Hiking in Colorado Springs, CO

The 12-mile Comanche-Venable Loop affords hikers stunning views along its somewhat strenuous, yet highly worthwhile, journey through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The 6.5-mile trail to this above treeline basin is a somewhat steep route that yields really interesting sandstone rock formations at the top as well as amazing views of the surrounding area.

A nearby wilderness area that feels like it's a million miles away from civilization.

Horsethief Park is a very scenic area with expansive views, interesting geological formations, and easy four-season access.

The 13-mile one-way hike to Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail is a scenic route that is one of the easier 14,000-foot hikes in Colorado, but it's still exposed to potentially dangerous weather and features quite a bit of mileage and elevation gain.

Castlewood Canyon State Park offers a really diverse and engaging Natural Area in which to play. Good hiking trails and climbing routes abound in this park.

The culmination of decades of work by trail advocates, Ring the Peak is really a collection of trails, four-wheel-drive roads and small sections of paved roads that circumnavigate Pikes Peak, the 14,115-foot mountain that rises from the foothills near Colorado Springs.

Aiken Canyon is a peaceful place where the prairie meets the foothills, and it's perfect for hikers, trail runners, and birders.

This short, although slightly steep trail, is a popular route that leads hikers and trail runners to a historic fire tower with 360-degree views.

The two main trails in the Catamount Ranch Open Space weave their way through wonderfully scented and scenic pine forests with great views along the way.

All the best parts of the Pike National Forest can be found on the Rainbow Gulch Trail, which is decorated with tangles of wild columbine and iris in the summer and the sparkle of aspen leaves golden in the fall. This wide path is perfect for hiking and is also popular for mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Fossil Beds is full of classic Colorado scenery and rich natural history.

This wonderful hiking area offers an Eden-like experience right in the Colorado Springs area.

The 5-mile Crags Trail features cool aspen forests, pancake-like granite formations, and sweeping views.

The 2-mile route up Mountain Cutler is a worthwhile hiking destination for anyone looking for a somewhat easy, family-friendly hike.