Iron Mountain and Red Mountain via Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Iron Mountain and Red Mountain are two mountain peaks located near Manitou Springs, Colorado. A lesser known way to access these peaks is from Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This out and back hike is 12.7 miles long and gains 2,900 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from Red Rock Canyon Parking Lot 1 off of W High St. There is a portable toilet available here. Begin hiking southwest on Sand Canyon Trail. After 0.1 miles, turn left onto Contemplative Trail. As you hike gradually uphill on Contemplative Trail, you will be treated to views of red rock formations. After another 0.6 miles, you will reach a junction and turn right onto Sand Canyon Trail. Continue hiking uphill on this trail for 0.9 miles. Then, turn left onto Intemann Trail. You will be hiking uphill for 0.6 miles. The trail then heads downhill. After 0.6 miles, you will cross Crystal Park Rd. You will now be hiking uphill again.

Continue trekking on Intemann Trail for 1.3 miles to reach a junction. Turn left here and hike uphill for 0.1 miles to reach the summit of Iron Mountain. From the summit, you will have views of the city of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and various Front Range peaks. From here, backtrack to the last junction and turn left onto Iron Mountain Trail. Hike downhill for 0.9 miles, and then cross Laguna Pt. Then, begin hiking uphill on Intemann Trail. After 0.5 miles, you will come to a junction and turn left onto Red Mountain Trail.  Follow this trail uphill for 0.6 miles to reach the summit of Red Mountain. From the summit, you will enjoy great views of Garden of the Gods and the city of Colorado Springs. Once you have taken ample time to enjoy the sights from the summit, turn around and retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash at all times.