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 that there are plenty of running trails that you can check out during your time in Colorado Springs.
So, to discover 15 of the greatest running trails around Colorado Springs, then keep reading through our guide, and we’ll provide you with all of the information and details you need to know!
1. Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, And Bretag Trail Loop
Although it can be a little muddy at times, this trail loop is widely considered to be a fairly easy trail 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 6.4km 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 2.7km 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 more appealing for those who are 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 8.7km, 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 trail within the vicinity of 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 3.5km, 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 loop for those looking for minimal elevation gain, this trail utilizes a number of different trails in the area to create this 2.9km loop.
Which should be an achievable distance even for beginners 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
For a trail to visit between April and October time, the loop trail at Ute Valley Park is definitely one to see if you want to witness some of the best scenery that Colorado has to offer.
Although it’s worth mentioning that this trail is considered to be an intermediate route, so it’s definitely not for beginners.
This loop is 6.0km long, with an elevation gain of 127 meters, and has an average completion time of 1 hour 30 minutes, so it’ll definitely prove more of a challenge than some of the previous instalments on this list.
7. Susan G. Bretag Trail, And Palmer Trail Loop
Although this loop might not be as popular with visitors as some of the other trails in the vicinity.
It still provides an enjoyable experience for all of those who do decide to take its path, 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 4.0km, 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
Another one of the hidden gems in the vicinity of the Colorado Springs area is the Pulpit Rock Park Loop.
With a vast network of trails all over the park, the main highlight is being able to climb right up to the Pulpit Rock ridge line.
Although the climb might be best suited for those who are of an intermediate level, the trail itself is moderately easy.
Despite its 8.0km 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.
9. Templeton Trail
Palmer Park is a popular area to visit in Colorado Springs and for good reason, it’s equipped with all of the necessary facilities, including picnic areas, riding trails and horse stables, and a dog park too.
With a length of 6.3km 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 train near Colorado Springs should be perfect for you then, with a distance of 3.7km 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 trail that’s going to help you hit those 10km targets?
Then the Loud’s Cabin trail is the right choice for you, with an exact distance of 10km, 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
A much easier loop to complete than the last, this 2.9km loop trail is great for those looking for a low elevation gain loop to enjoy the scenery on their run, and it only takes an average of 45 minutes to complete too.
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
If you find yourself in the Gods Of The Garden park and want to enjoy the great scenery without tackling a particularly difficult trail.
Then the Scotsman Trail Loop is a great choice, with a distance of 1.6km, and an elevation gain of 36km, it allows you to take in the greatness of the area without much difficulty.
14. Cabin Canyon, Siamese Twins, Palmer And Central Garden Trail Loop
This trail 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 trail has to offer, then this trail situated near Colorado Springs should provide exactly what you’re looking for.
15. Edna Mae Bennet Nature Trail
The final route on this list is this easy trail, with a distance of 3.7km 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
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to 15 of the best running trails in and around Colorado Springs, and hopefully you get a chance to visit them soon!
