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Spruce Mountain Open Space Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 768 Google reviews · Running trail in Larkspur, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Spruce Mountain Open Space 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.
What runners say about Spruce Mountain Open Space Trail
“Absolutely beautiful hike through open space, forest, and mountains with stunning views and wide open spaces!”
“Lots of shade offered at points along the trail and a picnic table rest area is available on the southern facing side of the trail.”
“Not terribly difficult, the trails are well maintained and easy to follow.”
“This ensured that I had a quiet, peaceful hike.”
This was a really fun, dog friendly trail! We did bring our cat too, and she had a good time as well! The trails are well marked, and there is a great view at the top! Definitely want to go again to explore more of the trails!
Lookout loop bumpout for the overlook is no longer accessible. Please make sure to stay off the trail for that and follow the newer one. In and out of shade but I would still recommend bringing a hat and making sure to have water and sunscreen. Great overlooks and sites. Well marked trail with moderate inclines.
I love going to Spruce Mountain for a hike or a run, and I'm not the only one, quite busy sometimes. Not terribly difficult, the trails are well maintained and easy to follow. Some shade, not completely barren and miserable on a sunny day, like across the road at Greenland open space.
I highly recommend coming here if you’re ever in the northern Colorado Springs area. It’s not too far away from monument or palmer Lake. It’s a beautiful little mountain to see with tons of hiking and areas to ride your horse. I always have a lot of fun whenever I come here. There is plenty of free parking as well.
Trail conditions & character
“Absolutely beautiful hike through open space, forest, and mountains with stunning views and wide open spaces!”
“Go left at the mountain trail head to access most directly, uphill switchback to the top, decent incline but it's not very long.”
“There are Porto potties at the trail head, and ample parking.”
“Lots of shade offered at points along the trail and a picnic table rest area is available on the southern facing side of the trail.”
“We did the mountain loop trail which was around 5 miles and was the perfect afternoon hike.”
“On that note, it was still a pleasant hike with my dog and had beautiful views.”
“Look carefully for the marker, east and west entrances, to the picnic table, there is a trail but is not heavily trafficked.”
“This ensured that I had a quiet, peaceful hike.”
“Restrooms could be better but in ur in Douglas county and they don't do it as well as Jefferson county and their trails for people.”
Plan your run at Spruce Mountain Open Space Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedouglas.co.us
- Phone+1 303-660-7495
- Social Facebook
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