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Mid Columbine Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 89 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mid Columbine Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular spot for outdoor activities, like hiking, mountain biking and trail running.
What runners say about Mid Columbine Trail
“A new, beautiful view around every corner with the creek below making a soothing sound.”
“If you’re looking for an easy trail, park at Middle Columbine and hike down.”
The lower Columbine Trail is really easy. You start at the nature center and walk along the stream the whole way. Not much elevation game, overall well maintained trail
We parked at the starsmore discovery center and walked over. Easier trail, we ended up doing 9.1 miles total by going all the way up to upper gold camp parking area. Great photo opportunities. Got busy towards the end but if you start early and go on a weekday it isn't bad at all. Firm defined trail the entire time.
When you park at the Middle Columbine lot, you can either hike down (easy) to Lower Columbine or hike up (intermediate) for the Middle Columbine Trail or Spring Creek Trail. Going up - the initial switchbacks are steep & will get your heart pumping. Poles help if you have trouble with loose gravel.
Beautiful hiking area. My friends and I took the lower columbine trail and walked for a good 30-45 minutes up the trail and then back to our car. The trails are straightforward and easy to follow. We went during one of the first snowfalls. River still flowing nearby. A few people on the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“A new, beautiful view around every corner with the creek below making a soothing sound.”
“Going up - the initial switchbacks are steep & will get your heart pumping.”
“1 miles total by going all the way up to upper gold camp parking area.”
“The surface consists mostly of pea gravel (imagine little marbles), which makes the descent slippery.”
“Some walking their dogs others were trail running not suitable for strollers or bicyclists.”
Plan your run at Mid Columbine Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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