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Red Rock Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,117 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Red Rock Canyon'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.
City preserve with marked walking & biking trails, as well as scenic views of red-rock formations.
What runners say about Red Rock Canyon
“The trails are well maintained, and there are so many beautiful spots to stop, take pictures, and appreciate the landscape.”
“This is a gorgeous area with plenty of trails for hiking, leisure walking, biking and horse back riding.”
“Lovely views of the red rocks through the ascension high up the canyon with wide easy to navigate and well labeled trails.”
“The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with stunning red rock formations and peaceful views everywhere you look.”
“We did a two mile loop but we could have easy walked much further.”
Absolutely Gorgeous walking space. Parking is free and easily accessible. The grade of the trail never really gets too steep and is a loop, so getting lost isn't easy. There is plenty of signage and even more scenery! Highly recommend!
I preferred hiking here vs. Garden of the Gods. There were a lot less crowds, more parking, and still some beautiful views. Only about a mile from the south entrance to GotG, we found it very relaxing to hike here.
Red Rock Canyon is truly one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with stunning red rock formations and peaceful views everywhere you look. It’s such an amazing place for taking walks, enjoying nature, and just getting away from the busy everyday routine.
Great fatbike trails... There is a bunch of climbing but they are gradual and not crazy steep and what goes up must come down, super fun. Lots of dogs and hikers be mindful of them, had to stop every 5 minutes to take photos, I really loved this area. Don't forget to check out the rock quarry area, its magnificent.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a gorgeous area with plenty of trails for hiking, leisure walking, biking and horse back riding.”
“Lots of dogs and hikers be mindful of them, had to stop every 5 minutes to take photos, I really loved this area.”
“There’s also very easy parking, plus a porta potty on-site for emergencies, which is always appreciated.”
“The grade of the trail never really gets too steep and is a loop, so getting lost isn't easy.”
“The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with stunning red rock formations and peaceful views everywhere you look.”
“There’s also very easy parking, plus a porta potty on-site for emergencies, which is always appreciated.”
Plan your run at Red Rock Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteredrockcanyonopenspace.org
- Phone(719) 385-5940
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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