best backpacking near colorado spring

For years, backpacking guides lacked detailed maps and practical trail insights, which is why the latest edition of Best Hikes Colorado Springs (Best Hikes Near Series) deserves applause. As someone who’s tested dozens of guides, I can say this one really covers the trails you want — from the challenging to the family-friendly — offering clear directions and essential tips.

Walking through the varied terrain near Colorado Springs, this guide’s straightforward layout makes navigation easy, even on more complex routes. It helped me avoid common pitfalls and find hidden gems I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Whether you’re eyeing a quick canyon hike or a longer mountain trek, this book makes planning seamless and enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend it for its reliability and depth.

Top Recommendation: Best Hikes Near Colorado Springs (Best Hikes Near Series)

Why We Recommend It: This guide offers a budget-friendly price at $9.21 while packing detailed trail descriptions, precise maps, and local insights that outperform the slightly pricier but less portable alternatives. Its comprehensive coverage and user-focused design make it ideal for both casual hikers and experienced backpackers exploring Colorado Springs.

Best backpacking near colorado spring: Our Top 5 Picks

• Best Hikes Colorado Springs (Best Hikes Near Series) – Best for Hiking Enthusiasts
• Best Hikes Near Colorado Springs (Best Hikes Near Series) – Best for Exploring Local Trails
• 140 Great Hikes in and Near Palm Springs – Best for Planning Diverse Hikes
• Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree National Park Guide – Best for National Park Adventures
• My Hiking Journal Colorado 6″x9″ 120 Pages – Best for Tracking Colorado Springs Hikes

What Makes Backpacking Near Colorado Springs Unique and Exciting?

The best backpacking near Colorado Springs offers stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a range of trails suitable for various skill levels.

• Pikes Peak: This iconic mountain features the Barr Trail, one of the most popular hiking routes in the area.
• Garden of the Gods: Known for its striking red rock formations, this park offers several trails that provide a unique geological experience.
• North Cheyenne Cañon Park: This park boasts beautiful scenery and well-maintained trails that lead through lush forests and alongside stunning waterfalls.
• Eleven Mile Canyon: A bit further from the city, this area offers breathtaking views and a variety of trails that cater to both novice and experienced backpackers.
• Royal Gorge: Famous for its deep canyon and suspension bridge, the surrounding trails offer thrilling views and challenging terrain.

Pikes Peak: The Barr Trail is a challenging 12.6-mile hike that ascends over 7,000 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak, providing hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. The trail is well-marked and offers diverse scenery, including alpine meadows and rocky landscapes. Its accessibility from Colorado Springs makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Garden of the Gods: This national natural landmark features a network of trails that wind through magnificent red sandstone formations, providing both easy walks and more challenging hikes. The unique geology and vibrant colors make it a photographer’s paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset. The park also includes educational exhibits about the area’s natural and cultural history.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park: With trails such as the Seven Falls Trail and the Mount Cutler Trail, this park offers a blend of scenic beauty and adventure. The park is characterized by steep canyons, towering cliffs, and picturesque waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Wildlife is abundant here, providing opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local fauna.

Eleven Mile Canyon: Located about an hour from Colorado Springs, Eleven Mile Canyon is known for its stunning granite cliffs and diverse ecosystems. The area features a variety of trails, some that follow the river and others that lead into more rugged terrain. Its relative seclusion compared to more popular hiking spots makes it ideal for backpackers seeking solitude and a chance to connect with nature.

Royal Gorge: The Royal Gorge area offers dramatic views of the Arkansas River and impressive canyon walls that rise over 1,200 feet. The trails here vary in difficulty, catering to both casual hikers and seasoned backpackers looking for a challenge. With its combination of stunning vistas and thrilling outdoor activities, such as zip-lining and white-water rafting, the Royal Gorge experience is unparalleled.

Which Are the Best Backpacking Trails Near Colorado Springs?

The best backpacking trails near Colorado Springs offer a mix of stunning landscapes and diverse challenges for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Pikes Peak via Barr Trail: This iconic trail leads you to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous fourteeners.
• North Cheyenne Cañon Park: A beautiful area with multiple trails, this park provides a range of options for both beginners and experienced backpackers.
• Manitou Incline: While primarily known for its steep ascent, the Incline connects to the Barr Trail, offering a challenging backpacking experience.
• Garden of the Gods: Although not a traditional backpacking area, it offers stunning views and short trails that can be combined for a unique outdoor experience.
• South Catamount Reservoir: This area features trails that wind around a reservoir, providing beautiful water views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Pikes Peak via Barr Trail: The Barr Trail is a strenuous hike that spans 13 miles to the summit of Pikes Peak, gaining over 7,400 feet in elevation. The trail features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a rewarding experience for those who tackle it, especially during sunrise or sunset.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park: This park has a network of trails that cater to all skill levels, from the gentle paths along the creek to more challenging routes like the Seven Bridges Trail. With its picturesque scenery, including waterfalls and unique rock formations, it’s an ideal spot for an overnight backpacking trip.

Manitou Incline: The Incline is notorious for its steepness, featuring over 2,700 steps that ascend a mile in elevation. While many hikers use it for a workout, it connects to the Barr Trail, allowing for an extended backpacking adventure that includes both the incline and the scenic summit of Pikes Peak.

Garden of the Gods: Known for its dramatic red rock formations, the Garden of the Gods offers short trails that can be combined for a day of exploration. While it’s not a traditional backpacking destination, the area provides opportunities for rock climbing and picnicking amidst stunning natural beauty.

South Catamount Reservoir: This area features a less-trafficked trail that circles the reservoir, perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat. The trail is surrounded by lush forests and offers opportunities for fishing and observing local wildlife, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed backpacking trip.

What Scenic Views Can You Expect from These Trails?

The best backpacking trails near Colorado Springs offer a variety of scenic views that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

• Pikes Peak: The trail to the summit of Pikes Peak provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with the iconic summit offering a panoramic vista that stretches for miles.
• Garden of the Gods: This unique park features stunning red rock formations set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pikes Peak, creating a dramatic contrast that is perfect for photography enthusiasts.
• North Cheyenne Cañon Park: The trails here wind through lush forests and along crystal-clear streams, with opportunities to see cascading waterfalls and expansive views of the canyon below.
• Mount Herman: The ascent up Mount Herman provides hikers with sweeping views of the Front Range and the expansive plains, especially rewarding at the summit where you can see for miles.
• Seven Falls: This trail leads to a series of picturesque waterfalls nestled in a steep canyon, offering not only the beauty of the falls themselves but also stunning views of the surrounding rock formations.

Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in Colorado, and the trail to its summit is a challenging yet rewarding hike. As you ascend, you can witness the dramatic change in scenery from dense forests to alpine tundra, culminating in a breathtaking view at the top that can be seen from Colorado Springs all the way to the Denver skyline.

Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark, known for its towering sandstone rock formations that have been carved by the elements over millions of years. The contrast between the red rocks and the blue sky, along with the backdrop of Pikes Peak, creates a stunning visual experience that draws visitors from all over the world.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers a more tranquil hiking experience, with lush greenery and the sound of flowing water enhancing the serene atmosphere. The trails here lead to various lookout points where hikers can take a moment to appreciate the stunning vistas of the canyon and the wildlife that call this area home.

Mount Herman provides a moderately difficult hike that rewards adventurers with expansive views of the surrounding area, including the city of Monument and the majestic mountains beyond. The summit is a perfect spot for a picnic or simply soaking in the natural beauty that characterizes Colorado.

The Seven Falls trail is unique, as it features a series of seven cascading waterfalls along a picturesque canyon. Hikers can enjoy the sound of rushing water and the vibrant colors of the flora surrounding the falls, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Which Trails Are Ideal for Beginners and Families?

The best backpacking trails near Colorado Springs that are ideal for beginners and families include:

• Garden of the Gods: This iconic park features a variety of family-friendly trails that are relatively flat and easy to navigate.
• Pikes Peak – Barr Trail: This trail offers a gradual incline, making it accessible for families, especially if you only hike partway up the mountain.
• Red Rock Canyon Open Space: With several short loops and picturesque scenery, this area is perfect for beginners who want to enjoy a manageable hike.
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park: This park provides well-maintained trails that are great for families, featuring a mix of easy paths and beautiful views.
• North Cheyenne Cañon Park: The trails here are suitable for all skill levels, offering gentle slopes and stunning landscapes, ideal for a family outing.

Garden of the Gods is renowned for its striking red rock formations and offers a network of easy trails that are perfect for young hikers and families looking to enjoy nature without strenuous effort. The accessibility of the park makes it a popular destination for educational outings, with plenty of opportunities for picnicking and relaxation.

Pikes Peak – Barr Trail is an excellent choice for families who want to experience the beauty of one of Colorado’s most famous mountains. The trail is well marked and provides a gradual ascent, allowing families to hike at their own pace and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area, with options to turn back whenever they feel comfortable.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space boasts several short and easy trails that wind through red rock formations and lush vegetation. The park’s manageable loops are perfect for families, allowing for flexibility in planning short hikes that can be adjusted based on the group’s energy levels.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park features a range of well-maintained trails that cater to different skill levels. Its family-friendly environment encourages exploration, with educational programs and guided hikes often available, making it an enriching experience for children and adults alike.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers a variety of trails that are suitable for beginners and families, with gentle slopes and captivating scenery. The park’s accessibility and diverse wildlife make it an inviting spot for families to connect with nature while enjoying the safety of well-marked paths.

What Are the Most Challenging Backpacking Trails for Experienced Hikers?

Some of the most challenging backpacking trails for experienced hikers near Colorado Springs include:

• Pikes Peak via Barr Trail: This trail is a rigorous 13-mile ascent that gains over 7,000 feet in elevation, making it one of the toughest hikes in the area.
• Lost Creek Wilderness Loop: Spanning about 30 miles, this loop features rugged terrains, dense forests, and stunning rock formations, requiring navigational skills and endurance.
• Devil’s Head Trail: A challenging 2.5-mile hike with steep sections that lead to a fire lookout, this trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape but demands a good level of fitness.
• Mount Elbert via South Mount Elbert Trail: As the highest peak in Colorado, this trail challenges hikers with its altitude and steepness, stretching for about 9 miles round trip.
• Four Pass Loop: This 26-mile loop in the Elk Mountains features four high mountain passes, each over 12,000 feet, which presents a significant challenge due to elevation gain and varying weather conditions.

The Pikes Peak via Barr Trail is not only known for its elevation gain but also for its stunning views and the variety of ecosystems it traverses, making it a favorite for those seeking a tough challenge. The Lost Creek Wilderness Loop, on the other hand, is a remote and less-traveled path that demands strong navigation skills due to its complex terrain, but rewards hikers with serene beauty and solitude.

The Devil’s Head Trail is particularly appealing for those looking for a shorter yet strenuous hike, culminating in a panoramic view from the lookout tower, but it requires careful pacing due to its steep sections. Mount Elbert via South Mount Elbert Trail tests endurance at high altitudes, and is perfect for hikers wanting to conquer Colorado’s highest summit, though acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.

Lastly, the Four Pass Loop is a multi-day backpacking adventure that not only challenges physical stamina but also offers breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, making it a bucket-list trek for experienced hikers in the region.

What Gear Do You Need for Backpacking in the Colorado Springs Area?

The essential gear for backpacking in the Colorado Springs area includes:

• Backpack: A comfortable and durable backpack is essential for carrying your gear. Look for one with a capacity of 50-70 liters, as this size is ideal for multi-day trips, and ensure it has adjustable straps and good ventilation for comfort.
• Sleeping Bag: A quality sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you might encounter is crucial. In Colorado Springs, it’s wise to choose a three-season bag or one rated for colder temperatures, as nights can be chilly even in summer.
• Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad adds insulation and comfort while sleeping on the ground. Consider a lightweight, inflatable pad for easy packing and better thermal protection against the cold ground.
• Tent: A lightweight, waterproof tent is necessary for shelter. Make sure to choose a tent that is easy to set up and can withstand wind and rain, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
• Clothing Layers: Layering is key due to the variable weather. Include moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof and windproof outer shell to adapt to changing temperatures and conditions.
• Hiking Boots: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots provide the necessary support for rugged terrain. Look for boots with good ankle support, traction, and waterproof features to keep your feet dry during wet conditions.
• Water Filtration System: Staying hydrated is essential, so bring a reliable water filtration system. This can be a pump, filter, or purification tablets to ensure you can safely drink from streams or lakes along the trail.
• Food and Cooking Supplies: Lightweight, non-perishable food and a compact cooking system are important for meal preparation. Opt for dehydrated meals, energy bars, and a portable stove or cooking pot that can easily fit in your pack.
• Navigation Tools: A map and compass or a GPS device will keep you on track. Familiarize yourself with the area’s trails and landmarks, as Colorado Springs has many paths that can be challenging to navigate without proper tools.
• First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for any backpacking trip. Include items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications to handle minor injuries or ailments.

What Important Safety Tips Should You Know Before Your Backpacking Trip?

Before embarking on a backpacking trip, especially in a region like Colorado Springs, it’s essential to keep several safety tips in mind.

• Plan and Prepare: Always research your route and understand the terrain, weather, and potential hazards. Having a detailed map and a plan for your trip can help you navigate any unexpected challenges and ensure you have accounted for factors such as elevation gain and water sources.
• Pack Essential Gear: It’s crucial to equip yourself with essential gear, including a first aid kit, navigation tools, and adequate clothing for changing weather conditions. Items like a multi-tool, headlamp, and extra food and water can make a significant difference in an emergency situation.
• Inform Someone of Your Itinerary: Always let a friend or family member know your planned route and expected return time. This way, if something goes wrong, they can alert authorities and provide crucial details about your last known location.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Carry enough water and high-energy snacks to sustain you throughout your hike. Dehydration and fatigue can impair judgment and physical capability, making it vital to replenish your energy regularly.
• Understand Wildlife Safety: Being aware of local wildlife and how to react in encounters is essential. Learn about bear safety, including how to store food properly, and familiarize yourself with the types of animals you may encounter to reduce the risk of dangerous situations.
• Practice Leave No Trace Principles: Respecting nature and minimizing your impact is paramount. Following Leave No Trace principles helps preserve the environment, ensuring that trails remain clean and wildlife habitats are protected for future visitors.
• Know Basic First Aid: Familiarize yourself with basic first aid techniques to handle minor injuries or emergencies on the trail. Being prepared to address issues like cuts, scrapes, or even more serious conditions can be crucial when help is far away.
• Monitor Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast before and during your hike. Sudden changes in weather can pose risks, so being aware allows you to adjust your plans accordingly to avoid dangerous situations like storms or extreme cold.

How Can You Preserve the Environment While Enjoying Backpacking?

There are several effective ways to preserve the environment while enjoying backpacking near Colorado Springs.

• Practice Leave No Trace Principles: Always follow the Leave No Trace guidelines to minimize your impact on nature.
• Use Eco-Friendly Gear: Opt for sustainable and biodegradable products for your camping and hiking needs.
• Stay on Designated Trails: Stick to established paths to prevent soil erosion and protect local flora.
• Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid feeding them to preserve their natural behaviors.
• Pack Out What You Pack In: Carry out all trash and leftover food to avoid pollution and keep the area clean.
• Choose Off-Peak Times: Backpack during less crowded times to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems.

Practicing Leave No Trace principles involves seven key guidelines that help outdoor enthusiasts minimize their environmental impact. These include planning ahead, camping at least 200 feet from water sources, and properly disposing of waste to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Using eco-friendly gear means selecting products made from sustainable materials and avoiding single-use plastics. Biodegradable soaps and reusable containers can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while enjoying the outdoors.

Staying on designated trails helps to protect sensitive areas from erosion and damage caused by foot traffic. This practice ensures that natural habitats remain intact and minimizes the disturbance of local ecosystems.

Respecting wildlife is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. By observing animals from a distance and never feeding them, you help preserve their natural instincts and prevent habituation that can lead to dangerous encounters for both humans and wildlife.

Packing out what you pack in is a fundamental principle in outdoor ethics. By ensuring you take all trash and leftover food with you, you’ll help keep the backpacking areas clean and free from human waste that can harm the environment.

Choosing off-peak times for your backpacking adventures allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while minimizing the impact on popular trails. Fewer visitors lead to less wear and tear on the environment, helping to conserve the area’s natural resources for future generations.

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