15 Best Running Trails In Colorado Springs You Can Visit Today
It’s absolutely no secret that Colorado is a hot spot for any nature lovers out there.
With there being a vast number of opportunities for you to immerse yourself in the rich and beautiful nature found throughout the state.
Of course, this means there are plenty of running trails you can check out during your time in Colorado Springs.
So, to discover 15 of the greatest running trails around Colorado Springs, read through our guide, and we’ll provide you with all the information and details you need to know!
15 Best Running Trails in Colorado Springs
1. Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, And Bretag Trail Loop
This loop trail is popular for running or walking in Colorado Springs. Although it can sometimes be a little muddy, this trail is considered fairly easy for people to navigate.
So it means that anyone should be able to get into the great Colorado Springs outdoors and experience the incredible scenery that provides the perfect backdrop for this trail!
The trail is around 6.4 km long and takes roughly 1 hour 37 minutes to complete, with an elevation gain of 137 meters.
This loop cuts across a number of different trails in the area, but provides the perfect loop if you’re looking to experience as much of the area as possible!
2. Mount Cutler Trail
Not too far from Colorado Springs is the Mount Cutler trail, a 2.7 km out-and-back trail with 144 meters of elevation gain, and is one that is fairly easy to traverse.
And combined with its short distance, it’ll definitely be an appealing running spot for those just beginning to find their feet on the trails.
This trail should take just under an hour for you to complete, and the trail itself is often used for a combination of walking, hiking, and of course, running, so you’ll find all sorts of people on the trails during your time there.
This trail is also dog friendly, so long as they’re on a leash!
3. Sand Canyon, Mesa, Greenlee, Red Rock Canyon Loop
Open all year round, this trail is one for those who are looking for something of a challenge from their trails, and with a distance of 8.7 km, and an elevation gain of 269 meters.
You can expect to spend an average of 2 hours 30 minutes completing this trail, so make sure that you set plenty of time aside if you plan on completing it!
It is worth keeping in mind that this trail is popular not just amongst runners, but also for hikers, bird-watchers, and for horseback riding too, so you’ll definitely encounter plenty of people while on the trail.
4. Lower Columbine Trail
A much easier trail than the last, the Lower Columbine Trail is another excellent running spot near Colorado Springs.
And is perfect for those looking for a trail with a relatively low elevation gain, as the gain on this trail is only 94 meters!
The trail is an out-and-back trail with a distance of 3.5 km, so it shouldn’t pose much of an issue at all, even if you’re new to running trails.
It is a popular trail for hiking, birding, and for mountain biking too, so be prepared to share the trail during your time there.
5. Mesa, Greenlee, Red Rock Canyon Path Loop
Another easy running spot near Colorado Springs for those looking for minimal elevation gain, this trail utilizes many paths to create this 2.9 km loop.
It is an achievable distance even for beginner joggers out there and usually takes an average of 49 minutes to complete.
Again, this trail is popular for those who hike, run, and mountain bike.
So you’ll definitely see other people as you make your way around this loop, and dogs are also welcome provided that they’re on a leash.
6. Ute Valley Park Loop Trail
The loop trail at Ute Valley Park near Colorado Springs is definitely one to see if you want to witness some of Colorado’s best scenery. The best time to visit is from April to October.
This trail is considered to be an intermediate route, so it’s definitely not for beginners.
This loop is 6.0 km long, with an elevation gain of 127 meters and an average completion time of 1 hour 30 minutes, so it’ll prove more of a challenge than some of the previous routes on this list.
7. Susan G. Bretag Trail, And Palmer Trail Loop
This running trail near Colorado Springs provides an enjoyable experience especially if you’re looking for a less-crowded view of some of the amazing rock formations!
This is a fairly easy trail to traverse, with a looped distance of 4.0 km, and an elevation gain of 98 meters, so it’s good even for those who are new to running on the trails.
You might encounter some people on horseback, so just be prepared to share the trails and you should be fine.
8. Pulpit Rock Park Loop
With a vast network of trails throughout Pulpit Rock Park near Colorado Springs, the main highlight is climbing the Pulpit Rock Ridgeline.
Although the climb might be best suited for those who are of an intermediate level, the trail itself is moderately easy.
Despite its 8.0 km length, an elevation gain of 182 meters, and an average completion time of 2 hours 3 minutes, it should be suitable for most runners to traverse just fine.
Note that some of the trails might be closed for land restoration, making navigating more challenging.
9. Templeton Trail
Palmer Park is a popular area to visit in Colorado Springs and for good reason. It has all of the necessary facilities, including picnic areas, riding trails, horse stables, and a dog park too. And you can run there too.
With a length of 6.3 km and an elevation gain of 160 meters, this loop is considered to be moderately challenging, with an average completion time of 1 hour 40 minutes, so make sure you’re prepared for what it has to offer!
10. Intemann Trail Loop
Want a relatively short yet moderately challenging trail loop for your run?
This running spot near Colorado Springs should be perfect for you, then. With a distance of 3.7 km and an elevation gain of 137 meters, it certainly won’t be easy!
This trail has an average completion time of 1 hour 7 minutes, and you should be prepared to meet other people on the trail, as it’s quite popular.
11. Loud’s Cabin
Looking for a running trail in Colorado Springs that will help you hit those 10 km targets?
Then the Loud’s Cabin trail is the right choice for you. With an exact distance of 10 km and an elevation gain of 542 meters, it’s most certainly a worthwhile challenge for those striving to better themselves.
The trail is well signposted, so you shouldn’t have too much difficulty navigating your way around the loop, but it does take an average of 3 hours 39 minutes to complete, so be prepared for the long haul.
12. Contemplative Trail To Sand Canyon Trail Loop
This 2.9 km loop trail is a good place to run in Colorado Springs if you want to enjoy the scenery with not too much elevation gain.
It is a relatively short loop trail that takes only 45 minutes to complete.
Winter snow and ice can make the ground muddy here, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear when traversing this loop!
13. Scotsman Trail Loop
The Scotsman Trail Loop near Colorado Springs is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy the fantastic scenery without tackling a challenging trail on your runs.
With a distance of 1.6 km and an elevation gain of 36 m, it allows you to take in the greatness of the area without much difficulty.
This is one of the many loops that can be wandered throughout the Garden of the Gods Park. You can enjoy the distant views of the Central Garden formations from these rolling trails.
14. Cabin Canyon, Siamese Twins, Palmer And Central Garden Trail Loop
This running spot close to Colorado Springs is considered to be a moderate-level trail, but only 30% of it will pose any real challenge.
So if you’re looking to get a taste of what a more difficult running trail in Colorado Springs has to offer, then this 4.3-mile trail should provide exactly what you’re looking for.
15. Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail
The final running route on this Colorado Springs list is this easy trail, with a distance of 3.7 km and an elevation gain of 92 meters. The scenery on this trail is especially beautiful and is great for those looking for a more natural backdrop to their runs.
It can be icy during the winter months, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable and appropriate footwear!
Final Thoughts
A variety of Colorado Springs running routes makes them suitable for different fitness levels and preferences.
From the scenic beauty of Garden of the Gods to the challenging rocky terrains, these 15 best running trails in Colorado Springs provide an opportunity to stay active and experience the landscapes of this region.
Whether you’re a resident or visiting the area, take the chance to lace up your running shoes and explore these best running spots in Colorado Springs.
If you want to explore other running spots in Colorado, check out our article on the best running trails in Denver.
