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  • El Paso County, Colorado

    Top Spots in and near El Paso County

    • Monument, Colorado

      Mt. Herman & 715 Loop

      4.0
      6.16 mi / 1877 ft gain
      The Basics: Mt. Herman is the most prominent peak overlooking Monument, CO and is easily spotted from I-25. The area between Monument and the mountain hosts a large network of meandering trails that are great for trail running and mountain biking. Our hike today starts at the uppermost parking lo...
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    • Colorado Springs, Colorado

      Hike Eagle's Peak (USAFA)

      4.0
      2.5 mi / 1100 ft gain
      This is a short trail that goes very high in elevation. In about 1.25 miles you can go about 2000ish feet in elevation change. You need to wait till 9am to start the hike as it sits on the US Airforce Academy. It is definitely worth it. Bring shoes that can handle the rocky terrain.You take the f...
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    • Palmer Lake, Colorado

      Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail

      4.11 mi / 656 ft gain
      This hike starts with a steep uphill, and if that doesn't take your breath away, the views of the lakes definitely will. After the uphill slog, you'll immediately reach the lower reservoir. On still mornings, it offers perfect reflections of its surroundings.  The trail continues along its northe...
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    • Colorado Springs, Colorado

      Hike to Blodgett Peak

      3.0
      4.5 mi / 2325 ft gain
      Getting There Google Maps + "Blodgett Peak Open Space"= Easy Peasy. The parking lot only accommodates 11 cars with a one of those reserved for handicap.  A port-a-potty is the only facility available at the trail head, so plan accordingly. The Hike Starting out at about 7,000 feet the first mile ...
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    • Colorado Springs, Colorado

      Paddle Rampart Reservoir

      Rampart Reservoir is located off of Rampart Range Road and is boat accessible from Spring until Fall. It has a boat ramp for motorized as well as human powered boats. There are vault toilets nearby. It is a nice place to spend the day paddling at close to 9,000 ft elevation. Just be prepared for ...
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    • Larkspur, Colorado

      Spruce Mountain Loop

      4.5
      5.46 mi / 810 ft gain
      Spruce mountain is an approximately 4.2 mile loop outside of Colorado Springs near Palmer lake. The hike is a pretty easy one, that has some great views of the Front Range including peak a boo views of Pikes Peak. Starting at the Trailhead, you can either take the right or left trail which will t...
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    • Colorado Springs, Colorado

      Hike Pulpit Rock

      4.1
      2.2 mi / 505 ft gain
      Heading South on N. Nevada Blvd. you will pass a Harley Davidson dealership on your left, about a mile after that there is a large parking lot for Pulpit Rock Park. Once you park, there is a clearly marked trailhead that will get you on your way! There are various trails you can take to get the t...
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    • Cascade, Colorado

      Photograph Rampart Range Road

      4.7
      20 mi
      From the starting point near Balanced Rock in Garden of the Gods, Rampart Range Road turns to dirt and begins a steady climb into the foothills west of Colorado Springs. Though dirt, the road is well-graded and perfectly suitable for passenger cars in good weather. As the road climbs, you'll trav...
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    • Colorado Springs, Colorado

      Camp along Rampart Range Road

      Along Rampart Range Road there are about 30 free BLM camping spots that offer scenic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding forest. The road in is about 6 miles of gravel, however a 2WD Sedan was able to make the journey just fine! The camping spots are designated by a pre-existing fire ring and...
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    • Woodland Park, Colorado

      Lovell Gulch Trail

      5.22 mi / 814 ft gain
      Lovell Gulch Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
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    • Woodland Park, Colorado

      Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail

      4.0
      4.45 mi / 719 ft gain
      Lowell Gulch Upper and Lower Ridge Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Woodland Park, Colorado.
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    • Woodland Park, Colorado

      Red Rocks at Woodland Park

      4.3
      1 mi / 100 ft gain
      In Woodland Park driving on HWY 24 towards Divide, you will see signs for HWY 67 which is where you'll need to get to. The Road will fork towards the end of town (left being 24 towards Divide, Right being 67). Stay right at the fork onto 67. You will then drive about 2 miles until you see a sign ...
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    • El Paso County, Colorado

      Hike to the top of Castle Rock

      5.0
      2 mi / 800 ft gain
      The Basics: If you've never been to Green Mountain Falls, you're missing out! This tiny mountain hamlet, just off Hwy 24 before Woodland Park, hosts a vibrant collection of local shops and eateries around its community lake. It is also home to many lesser-known hiking trails, including the H.B. W...
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    • Green Mountain Falls, Colorado

      Hike Crystal Falls Trail to Crystal Creek Reservoir

      5.25 mi / 1750 ft gain
      The Basics: The little town of Green Mountain Falls often gets overlooked as motorists speed up Highway 24 to Woodland Park and beyond. However, big hiking opportunities abound here. The town probably has as many miles of hiking trails as it has miles of paved roads! Being on the base of Pikes Pe...
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    • 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...
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    • 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...
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    Camping and Lodging in El Paso County

    South Meadows
    Woodland Park, Colorado

    South Meadows

    Pike Community
    Woodland Park, Colorado

    Pike Community

    Manitou Lake Pavilion
    Woodland Park, Colorado

    Manitou Lake Pavilion

    Painted Rocks
    Woodland Park, Colorado

    Painted Rocks

    Cripple Creek KOA Holiday
    Cripple Creek, Colorado

    Cripple Creek KOA Holiday

    Lone Rock Campground (Co)
    Sedalia, Colorado

    Lone Rock Campground (Co)

    Guides, Insights and Stories from El Paso County

    Explore Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

    Explore Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

    The Outbound Collective

    6 Reasons why the Manitou Incline is Colorado's holy grail of cardio

    6 Reasons why the Manitou Incline is Colorado's holy grail of cardio

    Jennifer Broome

    7 Photos That Will Inspire You to Explore the Paint Mines of Colorado

    7 Photos That Will Inspire You to Explore the Paint Mines of Colorado

    Holly Mandarich

    25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado

    25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado

    The Outbound Collective

    The Top 10 Places For Fall Leaves In Colorado

    The Top 10 Places For Fall Leaves In Colorado

    Eric Schuette