HIKING
HIKING
Red Rock Canyon Open Space features a “choose-your-own-adventure” style trail system, where it’s easy to mix and match routes depending on your time, energy, and interest. Rather than a single set route, the system encourages exploration, with options that range from short, easy strolls to longer, more challenging hikes across mesas, canyons, and ridgelines. Along the way, hikers encounter a mix of historic quarry features, open meadows, and expansive views of the surrounding Front Range landscape.
Hikes here typically combine a variety of environments in a single outing—shaded canyon sections, open mesa tops, and exposed ridge trails with wide panoramic views. Because the terrain is shared with mountain bikers and equestrians, visitors should stay aware of other users and remain on designated routes. With limited shade and strong sun exposure throughout much of the park, carrying water and planning for weather conditions is essential. For those looking to extend their hike, the trail system also connects to larger regional networks beyond the park boundaries.
For specific trail information click HERE.
RUNNING
RUNNING
Running at Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers a scenic and often less-crowded alternative to nearby Garden of the Gods. With more than 40 miles of interconnected natural-surface trails, runners can explore rust-colored sandstone ridges, historic quarry canyons, open mesas, and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. The flexible trail network makes it easy to create routes of varying distances and difficulty, from gradual rolling loops to more challenging climbs along the hogbacks and ridge trails.
Popular running routes include the Classic Loop along Hogback and Mesa Trails, the Quarry Loop through the historic quarry area, and the Scenic View Loop featuring the Contemplative Trail, a quieter hiker-and-runner-only route closed to mountain bikes. Most trails consist of packed dirt and decomposed granite, though some ridge sections can be steeper and more rugged. Because much of the park is exposed with limited shade, runners are encouraged to bring water, wear sun protection, and take advantage of cooler morning hours, especially during summer. After rain or snowmelt, visitors are asked to travel directly through muddy sections to help prevent trail widening and protect surrounding vegetation.
Click HERE for trails recommended by runners.
BIKING
BIKING
Red Rock Canyon is a mecca for mountain bikers with miles of both roads and singletrack as well as a free-ride stunt park. All trails, with the exception of the Contemplative Trail, are multi-use, bi-directional and allow biking. Please note: E-bikes are not allowed in Red Rock Canyon Open Space. For more information on e-bikes in RRC please refer to this blog post E-bike Policy.
The dedicated, free ride skills practice area is located near the main parking lot. This area includes dirt jump lines, ladder bridges, and other technical features suitable for various skill levels. Specifically designed for technical skill progression, it provides a controlled environment to practice maneuvers before taking them to the more rugged back-country trails.
The park was developed with a focus on safe skill development, offering several levels of "beginner" stunts that allow you to progress to more difficult obstacles. Beyond the central skills area, there are integrated "bike-only" sections and directional trails to practice what you have learned.
Click below for a mountain bike specific trail map.
CLIMBING
CLIMBING
Red Rock Canyon offers a wide range of climbing opportunities, with more than 85 established routes ranging from 4th Class scrambling to advanced 5.13 climbs. A climbing guide for the area is available for purchase at Mountain Chalet and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
To help protect the park’s natural resources and ensure a safe climbing experience, climbers are required to apply for an annual permit before climbing. Climbing is permitted only on established routes, and any proposed new routes must be reviewed and approved through the park’s climbing management process before development.
The management of climbing in Red Rock Canyon reflects a collaborative approach to balancing recreation with conservation in Colorado Springs parks. Feedback from the climbing community is encouraged, and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services welcomes comments on how the system is working and where improvements may be needed.
For more information contact: Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance
To apply for an annual climbing permit click here: Permit Applications
View established routes here: View Routes
DOGS
DOGS
Dogs are welcome at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, making it a favorite destination for visitors exploring the park with their pets. The park features both designated off-leash areas and miles of scenic on-leash trails winding through red rock formations, open meadows, and canyon terrain. The Upper and Lower Dog Loops lead to fenced, off-leash dog parks, giving dogs space to run and explore while enjoying the open mesa landscape. The Lower Dog Loop is a shorter route closer to the main parking area and nearby roads, while the Upper Dog Loop offers a quieter experience and is often preferred by visitors seeking a more peaceful setting.
Outside of the designated dog parks, dogs must remain leashed on all trails, parking areas, and along the Mesa Trail access in accordance with Colorado Springs city regulations. Visitors are asked to clean up after their pets and dispose of waste properly to help protect the park’s ecosystems and shared trail experience. Because shade and water are limited throughout much of the park, especially during warmer months, visitors should bring water for both themselves and their dogs and be mindful of heat, wildlife, and changing trail conditions.
For directions to the off-leash dog parks click HERE.
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is one of the premier photography destinations in the Colorado Springs area, offering dramatic red sandstone formations, rugged hogback ridges, historic quarry landscapes, and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. The park provides a wide variety of scenery for landscape, wildlife, nature, and portrait photography. It is frequently less crowded than other area attractions giving more opportunity for dramatic, uncluttered, landscape scenes. Popular locations throughout the park include the Quarry Pass area with its striking rock cuts and narrow canyon walls, elevated overlooks along Mesa and Greenlee Trails, the layered ridges of the Dakota Hogback, and the small ponds and reservoirs that reflect the surrounding cliffs and sky.
Photography conditions change dramatically throughout the day and across seasons, making the park rewarding to visit year-round. Sunrise and sunset are especially popular, as the low-angle light intensifies the deep red tones created by iron oxide in the sandstone formations. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and green grasses that contrast beautifully against the red rocks, while winter occasionally dusts the canyon with snow, creating striking color and texture contrasts. Wide-angle lenses work especially well for capturing the expansive landscapes and towering formations, while telephoto lenses are useful for isolating distant details, wildlife, and layered mountain views.
PICNIC
PICNIC
The ADA-accessible family picnic area is conveniently located just off the eastern most parking lot, making it an easy and comfortable option for visitors of all mobility levels. Its location avoids the steeper terrain found deeper within the canyon and provides direct access to the park’s primary ADA-accessible route, the Red Rock Canyon Trail. This wide, well-packed gravel trail features gentle grades suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors looking for an easier walking route. For more information about this trail click HERE.
Accessible van parking spaces and ADA-accessible portable restrooms are located nearby at the same lower trailhead area, helping keep the experience convenient and largely on flat ground.
Additional picnic areas can also be found throughout the park, including near the Main Entrance along Ridge Road, around the East Parking Lot near the quarry ponds, and scattered along the lower trail system for easy access during hikes and outings.
RIDING
RIDING
Horseback riding is a popular activity in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, where riders can explore more than 40 miles of scenic multi-use trails shared with hikers and cyclists. The park’s dramatic red rock ridges, canyon corridors, open meadows, and mesa-top overlooks provide a uniquely Colorado riding experience with views that range from towering sandstone formations to distant mountain landscapes. Trail difficulty varies from easy to moderate, offering options for both casual rides and more adventurous outings across sandy, rocky, and occasionally steep terrain.
Popular equestrian routes include the Mesa/Greenlee Trail Loop, Quarry Trail, and Sand Canyon Trail, with additional connections to the Intemann Trail and Section 16 Trail system. Horse trailer parking is available at the 31st Street trailhead, the park’s designated oversized vehicle lot. Riders are encouraged to remain aware of other trail users, particularly mountain bikers, and to help preserve the shared trail experience by keeping horses under control and staying on designated routes. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is open from dawn to dusk, and no permit is required for general horseback riding. Please bring adequate water for both riders and horses, as there are no water sources available within the park.
For directions to the 31st Street Trailhead, click HERE.
GLIDING
GLIDING
For a different perspective, paragliding offers a unique way to experience Red Rock Canyon Open Space from above. Launches take place from the eastern point of Palmer Red Rock Trail, where pilots can take in sweeping views of the canyon, surrounding foothills, and Pikes Peak.
The launch site is maintained in partnership with Pikes Peak Paragliding LLC, the local organization that helps oversee site access, safety, and pilot education. For information about site introductions, pilot requirements, tandem flights, lessons, or instructional programs, visitors can contact the organization directly through their website.