Trail Running

In the Pikes Peak Region

The Pikes Peak region offers a plethora of trail running opportunities for those who love getting out on the trail! You can explore scenic trails, join a vibrant running community, and challenge yourself on terrain at elevation.  With tools like strava and alltrails – there are hundreds of trails to go explore on foot.

Getting Started

Lace up your trail runners and set out to explore the beautiful trails in the Pikes Peak region!  The region offers challenging trails, scenic mountain views, and the benefits of high-altitude training.

Pro Tip

Consider purchasing a pair of trail running shoes with a higher capacity for rough terrain.  Always be sure to hydrate properly before embarking on a trail run at high elevation.

Be Prepared

Be sure to hydrate and fuel before heading out on the trail. Always check the weather and trail conditions before! Run with a buddy or have a trusted individual know your location.  Be aware of your surroundings and wildlife

  • Leave No Trace
Be sure to pack
  • Extra food and water
  • Comfortable running clothes for the weather conditions
  • Layers
  • Trail running shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Headlamp
  • GPS

Outdoor Ethics for Trail Running

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.

  • PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
    • 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.
  • TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
    • 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
  • DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
    • 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.

  • LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
    • 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.
  • MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
    • 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.
  • RESPECT WILDLIFE
    • 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.
  • BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
    • 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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Featured Places to Explore

Curated trails & experiences

Pikes Peak Greenway Trail

Pikes Peak Greenway is a 16 mile trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado that parallels Monument and Fountain Creeks and winds through and alongside parks, like Monument…

Santa Fe Regional Trail

VERY Beginner friendly trail! Start at Woodman Road going North through the Air Force Academy

Woodland Park Trails

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Captain Jack’s Trail

Situated in the Lost Creek Wilderness area, this singletrack trail offers a technical and thrilling adventure biking experience, surrounded by stunning rock formations and dense forests.
Mountains

Monument Valley Park

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall Northern portion: Baseball/softball field, soccer field, playground, walking and biking paths, geologic column, access to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. Southern Portion:…
Picnic AreasPublic Parks

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is one of the best local hiking spots for families with small kids all the way to the serious hiker. Located…
Public Parks

Ute Valley Park

Ute Valley Park is home to diverse wildlife, vegetation and rich archeological features. The rocky-forested hogback formations are an integral part of the Colorado Springs backdrop,…
Public Parks

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300′ towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak…
Public Parks
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