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Ute Valley Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,253 Google reviews · Running trail in Colorado Springs, Colorado · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Ute Valley 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.

Natural surfaceLoopScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Hiking & biking trails snake through this park that spans a hogback ridge & offers scenic views.

What runners say about Ute Valley Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,253 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Well maintained and a brilliant spot for a short or long adventure.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“These trails are adequately rated in difficulty with various distances for beginners wanting to experience casual hiking/walking through a quiet and scenic park.”

👟 good for all levels 4 mentions

“Most trails are easy to hike and enjoyable for kids and adults of all ages.”

Great place for a short hike, mountain bike, or after-dinner sunset walk. Has a beautiful ravine and rock formations. In late summer hundreds of common sunflowers along the main trails will cheer you up. Be careful though-- watch out for rattlesnakes and an occasional bear.

★★★★★ — Frederick , Nov 2019

Great trails for family hikes and bikes. Helps to stay on the marked trails and keep dogs on leashes. Nice for bikes to have warning bells. There are snakes and occasionally black bears. I have seen both. Lots of great places for photos!

★★★★★ — Kisten , Mar 2024

Beautiful gem tucked away in Rock Rimmon. The trail I took was quite a surprise as it took me around the rugged foot hills into rock formations and was more on the moderate side than expected. Beautiful views and multiple trails to choose from. Great place to explore right in the city.

★★★★☆ — Melissa , Feb 2025

Winter, spring, summer, fall- this park is an awesome place to go hiking, biking and exploring. There are plenty of various trails to venture and such a beautiful array of scenery. The wildflowers during the summer are absolutely incredible. Well maintained and a brilliant spot for a short or long adventure.

★★★★★ — Stephanie , Jun 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,253 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 20 mentions

“These trails are adequately rated in difficulty with various distances for beginners wanting to experience casual hiking/walking through a quiet and scenic park.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 9 mentions

“Only complaint: lazy dog owners that scoop the poop and leave it on the trail for others to dispose of.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“The trail I took was quite a surprise as it took me around the rugged foot hills into rock formations and was more on the moderate side than expected.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Be aware that there is no water and the restrooms are port-o-potties, but it's a beautiful park.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“Great views and easy hike with little incline and a loop.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 2 mentions

“Not a lot of parking, but plenty of space to walk, runn, or ride.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

“I love the rocky ridge out cropping that looks over the west side of the city is a great spot for amazing views of the city.”

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Plan your run at Ute Valley Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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.
  • Websitecoloradosprings.gov
  • Phone(719) 385-5940
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–11 PM
Thursday 5 AM–11 PM
Friday 5 AM–11 PM
Saturday 5 AM–11 PM
Sunday 5 AM–11 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ute Valley Park

1705 Vindicator Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Get directions

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.

Vindicator Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 25 reviews

Colorado Springs, CO

Natural surfaceDog-friendly

under a mile away

Black and Blue Trailhead

4.4 ★★★★☆ 17 reviews

Colorado Springs, CO

2.1 miles away

Edmondson Trail Head

4.6 ★★★★★ 147 reviews

Colorado Springs, CO

MixedScenic

Uphill trail network offering views of the mountains and the Air Force Academy, plus meadows and streams.

2.2 miles away

Pikes Peak Greenway University Village Trailhead

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

Colorado Springs, CO

2.4 miles away

Pulpit Rock Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,231 reviews

Colorado Springs, CO

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Open space preserve with 500 acres of land with paved & unpaved trails, plus city & mountain views.

2.7 miles away

Central Gardens at Garden of the Gods

4.9 ★★★★★ 316 reviews

Colorado Springs, CO

LoopMixedScenic

Natural rock formations and hiking trails amid rocky peaks and mountains.

3.5 miles away

All running trails in Colorado Springs, CO →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.