Hiking

In the Pikes Peak Region

Hiking is a very popular pastime in the Pikes Peak Region. With literally hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, there’s something for every age and ability. From 12 foot “Tier 1” paved trails (mostly found in Colorado Springs) to 36 inches “Tier 3” dirt trails (open space and mountain trails), there are plenty to choose from and explore. Nearly all of our trails are “multi-use.” That means hikers can expect to see bicycles and even horses sharing the trail. Trail etiquette puts horses first, hikers second and bicyclists third. Please follow these rules. It’ll improve trail safety for all users.

Proper footwear is key to an enjoyable hike. Sandals and flip-flops can be dangerous in some of our open spaces where rattlesnakes are not uncommon. Tennis shoes, trail shoes or hiking boots are your best choice. Be sure to bring a fleece and/or raincoat as the weather changes rapidly in the mountains. Hiking Poles are helpful as our Pikes Peak granite tends to crumble. And finally, bring plenty of water. Our mountain air is dry and you’re likely to consume more than you are use to.

Getting Started

The Pikes Peak region offers virtually every kind of hiking opportunity imaginable. You can take a fairly
easy hike in one of our local parks and trails, or you can try something a little more difficult in one of our
state parks or in the nearby national forests. If you really want to give yourself a test of your hiking
mettle, you can try for the short, but very difficult Manitou Incline, or the much longer – but no less
difficult – Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak. There is a trail for almost any skill level and interest.

Pro Tip

Start your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and potential afternoon thunderstorms, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Be Prepared

Hiking in the Pikes Peak region requires adequate preparation. Before you start out on your hike, make sure that you’ve researched the trail thoroughly. How long is the hike? How much elevation gain is there? Is the trail open? Where will you park when you get there? If you’re new to the area, and come from a lower elevation, you’ll want to take the time to acclimatize yourself to this elevation, and the only way to do that is with time. So, until you’ve been here awhile, and can breathe in Colorado’s thin air, stick to easy, lower elevation hikes.

Be sure to pack
  • Appropriate footwear
  • Map, Compass, and GPS
  • Water
  • Food
  • Rain Gear
  • Safety Equipment
  • First Aid Kit
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Sun Protection

Outdoor Ethics for Hiking

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are reprinted with the permission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information, visit www.LNT.org.

  • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
  • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
  • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
  • Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
  • Repackage food to minimize waste.
  • Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
  • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
  • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

In popular areas

  • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
  • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
  • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

In pristine areas

  • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
  • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
  • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
  • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
  • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

  • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
  • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
  • Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
  • Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
  • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
  • Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
  • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
  • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
  • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
  • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
  • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
  • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
  • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
  • Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
  • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
  • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

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Guided Adventures

Featured Places to Explore

Curated trails & experiences

Putney Gulch/Trail 704

This 4.5-mile (one way) trail can be done as an out and back to the popular Horsethief Falls, or as a two-car shuttle – leave one car at one end and start at the other and hike from car to car.
Photo Credit: Bob Falcone (“Hiking Bob”) This 4.5-mile (one way) trail can be done as an out and back to the popular Horsethief Falls, or as…
MountainsNational Parks

South Slope Recreation Area

This recreation area and its collection of reservoirs, owned by Colorado Springs’ Utilities offers breathtaking views of views of Pikes Peak and Almagre Mountain, along with the reservoirs themselves.
This recreation area and its collection of reservoirs, offers great views as well as great hiking and fishing. Open only during summer months with reservation. Photo…
Lakes/ReservoirsMountains

Lizard Rock, Tarryall Mountains

A fun, fairly moderate 6-mile round trip hike, the Lizard Rock Trail skirts the west edge of the Lost Creek Wilderness.
Starting just outside Spruce Grove Campground, this 6-mile round trip hike is a fun, moderate trip that goes up to Lizard Rock. Photo credit: Bob Falcone…
Lakes/ReservoirsMountainsNational Parks

Four Lake Loop

This loop, at just under 6 miles, starts and ends at the Mueller State Park Visitors Center parking lot. It takes you to Brook Pond, where you’re likely to see beavers, past the very photogenic Rock, Geer and Lost ponds.
Photo Credit: Bob Falcone (“Hiking Bob”) Mueller State Park. This loop, at just under 6 miles, starts and ends at the Mueller State Park Visitors Center…
Mountains

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The content on this page was provided by Hiking Bob

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