This is a wonderful hike that has several options. I just went to the pancake rocks area which is…read morestunning The trail can be accessed year around but I will tell you hiking in snow makes it definitely more strenuous and challenging Summertime is wonderful as most of the 7 mile round trip has tree cover The rocks are magical and the views stunning....perfect lunch spot. Views of the city of Victor and its storied gold rush past. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor,_Colorado

Awesome trail with a lot of elevation change. It was great to see in the winter and the views…read morereach so far. The trail wasn't crowded and the parking lot was large enough for all of us. I recommend starting early, as the summit is maybe 7 miles out and back. The start of the hike has a lot of shade and was notably cooler than the latter portions. It was snow covered when I went and we needed crampons/spikes. There is a boarded up tunnel by the parking lot that was pretty cool.

We loved our hike to st marys falls. St Marys is a moderate hike around 6.5 miles and 1394 feet of…read moreelevation gain. The main road to the falls parking lot is closed and you have to take gold camp road over. This is around 3 miles of dirt. Its narrow with some pot holes and also 2 tunnels you will need to go through. A lot of the road is very narrow and really only wide enough for just one car. So be prepared for a little bit of a hairy ride. it will be the 2nd parking lot on your right. There is a fairly large parking lot, however it fills up quickly especially on a weekend. If you want to do this you will want to arrive sooner rather than later. Dogs are allowed but are supposed to be on a leash. The parking lot for saint marys is the same as for some other trails over there, seven bridges and silver cascades being 2 of them. You will have to walk around 1 1/4 miles up a dirt road until you get to the trailhead. The trail follows a creek most of the trail. It is rocky and at times a little slick with the loose rock. It is beautiful, surrounded by forest. It was very magical and lovely. it felt so nice to be out in the woods. Mountain bikes and motorcycles are also allowed to use this trail. We did not see any motorcycles but there were a few mountain bikers. And they dont necessarily signal so well beware. There is a trash can at the trail head. Be sure to PACK out what you pack in! My friend and i were picking up garbage that people had left along the trail :( There is no reason to leave your garbage. Please take it with you.

Inadvertently found this trail while looking for a different place to hike with the pup, who is…read moreyoung and just learning how to be a good off leash hiking dog. I'm not 100% certain, but I think that you are allowed to take your dogs off leash on this trail. I certainly never saw any signs stating otherwise and out of maybe 10 dogs we saw, half were on leash and a half off. It was a beautiful hike however we were not prepared and did not have water or maybe a hiking stick for me, at least. The beginning part of the trail is a wide open fire lane, but once you get back there it's a trail with a gradual uphill climb the entire way that turns even steeper towards the end. I was definitely asking "how much longer" for the last half-hour and really regretting that I didn't have water with me as my sensitive back started to ache. On our way down as we passed other hikers, they were asking the same question about "how much longer". The gradual uphill climb the entire way can be a little much if you're not prepared for it and the journey back down to the car is much quicker since it's basically downhill the whole way. Took half the time to get down than it did to get up. The waterfall and stream were beautiful and soothing. Walking with shady tree cover much of the way and a stream next to us was a plus for the pup to get his first experience of playing in a stream. The pup definitely enjoyed himself most of all. We took this hike in early June and on our way back we got hit with a rainstorm that dropped the temperature about 20° and we were freezing and poured on by the time we got back to the car, so be prepared when coming here in the summertime!

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!

The trail has been kind of washed away, but if you push beyond that the interior of the cañon is…read morebreath taking. The best place around this hike is probably the steam that empties a few times along the trail; also, there is a big rock that overlooks the main trail where you can see everything if you can find out how to get to it.

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.

I feel this route needs a solid review from someone who is mathematically, grammatically and…read morealpinistically (I just made that up), "inclined". First of all, this is probably the most beautiful yet somewhat challenging short hike in town. If you want a snapshot of the grandeur awaiting you beyond the I25 corridor (and cell phone range) this is it! Absolutely beautiful. The short: for the average person of moderate or lacking fitness level, it should absolutely be doable. I would say the normal person could knock it out in less than 4 hours (with picture/selfie taking along the way and up top). Decent fitness levels should be up and down in less than 2 hours... Don't bring the cat-dog looking micro mutt as you will either be carrying it or burying it somewhere about the first hour of hiking. There is water throughout the trail so regular dogs should have a blast here. There is an issue with dog poo littering the parking lot and trails (despite free poo bags being offered at trail head... This hike is no joke. Wear proper shoes with decent traction. You can get hurt here! I would bring at least a liter (Nalgene bottle) of water during hot days. Although covered with trees throughout, the sun will beat down on you throughout the hike. I only say this because I passed a family of 5 about half way with no water. As far as short local hikes go, Stanley Canyon gets a Five from me. Awesome!

This hike is not for the faint of heart. It's a pretty steep hike up and coming back down can be…read morevery difficult if you have bad knees or don't have excellent tread on your hiking boots. Scree for days! But it's a beautiful one and a great workout.

Beautiful breathtaking drive! Recommend if height and sheer drop off in both sides is not a…read moreproblem, take your time and enjoy the epic view

This is a great drive narrow one way foad.DO NOT GO if you are afraid of heights…read more As far as hiking it it is steep and rocky lots of cactus . If you stay on the road way watch for car and step off pavement about half way up from entrance you will see dinosaur footprints and fossils in the rocks way cool.take water with you it will be needed

This last weekend I had the opportunity to spend 4 days at Colorado Mountain Man Survival learning…read morethe basics of bush craft. It was an amazing experience and highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be more autonomous out in the woods. Big shout out to owner Jason Marsteiner for the instruction and general entertainment. He made the experience very enjoyable.

I've done a number of survival courses over the past 30 years, but wanted to share it with my wife…read moreto allow her to feel more comfortable in the Colorado Mountains. After researching and seeing all of the great reviews, I signed us both up and could not have been happier. We both gained new skills and are both better equipped to handle whatever the mountains can throw at us thanks to Jason and his team of extremely professional and knowledgeable instructors.

Seven Falls was absolutely, positively beautiful in every way. Words can't even describe it, but…read morehopefully these photos can convince you. Seven Falls started out with a semi-short shuttle ride to the actual scenery. From there, it just got more amazing. I understand how the steps could be strenuous for many, and it definitely wasn't easy, but a little stop to catch your breath is provided about midway through. I saw a couple people who didn't feel up to finishing the steps stopping at the rest point, taking some photos, and coming back down. The views were still stunning from that height. Heck, they're stunning from any height or viewpoint. There was also a little shop with delicious popsicles located before the steps. Clean bathrooms along the way as well. It all just seemed very well-thought-out. This was also partially due to the employees, who were all very helpful and pleasant. To put it simply, Seven Falls has it all-it's beautiful, clean, and unique. Amazing in every aspect, stunning from every angle. I felt immersed in the mountainscape from the first step out of that shuttle.

A great focal point of the western United States. When in Colorado Springs, Seven Falls is a stop…read morenot to be overlooked equal in majesty to Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods. Immense is the intrigue created by the rushing water that has carved out this wonderful box canyon seemingly since the beginning of time. While referred to as the grandest mile of scenery in Colorado - with the road, walkways and trails above the falls you can easily log a full day's worth of hiking miles. When you're ready for a break, the rainbow trout at 1858 is better than any comparable dish you'll find in Aspen or Vail. As one of the great outdoor experiences in Colorado, Seven Falls is sure to awe and inspire the senses AND the tastebuds.

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

Beautiful spot to chill and relax after you survive the gravel road to get there. Rustic…read moreaccommodations. Wildlife abounds and is so used to people they get very close.

Sad to hear that Thomas no longer enjoys this place but everyone I've spoken to (all long times…read more10/20 year members) are lifers. The ethos behind this place is respect & preservation. "Naturalism" (aka nudism) was one of the founders aims & it's common to see folks not only speaking, but hiking up the trails au natural. And the trails are amazing, as are the views, the springs, the Astronomy pad, the very kind staff, & the wildlife viewing. Along with the keeping it natural vibe, is the dedication to keeping it affordable & family friendly. Cabins & bunk house with shared no frills bathrooms & showers, a well equipped camper kitchen & VERY affordable rates are all part of this effort. Personally, I appreciate the rules & the emphasis on everyone being responsible for making this a comfortable, safe & welcome space for all. Anytime I'm in the neighborhood, I'll be back. Check the website for details on accommodation, fees, pets, etc...