Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a stunning 1,474-acre park nestled between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. This natural gem offers visitors a chance to explore scenic trails, enjoy breathtaking views, and connect with nature. The park features 11 marked trails ranging from 1.7 to 5.4 miles, catering to hikers of all skill levels.
With its unique red rock formations and diverse landscape, Red Rock Canyon shares similarities with the nearby Garden of the Gods. The park’s sandstone ridges and canyons are part of the same Fountain Formation that makes the Garden of the Gods so famous. Visitors can marvel at the striking rock formations while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding Pikes Peak region.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is open from dawn to dusk year-round, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts in every season. The park welcomes leashed pets on most trails and even has off-leash areas for dogs to roam freely. Cyclists and equestrians can also enjoy many of the trails, adding to the park’s appeal for a wide range of visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers scenic trails and stunning views. Proper planning ensures a safe and enjoyable visit.
Directions and Parking
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is located on the west side of Colorado Springs. To get there, take US-24 west from downtown. Turn left onto Ridge Road, then right onto High Street. The main entrance is at the end of High Street.
The park has two parking lots. The lower lot is near the entrance and has more spaces. The upper lot is closer to some trailheads but fills up quickly on busy days.
Both lots are free and open from dawn to dusk. They have spaces for cars and a few spots for larger vehicles. On weekends and holidays, arrive early to secure a spot.
Visitor Guidelines
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is open daily year-round. There’s no entry fee. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
Stay on marked trails to protect the landscape. Bring water, sunscreen, and proper footwear. The terrain can be rocky and steep in places.
Pack out all trash. No fires or overnight camping are allowed. Bikes are permitted on some trails. Check trail signs for rules.
Be aware of wildlife and changing weather. In summer, start hikes early to avoid afternoon heat. In winter, watch for icy patches on trails.
Trails and Hiking Information
Red Rock Canyon Open Space has many trails for hikers of all skill levels. The park offers great views and diverse terrain for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Overview
Red Rock Canyon Open Space has 11 marked trails. These trails range from 1.7 to 5.4 miles long. The park’s trails go from 6,141 to 6,866 feet above sea level.
Visitors can find trail maps in the parking lots. This helps hikers plan their route before setting out. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year.
Dogs are welcome on most trails. There’s even a special off-leash area for dogs to run free.
Moderate Trails and Hikes
The park has several moderate trails for hikers looking for a bit of a challenge. The Mesa Trail is a popular choice. It offers nice views of the surrounding area.
The Greenlee Trail is another good option for moderate hikers. It connects to other trails in the park, letting hikers create longer routes.
For those wanting a longer hike, the Intemann Trail is a great pick. It links up with trails in nearby parks, making for a full day of hiking.
Red Rock Canyon Trails
Red Rock Canyon has trails that showcase its unique rock formations. The Quarry Pass Trail takes hikers through old quarry sites.
Section 16 is a loop trail that offers great views of Colorado Springs and the mountains. It’s a bit steep in parts but worth the climb for the scenery.
Many trails in the park can be combined for longer hikes. This lets visitors create their own adventure based on their skill level and time.
Bikes and horses are allowed on most trails too. There’s even a free-ride bike park for mountain bikers to enjoy.
Outdoor Activities
Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers many fun outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and a special area for dogs.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
Red Rock Canyon is a top spot for climbing. The park has many sandstone cliffs and boulders. Climbers of all skill levels can find routes they like. There are over 100 climbing routes in the park.
Some popular areas include:
- Sand Canyon: Good for beginners
- Red Rock Canyon: More challenging climbs
- Westbay Wall: Advanced routes
Climbers should bring their own gear. The park does not rent equipment. It’s best to climb with a partner for safety.
Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding
The park has trails for both mountain biking and horseback riding. Bikers can ride on most trails except those marked for hikers only. There are routes for all skill levels.
Popular bike trails include:
- Hogback Valley Loop: 3.5 miles, moderate
- Roundup Trail: 2.3 miles, easy
Horseback riders can use many of the same trails as bikers. The wide paths make it easy for horses to pass. Riders must bring their own horses. There are no rentals in the park.
Off-Leash Dog Area
Dog owners can let their pets run free in a special area. The off-leash zone is 17 acres. It has open fields and some trails. Dogs can play and explore without leashes here.
Rules for the dog area:
- Dogs must be under voice control
- Owners must clean up after their pets
- Aggressive dogs are not allowed
The rest of the park requires dogs to be on leashes. This keeps wildlife and other visitors safe.
Natural Features and Scenic Vistas
Red Rock Canyon Open Space boasts stunning rock formations, diverse plant life, and breathtaking views. Visitors can explore unique geological features, spot local wildlife, and capture amazing photos of the surrounding landscape.
Hogbacks and Geology
The park’s most striking features are its red rock formations. These dramatic hogbacks were formed millions of years ago when layers of sedimentary rock were pushed upward. The rocks are part of the Fountain Formation, which dates back to the Pennsylvanian period.
Visitors can see these formations up close on many of the park’s trails. The rocks range in color from deep red to pink, creating a beautiful contrast against the blue Colorado sky.
The park’s elevation ranges from about 6,000 to 6,800 feet above sea level. This elevation change offers hikers varied terrain and views.
Wildlife and Flora
Red Rock Canyon is home to a variety of plants and animals. Hikers might spot mule deer, foxes, or rabbits on the trails. Bird watchers can look for hawks, falcons, and smaller songbirds.
The park’s plant life is diverse. Visitors will see ponderosa pines, scrub oak, and yucca plants. In spring and summer, wildflowers add splashes of color to the landscape.
Many of the plants and animals in the park have adapted to the semi-arid climate. Look for cacti and other drought-resistant plants along the trails.
Views and Photography Spots
Red Rock Canyon offers stunning views in all directions. From higher points in the park, visitors can see the Garden of the Gods to the north. The red rocks of both parks create a striking scene.
To the west, Pikes Peak dominates the skyline. Its snow-capped peak provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, especially at sunset.
For the best views:
- Climb to the top of Section 16 trail
- Visit the Contemplation Point overlook
- Hike the Mesa Trail for panoramic vistas
Photographers will find endless subjects, from close-ups of rock textures to sweeping landscapes. The changing light throughout the day creates different moods and colors in the park.
Conservation and Community
Red Rock Canyon Open Space benefits from strong community support and volunteer efforts. Local groups work to protect and improve this natural area for future generations.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon
Friends of Red Rock Canyon is a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the open space. They work closely with Colorado Springs parks staff on conservation projects. The group helps maintain trails, removes invasive plants, and educates visitors about the area’s ecology.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon also advocates for protecting the land. They monitor the park’s Conservation Easements, which require non-motorized trails. The group gives tours to teach people about Red Rock Canyon’s unique geology and wildlife.
Volunteering and Stewardship
Volunteers play a big role in caring for Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Local residents and visitors can join trail maintenance days to fix erosion and improve paths. Cleanup events remove litter and keep the park beautiful.
School groups often help with projects like planting native species. Some volunteers become trail hosts, greeting hikers and answering questions. Others help count visitors or monitor wildlife.
These efforts build community pride in Red Rock Canyon. They also save the city money on park upkeep. By pitching in, volunteers ensure this natural treasure stays healthy for years to come.
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