8 great hiking, biking trails around the Colorado Springs area
Parker Seibold
Whether you live in the Colorado Springs area, or are just visiting, the region offers a multitude of hiking and biking options with a variety of terrain for the whole family. Statuesque rock formations, peaceful lakes, colorful meadows, breathtaking waterfalls, and a host of other sensory pleasures are there for the taking.
What follows is just a portion of the trails available within a short drive around Colorado Springs:
Garden of the Gods Park
Both paved and natural trails wind through the red rock formations that make Garden of the Gods a perennial top tourist destination. The trails don’t offer much of a challenge for serious hikers, but outdoor enthusiasts looking for walking trails with breathtaking views should consider Garden of the Gods.
Helen Hunt Falls
A popular, family-friendly hiking trail located within North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Helen Hunt Falls offers a pleasant forest hike alongside a waterfall and a cascading stream.
Red Rock Canyon
The open space at Red Rock Canyon offers a variety of trails that connect to several other trails in the area, allowing hikers a multitude of options. The trails offer stunning views of the Garden of the Gods red rock formations and is a popular venue for trail running, mountain biking and rock climbing.
Horsethief Park
Located in Divide, Horsethief Park offers a broad range of outdoor recreation activities including bicycling, hiking, camping and horseback riding. The main trail, which heads north to Pancake Rocks, is a popular venue for snowshoers and cross-country skiers during the winter months.
Seven Bridges
A 3.7-mile round trip featuring seven wooden bridges, the popular Seven Bridges trail includes a portion of the old Midland Railroad line. Its gradual elevation provides a moderate challenge for hikers looking for a little exercise.
Seven Falls
This stunning waterfall reaches a height of up to 181 feet and can be easily accessed by the 224-step staircase adjacent to the falls — leading visitors to nearby hiking trails, glistening streams and zipline excursions. Ticket purchase is required, but a free shuttle takes visitors from the Broadmoor East lot at 6 Lake Ave.
Rampart Reservoir Trail
This trail takes hikers and cyclists on a long loop around the Rampart Reservoir, with wildflower-filled meadows and unique rock formations. A great location for fishing, camping, snowshoeing, mountain biking and trail running.
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