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).

Manitou Incline... Have a day!…read more This is an epic CO hike and *can be conquered by anyone with a little intestinal fortitude... It's virtually straight up (2200+ ft vertical) then 4 miles down, no filling stations, and no shade, but is an absolute blast of a hike. It takes about 1.5 hours up and about 2-3 hours down, depending on your individual fitness level. The best part are the summit views and if you go up another 200M and take the backside Barr Trail down, the views get even better. Make sure to bring tons of water, wear good hikers (there are lots of switchbacks on the way down), and put on sun screen because it's 90+ degrees with no shade on a normal CO summer day... Don't be "that guy" or "that girl" that shows up without any gear (there were a ton of those people out there, and it's completely mind boggling), because Vegas odds are 3/2 you'll be a casualty. My best advice is take a minimum of 3L of water (I took 4L and went through all them from top to bottom, granted I sweat like a Vegas hooker in a Catholic Church), take two "tough pills" before you start, and take it slow and steady up... #slowissmoothandsmoothisfast. Make it to the top, take some great mountain pics, enjoy the trek down, and go get a celebratory cold CO crafty at one of the cool bars in Manitou springs after words.

5/5 stars?? I know, I'd have said 0/5-do not recommend, but for this:…read more If you want a serious workout, this is for you. It's been on my bucket list for a wee bit, though I'm not sure exactly why--perhaps the grueling challenge this offers, if only to challenge myself. I had no time constraints, just get to the top and back down again. I did it! I was no record-setter by any means, and I'm okay with that. Did I "train?" No. Did I acclimatize myself (being a flatlander from Kansas), yes! I brought lots of water and electrolytes and of course SNACKS, because, hello!! It's a hike and all hikes need snacks; not to mention it's grueling and your body needs the fuel. I went up to the top the first time and down Barr Trail--that is no joke either. Switchbacks and seemingly "huge" step downs--it has its own "obstacles." The sun was shining full strength so it was toasty--doable as I had a sun hoodie on, but also a tad miserable. Second time, slightly over halfway with a friend, we walked down a hundred steps to the bailout at 1300. That was absolutely fabulous! Gorgeous scenery and that day was nice and cool and foggy! Loved it! Switchbacks too, but seemingly not as bad as what the Barr Trail has. People on this trail?? Well, they're exceptionally wonderful. Everyone--EVERYONE--was supportive, encouraging and kind. People from just about everywhere. Would I do it again? Yes. When the weather is foggy and cool. Would I want to go down the 1300 step bailout, yes. The transition of trail grades is easier than on Barr Trail IMHO, but going down the Incline is sketchy--people do it, but it's steep and the recommendation is to NOT do so. It was questionable as to whether a permit was needed. I signed up--self-proclaimed rule follower that I am--only to find no one was checking anything!! So, you do you. It might be a way to have the state of CO see how many people and from where and to sign a waiver, but otherwise no one checked. I parked at a paid lot and took a free shuttle to The Incline and back--I later found out via word of mouth that there is free parking at a park nearby where the bus stops. **As an aside, I learned the day before I was planning on going that this is no joke, people have died or have been injured on this trail--please take necessary precautions for your health and wellbeing.**

Gorgeous canyon trail along a stream with small waterfalls and stream falls. Some climbing but…read morenothing too serious.

This is by far my most favorite hike in Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs. It starts out on the old…read moreexit road for Cave of the Winds.....before it was washed out permanently. **ALERT** In order to do this trail you have to go up to the Cave of the Winds to sign a waiver!! There is no cost, but since part of the trail is on their property you have to sign the waiver. The trail is shaded for most of the trail. The begining is the hottest part! You will see water falls and punch bowls. The trail can be difficult in some areas, but nothing kids 5 and up can't handle! If you need directions how to get to this trail, just let me know and I can give you turn by turn with street names!

This is a moderately trafficked trail in Manitou Springs that will bring you to some beautiful…read moreviews of the city and the Incline! The trail is somewhat short (unless I was missing something...), but it does hook up with other trails and apparently is part of the trails that circle Pikes Peak (cool! Adding that to my to-do list!) It's pretty steep in areas, so make sure that you bring plenty of water! I really enjoyed the hike on this trail, and it's a good alternative if you're not feeling up to Barr Trail or the Incline.

This trail starts in the Manitou Springs Cemetery, you will see a parking area and the trail head…read more This can be a tough hike only because it is up and down a lot of hills. The only reason this did not get 5 stars is because you end up walking through the neighborhood in order to get to the other part of the trail. The second part of the trail is amazing. You can see Garden of the Gods in a light you have never seen it before! You can also see the people walking up the incline on the other side! Also remember, you have to walk back to your car from the end of the trail! And as always, wear the proper shoes and bring water or Gatorade!

Loved it all of it- The intention behind leaving it open and free to the public, the maintenance…read moreand the experience. We spent a couple of hours walking around the red rocks and it was a very pleasant experience. It was really well maintained and was fun trying to imagine images out of the red rocks-specially the kissing camels. Also the balancing rock was fun for a photo op. Definitely worth doing in my opinion when visiting Colorado.

There's almost nothing here that I could say that has not already been said. I just want to mention…read moreto be careful walking on the sidewalk. We had gone our second day in a row to the Garden of the Gods, and I hiked all around where the boulders and the rocks were. The first day we walked mostly on a straight paved area because we had a stroller with us and somehow I fell on normal pavement near the parking lot. Was it embarrassing? Yes. Did I also bruise up my whole leg on the first stop of our epic road trip from Texas? Also yes. It was really fun coming right before sunset, because the lighting was absolutely gorgeous. But it was also fun coming at around sunrise because it just felt so beautiful and fresh and the weather was amazing even though it was July. It was really hot during the day. But the early morning got a bit cooler, and I would definitely recommend to come then!

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!

Had a fantastic geology tour with Trail Gems! Our guide Roxana took us around the west Denver area,…read moreup into the mountains and back, and explained the "why" behind the rocky scenery that surrounds us. We got to hammer out some rock specimens, examine different crystal structures up close, and even see dinosaur bones. Definitely recommend for a fun weekend outing.

I love this trail so much! It's a beautiful and perfect running or hiking loop conveniently located…read morein Cheyenne mountain. It offers beautiful views at the top after a tough climb and then a wonderful and gradual decline back down to a dirt road (also leads to trail 666) and then to the main road.

I love this trail! To do the whole loop it's about 6 miles. I've only done it counter-clockwise…read more So it starts with a good two miles of mostly uphill before you start a gentle downhill stroll through the woods. The trail is popular, but rarely packed. Great views. Wonderful workout or super chill walk, depending on how you feel like going.

Everything was great. Couldnt ask for more friendly, helpful…read moreStaff, rooms were really clean, comfy beds. Their amenities go on and on. Perfectly located to all attractions. Onsite live music entertainment, tables and chairs and your own porch, kitchenete was fully stocked. Free breakfast was great. Cant say enough good about this place. Definitely would retirn and recommend if you want a personalized stay vs normal hotel.

We went on a Sunday afternoon to the Bluegrass Jam from 3-6. According to my mom and sister they…read moreremodel and upgrades look amazing. We were eager to sit outside and listen to some wonderful music. I am from the Midwest, so any time I can be outside in low humidity I am on it! It was a beautiful evening. Unfortunately only 2 musicians came out to play for us. They others were all inside. I know my toddler granddaughter was the enticement to head outside. I sure was happy I brought her. They were so entertaining, but went back in after less than 30 minutes. Again, it was such a gorgeous night out. I hope in the future others realize we are all not from the area and cherish our time outside during the summer months. Especially when one is from a place with 110% humidity. Yes, I am being hyperbolic. I will definitely go back later this summer when I return. The place looks like such a fun environment to stay. I hope I get a chance in the future.

When my son visited me around September, we did a great tour up to Rocky Mountain National Park…read more Great tour, guide and wonderful scenery.

My wife and I traveled with Terence on a 15 day private tour beginning in Rapid City, SD and ending…read morein Phoenix, AZ. Terence was just incredibley capable not only as a professional tour guide with seemingly endless knowledge (history, geology, anthropology) about all of the parks we visited but as importantly was a wonderful travel companion. He has a great sense of humor and was always willing to take the time we needed to enjoy the journey. He handled every detail at each hotel, took care of the luggage and always made certain we were comfortable while traveling. We would highly recommend Terence and Beyond the Destination Tours to anyone or any group desiring a professional, well organized and tireless travel planner and guide! Lou & Donna Hethington