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Best Spring Hikes in Colorado

There is no better way to celebrate the coming of spring than to spend time outdoors in the warming weather. Some of the best hiking trails in Colorado are made even better by the beautiful wildflowers. Seeing these colorful blooms will get you pumped about the new season and all the spring activities around Colorado Springs. Here are a few of our top spring hikes in Colorado.

Canyon Loop Trail at Deer Creek Canyon Park

Length: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Address: 13388 Grizzly Dr, Littleton, CO 80127

Trail Map: here 

Just outside Littleton, Colorado – an easy drive from Colorado Springs – is Deer Creek Canyon Park. This space is great for an easy day hike, and it gets vivid colors during the spring and summer. It is tucked neatly into the foothills, providing both nice views of the surrounding mountains and some peace and quiet from nearby civilization.

You can hike a loop via the Meadowlark and Plymouth Creek Trails and enjoy excellent views from the mild 500-foot elevation gain. Meadowlark is a hiker-only trail, but Plymouth Creek does allow bikers. Just keep this in mind as you explore. You can extend the hike by continuing up Plymouth Creek Trail, though you will have to turn back at some point, and you may find it a steeper incline. 


South Mesa Trail at Boulder Open Space

Length: 4.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Address: 3633 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, CO 80303

Trail Map: here 

This hike is short in mileage but does manage nearly 800 feet of elevation gain, making it a slightly harder easy hike. The benefit of this is that you will get up well into the foothills and earn sweeping views of the surrounding plains. In the spring and summer, the area is covered with vivid Colorado wildflowers. There are also excellent views of the nearby Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak, and El Dorado Mountain.

To hike here, there is a parking lot right at the trailhead and another across the street for the Doudy Draw Trailhead if it gets crowded. If you want to extend the hike, Shadow Canyon is a great way to get in a tough workout and walk the saddle between Bear and South Boulder Peaks. This is a beautiful trip that will excite any nature lovers. While this is a 90-minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs, you will find it an excellent day trip to make in the spring. This is one of the best spring hikes in Colorado thanks to astounding views and colorful, unspoiled land. 

Spruce Mountain Trail at Spruce Mountain Open Space

Length: 5.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Address: 13415 Spruce Mountain Road, Larkspur, CO 80118

Trail Map: here 

Spruce Mountain Open Space offers a beautiful wooded hike that summits to a flat top. The trail is moderate in difficulty, in large part due to the 600 feet in elevation. At the top, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Pikes Peak, the Palmer Divide, and the surrounding area as well as the pride of completing a challenging ascent. Between the natural limestone formations and the pine and fir forests, this park easily makes any list of the best hiking trails in Colorado. It is made even better by the explosion of foliage and wildflowers in the spring, so don’t miss this one.

This is a quick trip up from Colorado Springs, just north of Palmer Lake. Keep in mind that horseback riding and mountain biking are both allowed on the Spruce Mountain Trail, so be sure to follow proper trail etiquette on your hike. The park has toilets and water and allows dogs on leashes. It is also a great place to see wildlife near Colorado Springs. All in all, it makes for a great day hike and an excellent way to ring in the coming of some warmer months.

Carpenter Peak Trail at Roxborough State Park

Length: 6.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Address: Parking Lot, Roxborough Park, CO 80125

Trail Map: here

Roxborough State Park is a gorgeous 4,000-acre park northwest of Colorado Springs. It is home to a range of wildlife, including a variety of species for birdwatchers, and beautiful explosions of foliage. You can access the park via East Roxborough Drive, and you will find a series of parking lots along with restrooms and the trailhead for Fountain Valley Overlook. A short walk south on Willow Creek Loop and you will intersect with Carpenter Peak Trail.

The Carpenter Peak Trail is a great medium selection in this park which has nearly 14 miles of hiking trails in total. This trail can be a bit steep at times and definitely falls within moderate difficulty for the top spring hikes in Colorado. It covers about 1,000 feet of elevation gain and includes amazing panoramic views at the summit. From the highest point of the park, you will be able to enjoy outstanding views of Denver to the northeast and Pike National Forest. 

Red Rock, Lion, Section 16 Loop at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Length: 11 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Address: 530 S 31st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Trail Map: here 

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a popular place year-round for Colorado Springs residents and tourists alike. It features iconic red rock formations, parallel ridges, eroded canyons, a quarry, and more. There is no shortage of wildlife and interesting geology to spot at any time of year. However, it is an extra treat in the spring and summer as it is home to a variety of colorful wildflowers. You can practice your wildflower identification here, where you will be sure to spot Indian Paintbrush, Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, and more. 

For an easier version of this hike, you can skip Manitou Section 16 and do a shorter loop just around Red Rock and Lion trails. This 3-mile hike is rated as moderate and still provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape. For either of these options, you will want to park at the most southern of the three lots, off S 31st Street, which is listed as parking for Red Rock Loop. No matter which trail you choose, you will undoubtedly have a great experience as the whole park houses some of the best hiking trails in Colorado.

Final Thoughts

Colorado Springs is chock-full of amazing hikes and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Once you hang up your snowshoes or skis, it is time to get out the hiking boots. If you are just getting started, you should check out an easy, half-day guided hike. Otherwise, learn how to pack for a day hike, grab a map, and hit the trails. Happy hiking!

CategoriesFamilies, individuals by

Best Fall Hikes Near Colorado Springs

Crisp air, cozy fleeces, and stunning aspen colors make for some of the best hiking conditions. Autumn in Colorado is stunning, and fall hiking near Colorado Springs is not something you want to miss! Oh, and did we mention the jaw-dropping mountain views?

The landscapes near Colorado Springs offer something for everyone. Between the aspen and pine forests, soothing creeks, and glistening mountain tops, it is hard to know where to start. Below you will find all the information you need on some of the best fall hikes near Colorado Springs.

A Quick Note

While generally safe, hiking does have potential risks: animal encounters, weather, and terrain. To set yourself up for success, always bring a pack and be prepared with food, water, layers, and other essentials. For more tips on getting prepared, check out how to pack for a day hike in Colorado.

Because bears are native to our beautiful state, bear safety is a factor to consider while preparing for and enjoying a hike here near Colorado Springs. Be sure to learn and follow NPS Animal Viewing guidelines and suggestions in order to enjoy wildlife sightings safely. When done safely, wildlife encounters can be a true highlight of the Colorado hiking experience!

expansive field with mountains and family walking on trail
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash

Preachers Hollow

Location: Mueller State Park
Distance: 20-25 minute drive, 15 miles from downtown Colorado Springs
Parking: Mueller State Park Visitors Center, 21045 Hwy S. Divide, CO
Permits: Colorado State Park Pass required per vehicle or you can purchase a day pass
Stats: 2.1-mile loop, 462 ft of elevation gain, easy
Note: Dogs are not allowed in the park

If you are looking for a fun beginner hike, look no further than Preachers Hollow. This loop offers a friendly multi-use trail with minimal elevation gain. Additionally, the loop style ensures that you will be exploring new terrain the whole route! You’ll find yourself wandering through canopies of aspens that open up to meadows with gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance. If you find yourself looking for a longer day, there are many other worthy trails in this park to explore.

The Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop

Location: Garden of the Gods
Distance: 15-20 minute drive, 7 miles from downtown Colorado Springs
Parking: 1805 N. 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO; Park in the North Lot
Permits: Open to all hikers, no permit required
Stats: 4 miles round trip, 449 ft of elevation gain, easy

Hiking in the Garden of the Gods is a must-do when visiting Colorado Springs. The terrain in Garden of the Gods is open with little shade, so in the cooler temperatures, fall is the perfect time to hike this popular park. On this loop, hikers pass all of the unique rock formations in the park. There may also be opportunities to spot local wildlife or rock climbers scaling the rock. This park has tons of fun activities for people of all ages, and this trail is an accessible way to explore all the park’s best features.

Photo by Justin Hu on Unsplash

The Crags Trail

Location: 615 Teller Co Rd 62, Divide, CO
Distance: 50-60 minute drive, 34 miles from downtown
Parking: The Crags Trailhead, 615 Teller Co Rd 62, Divide, CO
Permits: Open to all hikers, no permit required
Stats: 4.8 miles round trip, 820 ft of gain, easy/moderate difficulty

Glistening granite features are a highlight of this trail. Before you get there, you will meander through aspens on a well-maintained trail. The trail then opens up to meadows and eventually, you will reach the top of the Crags Trails and enjoy stunning views of Pikes Peak. This hike also offers the opportunity to see the unique and twisted Bristlecone Pines native to the area.

Seven Bridges Trail

Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Distance: 20-25 minute drive, 7.6 miles from downtown
Parking: Seven Bridges Trailhead, N Cheyenne Cañon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Permits: Open to all hikers, no permit required
Stats: 3.7 miles round-trip, 912 ft of gain, moderate difficulty

Aptly named for its defining features, Seven Bridges Trail swerves its way across North Cheyenne Creek via seven bridges. Not only do hikers enjoy the babbling of the creek underfoot, but this trail also offers fall hikers a golden aspen grove near the seventh bridge.  The end of the trail has beautiful views of the creek, valley, and Colorado Springs below. This is a moderate hike with good protection from the elements, making it a good choice in breezy weather.

Mount Buckhorn Peak

Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Distance: 25-30 minute drive, 8.2 miles from downtown
Parking: Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S Cheyenne Cañon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Permits: Open to all hikers, no permit required
Stats: 3.9 miles round trip, 859 ft of gain, moderate difficulty

While views from any mountain peak are magical and inspiring, nothing compares to the 360-degree views from atop this one. At an elevation of 8,380 ft, Mount Buckhorn will satisfy every mountain lover’s dreams. It is a little harder to get to, but definitely worth it. This is an out-and-back trail through thick forests ending atop a peak filled with budging boulders. The views from the top are spectacular year-round, but especially with the fall foliage, making this one of the best fall hikes near Colorado Springs.

rocky steps through forest hiking trail
Photo by Isaac Smith on Unsplash

Columbine Trail

Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Distance: 15-20 minute drive, 6 miles from downtown
Parking: Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S Cheyenne Cañon Rd, Colorado Springs CO
Permits: Open to all hikers, no permit required
Stats: 7.6 miles round trip, 1,607 ft of gain, moderate/hard difficulty

The Columbine Trial is a great hike close to town that offers stunning views, opportunities to see tons of flora and fauna, and flexibility for different hiking abilities. This trail has three different starting points, lower, middle, and upper trailheads, which allow you to customize the hike length depending on how much time you have. No matter where you start, you will follow the creek up the canyon and be treated to the sounds of birds and views of the surrounding mountains. 

Colorado Springs is a perfect destination for fall hikers. With easy access to a multitude of trails and nature areas, adventure awaits hikers of all skill levels. If you are new to hiking, Broadmoor Outfitters offers Guided Hikes so you can be sure you will see some of the best hiking trails in Colorado Springs. There’s no better time than autumn in Colorado, so lace up your boots and get out there!