wonderful zoo. It also happens to be home to the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, where America's top athletes prepare for international competition. 

Colorado's second-largest city also happens to be nicely situated in an array of stunning outdoor environments. That makes it a top destination for active travelers looking to take in some of the beautiful sights found just outside the city limits. Hikers will especially find plenty to see and do, with some of the best trails in the country located within easy driving distance. 

If you're planning a visit to Colorado Springs and are wondering which trails you should trek on, we have some suggestions. These are our picks for the 10 best hiking trails in the area. 

Palmer Trail Loop

Colorado Springs is blessed with several excellent outdoor playgrounds, but few can compare to the Garden of the Gods. This breathtaking location features miles of mixed-use trails that wander in and around stunning rock formations. With 12 unique paths to choose from, covering 21 miles of beautiful Colorado backcountry, this is a place you'll want to return to again and again. 

Arguably the best trail in the park is the Palmer Trail Loop. This 2.5-mile loop—which can be extended to 4+ miles with side trails—is moderately challenging due to its change in elevations. The route offers spectacular views of the Garden of the Gods rock formations, including the famed Siamese Twins. The snowcapped peaks of the Rockies make for a fantastic backdrop to the west, while the sprawling openness of the plains runs to the eastern horizon. You'll share the trail with mountain bikers and riders on horseback, so be on the lookout for others.

Contemplative Trail Loop

Red Rock Canyon is another outstanding outdoor destination located close to Colorado Springs. This area is often referred to as a "mini Garden of the Gods," as it shares a smilier topography, including the towering rock formations from which it draws its name. This makes it a top destination not just for hikers, but mountain bikers, climbers, trail runners, and cross-country skiers in the winter. 

Visitors will find several excellent trekking routes to explore here, although we especially like the Contemplative Trail. This aptly-named path is roughly 2 miles in length and is reserved just for hikers. Those restrictions help to keep it quiet and less crowded, which is appreciated as you walk along its narrow gorges and between imposing rock walls. The trail is a fairly easy walk, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs while lost in your own thoughts.

Ute Indian Trail

When you hike the Ute Indian Trail, you're not just immersing yourself in nature; you're walking in the footsteps of history. That's because this path was once a migratory route used by Native Americans dating back more than 10,000 years. This gives it a unique, almost solemn feel that is hard to replicate just about anywhere else in the world.

The 7.5-mile out-and-back trail takes hikers through Ute Pass and into the shadow of Pikes Peak. It features a steep climb near the start but soon levels off, making it moderately challenging for experienced hikers. The route provides excellent views of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods, and other points of interest in the area. It is a mixed-use trail, however, so keep your eyes peeled for mountain bikers and trail runners.

Seven Bridges Trail

True to its name, this trail crosses over seven wooden bridges along its 3.8-mile out-and-back length. The route follows the North Cheyenne Creek as it makes its way through a lush forest that provides ample shade on warm summer days. Splashing in the cool mountain water is another way to beat the heat, with numerous opportunities to do just that throughout the walk.

Seven Bridges Trail gains about a thousand feet in elevation, but it is a relatively slow ascent, making this a moderately difficult hike. It is an especially popular trek for local and visiting families alike, which can result in heavy traffic during the summer months. But it is a fun, beautiful walk in a delightful setting, just about any time of the year.

Royal Gorge Rim Trail

If you're looking for a relatively easy hike with drop-dead gorgeous scenery, head to Royal Gorge Park. There, you'll find plenty of things to capture your attention, including zip lines, a via Ferrata, and a gondola that passes over the namesake canyon. The park is also home to the highest suspension bridge in America, which spans the Arkansas River as it passes some 956 feet below.

The park has several trails to choose from, but it is tough to top the Rim Trail. This route runs along the edge of the gorge for 3.2 miles, providing breathtaking views at all times. And because the path is mostly flat, with little elevation gain, it is very accessible to a wide range of visitors. Be sure to bring your smartphone or camera because you'll definitely want to snap some selfies at this amazing location.

Templeton Trail

Palmer Park is an urban green space found just to the northeast of downtown Colorado Springs. It is home to over 25 miles of hiking trails, all situated within the city limits. That makes all the routes found there highly accessible and perfect for hikers who don't have time to wander far from the bustling metropolitan area. 

Templeton Trail is the best hike inside Palmer Park, stretching 4 miles in length through a surprisingly wooded and rocky environment. The loop route undulates on the rolling terrain, which makes it a moderately challenging walk. Pine trees provide some shelter from the sun but head to the park early to avoid warmer temperatures and larger crowds. Having the trail to yourself is a joy, especially when taking in the views of the city and the rocky landscapes.

Lovell Gulch Trail

This 5.8-mile loop trail is located on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The route meanders through woodlands and across alpine meadows, with a stream crossing or two. The path makes for an easy hike, with a slow, gradual climb up to a mountain summit, before descending back down to the trailhead. 

While there is a lot to love about this leisurely hike, the highlight comes at the top of the hill. From there, you get epic views of the north face of Pikes Peak, which dominates the horizon. Photographers will love the vantage point that this location provides of the iconic rock tower, which feels especially otherworldly at sunset.

Austin Bluffs Main Trail

Austin Bluffs Open Space is a 585-acre wooded preserve located in Colorado Springs, not far from Palmer Park. It is the oldest nature preserve in the area and remains a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. That's because it is very easy to access and provides great views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. 

The Austin Bluffs Main Trail is a 3.6-mile loop that climbs up to a place called Pulpit Rock. From there, the immense beauty of the region is on full display, with Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains visible to the west. The trail is relatively easy and paved for much of its length, although there is a bit of climbing, so bring your comfortable shoes.

Manitou Incline

This trail is not for the faint of heart. Notoriously challenging, the Manitou Incline requires hikers to gain nearly 2,000 feet of vertical elevation in just under a mile of climbing. To do so requires excellent physical conditioning and plenty of determination. The route is a popular one with Olympic athletes looking for a good cardio workout, but it also draws more than 70,000 hikers each year, most of whom come to test their legs and lungs on the difficult ascent. To reach the summit, they'll need to climb 2,768 steps, with an average grade of about 45 percent.

Because the Manitou Incline is so popular, hikers must obtain a free reservation at least 4 to 8 weeks before their visit. Those who make the trek to the top—which usually requires one to two hours to complete—are rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding landscapes, not to mention a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Red Mountain Trail

Visitors looking for a less-crowded and challenging alternative to the Manitou Incline should turn their attention to the Red Mountain Trail. This hidden gem is 2 miles long and is moderately difficult due to its 825 feet of elevation gain. The path carves its way through ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees on its way to a finish line on the summit with views of Colorado's Front Range that don't disappoint. 

Because this trail isn't as busy as some others in the area, hikers can go at their own pace, soaking up the scenery along the way. The rugged landscape—including Pikes Peak—makes for a beautiful backdrop once you've cleared the treeline. Having a bit of solitude on the walk only enhances the experience, making this a can't-miss option for those who prefer a sense of serenity while immersed in nature.

This is just a small sample of all the great hiking you'll find in Colorado Springs. The city serves as an excellent base camp for numerous outdoor adventures while providing excellent dining, good nightlife, and comfortable accommodations. If you plan to visit the area, be sure to bring a comfortable pair of trail shoes. You'll be able to put them to good use and explore some of the best scenery that Colorado has to offer.

Read the original article on TripSavvy.