Outbound Collective logo

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Looking for the best hiking in Manitou Springs? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Manitou Springs. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Manitou Springs

  • Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Hike Red Mountain

    2 mi / 750 ft gain
    The hike can be started from where the Intemann trail meets Ruxton Ave close to Iron Spring. For parking, you can park at one of the few pay-for parking along the street or park in town and take the bus up to the incline. The hike starts up what seems to be a driveway until you reach a small gate...
    Read more
  • Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Walk to Rainbow Falls

    0.5 mi
    This waterfall was designated a historic site in 2016 due to its rich history dating back to the Native Americans and more recently the locals of Manitou Springs.  The bridge itself that crosses over the falls was created in the early 20th century and was an architectural marvel during the time. ...
    Read more
  • Cascade, Colorado

    Hike Barr Trail to Pikes Peak Summit

    5.0
    12 mi / 7400 ft gain
    Barr Trail is a 12 mile hike that travels the east face of Pikes Peak, from Manitou Springs (6700’) at the base, to the summit (14,115’). Because there are so many factors that can influence anyone’s experience of the trail (weather, fitness level, time of day, preparedness, etc.), and because ma...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Siamese Twins Loop

    4.0
    0.55 mi / 105 ft gain
    Siamese twins is about a half mile hike with little elevation gain that is a quick hike while driving the park.  The hardest thing about this is getting a parking spot to tell you the truth.  On a weekend or pretty much any summer day the five or so spots available at the trailhead are constantly...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Climb and Hike in the Garden of the Gods

    4.7
    If you are new to the area a stop by the visitor center can helpful to get a map of the trails and roads in the area as well as obtaining a climbing permit (one is needed to climb and is free).Once you have entered the area there are multiple trails and pull outs that you can explore. Many of the...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Scotsman Trail Loop

    5.0
    1.09 mi / 128 ft gain
    Scotsman Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike, Climb, or Bike Red Rock Open Space

    2.0
    3 mi / 300 ft gain
    Red Rock Canyon Open Space was made public in the early 00's after years of use as a quarry and landfill. Some of the stone quarried from the area have even been used in some of the downtown buildings. Getting there is straightforward, heading West on 24 there is an obvious turn off left between ...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike the Upper Loop Trail

    5.0
    0.75 mi / 72 ft gain
    This short spur trail is right off Perkins Central Garden Trail. Most people walk by it because the walkway changes from paved to dirt, but it is definitely a must-see if you're exploring the park. It climbs just a short amount before reaching the rocks you can climb on. Make sure you take a mome...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Perkins Central Garden Trail

    5.0
    1.13 mi / 138 ft gain
    Garden of the Gods has dozens of hiking trails that cover miles through the park itself. The Perkins Central Garden Trail takes you through the heart of the rock formations and really gives you perspective on the size of these red rocks. This trail also takes you past several areas where rock cl...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Bike the Garden of the Gods Loop

    5.0
    6 mi / 500 ft gain
    The Basics: Garden of the Gods is a free, public park on the Western edge of Colorado Springs. Open year round, the excellent paved roads with wide bike lanes provide road bikers with multiple loop options from 3 to 10+ miles. From casual bike riders to seasoned pros, you choose your distance and...
    Read more
  • Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Hike Palmer Trail Loop at Section 16

    5.5 mi / 1400 ft gain
    The Section 16 trailhead can be found on lower Gold Camp Road. Almost immediately, the trail begins to rise in elevation. The grade is gentle at first but soon becomes a steep steady climb for about a mile and a half, until you reach the ridge.  Along the way, you will see many intersecting trail...
    Read more
  • Manitou Springs, Colorado

    Palmer Trail (Section 16)

    5.0
    5.51 mi / 1352 ft gain
    Palmer Trail (Section 16) is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike the Saint Mary's Falls Trail

    5.0
    6 mi / 1500 ft gain
    This moderately difficult hike is a total of 6 miles, with a 1500' incline. You start from the parking lot off Gold Camp Road that intersects with High Drive, and start hiking up the part of Gold Camp Road that is closed off to vehicles. You will see a few trails stemming off from this main road,...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike the Seven Bridges Trail

    4.0
    4.75 mi / 1600 ft gain
    Follow North Cheyenne Creek through the canyon as it forms several cascades along the way. Due to water levels, spring is an especially good time for this hike. Most turn around just past the seventh bridge, where the trail starts to disappear.
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Mt. Cutler Trail

    5.0
    1.79 mi / 561 ft gain
    This is a quick hike to add to the list if you're making a trip to the Cheyenne Canon area. Parking is limited to about 15 cars and fills up fast so be sure to start early or the first part of your hike might start from a further parking or pull-off along the road. This is the same parking lot a...
    Read more
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Mt. Muscoco Trail

    4.8
    3.66 mi / 1453 ft gain
    The Basics: Mt. Muscoco (8020 ft.) is one of the easier summits in the Colorado Springs Front Range area, and you are quickly rewarded with 360 degree views after climbing 1.8 miles and 1,400 feet. The path is well-defined and maintained after it was reconstructed in 2015. Pack water and a light ...
    Read more