South of Denver: Buena Vista, Calhan, Cañon City, Colorado Springs, Florissant, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Westcliffe
There are literally hundreds of high elevation hikes throughout Colorado; many hikes are known for their seasonal breathtaking fall colors, waterfalls, lakes and mountains views. Listings below are just as small representation of area hikes, walks that are less strenuous and shorter drives from Colorado Springs, surrounding area towns.
Interlaken - Buena Vista Area (San Isabel National Forest)
Location: From downtown Buena Vista, head north on US 24 W for 19.2 miles and turn left (west) on CO 82 W. Drive 0.8 miles on CO 82, past Lost Canyon Road and turn left (south) on CR 25, a dirt road across from a log structure. Follow CR 25 for 0.5 miles to an intersection south of the Twin Lakes dam. Turn left at the intersection and continue along CR 25. Follow CR 25 for 0.1 miles and turn right at the second dirt road. Follow this road for 0.3 miles to the Colorado Trail parking area on the left side of the road. (Beyond the parking area the road drops down to the lakeshore.) Cars (if good conditions) can drive to trailhead. Otherwise, park at wide area on road just south of the dam, walk to the trailhead.
Why Go There? 4.7 mile minimal elevation gain, loss (starts/ends at 9, 230ft) round trip hike to former resort on National Historic Register, traverses Twin Lake, views; views of Mt Elbert and surrounding mountains.
More Information: Interlaken
Ptargmigan Lake Trail - Buena Vista
Location: CR 306 (Cottonwood Pass). From Buena Vista turn west onto CR 306 off of Hwy 24 (at the stoplight). Drive approx 14.5 miles. You will see the sign for Ptarmigan Lake Trailhead on your left. Turn left (south) and follow a short dirt road to the parking area.
Why Go There?
This moderately rated approximately six mile round trip hike (Trail #1444), starts at 10,680ft, ends at 12,300ft, offers scenic views; highly popular, expect to share trail; outhouse at trailhead.
More Information: Outdoor Project + Crazy About Colorado
Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Calhan
Location: 29950 Paint Mines Road
Why Go There? Small Calhan is called the "highest non-mountain town in the US" (6,535 feet), but the draw to the area is the 750 acre free, open space park with four miles of easy trails (pedestrians only, no dogs, bicycles or horses), geologic views of spires, hoodoos, and the brightly colored rocks that indigenous people used to make paints.The paint mines have evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago; restroom facility, interpretive signage; highly popular (best visited in Spring, Fall).
More Information: Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Trails - Florissant
Daily 9:00am-4:30pm
Location: 15807 County Road 1
Why Go There? An opportunity to see ancient redwood tree fossils (unique to see redwoods outside of California);14 miles of trails offers options for short strolls or moderate longer loop walks, with aspens, meadows, wildlife, wildflower views. Elevation gain/loss is only a few hundred feet but 8,500ft at trailhead/visitor center (with detailed site fossils of insects and plants), exhibits, information, bookstore).
More Information: Florissant Fossil Beds
The Manitou Incline - Manitou Springs
6:00am-6:00pm, no night use permitted
Location: Recommended to use Manitou Springs free shuttle to avoid congestion. Free parking and shuttle can be found at 10 Old Man's Trail at the Hiawatha Gardens building. Parking is limited in the Barr Trail lot, and along Ruxton Road. Other parking options include a reservation only lot or the parking lot by the Tahine Restaurant in Manitou Springs, where you can then take the free shuttle right to the Incline trailhead.
Why Go There? Highly popular, unique work-out trail, rated difficult, ascents 2000 feet in just under one mile; to make loop, take Barr trail back down four miles to the trailhead. Barr trail intersection is 300 steps from the top. Originally a cable car track to carry materials to build pipelines on Pikes Peak, only the ties remain, consists of 2,744 steps; be prepared for fee parking, sharing the hike.
More Information: Manitou Incline Hiking Trail
Additional Resources
Hiking & Walking - Buena Vista Area
Recommended hikes, descriptions, photos, ratings (guide purchase option)
Garden Park Fossil Area - Cañon City
Offers short walks at some of the quarries
Coalition of Trails and Open Spaces - Colorado Springs Area
Suggested hikes, walks
Park and Open Space Trails - Colorado Springs
Urban area open space parks trails
Red Rock Canyon Open Space - Colorado Springs
1,474-acre wester side Colorado Springs city park trails
Waterfalls - Colorado
Green Mountain Falls easy trails to Crystal and Catamount waterfalls
Custer County Trails - Westcliffe
Includes Veneble Falls, lakes, mountain views