I liked this hike! It took me about 30-40 minutes to get up, with some stops along the way for…read morepictures. The road was paved nicely. There are cool white structures you can climb on as you approach the main pulpit rock.

I've passed by this spot for ages and always thought about hiking to the summit. I finally made it…read morehappen! Parking is a breeze and right at the trailhead. There are tons of signs to guide you all the way up. This hike is really easy, making it perfect for families. The views from the top are amazing! You can see the entire west side of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, USAFA, and Pikes Peak. It took me around 45 minutes to reach the top from the parking area.

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).

Hiking Blodgett Peak is an ideal early-season outing. Perfect to shake off winter, a steady ascent…read morehelps you find rhythm quickly, making it a great warm-up. It is not gentle. The grade is no joke. Sections hit a 20 to 30% incline, with sustained pitches requiring sharp focus. As you climb, the trail steepens further, offering a solid test of fitness right out of the gate. The summit over Colorado Springs is well-earned.

Trail Series, Part 15 Ex*hil*a*ra*tion: uncontrolled…read morefeelings of euphoria or elation. I'm sure there's many ways to arrive at this destination. One of them is running, and running in the snow just takes things to a whole new level for me. With that in mind, imagine my exhilaration when a Review Team Member suggested we seize the opportunity to run in a snow storm today! Blodgett Open Space can be found on West Woodmen Road (just North of Orchard Valley Road) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When we arrived it was snowing, 11 degrees, and it would have taken an legion to wipe the smile off my face! Rejoining our Review Team for this adventure was Jasper "The Mountain Dog", so our confidence for survival was high. On several portions of our adventure we enjoyed making "first tracks" in the snow and we basically felt like we had the mountain to ourselves. We reached a peak elevation of 7,500 feet and discovered that your phone will actually turn itself off as a defense mechanism when it gets too cold. While our experience was euphoric, we are sadden to report that not all of our Review Team Members returned safely to Base Camp with us (not true, and yes Jasper is fine. Check the pics and you'll understand. ). There are multiple trails to explore, so you can tailor your adventure to just how much glee you are prepared for. While not required for this journey, I found the use of snow micro spikes quite useful (they can be a fitted over your running shoes). And that's...Henry's Take. #snowrunning #blogettopenspace #coloradosprings Trail Series, Part 15 Ex*hil*a*ra*tion: uncontrolled feelings of euphoria or elation. I'm sure there's many ways to arrive at this destination. One of them is running, and running in the snow just takes things to a whole new level for me. With that in mind, imagine my exhilaration when a Review Team Member suggested we seize the opportunity to run in a snow storm today! Blodgett Open Space can be found on West Woodmen Road (just North of Orchard Valley Road) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When we arrived it was snowing, 11 degrees, and it would have taken an legion to wipe the smile off my face! Rejoining our Review Team for this adventure was Jasper "The Mountain Dog", so our confidence for survival was high. On several portions of our adventure we enjoyed making "first tracks" in the snow and we basically felt like we had the mountain to ourselves. We reached a peak elevation of 7,500 feet and discovered that your phone will actually turn itself off as a defense mechanism when it gets too cold. While our experience was euphoric, we are sadden to report that not all of our Review Team Members returned safely to Base Camp with us (not true, and yes Jasper is fine. Check the pics and you'll understand. ). There are multiple trails to explore, so you can tailor your adventure to just how much glee you are prepared for. While not required for this journey, I found the use of snow micro spikes quite useful (they can be a fitted over your running shoes). And that's...Henry's Take. #snowrunning #blogettopenspace #coloradosprings

As a time tested avid outdoorswoman and veteran granola girl, I don't always gravitate to state…read moreparks. It's just too easy to prefer high mountain summits, national parks and forests or private land. But Colorado State Parks are like none other. Many landmarks and places that make up the state parks of Colorado, had they been found in other parts of the country might have been designated national parks by leaders of yore. That's just the outsized grandeur of Colorado. I'll even venture: it makes other western states squirm with envy. All of Colorado is like an unofficial national park. It is, without debate, the best non-coastal state in the nation. Mueller and so many other places are a testament to that.

Fabulous park. Well maintained trails. Good workout as most of the park is hilly. It's a must to…read moreget adjusted to the altitude if you live at a lower elevation. Great visitor center with knowledgeable rangers. Staying in a cabin and it is really nice. No WiFi and no tv. If you need that it's best to stay home. Dogs / domestics are not allowed on these trails to protect the abundant wildlife. And face it most people do not clean up after their dogs or let them off leash to chase wildlife. Not cool. I used to hike this park all the time living in Woodland Park. I've seen deer, elk, turkeys, owls, and I think it was a minx cat.

Great hike beyond the overcrowded Crags Trailhead. The falls are really more cascades but still…read morefun to visit and explore. The stream drys up in fall in dry years and freezes over in the winter. Very different experience at different times of the year. Reaching the base of the falls is an easy hike. If you want more of a challenge try reaching the top.

Lots of uphill and some good views. This hike doubles as a decent leg workout. It is a long…read moredistance before you get to be right up on creek (you will go all the way up the mountain, then down the other side and hike a bit more). We didn't all the way to the reservoir, but could see it on the way to the creek and kn the way back. There is one part with a cliff that was great for photos. Parking is limited either at the park or across from Wines of Colorado (not in their lot, the dirt lot nearby). The trailhead is just across the bridge at the edge of the neighborhood there.

Awesome trail. Tough switchbacks for the first 2 miles or so. Steep and lots of gravel. Beautiful…read moreviews. I would say this competes in difficulty with the Incline.

I live close to the Rock Island Trail so it's pretty convenient for me to traipse on over and run,…read morebike or walk. The Rock Island Trail is rather flat and begins to the east at Powers Blvd , runs west and ends at Weber Ave. Several streets are crossed on your journey along the trail including Academy, which is sort of crappy. I hate crossing Academy. A great idea would be to create an underpass for the trail under Academy just like the one which goes under Circle. At the point that the trail crosses Paseo St, it seems to turn into an alley for a bit, so take heed that you may need to share the thoroughfare with motorized vehicles. Overall, the path is fairly flat the entire length and is paved the entire way. From searches on the internet, the length of the trail is stated anywhere from 3 miles to 5.8 miles. There are a handful of other bike trails that break off from or are connected by the Rock Island Trail. Namely, the Pikes Peak Greenway which begins at the Air Force Academy, Shooks Run and Homestead Trail.

It's a good trail for a quick, light workout. I tried it once on a road bike but really the trail…read moregets rougher as you go so its more for mountain biking. Not the best trail in the Springs but still convenient. Its pretty flat and safe.

Palmer Park is a beautiful scenic place, with incredible views however, use it your own risk and…read morekeep your wits about you. I have had my car vandalized here and there are sketchy people hanging out here, at times. I stopped going to this park two years ago because of the increasing popularity with both regular people who don't clean up after their pets, but worse, less than desirable people that make me question my safety.

I love Palmer Park! It's in the middle of the city and…read moredoesn't even feel like you are haha! Lots of trails for all levels! We completed two easy trails today and had a blast. This park is Mountain bike, dog, and horse friendly. Highly recommend visiting ^.^