Backpacking/Camping in Colorado Springs, CO

The Denny Creek Trail offers majestic views of the Collegiate Peaks. The trail ends at Lake Hartenstein, where a few isolated campsites render the idyllic camping environment.

A standout in the Colorado state parks system, Mueller offers spacious campsites to suit a variety of camping needs - some have electrical hookups, and others are strictly walk-in.

Aside from the Colorado Trail, this is the longest trail in the Pike National Forest, coming in at 38-miles one-way. If done in full, it can be an excellent weekend backpacking trip, but there are also lots of access points to tailor a shorter, more custom-made hike.

Eleven Mile State Park has a little bit of everything: a massive reservoir with great fishing and paddling, wide-open spaces for camping, and granite domes in the nearby canyon for climbing.

Just off the winding Tarry all Road northwest of Colorado Springs, Spruce Grove borders the Lost Creek Wilderness, with campsites tucked in between outcroppings of the signature Pikes Peak granite knobs and slabs.

Lost Creek Wilderness features 130-miles of trails and TONS of outdoor recreation opportunities.

A local's favorite with creekside sites or secluded primitive spots in the backcountry.