Local Trails

The Crags Trail is a scenic and moderately challenging hike that takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Pikes Peak region. With towering rock formations, expansive views of the surrounding valleys, and the chance to experience the dramatic "Crags" rock formations, this trail is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. It also serves as an alternate route to the summit of Pikes Peak for more adventurous hikers.

The trail begins at the Crags Campground near Divide, Colorado, at an elevation of around 10,100 feet. The first section of the trail starts with a gentle ascent through a dense forest of pines, spruce, and aspen trees. The path is wide and well-maintained, making it an easy start for hikers as it gradually gains elevation. During the summer and fall, this section is especially beautiful, with wildflowers blooming along the trail and golden aspen leaves creating a vibrant landscape in autumn.

As you move deeper into the forest, the trail follows the path of Fourmile Creek, a small mountain stream that adds a peaceful soundtrack to your hike. The early part of the trail is shaded and cool, making it a pleasant climb even on warmer days.

After about 1.5 miles of moderate climbing, the trail opens up into a large, rocky clearing where the iconic "Crags" rock formations come into view. These towering, jagged rocks have been shaped over millennia by erosion and stand as natural monuments to the power of time and weather. The trail weaves through and around these formations, offering multiple opportunities to scramble up the rocks for an up-close view or simply enjoy the unique landscape.

This section of the hike is a highlight, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountain ranges. The Crags' distinctive, weathered appearance and the expansive vistas make this area a favorite for photographers and hikers alike. The trail flattens out here, allowing for a more relaxed pace as you explore the rocky terrain.

Continuing on the trail, you will ascend through open meadows that provide stunning, wide-angle views of the surrounding Rampart Range and the back side of Pikes Peak. The alpine meadows are dotted with wildflowers in the summer and offer a serene, peaceful atmosphere, contrasting with the ruggedness of the Crags formations.

From here, the trail becomes steeper as you approach the final ascent. The path narrows and becomes more challenging, with switchbacks leading up the ridgeline. Though the climb is more strenuous, the panoramic views make the effort worthwhile. At around 11,800 feet, the trail offers an excellent vantage point to take in sweeping views of the Continental Divide and the South Platte River Basin.

For more ambitious hikers, the Crags Trail can be extended to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, though this adds significant difficulty and length to the hike. The extended route gains an additional 4,000 feet in elevation and covers a total of around 13 miles round trip. This section is recommended for experienced hikers due to the steep ascent, exposure, and high altitude.

After reaching your chosen endpoint—whether it’s the Crags rock formations or the upper ridgelines—you’ll retrace your steps back through the meadows, rock formations, and forest to return to the trailhead. The descent is more relaxed, allowing you to enjoy the cool forest and take in the sights you may have missed on the way up.

• Length: 4.8 miles round trip (to Crags rock formations); optional 13 miles round trip to Pikes Peak summit
• Elevation Gain: 900 feet (to Crags); additional 4,000 feet (to Pikes Peak summit)
• Starting Elevation: 10,100 feet
• Topography: Forested paths, alpine meadows, rock formations, and panoramic mountain views
• Difficulty: Moderate (to Crags); Strenuous (to Pikes Peak summit)

The Crags Trail offers a diverse and beautiful hiking experience, from dense forests to wide meadows and unique rock formations. With stunning views and the opportunity to extend the hike to the summit of Pikes Peak, this trail is perfect for both casual hikers and those seeking a more challenging adventure.

The Catamount Reservoir Trail offers hikers a scenic and tranquil journey through dense forests, open meadows, and around the pristine waters of two alpine reservoirs. Nestled in the shadows of Pikes Peak, includes the North and South Catamount Reservoirs. This moderate trail is perfect for those seeking stunning mountain views and a serene lakeside setting.

The trail begins at the Catamount Ranch Open Space near Divide, Colorado, at an elevation of around 9,200 feet. The initial section of the trail takes hikers through a shaded forest of pines and aspens, with the sound of birds and the rustle of leaves providing a calming atmosphere. The first mile of the trail follows a steady, moderate ascent, with the well-maintained path leading you deeper into the forest.

The terrain in this section is easy to navigate, with some gentle switchbacks that help manage the elevation gain. Along the way, you may catch glimpses of Pikes Peak through the trees, teasing the grander views that lie ahead.

After about 2 miles of hiking, you’ll reach South Catamount Reservoir, the smaller of the two bodies of water. The trail opens up to reveal the sparkling blue waters, framed by the surrounding forest and with the imposing silhouette of Pikes Peak in the distance. The South Catamount shoreline is a great spot for a break, offering picturesque views and quiet picnic areas along the water’s edge.

The trail hugs the shoreline, providing multiple opportunities to stop and enjoy the tranquility of the reservoir. Fishermen can often be seen along the banks, casting into the clear waters known for their trout populations. The forest thins out in places, giving hikers unobstructed views of the water and the rugged peaks surrounding the reservoir.

From the South Catamount Reservoir, the trail continues to the larger North Catamount Reservoir, located about a mile further up the trail. The path between the two reservoirs is mostly flat and easy, winding through sections of forest and meadows. This part of the hike is serene, with expansive views of the reservoirs and the surrounding Rampart Range opening up as you approach the northern end.

North Catamount is more expansive than its southern counterpart, offering breathtaking views of Pikes Peak reflected in its waters on calm days. The shoreline trail around the reservoir is well-defined, with rocky outcroppings and small coves providing additional spots to sit, relax, or fish.

For hikers seeking a longer adventure, there is an option to complete a loop around both reservoirs, creating a 6.5-mile round trip hike. This loop offers varying terrain, from dense forests to open shorelines and expansive meadows, all with unobstructed views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding valleys. The loop is mostly flat, making it a leisurely option for those wanting to extend their time in this beautiful setting.

After completing the loop, hikers can retrace their steps back through the forest and return to the trailhead, with the descent providing a gentle and relaxing end to the hike.

• Length: 6.5-mile loop around both reservoirs
• Elevation Gain: Around 400-600 feet
• Starting Elevation: 9,200 feet
• Topography: Forested paths, lakeshores, meadows, and panoramic mountain views
• Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for most hikers due to gentle elevation gain and well-maintained trails

The Catamount Reservoir Trail offers a peaceful and scenic hike with stunning views of Pikes Peak, lush forests, and the clear alpine waters of the reservoirs.

The Lovell Gulch Trail offers a moderate loop hike that showcases the natural beauty of the Woodland Park area, with a mix of forested paths, open meadows, and scenic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains. This trail is a favorite for those seeking a peaceful hike close to town with rewarding views and a variety of terrain.

The hike begins at the Lovell Gulch Trailhead, located just north of Woodland Park, Colorado. The starting elevation is approximately 8,600 feet, and the trail quickly leads you into a serene forest of ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. The trail begins with a gentle ascent, following a well-worn path through the trees, with the sound of wind rustling through the pines as your backdrop.

In the early sections, the trail alternates between shaded forest and open clearings, offering intermittent views of the surrounding area. As you continue to ascend, the trail becomes steeper, with some switchbacks that help manage the elevation gain. The climb is moderate, but manageable for most hikers with some fitness experience.

As you move further into the hike, you’ll enter the Lovell Gulch itself, a narrow, forested canyon with a small creek running through it. The trail follows the creek closely at times, crossing it at a few points via wooden footbridges or natural rock stepping stones, depending on the season. The sound of the flowing water adds to the peaceful atmosphere, and this section of the trail feels more remote and secluded.

The vegetation here becomes denser, with ferns and wildflowers lining the trail during the warmer months. The forest canopy provides ample shade, making this a cool and pleasant section of the hike, even in the heat of summer.

After climbing out of the gulch, the landscape opens up into a series of meadows and grassy hillsides. These open areas provide stunning views of the surrounding Rampart Range and, most impressively, Pikes Peak to the south. The trail levels out for a stretch, allowing you to enjoy these panoramic vistas and the wildflowers that dot the meadows.

This section is a perfect place to pause and take in the scenery. The wide, open sky contrasts beautifully with the towering mountains in the distance, and on clear days, you can see for miles. The meadows offer a different kind of beauty compared to the shaded gulch, creating a diverse and dynamic hiking experience.

The trail forms a 5.5-mile loop, and after the meadows, it begins to descend back toward the trailhead. The descent takes you through another forested section, with a gradual downhill slope that makes for an easy, relaxing return hike. Along the way, you’ll encounter a few more viewpoints, offering glimpses of Woodland Park below and the mountains beyond.

The path is mostly smooth, but there are a few rocky sections, so it’s important to watch your footing, especially after rain or snow. The last section of the trail returns to the dense pine forest where you started, offering a cool and shaded end to your hike.

• Length: 5.5-mile loop
• Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 feet
• Starting Elevation: 8,600 feet
• Topography: Forested gulch, creekside, meadows, mountain views, and switchbacks
• Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for hikers with some experience due to elevation gain and varied terrain

The Lovell Gulch Trail provides a delightful mix of forested paths, creekside serenity, and open meadows with expansive views of Pikes Peak. This loop offers a moderate challenge, making it a rewarding hike for those looking for a peaceful escape into nature with diverse scenery.

The Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch Trail offers a scenic and moderate hike through wooded terrain, leading to the stunning shores of the expansive Rampart Reservoir. This trail is a favorite among locals for its relatively easy terrain and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The trail begins at the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead, located near Woodland Park, Colorado. The starting elevation is approximately 8,500 feet, and unlike many mountain hikes, the first section of the Rainbow Gulch Trail involves a gentle descent. The trail follows a well-maintained dirt path that winds through a dense forest of pines and aspens, making it a shady and pleasant hike, especially in the warmer months.

The path meanders alongside a small creek that flows from the reservoir, and the sound of trickling water adds to the peaceful ambiance. The trail is wide and easy to follow, making it accessible for families and casual hikers. This section is about a mile long and provides a steady, gradual descent as you head toward the reservoir.

After about a mile, the trail flattens out as you approach the eastern edge of Rampart Reservoir, a large man-made body of water nestled within the Rampart Range. The reservoir, which spans over 500 acres, is a stunning sight, with crystal-clear blue water surrounded by thick forests and distant mountain peaks.

As you reach the reservoir, the trail transitions into a shoreline path that follows the curves of the water. The views open up, revealing expansive vistas of the reservoir and surrounding mountains, with Pikes Peak often visible to the south. The terrain here is relatively flat, allowing for an easy hike along the water's edge.

The shoreline of Rampart Reservoir is dotted with small coves and rocky outcroppings, offering plenty of spots to sit, fish, or simply enjoy the serene setting. The water is calm, and in the early morning or late afternoon, you may see the reflection of the trees and mountains on its surface. This section of the trail is ideal for a leisurely hike, with minimal elevation changes and wide paths.

For those looking to extend their hike, the Rampart Reservoir Trail encircles the entire reservoir and offers an additional 13.2-mile loop. However, many hikers choose to explore the first few miles of the reservoir’s shoreline before turning back toward the trailhead.

After enjoying the reservoir’s tranquil beauty, hikers retrace their steps along the Rainbow Gulch Trail. The return hike involves a gradual ascent, but the trail is not overly steep, making it a manageable climb for most hikers. The gentle incline allows for a relaxed pace as you make your way back through the shaded forest and alongside the creek.

• Length: 3.4 miles round trip (option to extend around the reservoir for a longer hike)
• Elevation Gain: Around 300 feet (mostly on the return ascent)
• Starting Elevation: 8,500 feet
• Topography: Forested path, creekside, reservoir shoreline, and panoramic mountain views
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for most hikers, including families and beginners

The Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch Trail is a perfect choice for those seeking a peaceful, scenic hike without the strenuous climbs often associated with mountain trails. 

The Devil’s Playground Trail to Pikes Peak offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding alpine adventure. This trail, part of the larger Crags Trail system, takes you on a 7.6-mile round trip journey with an elevation gain of approximately 3,200 feet, starting at around 10,800 feet above sea level.

The trail begins at the Crags Campground near Divide, Colorado. It starts with a gentle incline through dense stands of pine and fir trees, providing shade and some reprieve from the initial altitude. The first section meanders alongside the rushing waters of Fourmile Creek, with the sound of cascading water a soothing backdrop.

As you climb, the forest starts to thin out, transitioning into subalpine terrain. The trail becomes rockier, and soon you’ll find yourself hiking along exposed ridgelines with fewer trees. Here, the expansive views begin to open up, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding Pike National Forest and distant mountain ranges.

Named for the way lightning can leap between the rocky outcrops during storms, the Devil’s Playground marks a major turning point on the hike. This section sits at roughly 12,900 feet and features a plateau-like landscape dotted with massive boulders and wind-carved rock formations. The terrain is stark and rugged, with patches of alpine tundra sprouting between the rocks. The open nature of this area exposes hikers to the elements—winds can be strong, and thunderstorms can roll in quickly, so it’s important to check weather conditions before attempting the hike.

The views here are stunning. To the east, the towering summit of Pikes Peak looms large, while to the west, the Cripple Creek valley stretches far below. The trail weaves through these rock formations, following switchbacks that ease the otherwise steep incline.

From Devil’s Playground, the final 2 miles to the summit of Pikes Peak become more strenuous as the trail steepens. This portion hugs the mountain’s ridge, and as you ascend above 13,000 feet, the air thins, making each step more labored. The alpine tundra gives way to a barren, rocky landscape. The higher you climb, the more the terrain becomes a moonscape of shattered granite, with little vegetation able to survive at this altitude.

The trail briefly joins the Pikes Peak Highway before diverging again toward the summit. As you near the top, the path becomes more defined but steeper, with the final stretch requiring a scramble over large boulders. These last few hundred feet feel particularly challenging due to the combination of altitude and steepness.

At 14,115 feet, the summit of Pikes Peak offers a 360-degree view that stretches for miles in every direction. On clear days, you can see the Great Plains to the east, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the south, and even Denver's skyline far in the distance. Despite the barren, rocky nature of the summit, there is a sense of awe that comes from standing atop one of Colorado’s most iconic 14ers. The summit also has a visitor center, where hikers can rest, refuel, and take in the panoramic views before beginning the descent.

• Length: 7.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
• Starting Elevation: 10,800 feet
• Summit Elevation: 14,115 feet
• Terrain: Forested, subalpine, alpine tundra, rocky outcrops
• Difficulty: Strenuous due to altitude, length, and steep inclines

The Devil’s Playground Trail offers an incredible experience, combining challenging terrain, striking topography, and some of the best views in Colorado. Whether you're drawn by the history of Pikes Peak or the thrill of hiking a 14er, this trail provides an unforgettable adventure.

The Red Rocks Trail off of Highway 67 is a short yet scenic hike that takes you through a striking landscape of red rock formations, ponderosa pines, and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. Located near Divide this trail is ideal for those seeking a quick escape into nature, with impressive geology and beautiful vistas in a relatively easy hike.

The trailhead is located just off Highway 67, Colorado, at an elevation of around 8,200 feet. From the parking area, the trail starts with a gentle ascent through a mixed forest of pines, junipers, and firs. The well-defined path is soft underfoot, making it an easy walk suitable for most hikers, including families and beginners.

As you make your way up the gradual incline, glimpses of the signature red rock formations begin to appear through the trees. These vibrant, sandstone outcroppings, which have been shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion, are a striking contrast to the green forests and the blue sky above.

After about half a mile of hiking, the trail opens up to reveal the red rock formations that give this trail its name. The rocks, glowing in shades of red and orange, rise dramatically out of the forest floor. They vary in size from smaller boulders to towering cliffs and spires, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and photography.

The formations are easily accessible, and adventurous hikers can scramble up the rocks for panoramic views of the surrounding area, including glimpses of Pikes Peak in the distance. The warm red tones of the rock contrast beautifully with the dark green pine trees and the deep blue Colorado sky, making this a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Beyond the red rock formations, the trail continues upward to several open areas that provide stunning, wide-angle views of the surrounding landscape. As you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with vistas of the Rampart Range to the west and the expansive valleys below. The balanced mix of forest, rock, and open sky creates a peaceful and scenic hiking experience.

This section of the trail is relatively short, making it perfect for a quick hike, yet the dramatic scenery makes it feel like a much larger adventure. The views of the mountains and valleys are especially breathtaking in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight casts long shadows across the rocks and forest.

After taking in the views and exploring the red rock formations, hikers can return via the same route. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with the descent providing a relaxed and enjoyable hike back through the forested area. Along the way, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and occasionally foxes.

• Length: 2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: Around 300 feet
• Starting Elevation: 8,200 feet
• Topography: Forested paths, red rock formations, and panoramic views
• Difficulty: Easy; suitable for most hikers, including families and beginners

The Red Rocks Trail off of Highway 67 offers a quick, accessible hike with stunning red rock formations, shaded forest, and impressive views. It’s perfect for a short adventure or a scenic spot to enjoy nature close to Divide, making it a great option for a casual hike or photography outing.