Best trails in Manitou Springs
4.5(69,915 reviews)
Looking for the best hiking trails in Manitou Springs? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 43 scenic trails in the Manitou Springs area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Explore one of 8 easy hiking trails in Manitou Springs or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Manitou Springs that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Top trails
1
(15699)
•Hard
•4.0 mi
•Est. 3h 15m
The Incline Trail is the remains of a Cog railway that went to the top of Manitou Mountain. The trail gains about 2000 feet of elevation in about a mile with an average grade of 45%. Imagine climbing a rough uneven set of stairs that's a mile long.
There are three bail-out points, the last one is about halfway up that will put you on Barr Trail. Once you're at the top it is recommended that you turn south and hike or run back down Barr Trail (hiking down the Incline is not encouraged).
...
2
(9598)
•Moderate
•3.4 mi
•Est. 1h 52m
Located just west of Colorado Springs, the Seven Bridges Trail is a very popular route along North Cheyenne Creek. The trail gets its name from the seven small bridges hikers traverse while meandering along the creek.
Park on Gold Camp Road, and continue southwest along an old narrow gauge railroad bed. You'll walk along the road for a bit until you reach the trailhead, marked by a sign stating "Trail 622".
From here the trail is straightforward. You'll be in the shade most of the time, as...
3
(4612)
•Moderate
•4.3 mi
•Est. 1h 53m
This partially paved, family-friendly loop trail has great views of interesting rock formations like the Siamese Twins.
Accessibility:
Equipment
Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade.
Parking
There are 4 designated van-accessible spaces with striped access aisles in the paved parking lot.
Surface
The trail surface is paved concrete, gravel, or natural dirt and rock....
4
(5359)
•Easy
•1.1 mi
•Est. 25m
This short, paved, family-friendly path has great views of rock formations such as White Rock and Kissing Camels.
Accessibility: This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers. There are 4 designated accessible parking spaces in the paved parking lot with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved concrete, smooth and is typically at least 8 feet wide. This trail is estimated to be mostly gentle (5% or less). Accessible restrooms are...
5
(4854)
•Moderate
•5.9 mi
•Est. 3h 9m
This trail starts at the west end of a parking area off of High Drive and then winds through Buffalo Canyon. There is a nice creek alongside the trail and you will come to the first waterfall after about 1.7 miles.
After about 2.9 miles you will come to a trail junction and if you go right, you can make a longer hike to reach Mount Rosa. If you continue to the left, in about 0.4 more miles you will reach the end of the trail and spectacular 300-foot falls!
6
(2867)
•Hard
•23.8 mi
Pikes Peak via Barr Trail is one of the most popular trails in Pike National Forest. Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The top of Pikes Peak can be very stormy, it is recommended to start this hike very early and get to the peak by noon. The summer months are the best time of year to plan the summiting of Pikes Peak. The trail head starts at the Barr Trail parking area by Hydro Street. The trail begins with steep elevation gain immediately....
7
(2892)
•Moderate
•6.5 mi
•Est. 2h 41m
The Garden of the Gods Outer Loop offers a beautiful walk around the outer perimeter of the Garden of the Gods, passing notable landmarks such as the Siamese Twins. It’s a great trail for gaining a broader perspective of the area’s rock formations.
Be prepared for some parts that can be a bit steep with high steps to climb. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife, including deer, rabbits, rams, magpies, rock squirrels, rattlesnakes, and more.
Parking, a visitors' center, and public bathrooms...
8
(2298)
•Moderate
•0.6 mi
•Est. 17m
The Siamese Twins Loop Trail in Garden of the Gods Park leads to the stunning twin rock formations. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding areas, including Pikes Peak.
Don't miss the chance to step behind the formations and snap a photo through the natural rock window.
9
(2379)
•Hard
•5.6 mi
Lower Barr Trail leads to Eagle's Nest in Pike National Forest. Although it's a relatively short hike, it's challenging due to a constant incline, large steps throughout, and some rocky areas.
The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, offering great views along the way and from the top. If you're planning a winter hike, don't forget to bring spikes.
10
(2268)
•Moderate
•3.4 mi
•Est. 1h 28m
This trail is beautiful, very open, and has some good incline. There are great views of the Garden of the Gods. If you start on the side of the further parking lot, it’s a steeper route. Downloading the offline map is recommended.
Accessibility: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. There are 6 designated van-accessible parking spaces with striped access aisles in the paved...
Showing results 1–10 of 43
Trail reviews for Manitou Springs
My biggest recommendation: take the first half slower than you think you should. Then the second half won’t be so brutal. Overall a fun trail. Hiking poles helped my knees going down Barr trail.
The Manitou Incline
The first bridge is washed out, but there’s a log stable enough to cross the creek on. Lots of dogs on this trail. It gets pretty steep at the end.
Seven Bridges Trail
Lovely trail! Cool (~50F) and misty rain all morning. The pup loved it, and it was a great leg-stretcher after back-to-back 8hr drive days across Missouri and Kansas. Warning: there is a LOT of horse poop out there. So much so, a crafty hiker renamed one of the trail markers Horse Poop Loop.
Conditions: Muddy
Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop
last little bit was hard for me and my weak knees haha incredibly beautiful hike, started at 5pm, parking lot was about 3/5 full, first mile or so was a little busy but it died down after that.
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiked on 25th May. It is now possible to summit without any snow gear, but very difficult at points. We left at 5am and the first 8 miles are fairly straightforward with some steep sections right at the start and between Barr camp and A-frame. There's a lot of snow for the last 3 miles, and places where it could be possible to slip and be injured. You can take the cog railway downhill and pay only half fare, but you have to risk the possibility of there being no tickets left - we were fine as we were at the top before 2pm so still lots of trains left. The last one leaves at 6.30pm. My husband and I did this as our first 14er and found it doable without poles/crampons etc (but I did also vomit and cry so maybe we should have had them...)
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of hiking trails in Manitou Springs?
There are plenty of things to do on Manitou Springs's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 40 hiking trails, 21 walking trails, 14 running trails, and more.
What is the longest trail in Manitou Springs?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Manitou Springs is Pikes Peak via Barr Trail. This trail is estimated to be 23.8 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Manitou Springs?
Manitou Springs: With an ascent of 7,444 ft, Pikes Peak via Barr Trail has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Bottomless Pit Trail via Barr Trail with 4,767 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail in Manitou Springs?
The most popular and difficult trail in Manitou Springs is The Manitou Incline with a 4.8-star rating from 15,699 reviews.
Are there camping trails available in Manitou Springs?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Manitou Springs and the most popular is Pikes Peak via Barr Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,867 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Manitou Springs?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 14 running trails in Manitou Springs and the most popular is Perkins Central Garden Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 5,359 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Manitou Springs?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 biking trails in Manitou Springs and the most popular is St. Mary's Falls Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,854 community reviews.