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Trail difficulty
Blue
Elevation Gain
590.00 ft (179.83 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
9.50 mi (15.29 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a hidden gem in Colorado Springs, hidden in plain sight just a few miles from Garden of the Gods. It’s a fantastic place to hike, see wildlife and immerse yourself in great scenery. It’s also an amazing place to ride and trails in the park connect with many others that can take you higher into the foothills.

A unique spot, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is conservation land that consists of a number of reclaimed industrial sites, many of which helped build Colorado Springs. They range from old mining operations to the now-defunct quarry in the center of the park. Don’t let this deter you, though; most of the rock here is an extension of Hogsback Ridge in Garden of the Gods. There are several large sandstone monoliths and spines in the area, making this a fantastic and awe-inspiring park.

There are several great single- and doubletrack routes to take here, and even a bike park located near the entrance to hone your skills before you head out. The Sand Canyon Trail is a stout incline that will test your endurance. From here, you can either take a left on the Roundup Trail or continue farther up toward the connector with the Section 16 Trail. Heading toward the top will give you the best views of the surrounding area and access to fun and crazy downhills like Garbage Chutes or the Intemann Trail. Don’t miss out on the Hogsback Ridge Trail on the way back down toward the parking lot. If you have more time, consider exploring a few of the connecting trails and make up a route of your own. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is all about exploring every corner to see what the park has to offer. Note this area is also pet-friendly and a great place to get outdoors with your dog.

The Colorado Springs area is full of outdoor adventure. Once you're finished in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, try a nearby adventure on the New Santa Fe Regional TrailGrandview TrailVindicator Valley, or Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Less crowded than Garden of the Gods.

Cons

Half the trails are doubletrack.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

6,253.00 ft (1,905.91 m)

Highest point

6,843.00 ft (2,085.75 m)

Features

Family friendly
Wildlife
Shelters
Geologically significant
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Hiking
Horseback

Route Characteristics

Trail

Location

Comments

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Unplug and reconnect in the endless beauty of Colorado Springs. Soak up spacious blue skies as you hike refreshing waterfalls, national forests and natural landmarks. From sweeping vistas to rare rock formations, the region is full of reinvigorating experiences.

Trade in screen time for mountain time to discover unforgettable adventures. Ditch your to-do list for your bucket list. Play alongside towering sandstone formations in Garden of the Gods Park. Navigate the twists and turns up Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain and the roaring white waters of the Arkansas River.

With more than 60 inspired things to see and do, the only lines you’ll find here are the ones you cast in a sparkling reservoir. Where the nightlife involves stargazing in the wilderness and turning up means making it to the top of the Manitou Springs Incline.

Escape to the cool Rocky Mountains of Colorado Springs, explorers are always welcome.

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