Manitou Springs Hiking Trails
Hiking is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery at this quaint mountain town nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak.
The difficult Manitou Incline and Barr Trail are tough workouts and great ways to take in the refreshing mountain air and achieve a great sense of accomplishment, while more approachable routes offer more casual — yet still incredibly scenic — hikes.
Top Hiking Trails in Manitou Springs
1. Manitou Incline
Difficulty: Challenging
One of the region's most well-known hiking trails, the Manitou Incline is located in west Manitou Springs and is a difficult hike up what used to be cable car ties. With a gain of almost 2,000 feet of elevation in about one mile, this hiking trail is one tough workout.
2. Barr Trail to Pikes Peak
Difficulty: Challenging
The Barr Trail is a 12+ mile (one-way) hike gaining 7,800 vertical feet from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain. The trail is home to the annual Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent events and is dog- and bike-friendly.
3. Catamount Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Catamount Trail is a pet-friendly route located west of Manitou Springs off Highway 24 in a town called Green Mountain Falls. It's a six-mile round-trip hike that is moderately difficult but includes a waterfall.
4. Garden of the Gods Park
Difficulty: Easy
Surround yourself with awe-inspiring red rock formations as you navigate the approachable hiking, biking and horseback trails that weave through Garden of the Gods Park, located just a short drive — or hike — from Manitou Springs.
5. Heizer Trail
Difficulty: Challenging
One of the region's oldest trails, the Heizer Trail is also one of the hidden gems of hiking around Colorado Springs. Clocking in at just over 6 miles out-and-back, the steep trail climbs Cascade Mountain, gaining 2,000 feet of elevation and rewarding who conquer it with incredible 360-degree views.
6. Intemann Trail
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
The 5-mile Paul Intemann Memorial Nature Trail serves as the trail connection between Manitou Springs and the trails of Colorado Springs. Hikers can enjoy gorgeous views of Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods Park and the Red Rock Canyon Open Space during their journey.
7. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Located between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, this 1,474-acre park offers 11 different marked trails — and dozens of unmarked routes — for a variety of skill levels. Trails range from just under a mile in length to longer, 5-mile-or-longer loops. Enjoy views of Garden of the Gods Park and the Open Space's signature red rock ridges.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a quaint mountain town just six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs.
