Everyone heads straight for Garden of the Gods the second they drop their bags. Don’t get me wrong, the red rocks are iconic, but if you’re looking to actually hear the wind in the pines rather than the roar of a tour bus, you need to look elsewhere. The locals know that the best views in the Pikes Peak region aren’t found on a paved path—they’re found at the end of a dusty trailhead where the parking lot only holds ten cars.
Table of Contents
- Section 16: The Local’s Favorite Loop
- Blodgett Peak: For the Vertical Junkies
- Sand Canyon: The Quiet Alternative to Red Rocks
- Mount Cutler: The Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Sunset
- The Local Post-Hike Ritual
- Frequently Asked Questions
Section 16: The Local’s Favorite Loop
If you ask a Springs resident where they go for their “standard” weekend hike, nine times out of ten, it’s Section 16. Located right off Gold Camp Road, this 6-mile loop offers a little bit of everything: dense forest, creek crossings, and a ridge-line view that makes the Garden of the Gods look like a miniature model.
The Insider Secret: Go counter-clockwise. Most people go clockwise, but hitting the steep incline first gets the hard work out of the way and saves the rolling downhill forest views for when your legs are starting to feel the burn. Also, park in the lower lot; the upper spots are a nightmare after 8:00 AM.
Blodgett Peak: For the Vertical Junkies
If you were thinking about doing the Manitou Incline but realized you’d rather not share a staircase with 500 other people, head to the Northwest corner of the city. Blodgett Peak is a thigh-crusher. You’ll gain about 2,000 feet of elevation in just under two miles.
It’s steep, it’s rocky, and the “trail” becomes more of a suggestion once you hit the scree fields. But once you reach the summit, you have a panoramic view of the Air Force Academy and the entire northern stretch of the city.
Local Tip: Bring trekking poles. The scree (loose gravel) on the way down is essentially a giant slip-and-slide. My favorite “reward” after this hike is heading straight to Storybook Brewing—their “Little Red Riding Hood” ale hits differently after a 2,000-foot climb.
Sand Canyon: The Quiet Alternative to Red Rocks
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is right across the street from Garden of the Gods, but most tourists miss the Sand Canyon trail tucked in the back. While everyone else is fighting for a photo op at the “Highlands” section, Sand Canyon offers stunning white and red rock formations with a fraction of the foot traffic.
It’s a moderate trek that connects to the Section 16 trails if you’re feeling ambitious. It feels remote, rugged, and uniquely “Colorado.”
Mount Cutler: The Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Sunset
Located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Mount Cutler is the hike I take friends on when they’re visiting from sea level. It’s only about two miles round-trip and relatively easy, but the payoff is massive. You get a perfect view of Seven Falls and the backside of The Broadmoor.
The Secret to Avoiding the Crowd: Start your hike 45 minutes before sunset. Most people are heading back to their cars by then. Reach the top, watch the lights of the city flicker on, and hike back down with a headlamp. It’s the most romantic spot in the city, hands down.
The Local Post-Hike Ritual
You can’t finish a Colorado hike without the proper refueling. If you’re coming off the trails in Cheyenne Cañon, skip the downtown chains. Head over to Carnelian Coffee in Old Colorado City. Their Lavender Honey Latte is legendary, and the vibe is exactly the kind of low-key local energy you want after a morning in the dirt.
If you’re hungrier, grab a burger at Mountain Shadows Restaurant. It’s a literal house-turned-diner that has been a staple for decades. Order the “Giant Cinnamon Roll” to share—or don’t, I won’t judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to go hiking in Colorado Springs?
Always start early—ideally before 7:30 AM. In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence in the Rockies, and you do not want to be on a ridge-line like Section 16 when the lightning starts.
Do I need to worry about bears or mountain lions?
Yes, they live here. However, sightings are rare. Hike with a partner, make noise, and keep your dog on a leash. Most “wildlife encounters” locals have are actually with stubborn mule deer who refuse to move off the trail.
Are these trails dog-friendly?
Most trails in Colorado Springs are dog-friendly as long as they are leashed. Section 16 and Red Rock Canyon are favorites for local pups, but make sure you bring plenty of extra water for them—the altitude dehydrates dogs just as fast as humans.
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