Summer Guide :: Family Hiking in Colorado Springs

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Hiking in Colorado Springs is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.  We’ve compiled a list of favorite family hiking spots in and near Colorado Springs to make it easy to plan your next outdoor adventure.

How to use this guide :: We have broken the hikes up by area, so look for your favorite part of town. Each name is linked to a website with details on trails and other important info!

In Town

  • Austin Bluffs Open Space

    A beautiful open space tucked quietly away (to local hikers’ delight!).

  • Palmer Park

    A unique park filled to the brim with hiking trails right in the middle of town.  

  • Ute Valley Park

    If you haven’t discovered the in-town gem that is Ute Valley Park, you are missing out!

North

  • Castlewood Canyon State Park

    $7 or a State Parks Pass will get you entry into this unique state park located between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs. It won’t take you long to realize how the park got its name.

  • Fox Run Regional Park

    This popular park is shaded and contains several trails and a beautiful overlook.

  • Lincoln Mountain Open Space

    Lincoln Mountain Open Space is a newer open space that offers both moderately difficult and a moderately easy loop trail.

  • Palmer Lake Reservoir

    It may be uphill at the start, but the refreshing views of the Palmer Lake reservoirs make the moderate hike totally worth it.

  • Section 16

    Section 16 in Black Forest is an easy 4 mile loop through the forest.

  • Spruce Mountain Open Space

    This space has 8.5 miles of trails allowing you to choose the ease of the trail you’d like to hike. Breathtaking views await you at lookout spots.

East

  • Bluestem Prairie Open Space

    This Prairie is home to over 200 bird species, is an easy hike and great for bird watching.

  • High Chaparral Open Space

    This trail system sits between Powers Boulevard and Austin Bluffs Parkway. While you may not be far from homes or traffic, a short hike to the top of this bluff gets you an amazing view of the Front Range.

  • Paint Mines Interpretive Park

    These are a bit of a drive to the east of Colorado Springs near Calhan.  The beautiful colors of these rock formations makes this a unique hiking experience.

South

  • Bear Creek Regional Park

    This favorite is filled with beautiful trails as well as a dog park, playgrounds, and more.

  • Cheyenne Mountain State Park

    Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails.  If you don’t have a State Park pass, there will be a small entry fee.

  • Fountain Creek Regional Park

    Fountain Creek Regional Park boasts ponds, a nature center, and Fountain Creek Regional trail that connects to Pikes Peak Greenway.

West

  • Blodgett Peak Open Space

    Blodget Peak is a beautiful hike that may be best suitable for older hikers.

  • Garden of the Gods

    Garden of the Gods may be the most well-known family hiking spot in Colorado Springs. Don’t miss this post for lesser known and less busy trails in the park.

  • Mueller State Park

    With 55 miles of beautiful trails to choose from you can check HERE for a list of short family hikes to get you started. Mueller is located in Divide just past Woodland Park.  $7 entry fee or State’s Parks Pass required. 

  • North Cheyenne Canon

    This park is loaded with amazing trails for all abilities. Seven Bridges and the Columbine Trail are just two of the popular family hikes.

  • Red Mountain

    Located in Manitou Springs, this hike is better suited for older kids. It is short (just over a mile one way), but has a moderate incline to the top.

  • Red Rock Canyon Open Space

    Red Rock Canyon is our family’s favorite hike due to its wider trails and stunning views.

Want more help on deciding which trail to hike?

Rachel shares more in depth on some of these in her Family Favorite Hikes and Sarah shares her families experiences of Palmer Lake Reservoir and Seven Bridges Trail.

What are your family’s favorite hiking spots?

Colorado Springs Moms Blog’s Guide to Summer!