Climbing Colorado Springs: Olympic City's Best Hikes

Colorado Springs is a destination where natural beauty and outdoor adventure come together seamlessly. From striking red rock formations to cascading waterfalls and historic sites, the region offers something for every type of hiker. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed stroll, a cultural walk, or a full-on cardio challenge, these trails and attractions are some of the very best the city has to offer.

Garden of the Gods

No visit to Colorado Springs is complete without experiencing the Garden of the Gods. This world-famous park is home to soaring sandstone spires and dramatic rock formations that rise against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Visitors can explore the paved walkways that wind among the rocks, making the park accessible to nearly everyone, or head out onto rugged single-track trails for a more immersive adventure. The park is a haven for photographers, families, and casual hikers alike, and its timeless beauty makes it one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings & Manitou Incline

For those who want to combine a walk with a bit of history, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer a unique perspective on ancient Puebloan architecture. These structures, originally built centuries ago and carefully relocated to Manitou Springs in the early 1900s, give visitors the chance to step inside and explore what life might have been like for the ancestral people of the Southwest. While it’s more of a cultural site than a strenuous hike, the surrounding nature walks and mountain views make it a memorable stop that blends history with the great outdoors.

Perhaps the most famous workout in Colorado Springs, the Manitou Incline is a true test of endurance. Rising nearly 2,000 feet in less than a mile, the Incline follows the path of an old cog railway and is known for its extreme steepness. What it lacks in distance it makes up for in intensity, attracting athletes, locals, and ambitious visitors alike. Those who take on the challenge are rewarded not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with sweeping views of the city and mountains below. For a safer descent, most hikers return down the more gradual Barr Trail.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Just a few minutes from downtown, Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded Garden of the Gods. The park is a favorite among locals for its maze of trails that wind through dramatic sandstone cliffs, rolling hills, and shady canyons. Hikers can choose from easy strolls to more challenging loops, and the area also welcomes mountain bikers and climbers. With plenty of scenic overlooks and fewer crowds, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the rugged beauty of Colorado Springs at your own pace.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

For a more expansive wilderness experience, Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers miles of trails that showcase Colorado’s varied landscapes. The park stretches from the prairie up into forested foothills, giving hikers the chance to spot wildlife, climb through different ecosystems, and take in sweeping views of both the mountains and the plains. With over 29 miles of well-maintained trails, the park has something for every skill level, from short loops to longer, more strenuous hikes. It’s also a great place for those who want to pair hiking with camping or picnicking in a peaceful, natural setting.

Seven Bridges Trail

Shaded and scenic, the Seven Bridges Trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The path follows a rushing creek and, as its name suggests, crosses seven wooden bridges along the way. The cool, forested environment makes this a pleasant hike in the warmer months, while the steady climb and rocky sections provide just enough challenge to keep things interesting. At around six miles round trip, it offers the perfect balance between effort and reward, with tranquil sounds of water and the occasional glimpse of wildlife along the trail.

Palmer Park

Palmer Park proves that you don’t need to leave the city to find adventure. Located right in the heart of Colorado Springs, this park offers over 30 miles of trails winding through mesas, canyons, and rocky outcrops. Hikers are treated to sweeping views of the city skyline as well as the mountains beyond, making it a great spot for sunrise or sunset hikes. The variety of trails makes it accessible to beginners and more experienced hikers, and its central location means you can enjoy a taste of Colorado’s wilderness without leaving town.

Helen Hunt Falls

Tucked into North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Helen Hunt Falls is one of the area’s most beloved natural attractions. The waterfall can be viewed right from the roadside, making it easy for anyone to enjoy, but hikers can also continue up a short but steep trail to Silver Cascade Falls. The sound of rushing water, combined with the shady canyon setting, makes this a refreshing stop in the summer months. In spring, snowmelt enhances the falls, while winter brings a dramatic icy landscape.

Pulpit Rock Park Loop

Pulpit Rock Park Loop is a short-but-satisfying city-edge hike that climbs to a distinctive flat-topped outcrop overlooking the western side of Colorado Springs. The trail weaves over rocky terrain and sandstone ledges, offering panoramic views of the city, nearby foothills, and—on clear days—Pikes Peak in the distance. It’s moderate in difficulty: brief rock steps and uneven footing mean it feels more adventurous than its distance suggests, yet it remains accessible to families and casual hikers who take their time. Popular for sunset walks and quick photo stops, Pulpit Rock fills up on evenings and weekends, so plan accordingly and wear shoes with good traction while staying on marked paths to protect the landscape.

Seven Falls

Known as “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” Seven Falls is a breathtaking series of waterfalls cascading down a 1,250-foot granite box canyon. To truly experience it, visitors climb the 224 steps alongside the falls, where two scenic trails begin at the top. Inspiration Point offers sweeping views of the plains, while the shorter Midnight Falls trail leads to a serene little cascade. Although it’s managed as a tourist attraction, the natural beauty is undeniable, and the combination of waterfalls, canyon walls, and mountain views makes this a must-see.