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    Barr Trail

    4.7 (15 reviews)

    Barr Trail Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Barr Trail

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    First light on Pikes
    Matt C.

    Fantastic experience hiking this famous trail. Get up early, I started at 5 but wish I did an hour earlier. It's a long haul so think light packs. Take at least 4-5 quarts of water with a filter for the way down. I was trying for max pain last Wednesday and started on the Incline. Even though it's "closed" there were a few others hiking at 5am. It's tough but doable, and a good shortcut for the first three miles off the Barr Trail switchbacks. The stairs are a challenge, with some being a crawl up on your hands. Very steep and not recommend for people with mobility trouble. At the top of the stairs you'll go straight on a very well defined trail. I finished the in line at 6 am. In around .75 it links with the Barr trail and keeps going. Great rock formations and cool forest here, with some water and views to Pikes. The next few miles are easy, and there's Barr Camp after 6 miles. This was at 8 am for me. Great bathrooms and a big stream to filter. I saw a huge chipmunk lol. Three to four miles of steady uphill forest switchbacks and you'll hit tree line. It's very beautiful and serene, with a lot of cool rocks. Much prettier than other peaks. I got tree line at 10 am and started the ascent to the peak. The push is better described in journals but I will say it took me around 2 hours for the last four miles. The clouds will come very fast and you'll want to keep track of them. The trail is not exactly hard, but strenuous and a push. The summit is under construction and you'll want to walk around the fence for a faster, but ankle hurting route to the official sign. Retrace your steps, and get off the peak by noon thirty. I made it back to my car, knees stiff and feet hurtin, at 5pm. So, around 12 hours for the whole beast. Had a snack and relaxed. Ten dollars for parking.

    This trail was done so well!
    Krystal B.

    So glad we went! The trail was done so well! There were parts that we couldn't find the path- but overall so good!

    Carly W.

    So after doing the Incline you'd think the trail down wouldn't be nearly as difficult. Well, Barr Trail was tough. ++ Great views all along the trail of the Gog and Magog rock monoliths across Englemann Canyon, with Cameron's Cone in the background! ++ Def a more gentle grade than heading back down the Incline its self. ++ Lots of long switchbacks ease the descent. +/- It's four miles from the top of the Incline back to the parking lots. Ouch! After doing the Incline Barr Trail was VERY exhausting. +/- The trail is pretty narrow in spots. -- Trail-runners seem to be very impatient and dominate the downhill direction of the trail. My hiking companion and I found ourselves jumping out of the way quite frequently. Add Barr Trail to the Incline and you've got yourself one very full, satisfying, and exhausting morning! **Pro Tip: If you're into Geocaching, there are a few hidden along Barr Trail. Just makes sure your phone is charged!

    Janet D.

    Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Manitou Springs Length: 26 total miles (R/T) to Pikes Peak Elevation Gain: 7,100 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Difficult Duration: 7 hours Season: Best in Summer This popular trail offers year-round hiking, great views, and the option to stay overnight at Barr Camp without hauling your tent or camp stove. Early on, the trail has views of Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs (including downtown), and the Garden of the Gods, and later peeks of Pikes. Thousands of people hike, run, and mountain bike the trail every year. I used Barr trail to reach Pikes Peak and back. Total 26 miles round trip from the bottom where the parking lot is. If you're only interested in getting to Barr Camp then total is 7 miles. Or round trip 14 miles. The Barr Trail is an easy way to get down from The Incline. From the half way point or from the very top. You see hikers run down from both points simply because it's easy to do. It's well maintained thanks to the Friends of the Peak (FTOP) who back In 2006, some 132 FOTP volunteers dedicated the equivalent of 252 days to maintaining and improving the Barr Trail. The trail is well marked and is travelled often providing packed dirt and rocks and an easy trail to follow. This trail is busy but it thins out to almost zero fellow hikers when you pass the halfway point where you can bail out from The Incline. This trail therefore can offer you solitude past the two exit areas mentioned above. It is well maintained and wide. You will be walking next to a stream that you can hear but not see when you reach the 5 mile marker or so. I did enjoy my hike here. The solitude was the main attraction for me and of course bagging the awesome Pikes Peak.

    Jo L.

    Barr Trail was the route I selected for my first "14er" back in 2006 when I was a flatlander. Twenty four miles to the summit and back to the parking lot. It was an amazing trip and, at the time, felt like a fabulous accomplishment. The first day, I arrived at Barr Camp on a wonderfully warm and sunny day. I camped overnight and tagged the summit the next day. The summit donuts are spectacular, especially after the hike up. After arriving back at Barr Camp, I decided to break camp and hike all the way back down on summit day. Wow, the hike back down really killed my calves. The hike down from Barr Camp to the parking lot seemed to go on, and on and on. Since then, I've moved back to Colorado Springs and have hiked Barr Trail up to the camp about three more times. I've also done the Incline many times and jogged back down Barr. Some of the things I love about Barr Trail are: -Refilling my water bottle at the stream at Barr Camp -Getting above the Incline and away from the majority of the people on the Barr Trail -Taking a break under the massive boulder that leans over the trail -Taking the split to the "experimental forest" -The A-frame -The "16 Golden Stairs", maybe not at the time I'm slogging up but afterward. . . -The feeling of being "above the clouds" -The camp and the wonderful, welcoming people who run it. Having a massive mountain and convenient access to it in your backyard is a genuine luxury!

    Barr Trail 15JUL17
    Jason D.

    Make a two day trip and stay at Barr Camp. The first 3 miles and last 3 miles are the hardest. My backpack was about 30lbs, and I would say that was probably the most you will want to carry. Bring a jacket for the top of Pikes Peak as is is usually 30 degrees colder. The day we went it rained the whole first day.

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Always a great hike. A little crowded at times but beautiful and scenic and challenging. #1 most used trail in the USA.

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    Ask the Community - Barr Trail

    Review Highlights - Barr Trail

    Camped at 1 mile for a day, 2mile for a day, 3/half for 2 days, 5 mile for a day and Barr camp with my tent.

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    Red Rock Canyon Open Space - View from one of the outlooks at Red Rock Canyon

    Red Rock Canyon Open Space

    4.7(157 reviews)
    6.2 mi

    I wanted some vibes like Garden of the gods but did not want the crowds so I checked out Red Rock…read moreCanyon Open Space! I was really impressed with this open space. Parking was easy, they had plenty of spots while I was visiting. They've got something for everyone! Hiking trails, bike park/paths, rock climbing (permit needed), an off leash dog park. I specifically went for the hiking trails. They were great for my 4 year old. When I go with him I try to look for trails under 3 miles. My only complaint is I wish they had real bathrooms by the parking lot. The porta potty was pretty gross. P.s. you can see garden of the gods from this park! They are pretty close to each other!

    Colorado is the healthiest state in the US (this is fact, you can look this up on the CDC website)…read moreand I can see why. With such amazing hiking available, that is free to residents and visitors, all over the state, it encourages you to get outside and enjoy what mother nature has to offer. Red Rock Canyon Open Space has a series of canyons and ridges sculpted by erosion of the area's uplifted rock strata. The ridges and canyons offer beautiful views that are photo worthy for those wanting to post to their social media (or hey, just keeping these photo keepsakes in your own camera roll is also fine too). Red Rock Canyon Open Space is dog friendly, with some off leash areas (where noted), and 11 trails that you can hike. The trails are anywhere from 1.7 miles to 5.4 miles, with a lot of pretty easy trails for those that are not as active but still want to partake in the journey. You can also see views of Garden of the Gods, which is nearby. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is not nearly as busy as Garden of the Gods (but highly recommend a visit there too, which is also dog friendly). From May 1 and Oct. 31, you can enter Red Rock Canyon Open Space between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.; during the rest of the year, the park closes at 9 p.m. There is free parking available and also one porta potty at the beginning of the trail (but I did not use it) and also trash cans (I did not see trash cans anywhere else in this open space). My husband and I visited Red Rock Canyon Open Space with our little girl dog. We came on a Sunday afternoon, a little after 1 pm. It was an overcast day, which was nice. But it was rather busy but not crowded. We were able to find a parking spot without any trouble. We only did 2 light trails but enjoyed the views. The trails we had were pretty easy for the most part. We also did see a handful of dogs during our visit. Please note that there is hardly any shade so make sure you plan accordingly (hat to shade your face, plenty of water, etc).

    Photos
    Red Rock Canyon Open Space - Photo at red rock canyon

    Photo at red rock canyon

    Red Rock Canyon Open Space - Old stone Quarry

    Old stone Quarry

    Red Rock Canyon Open Space

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    Manitou Incline - Cheerleaders

    Manitou Incline

    4.7(362 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    The Manitou Incline is a hike near Colorado Springs, Colorado, featuring 2,768 steps climbing…read morenearly 2,000 vertical feet in under a mile, with grades up to 68%. The Manitou Incline is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for a serious workout with jaw-dropping views, this is the hike for you. What makes it amazing is panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Manitou Springs at the top. The trail is well-marked, and the incline attracts a mix of serious hikers, runners, and tourists, which gives it a fun energy. Parking is a challenge as the lot was full and we parked in the town of Manitou Springs and walked about a mile to get to the incline. The website made it seem like the hike required reservations and there were not any available, so I was not sure if I was going to get to hike. However, once I got to the incline I was able to do the hike at my leisure. Whether you're looking for a bucket-list hike, an intense workout, or just a chance to experience Colorado's beauty up close, the Manitou Incline delivers an amazing experience.

    Park at Hiawatha Gardens - $25 Parking for 4 hours and get free shuttle bus to the Incline. There…read moreshould be other better parking options, I think we're paying too much for that. Very steep steps, not many shaded areas for you to take a break. The view is okay, conquer the Incline is more on personal pride, not for the view. I don't think the view on the summit is awesome. there are few spot for you to bailout, 395 steps, 1300 and 1800. So, no pressure, just take the trail down whenever you feel like it.

    Photos
    Manitou Incline - Manitou Incline

    Manitou Incline

    Manitou Incline - Manitou incline halfway up during sunrise.

    Manitou incline halfway up during sunrise.

    Manitou Incline

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    Trail Gems Geology Tours

    Trail Gems Geology Tours

    5.0(3 reviews)
    6.9 mi

    We went to CO to visit family and experience the beautiful outdoors, and a Geological Hike, the…read moreVolcanic Gems Geology Hike, with Dr. Rox was our first excursion on the weekend. Dr. Rox was fantastic. Both my wife and I are teachers, and so we loved how academic the hike was as Dr. Rox would pause and explain the rock cycle, tectonic movement, or the birth of the Rocky Mountains. We were also delighted that our two teenage sons asked a bunch of questions and were obviously engaged in, not only the Geology lesson, but also the local flora and fauna. Dr. Rox answered every question, and, when she didn't know the name of a plant, she pulled out a trusty book and looked it up. She kept things light, but we definitely learned a lot as well. When we reached the end of the hike where the zeolite crystals had grown in the geodes, we climbed all over the rocks finding crystal after crystal. It was certainly an impressive site. We really loved both the scenery and our guide, and I would recommend this hike to anyone with any interested in geology. A big thanks to Dr. Rox for making our hike so fun and educational!

    The overview summary of Trail Gems encapsulates it for me: "guiding you through the incredible…read morebeauty of Colorado's wilderness." I live in Colorado, but I do not appreciate its beauty enough. I also never knew the story behind the beautiful rock formations and natural landscapes I pass by everyday. Rox provides context and explanation for a natural history of the beautiful sights of Colorado. Rox is also very organized and thoughtful, making sure we had water, snacks, and umbrellas. We got to look, touch, break, and collect all different kinds of rocks in a variety of gorgeous locations. It was fun to explore and engage in a tactile activity. In our modern world where so much of our lives are spent behind screens, this was a truly relaxing yet exciting activity and exploration tour in the outdoors. It was creative and fun. I felt like a kid again!

    Photos
    Trail Gems Geology Tours - Ancient landscapes geology hike

    Ancient landscapes geology hike

    Trail Gems Geology Tours - Exploring fossils

    Exploring fossils

    Trail Gems Geology Tours

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    Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort - King room

    Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

    4.3(114 reviews)
    6.2 mi
    $$

    We didn't stay here, but we walked over to the lounge from the RV Resort next door and I'm so glad…read morewe did. It was a Saturday night and there was live music. We ended up having great conversation with both the staff and the other patrons, the beer selection was great, and I'm so happy we stumbled across this place. Next visit to the area, we'll be staying here for sure!

    A very cute boutique lodge like a cross between Meatballs, Bates Motel, and Halloween in a good…read moreway. Shabby Chic western on the exterior. Hipster interior. Martha Stewart landscaping and plants. We arrived at 3pm and at first weren't too impressed but it grows on you. Night time seems magical there, especially the pool and hammock area. We were there during shoulder season so it wasn't really busy but I can imagine peak season it's probably bumping. We stayed for 3 nights. Near the entrance there is a cool area that looks to be for live bands but I think could be more functional without pew seating. Like patio chairs, tables, heaters, full service brew pub. The rooms are clean but wish we had an indoor table and chair. Outside furniture ok but not after dark. No daily maid service but you can ask front desk for any supplies. Free breakfast was fine, especially for kids. There's a small bar area in the lobby with fireplace. It feels a little historic. We used the high capacity laundry. The free bicycles are only for riding on property or town, not Garden of God's. But they recommend awesome ebike company who delivered to our lodge! I assume most avid cyclists bring their own bikes. This town appears to be a cycling destination but there's plenty of activities to do in Colorado Springs. AC is window type, tv was a little small but the emphasis is character and convenience for bicyclists. There's hooks on the wall inside to hang 2 bikes. Perhaps the best part is being able to park for free right in front of your unit. The whole place is gravel road/parking lot and has at least 1 step to get into the room. The plus side is all single story and in clusters of 5 or 6 units. Fairly quiet not much late night noises. Good black out curtains. I imagine most people who stay here are fit and mobile, saw a cowboy and his dog and truck. Several families enjoying the bikes on property. I can imagine events, like a wedding there would be magical and super practical. I wonder if they have a full kitchen to do more. We didnt realize how central it is to both historic Colorado town and Manitou Springs. The map makes the lodge look far from the main road too but it's like 2 driveways in with direct access to Garden of the God's. They're on the verge of something great.

    Photos
    Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort - Park in front  of your room

    Park in front of your room

    Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort - Main lobby

    Main lobby

    Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort - BBQ and picnic area

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    BBQ and picnic area

    Barr Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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