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El Paso County, Colorado

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near El Paso County

  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Run the Yucca Flats Trails at Palmer Park

    3 mi
    The Basics:It might be easy to overlook Palmer Park if you're planning an adventure outing in Colorado Springs, but definitely don't discount this inner-city oasis! It took me many years to memorize Palmer Park's confusing trail system (the trail maps don't help), but whether this will be your fi...
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  • 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...
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  • 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. ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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.
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  • El Paso County, Colorado

    Summit Pikes Peak via the Devils Playground Trail

    3.0
    5.5 mi / 1348 ft gain
    This portion of a trek to the Pikes Peak begins about 13,000 feet.  From the parking lot walk across the road back to the Northeast side and look for the hikers trail that begins by paralleling the road. By hiking this path you will have the time to enjoy the amazing views of the mountain range a...
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  • Divide, Colorado

    Pikes Peak National Forest Trail 375/375B

    3.91 mi / 289 ft gain
    Pikes Peak National Forest Trail 375/375B is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Divide, Colorado.
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  • 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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,...
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  • 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.
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Helen Hunt Falls & Silver Cascades

    4.0
    0.65 mi / 272 ft gain
    Park at the log-cabin visitor's center on North Cheyenne Canyon Rd just before it turns into Gold Camp Rd. I definitely recommend arriving early, as the parking lot fills up quickly. Helen Hunt Falls is in sight of the parking area, and another 1/3 mile past that you'll run into Silver Cascades. ...
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  • Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Hike to St. Mary's Falls

    3.6
    3.2 mi
    From the parking area, follow the trail as it heads up towards the falls. The last mile, in particular, makes for a decent uphill challenge. This hike and waterfall are great for showing family and friends.
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