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Pulpit Rock Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,231 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pulpit Rock Park'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.
Open space preserve with 500 acres of land with paved & unpaved trails, plus city & mountain views.
What runners say about Pulpit Rock Park
“At the top you will have a great view of the city, mountains and it’s just stunning!”
“The trail on the left is an easy walk until you get to the rock.”
If you like easy trails, with great views go here. This rock park is nice for short hikes and most of all for mountain biking! Good views on Pikes Peak, the mountains and Interstate 25. Good variety of plants along the trails. The hike to the top takes only 30-40 minutes. There are two free car parks close to the park.
Seeing Pulpit Rock from the highway has just become a daily commute norm. Going to the top of it was a whole new story. I took the Pulpit Rock summit trail which was moderately strenuous. Took about 30 minutes to get from the parking lot to the top.
Free to enter which is wonderful, was confused about the entrance which was not very visible. The park includes hiking trails good for hiking and mountain biking. You have to do the hike for the top as it’s decent in length but not too difficult.
A small but interesting place to visit and hike in Colorado Springs. The trail is about less than 2 miles and it's quite easy. The view on the top is great. You can even see the Garden of Gods from there. The only problem is to find the parking lot and entrance. Google Map didn't give the right place.
Trail conditions & character
“Cool slightly more difficult than the easily traversed Palmer Park, Ute Valley, and Garden of the gods pre-made trails and the views are outstanding at the top!”
“Took about 30 minutes to get from the parking lot to the top.”
“Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging climb, there's something for everyone.”
“Now there are several different ways to get up there but my dog and I must've ended up on the wrong side(hard side).”
“The park is not overly crowded, making it a peaceful escape, and the open space gives a real sense of adventure.”
“The parking lot is just right at the highway I-25 and the Nevada Avenue, and it's not paved but free.”
“Make sure you use the restroom ahead because there are no restrooms present.”
Plan your run at Pulpit Rock Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecstrails.com
- Phone(719) 385-5940
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Colorado Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Edmondson Trail Head
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Cottonwood Creek Trail to Dublin Park sign
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