Red Rock Canyon
4.8(7.1K)google
4.7(159)yelp
FreeHikingOutdoorRock FormationScenic Lookout
Overview
Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs is a spectacular 1,474-acre wilderness park featuring a series of dramatic, deep-red sandstone ridges and geological formations shaped over millions of years. Once an active stone quarry in the late 19th century, the site has been beautifully reclaimed as a paradise for outdoor recreation. Hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers can explore miles of scenic unpaved trails winding through old quarry walls, offering exceptional panoramic views of Pikes Peak, lush canyon meadows, and local wildlife.
Practical Info
Every day5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeSpring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) deliver the coolest hiking climates. Aim for before 8:00 AM or after 5:30 PM to catch the long sunbeams defining the old red sandstone quarry walls, and to shield yourself from the complete lack of shade on the exposed trails during midday.
Getting ThereExtremely accessible open space. Drive west from downtown Colorado Springs on US-24 W for roughly 4 miles. Turn left into the dedicated entrance lane signed for Red Rock Canyon Open Space (just before Ridge Road) to pull into the large, unpaved gravel complimentary parking loops.
Travel Tips
- The core Main and Secondary gravel staging loops at Red Rock Canyon Open Space become fully saturated between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on spring/summer weekends. Parallel parking along the high-speed US-24 corridor is strictly illegal; if primary loops hit capacity, you must deflect immediately into the Ridge Trailhead overflow overflow lot.
- The historical open space is prime prairie rattlesnake nesting habitat. Hikers must remain strictly centered on engineered multi-use alignments; stepping into high grasses, scrambling un-designated boulders, or exploring old vertical quarry seams is highly illegal. Cellular connectivity inside deep cuts is severely degraded.
Photo Tips
Best LightDocumenting the severe quarry micro-cliffs along Canyon Trail requires targeting the late-afternoon golden hour between 4:00 PM and sunset, when flat lighting ignites the exposed formations. Morning tracking places the high-wall stone arrays into full cast shadows, neutralizing all defining rock details.
Reviews
Positive
- It features gorgeous red sandstone layers similar to Garden of the Gods but without the massive tour crowds and traffic.
- The interconnected trail system is dog-friendly and a local favorite for running and mountain biking, full of authentic vibes.
- It preserves historic old quarry sites where you can see hand-carved stone blocks, adding a cool historical element to the hike.
- The parking lot is completely free and spacious, and a clear map at the trailhead helps you easily customize your route.
Heads up
- As an open open-space preserve, there is virtually zero shade trees, making hikes punishingly hot under the summer sun.
- Restrooms are sparse and limited to portable toilets at the entrance; there are no facilities or water stations along the inner trails.
- Trails are shared by hikers, fast mountain bikes, and horses; cyclists speeding around blind corners require you to be alert.
- Some unpaved dirt trails get incredibly muddy and slippery after heavy rain, with occasional pooling blocking paths without warning signs.