Red Rock Open Space Colorado Springs
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Let’s Hike Red Rocks Open Space Colorado Springs!
Red Rock Open Space Colorado Springs, just minutes from Garden of the Gods, is a free city park that provides wide open spaces and lengthy trails for solo hikers, short kid-friendly trails, unleashed dog hikes, and striking huge red rock formations amidst meadows, streams, and a lake.
As part of the Colorado Springs trail system, Intemann Trail connects Manitou Springs and her crazy hard incline along with dozens of trails in Red Rock Open Space. With almost limitless access to area hikes including Ring the Peak (40+ miles of trails), Red Rocks Canyon Open Space is the perfect destination for the seasoned hiker or new to Colorado explorer.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space has amazing hikes near Garden of the Gods with views to match!
I admit wondering if Red Rock Open Space was worth visiting. Close to Garden of the Gods and within a few miles of Manitou Springs, I assumed this park was constantly crowded with people.
Boy was I wrong!
With miles of trails in Red Rock Open Space Colorado Springs, great signage, wide open parking lots, and a connection to Intemann Nature Trail, which leads to Section 16, it is a favorite Colorado Springs hik
Winter morning on Quarry trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
We think the best hike in Colorado Springs includes mountain views, water features, and easy to access trails amidst moments of quiet all with a varying level of difficulty and mileage.
Red Rock Open Space trails give you all that and more, with some of the best hikes in Colorado Springs.
In this post, we share details about the longest trail in Red Rock Open Space along with family hikes and unleashed dog trails. As part of the Colorado Springs trail system, this open space is calling your name.
Grab your favorite daypack, snag a few snacks and get hiking.
Related Links:
If you’re new to hiking Colorado trails, check out these beginners hiking tips.
Unsure what essential gear for a Colorado day hike looks like, read up here!
Table of Contents
Directions to Red Rock Open Space COlorado Springs
Red rocks Canyon things to do
Red ROck Canyon Trail Map
Best Trails in Red Rock Canyon
Short, Sweet and Favorite Hikes
Longest Trail in Red Rock Open Space
Dog Friendly off leash Hike Options
Why Red Rocks Open Space is worth visiting
Nearby RESTAURANTS and Breweries
Views of Garden of the Gods from Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Why Is Red Rocks Open Space So Cool?
Hikes near Garden of the Gods are abundant with nearby Bear Creek Park and Manitou Springs. Red Rocks Canyon trails give spectacular views of Garden of the Gods without all the people.
In the past few years, thanks in part to some disastrous rainstorms, local group clean up and TOSC (Trails and Open Space Coalition) efforts and donations, this 1,474 acre park has gotten a big fat makeover including a stunning outdoor pavilion.
Originally planned to be a large golf course and apartment buildings, Colorado tax payer money helped keep this park open for hikers.
Boy are we glad!
Red Rock Canyon Open Space updates include:
New large lots
Better trail signs
Connections to Section 16 via Intemann Nature Trail
Restored trails
Additional trailhead with parking along 26th Street (1/4 mile north of Gold Camp Road and 26th Street)
With over 11 marked trails ranging from 1.7 to over 11 miles each, this is an ideal place to hike Colorado Springs. Low elevation trails make it one of the best hikes Colorado Springs offers for out of town visitors not accustomed to the altitude.
Trail runners love the looping tracks, with rolling hills and wide sections.
Recently renovated parking makes this free park, open from dawn to dusk, the perfect place for Colorado Springs hikes.
CoHH Tip! Curious where that 0.1% tax money goes when you buy a stunning “I climbed Pikes Peak” t shirt? Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) helps to preserve trails, open spaces, and parks through sales tax by the City of Colorado Springs.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Main Parking Lot
How to Get to Red Rocks Open Space Colorado Springs
3550 W. High St. Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Additional parking – 598 S 31st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
A few miles from Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is within minutes of great breweries and local restaurants along with local landmarks such as the Pioneer Museum, Garden of the Gods and the Trolley district.
DIRECTIONS:
From I-25 take the Cimarron Street exit west.
Turn left onto Ridge Road (There is a turn lane but no stoplight or stop sign. The turn is after 31st Street which is a stop light)
Enter the roundabout and take the second exit onto W. High Street
There are two parking areas on the right side of W. High Street
Once you arrive, find ample parking on weekdays. Weekends can get a bit more crowded, especially during summer and fall.
There are public toilets located in each parking lot. Trail maps are posted.
CoHH Tip! Snap a picture of the trail sign if you don’t have a paper or map app with you. While well marked, there are many social trails (trails made by people, not park officials) that can create some missteps.
We have become big fans of carrying paper maps. The creators of PockPal Maps make easy to read, tear and weather resistant foldable maps for the Colorado Springs hikes area. These maps show waypoints, mileage, along with other trails online apps often miss.
PROMO CODE: “10%OFF” gets you 10% off all maps.
Prices vary but average $7–$10/map including download.
One of the many trails throughout the park - perfect for all levels of hiking Colorado trails.
Red Rocks Open Space Things to Do
Within the park limits, you have access to a free bike park, two off leash dog parks (not fenced), picnic areas, and almost a hundred technical climbing routes.
Dogs are allowed on all trails
Be sure to keep them leashed unless in designated areas. If your dog isn’t used to being a leash, let them run wild in one of the two large unleashed areas in the park. On trail, use these five easy ways to stop your dog from pulling on their leash.
Bikes and horses are are allowed on almost all trails
Rule of the trail: Rightaway belongs first to the Horse, then Hiker, finally Biker
*Keep in mind, bikes coming downhill have a much harder time stopping vs. the hiker stepping aside. If both parties simple pay attention and bikers call out or ring a bell, everyone wins.
Paragliding in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Paraglide in Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This park has has one of the only paragliding landing areas within city limits. The launch point is on the eastern point of Section 16, managed by Pikes Peak Paragliding. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, reserve a spot today.
Rock climbing on the East/West Canyon Walls
Make sure to register at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center for climbing. Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance maintains and manages these routes. With over 90 bolted routes up to 130 feet high, you can climb the sandstone walls. The climbing is similar to Garden of the Gods, but offers better stone, excellent protection and rappel anchors, and lots of moderate routes.
As you fly or climb over this park, keep an eye out for quarries created from the 1880s as well as hiking trails made from wagon roads used to haul limestone.
Red Rock Canyon Trail Map public domain Colorado Springs government
Red Rock Open Space Trail Map
This easy-to-read and slightly more challenging-to-navigate Red Rock Open Space Colorado Springs trail map gives you a feel for the park. Red Rock Open Space is nestled among cliffs and rocks, with neighborhoods bordering most sides of the space.
Unfortunately, dozens of social trails and illegal bike paths have etched their way into Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This is a fragile ecosystem that takes years to restore. Ensure you use the official Red Rock Open Space trail map to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Stay on the well marked trails to keep plants growing and wild animal homes intact.
Red Rocks Canyon trails are well marked, mostly rocks and wide enough for groups.
A super dog friendly park, expect to be met with many a wet nose and yelp of delight. Winter is delightful in the park - bring spikes or snowshoes for the best exploration.
Many trails seamlessly connect, making it a park where getting lost requires a Herculean effort or a spectacular lack of common sense. Still, we found ourselves "rescuing" our daughter on her first date during a sunset hike sans compass. *Dads were summoned, kids were saved, and all was well — just another day in the wilderness of teenage romance.
PRO TIP! Mesa Trail is the main trail from the middle parking lot. When in doubt, start on Mesa Trail for views including Garden of the Gods.
Take in stunning views of Colorado Springs along many of Red Rocks Canyon Trails.
Best Trails in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space has 11 official trails. Many of the trails are under three miles long, perfect for a new hiker or family hike. Along these one or two mile trails, see Colorado wildflowers in the summer and snow topped red rocks in the winter.
Mild elevation gains give long lines of sight, allowing the free-spirited child a chance to run ahead while watched safely from a distance.
It’s hard to feel constrained surrounded by miles of open space in the heart of Colorado Springs.
NOTE REGARDING REd Rock Space Trails!
We have not attached All Trails links to the below hikes. Instead, choose your preferred style of navigation. Some like paper maps, others COTREX or ALL TRAILS, others simply prefer to meander and find their way! No matter which way you choose, the trails we share here are our absolute favorite Red Rock Canyon Trails.
The Quarry is seen from many trails throughout the park!
The Quarry trail
Mileage: 1.8 to 2 miles Route: Loop Elevation Gain: 393 feet
Trailhead Directions: Park in main parking lot. Take trail to the right of the bathrooms. In the above map, it’s the highlighted red trail.
Not only is this trail short with minimum elevation gains for new and little hikers, it has the best views of the largest rock formations in the park.
As you climb steps to the summit, take in the views of the red limestone surrounding you. You can take this trail either way. However, the stairs are easier to see if you come from the east side via Red Rock Canyon trail.
The other option begins with the Mesa Trail. Keep an eye out for the Quarry Pass Trail sign. This connects the two trails.
You can’t go wrong with this trail. Hop on and start hiking. All roads (eventually) lead to a parking lot.
If you happen to be like me, directionally challenged, just start hiking and watch the markers. You’ll find the quarry. We promise!
CoHH Tip! Starting at the parking lot, load up your kids with some water and a few snacks. We affectionately called these snacks “positive incentives.” M&Ms and gummy bears are favorite CoHH kids snacks. The complaining goes way down when the sugar comes out.
Contemplative and Sand Canyon Trail
*Hiker’s Only Trail in Red Rocks Open Space
Mileage: 1.75 miles Route: Loop Elevation Gain: 216’
Trailhead Directions: Park in any of the lots. This trail begins near the first off leash dog area, to the right of the Free Ride Area and Lot 2.
This hikers only trail offers majestic views of rocks on either side of you. An out and back trail, it’s perfect for the solo hiker or nature seeker.
This quiet route is nestled between rock formations, finding yourself away from neighborhood views and the noise of Hwy 24 traffic.
Several pine benches line the trail, allowing for perfect conversation spots, quiet resting places or snack breaks!
The Contemplative Trail begins and ends from Sand Canyon Trail. Plan on hiking up one trail and down the other.
In the summer and fall, end your hiking adventure with a picnic across from the Open Air Pavilion.
With picnic tables and porta potties nearby (in both parking lots), this is the idyllic way to soak in these Colorado mountain views before heading back home.
If you need to burn off more energy, add another loop from one of the hikes below. Discover Colorado’s greatest gift: fresh mountain air!
CoHH Tip! On this Colorado Springs hike, add more mileage by starting at the Sand Canyon trailhead at the west end of the parking lot.
Related Links:
Taking kids hiking on Colorado trails is magical.
Short and easy hikes are often the perfect solution to a bad day!
Mesa/Greenlee Trail
Mileage: 3.4 miles Route: Loop Elevation Gain: 521 feet
The first part (under 1 mile) of this trail is handicap friendly. Jogger strollers can handle the path for a bit. However, the remainder of the trail gets real rocky. There is very little shade, making it a great fall/winter hike.
Start on Mesa Trail at the east end of the west parking lot and follow the natural horseshoe, ignoring the side trails. The trail becomes Greenlee when it begins turning downward. You’ll intersect with Mesa again near the bottom.
Views along this hike include several red rock formations including quarry climbing steps. Look for views of Garden of the Gods from both trails.
Familiarize yourself with Red Rock Canyon Open Space trail map before you head out. This loop trail can feel a bit confusing.
CoHH Tip! This red limestone was quarried in the 1800s by the Snider brothers. Believe it or not, much of the stone was used in mansions in Denver. Head to Denver and visit some of these stately homes.
Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains dominate the views in Red Rock Open Space Colorado Springs.
Lion Trail and Hogback Valley Loop from Parking Lot 3
Mileage: 3.3 miles Route: Loop Elevation Gain: 521 ft
Trailhead Directions: Start on Red Rock Rim Trail, connecting to Hogback Valley Trail around 0.3 miles into the hike.
A well-marked and traveled route within Red Rock Canyon Open Space, this is one of those Colorado Springs hikes that provides city views, open space, wildflower spotting in the summer, and slight elevation gain for some calorie burning.
Consider heading on the trail closer to dusk to catch sunset views of Garden of the Gods. While the sun is behind you, the reflection off the city ahead gives off some unique and pleasing vibes.
CoHH Tip! Instead of going down Lion Trail, stay on Red Rock Rim Trail. Lion Trail is a narrow bike route, well traveled by bikers on weekends.
Sand Canyon, Mesa, Greenlee, Red Rock Canyon Loop
Mileage: 5.1 mile Route: Loop Elevation: 885’
Trailhead Directions: Pick your route, clockwise or counter clockwise. Both ways will give you some great hills to climb. Start at the main parking lot near the Park and Ride area. Both ways start on Red Rock Canyon Trail.
If you have have a half day and want to be in Colorado’s beauty, nature soak on these groups of trails. Want to see water, views and catch a glimpse of Garden of the Gods? This loop is for you!
The views are stunning, the trails easily marked and accessible, making this the perfect hike for the Colorado hiking novice or an easy hiking day for the fit.
CoHH Tip! All Trails has a great point to point description of this hike. We’d encourage you to check the trail before you head out.
That said, the trail markers are very clear and it’s hard to get lost in this park. Many of the trails are loops, taking you back to the parking lot eventually.
The Longest Trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock, Lion, Section 16 Loop Trail
Mileage: 11.3 miles Route: Loop Elevation gain: 2,168’
This hike is a winner every day of the year! It takes all the best trails of this open space, melding them into a beautiful loop.
*Make sure you add this one to your hiking list.
Beginning at the Red Rock Rim Trail, follow the wide road to Lion Trail via White Acres Trail, a former old wagon road used by miners in the 1800s that connects these sections.
Garden of the Gods sightings along with Colorado Springs city views make this Colorado Springs hike a winner.
The Section 16 portion takes you for miles along the mesas and through Colorado’s variable elevation gains.
TIps for Success on the Longest Trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Bring along all day hike essentials such as a energy bars, at least 48 oz water, and electrolyte tabs
Wear hiking shoes vs. running shoes because of the incline and rocky terrain
Sun Protection: It’s an exposed hike so wear a hot, apply sunscreen and hydrate.
Consider this trail for early mornings or brisk fall and winter days.
In the winter, check the snowpack conditions before you head out. You’ll want snowshoes if there is a lot of snow, spikes if icy.
Wear layers. If you’re unsure what that means, check out our post on what to wear hiking in Colorado.
We created a nifty little freebie with a checklist for each season.
RED ROCK OPEN SPACE HIKES FREEBIE - Intemann Nature Trail to Section 16
Level up your hiking game with the recently finished Intemann Trail to add more miles to your adventure. Head in the direction of Section 16, where you'll zigzag through a mix of terrains, dancing among scrub oak and pine trees.
Get ready for a mini cardio challenge before reaching the waterfall on the Gold Camp Road detour just before Section 16. Once you conquer that ascent, keep the good vibes going on Section 16 for a hike that's practically sprinkled with magic and boasts views that'll make you do a double take. The trails in this area got a makeover, complete with fancy trail signs to keep you on the right track.
PRO TIP! Elevate your exploration game by downloading the entire area from COTREX or GAIA. Trust us, this is one of Melody's absolute go-to spots for a hiking fiesta! Happy trails, adventure seeker!
Related Link: One of the best places to see Colorado aspens is Section 16, the perfect any time hike!
One of the two dog parks in Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Dog Hikes: Off Leash Red Rock Open Space Trails
Red Rock Canyon Open Space has not one but TWO off leash trails for your four legged friends.
Trailhead Directions: From the east end of main parking lot, head up Mesa Trail
Lower Dog Loop (1/2 mile Round Trip)
Upper Dog Loop (1 mile Round Trip).
Let them run unleashed to their heart’s content, making the leashed hike so much more fun.
Keep in mind these loops are unfenced. If your dog is like my Brittany Spaniel, a squirrel can create an unwelcome detour for a well-planned hiking trail.
Colorado Springs has strict leash laws.
Stick around Colorado for a bit and you’ll notice dogs are out on the trails. While it’s easy to ignore the leash law, we’d love it if you follow it.
When I first moved to Colorado Springs, our little Jack Russell Terrier was attacked by two unleashed Rottweilers in nearby North Cheyenne Canyon Park. We incurred thousands of dollars of vet bills along with some serious emotional pain.
Often times the chant is “My dog is friendly.” But are the hikers? Perhaps they have bad memories of encounters with dogs, maybe attacked before?
Utilize the two HUGE leash free dog parks in Red Rock Open Space. Let them get their energy and poop out before you start hiking. Other hikers, bikers and the environment says thank you!
In many of the hiking areas within city limits, up to $800 in fines are dealt if you’re caught with Fido off leash.
Related Link: Check out a list of Colorado Springs dog parks. Palmer Park has two large enclosed dog parks as does Fox Run Park. Garden of the Gods offers a fantastic space for your four legged friend to run free! These areas have well stocked doggy poop bags and garbage cans.
Is Red Rock Open Space Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?
We think so - here’s why
1-mile trails for the hiking novice or young family
One mile dog run off leash loops for that cooped up furry friend
Rock climbing for the adventurous
Paragliding for the true daredevil
Longer loops for a few hours
Full day of hiking to Section 16 and Ring the Peak: trails on Pikes Peak
Rollings hills and elevation for the trail runner
Beautiful scenery for the nature lover and photographer
In the summer months and early fall, plan on making this city park a photography destination for senior portraits.
In all seasons, Red Rock Canyon Open Space provides the perfect place for family pictures, engagement photos, and local selfies!
Hike a bit further and you’ll get views of Garden of the Gods in the background. The open air pavilion overlooks a peaceful pond with bright red limestone as a spectacular backdrop.
CoHH Tip! Plan your photography session during the week days to have wide open spaces for all those pictures. The park is open from dawn to dusk. To ensure best parking, come early.
Related Link: If this hiking thing seems like your thing, get a great backpack!
We love Osprey’s Packfinder Tool. Osprey makes some of the world’s best daypacks and overnight backpacks, in our combined 50+ years of experience hiking and backpacking. And they have great customer service.
View of Garden of the Gods from Red Rock Canyon Open Space
What is the History of Red Rock Canyon Open Space?
In the late 1800s, rock from the quarries provided lots of building materials for Old Colorado City and nearby towns.
John George Bock bought the property in the 1920s with grand plans to turn it into a huge resort (Perhaps his competitive spirit with a certain Mr. Palmer of the Broadmoor got the best of him?).
Unfortunately things didn’t go so well for Mr. Bock. A few structures, some mobile home sites and a landfill was all they managed to build.
The property was purchased by TOPS in 2003 and turned into this beautiful open space park. Truly a case of one man’s demise is our treasure!
Nearby Hops: Food and Drinks
Rudy’s BBQ
315 South 31st Street 719.471.4120 Sun-Thu 7am-8pm Fri-Sat 7am-9pm
This family friendly BBQ place has some of the best brisket you’ll find this side of Texas.
Sit family style on long picnic beaches. You’ll feel like you’re back on the ranch.
NOTE! For those dealing with allergies, this is one of the best allergen free eating establishments in Colorado Springs. Rudy’s lists each of their foods and allergens online.
Enjoy the downhome country flavor while putting back some good ‘ole bbq.
Save room for the peach cobbler. You won’t regret it!
Early hiker? Rudy’s opens at 7am. Stop by and get a breakfast burrito to go!
Trails end Taproom
3103 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-428-0080 Hours vary depending on day
We love a good brew and Trails ends offers over 43 taps of beer, wine, cider, cocktails and kombucha as well as a craft food menu.
With two locations, check out the Colorado Ave closest to the park.
Note! If you are up in the Monument area hiking near the Palmer Reservoirs, stop by their newest location in an old western 1880s log cabin.
What is your favorite trail to explore in Red Rock Canyon Open Space?
Leave us a comment.
