Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Use of Trail: Hiking / Bicycles / Horses / Climbing

Length of Trail: Various Trails

Elevation Gain: Varies from 200’ to 900’

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trails

Trailhead Directions: From I-25 travel 3.4 miles westbound on Highway 24 toward Manitou Springs. Turn left or south on Ridge Road, then take your first left into the round-about. Take a right at the stop sign for the first parking lot or go straight to a second lot.  A third parking area is located on 31 Street, just south of Highway 24.

Hike Summary: Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a 1,474-acre city park located between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. There are 11 marked trails in Red Rock Canyon Open Space ranging from 1.7 to 5.4 miles and from 6,141 to 6,866 feet above sea level.  It boasts trails of all levels, an off-leash dog area, and fantastic views of the Garden of the Gods. The park consists of a series of parallel red rock ridges (called “hogbacks”) and eroded canyons, a continuation of the same sandstone rocks of the Fountain Formation that make up Garden of the Gods to the north. There are two main areas of the Open Space, the Quarry Pass, and surrounding trails, through and over tower red rock sandstone features and the space between the hogbacks on the east side of the park. Climbing is permitted in the park, but you must register at the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center.

*Detailed trail information and maps for can be found for sale at the Manitou Springs Visitor’s Center at 354 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO (719) 685-5089