25 Easy Hikes In Colorado Springs (With Map)
Looking for the easiest hikes in Colorado Springs? You’ve come to the right travel blogger!
Colorado Springs is a beautiful town about 1 hour south of Denver. This incredible town has so much to do, including visiting the infamous Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and endless restaurants and bars to explore. But first, to the hiking!
25 Easy Hikes in Colorado Springs
There are endless easy hikes in Colorado Springs to choose from and each one has something unique and special about it.
Below you will find the ultimate list of the best Colorado Springs easy hikes to enjoy in the area.
1. Garden of the Gods Outer Loop
✔️ Best For: Those looking for great views of the Garden of the Gods and various rod rock formations
✔️ Hike Distance: 6.3 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Garden of the Gods Park
One of the most popular destinations to hike and one of the most famous tourist attractions around the Colorado Springs area is the Garden of the Gods. This area is known for its drastic red rock formations and endless outdoor activities to embark on.
The Garden of the Gods Outer Loop trail is a great easy hike that will take you around the park and allow you to see the various rock formations and surrounding greenery from different viewpoints and angles.
This trail is pretty long though at right around 6 miles so be sure to bring plenty of water and your favorite energy bars for hiking so that you stay healthy and happy while out on the trails.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Magnuson Grand Pikes Peak – This hotel is in an excellent location and just 10 minutes down the road from the Garden of the Gods Park.
2. Mount Cutler Trail
✔️ Best For: Those looking to dive into nature and explore forested areas
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.7 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Another phenomenal hike in the area is the Mount Cutler Trail. This hike is an excellent option for those looking for a small hike around forest areas to take in the surrounding greenery and mountain views.
Additionally, this hike is an excellent option year round but especially beautiful during the spring and summer months for those looking for one of the best wildflower hikes in the area.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Cheyenne Mountain Resort, a Dolce by Wyndham – Located roughly 10-15 minutes down the road from Mount Cutler Trail. This Resort is a fantastic place to relax, stay and play with a spa, golf course, and tennis facilities on site!
3. Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon Path Loop
✔️ Best For: Hikers searching for an easy trail with red rock formations and some wildlife
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.8 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
The Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon Path Loop is a phenomenal trail for those looking for a fun and beautiful shorter hike. On this loop you will get to experience beautiful red rock formations and may even encounter some wildlife along the way such as deer!
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort – This is a great laid back place to stay for those looking to hit nearby trails and it has plenty of restaurants and bars nearby!
4. Helen Hunt Falls
✔️ Best For: Families or individuals looking for a quick way to get outside and see a waterfall
✔️ Hike Distance: .1 mile
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
This hike is a great option for those looking to get outside and experience a beautiful waterfall quickly and easily. It is a very simple trail that takes you right to Helen Hunt Falls and is a great option for families looking to experience the great outdoors without all the hassle.
This trail is best to visit during late spring, summer, and early fall so that you can catch the waterfall in action and not when it is frozen.
If you do plan to visit this trail in the winter, it can get quite icey so be sure to pack your crampons or microspikes for an optimal experience!
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Cheyenne Mountain Resort, a Dolce by Wyndham – This hotel is just 15 minutes away from the hiking trail and is a great place to stay for those looking to hit numerous trails in the Colorado Springs area.
5. Pulpit Rock Park Loop
✔️ Best For: This hike is great for those looking for a trail right near downtown Colorado Springs
✔️ Hike Distance: 5 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Austin Bluffs Open Space
The Pulpit Rock Park Loop is a very popular easy hike in Colorado Springs. This trail is 5 miles in length and a great option for those looking to get outside and enjoy some exercise near downtown.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott– This hotel is just 5 minutes down the road from Pulpit Rock Park and is in a phenomenal location near many trails and restaurants.
6. Black Forest Section 16 Loop
✔️ Best For: Hikers looking for a simple (roughly) 4 mile loop trail with good views
✔️ Hike Distance: 3.8 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Black Forest Regional Park
Another popular trail in the area for easy hikes in Colorado Springs is the Black Forest Section 16 Loop. This hike is roughly 4 miles in length and is a great flat option for those looking to hike year-round.
This trail is a squared loop that takes you along a wide gravel trail through forested areas and you will catch some spectacular views of the mountains in the distance as you journey along on this hike.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍The Lodge at Flying Horse – The lodge is about a 15 minute drive from the trailhead and is a great option for those looking to stay somewhere with great views of the surrounding mountains and have endless amenities such as dining options, a golf course, spa, and more.
7. Contemplative Trail to Sand Canyon Trail Loop
✔️ Best For: Hikers searching for an easy 2 mile hike with forested areas and red rocks
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.8 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
This trail is an awesome option for those looking to explore an easy hike in Colorado Springs that will take you through forested areas and around red rock formations.
The Contemplative Trail to Sand Canyon Trail Loop is an excellent option for individuals and families looking to spend some time outdoors and catch beautiful views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
Although this trail is open year round, we recommend visiting it during dry spells because rain, snow, and ice can make the trail very slippery and it can get quite muddy.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort – This lodge is a great option for those looking to stay near the Red Rock Canyon Open Space with endless trails and restaurants nearby.
8. Ute Valley Park Trail via Uta Valley Trail Road
✔️ Best For: Those searching for views of Pikes Peak from an easier trail at a distance
✔️ Hike Distance: 4.6 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Ute Valley Park
The Ute Valley Park Trail via Uta Valley Trail Road is a great option for easy hikes in Colorado Springs with gorgeous views of the infamous 14er, Pikes Peak.
This trail is a great option for those looking to gain tremendous views of Pikes Peak from an easy trail at a distance.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott – This hotel is just 3 minutes down the road from the trailhead and is in an excellent location for those looking to spend time in the Ute Valley Open Space and not have a long drive after a day spent hiking.
9, Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail
✔️ Best For: Those that love bird watching, wildlife sightings, and various wilderness features
✔️ Hike Distance: 2.3 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Palmer Park
For hikers looking for a popular trail with great bird watching and various features such as a cave, forested areas, and several wildlife sightings, look no further.
The Edna mae Bennet Nature Trail will take you through all sorts of nature as you have mountain and city views off in the distance.
It’s important to note that although this trail is rated to be fairly easy, it is quite rocky so come prepared and be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Home2 Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs I-25 Central – For those looking for a great place to stay that is under 10 minutes from the trailhead. The Home2 Suites is a great option close to Palmer Park and right off of I-5 with endless restaurants and breweries nearby!
10. Cheyenne Mountain Short Loop
Best For: Hikers searching for an easy 4-mile loop with frequent wildlife sightings
Hike Distance: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Cheyenne Mountain State Park
This hike is an easy loop that is roughly 4 miles in distance. The Cheyenne Mountain Short Loop is a great option for those looking to get outside and explore the outdoors with frequent sightings of wildlife.
It is important to note that this trail is inside of a Cheyenne Mountain State Park so you will need to pay an entrance fee. Additionally, this hike does not allow dogs so be sure to keep your furry friend at home.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs South I-25, an IHG Hotel – This hotel is less than 10 minutes away from Cheyenne Mountain State Park and is a fantastic option for those looking to stay right off of I-25.
11. Prospect Lake
✔️ Best For: Hikers searching for great views of a lake right near downtown Colorado Springs
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.3 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Memorial Park
For hikers looking to get outside and take on an easy hike surrounding a beautiful lake and park area, Prospect Lake is the perfect option for you.
Plus, its unbelievable location is optimal for exploring all the restaurants, shops, and entertainment that downtown Colorado Springs has to offer.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍The Mining Exchange A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa – Not only is this hotel in an excellent location right in downtown Colorado Springs with endless dining and shopping options within walking distance but the hotel itself is spectacular and just 5 minutes from the Prospect Lake trail.
12. Sentinel Point via Grandview and Cheyenne Trail Loop
✔️ Best For: People of all ages looking to go on an easy hike with views of the surrounding mountains and buildings in the distance
✔️ Hike Distance: 3 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Palmer Park
For those looking to gain incredible views of mountains in the distance and buildings down below, the Sentinel Point via Grandview and Cheyenne Trail Loop is a great option for people of all ages.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Home2 Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs I-25 Central – This is a place to stay for those looking to explore Palmer Park trails and stay right off of I-25 for easy commuting.
13. High Arches Trail and Ute Valley Regional Park Trail Loop
✔️ Best For: Families and individuals looking for an easy trail with great views and rock formations
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.5 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Ute Valley Park
The High Arches Trail and Ute Valley Regional Park Trail Loop is an awesome option for those looking to go on a short hike through meadows and rock formations. This is a great option for families with children who love exploring and climbing rocks.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott – This is a hotel to stay at within 5 minutes of Ute Valley Park and close to I-25.
14. Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop
Best For: Hikers searching for great views of the Garden of the Gods
Hike Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Garden of the Gods Park
The Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop is one of the most popular easy hikes in Colorado Springs and is known for its incredible red rock formations and terrific views of the Garden of the Gods.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott – This Marriott hotel is in a phenomenal location right near I-25 and some of the best easy hiking trails in Colorado Springs. This hotel is roughly 10-15 minutes away from Garden of the Gods Park which makes for a super easy commute.
15. Gateway and Susan G. Bretag Trail
Best For: Families and children looking for a short hike with great views
Hike Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Garden of the Gods Park
The Gateway and Susan G. Bretag Trail Loop is one of the best short and easy hikes to do around the Garden of the Gods. This is an awesome 1.1 mile hike that is great for families and children wanting to take in the views of the drastic red rocks.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott– This is a great place to stay near Garden of the Gods Park and near I-25.
16. Lower Columbine Trail
Best For: A quick hike with waterfall views
Hike Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
One of the most popular easy hikes in Colorado Springs is the Lower Columbine Trail. This hike is known for being quick and easy but with fantastic views of a waterfall, the surrounding forest scenery, and is a great trail for bird lovers.
We recommend visiting this hike during the fall or spring months. In fall you will experience tremendous views of bright yellow fall foliage and in the spring you will be able to take in the vibrant colors of wildflowers.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Cheyenne Mountain Resort, a Dolce by Wyndham – This hotel is less than 10 minutes away from the Lower Columbine Trail and is a great option for those looking to stay near several different parks and trail areas.
17. Upper Loop Trail
Best For: Families and children looking for a quick hike with breathtaking views of the Garden of the Gods
Hike Distance: .4 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Garden of the Gods Park
This hike is very popular inside of the Garden of the Gods Park. This trail will take you off the main paved path and give you incredible views of the red rock formations inside of the park.
This is a great option for families and children wishing to get outside and explore a bit by doing a quick and easy hike with marvelous views.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott – This is a great hotel to stay at right near the Garden of the Gods Park and nearby to several other parks in the area.
18. Palmer to Siamese Twins Trail
Best For: A quick and easy hike with a view of Pikes Peak in the distance
Hike Distance: .8 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Colorado Springs
The Palmer to Siamese Twins Trail is an excellent hike filled with great views of red rock formations and has a gorgeous view of Pikes Peak.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott – This hotel is in an awesome location within a short drive to many of Colorado Springs easy hiking trails and popular parks.
19. Scotsman Trail Loop
Best For: Families and kids looking for an easy 1 mile trail
Hike Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Garden of the Gods Park
The Scotsman Trail Loop is another awesome easy hike within the Garden of the Gods Park. This hike is 1 mile in length and will take you down a sandy path. On this hike you will get pretty views of the surrounding red rocks and greenery around you.
This is an excellent option for families and kids because it is only a mile long and remains relatively flat throughout the hike.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Colorado Springs Marriott – This hotel is in a great location within a short drive of the Garden of the Gods Park which allows for an easy commute back and forth.
20. Fox Run Loop Trail
Best For: Hikers looking for a short 3 mile hike with views of pine trees and forest scenery
Hike Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Fox Run Regional Park
Another popular hike in the Colorado Springs area is the Fox Run Loop Trail. This hike is an amazing option for those looking to do an easy 3 mile loop with views of the surrounding pine trees and forest area.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs North Air Force Academy – This is a great place to stay right off I-25 and within 10 minutes of the Fox Run Loop trailhead.
21. Silver Cascade Falls Trail
Best For: Hikers looking to embark on a quick and easy trail with a waterfall
Hike Distance: .6 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Silver Cascade Falls Trail is an awesome hike for those looking to spend roughly 30 minutes outside and gain views of a waterfall, forested areas, and it has frequent wildlife sightings.
We recommend hitting this trail during the late spring and summer months so that you can experience the waterfall in full swing and gain views of vibrant wildflowers throughout your hike.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Cheyenne Mountain Resort, a Dolce by Wyndham – This hotel is in an awesome location right near several hiking trails and close to I-25.
22. Fallen Timbers Trail
✔️ Best For: Those looking for a quick hike with forest views that it is very dog friendly
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.5 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Fox Run Regional Park
This easy hike in Colorado Springs is known for its hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. As you embark on this hike, you will mainly catch views of the surrounding forested area.
Additionally, this is an awesome option for those wanting to bring their pets along with them as the trail is very dog friendly.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs North Air Force Academy – This is a great place to stay right near Fox Run Regional Park and is less than a 10 minute drive to the trailhead.
23. Quail Lake Trail
✔️ Best For: Families with small children and those looking to go on a short hike with lake views
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.1 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Quail Lake Park
The Quail Lake Trail is about a 1 mile loop that takes you around the lake throughout Quail Lake Park. This is an awesome trail for families with children and the path is stroller friendly making it a great option for those with young kids wanting to spend time outdoors.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Home2 Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs South – This hotel is only 3 minutes away from Quail Lake Park and is in a great location near various shops and restaurants.
24. Cottonwood Creek Trail
✔️ Best For: Those looking to go on a easy hike around a lake and it is wheelchair and stroller friendly
✔️ Hike Distance: 5 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Cottonwood Creek Park
This hike is a popular easy hike in Colorado Springs that is known for following alongside a creek. The Cottonwood Creek Trail is a paved path that is 5 miles in length and is a great trail for those with strollers or wheelchairs.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Embassy Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs – This hotel is a fantastic option within roughly 10 minutes of Cottonwood Creek Park. Additionally, this hotel is not only a beautiful place to stay but its location is excellent right near restaurants and shopping.
25. Zook Loop
✔️ Best For: Those looking for an easy mile hike with beautiful views of the surrounding areas
✔️ Hike Distance: 1.1 miles
✔️ Difficulty: Easy
✔️ Location: Cheyenne Mountain State Park
The Zook Loop hike is roughly 1 mile in length and is a great option for those looking for views of forested areas, wildlife, and the surrounding mountains.
It is important to note that this trail is inside of a Colorado State Park so you will have to pay an entrance fee to get in. We recommend visiting the area during the warmer months so you can take advantage of the amenities and activities that the State Park has to offer.
Where to Stay Nearby
📍Cheyenne Mountain Resort, a Dolce by Wyndham – This is a great place to stay within 10 minutes of the state park and close to I-25.
Map of The Easy Hikes In Colorado Springs [H2]
Here is an Interactive Map Link so that you can see where each trail begins.
FAQ: Colorado Springs Hiking
Hiking in Colorado Springs is one of the most popular activities to do for locals and visitors alike. Due to Colorado Springs’ close proximity to the mountains, there are endless trails you can embark on that range in difficulty and length.
Can a beginner hike Pikes Peak?
Although a beginner can hike Pikes Peak, it is not recommended. Pikes Peak is 13.5 miles long and you will trek up more than 7,400 feet of elevation so it’s best for intermediate to advanced hikers.
What is the easiest hike to Pikes Peak?
Crags Trail is the easiest hike to Pikes Peak. This trail is 4.8 miles in distance and considered to be a moderately challenging route. It is a very popular trail in the Colorado Springs area and is known for its incredible views along the way.
Is Colorado Springs good for hiking?
Colorado Springs is one of the best places to hike in the state of Colorado. Due to its close proximity to the mountains, Colorado Springs is a great hub for hiking because you don’t have a long drive to get to the mountains to explore some of the harder trails.
Is Seven Falls an easy hike?
Seven Falls is considered to be a moderately challenging hike. This trail does require taking over 200 steps to reach the top of the falls and you will gain some elevation on this 3 mile out and back hike.
Conclusion: Easy Hikes In Colorado Spring
There are countless easy hikes in Colorado Springs to embark on and each one has something unique and beautiful to offer.
If you live in the Colorado Springs area or you are just visiting the town, you must hit the trails for some truly spectacular views of Colorado Springs itself and the surrounding mountains!
