COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we play and travel. If you’re anything like me, you might have found yourself very thankful over the last few months that hiking is an inherently socially distant pastime.

While I’m sure we will be able to travel again internationally, in the meantime perhaps one of the best things we can do to help our economy is to go on trips in the country.

The Pikes Peak Region is situated where the Great Plains meet the Rockies in the heart of Colorado. The area boasts incredible natural landmarks like Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, Garden of the Gods Park and the Royal Gorge.

Located on the Front Range, Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region make for a perfect destination for outdoor adventure like hiking, zip lining, snowshoeing, horseback riding, white water rafting, cycling and mountain biking.

People come from around the world to visit Colorado Springs and experience the great outdoors. With its own airport and its proximity to Denver, Colorado Springs is a convenient location to escape to the outdoors. The wide-open spaces allow travelers plenty of options to get out and spread out and experience a vast array of adventure.

Colorado Springs makes hiking and outdoor adventure accessible to those of all ages and abilities. There are parks like Garden of the Gods Park and Red Rock Canyon Open Space that offer easier trails for novices. On the other hand, there are challenges like summiting the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak or the Manitou Incline, which boasts 2,000 feet in elevation gain with an average grade of 45 percent.

Where to Hike in Colorado?

Hiking the Manitou Incline

The Manitou Incline isn’t for the faint of heart. People come from all around the world to tackle this beast of a hike. It’s one of the most unique and challenging trails in the country, attracting runners, military, Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hiking enthusiasts from all around. If you’re looking for a tough workout with beautiful views, this is the perfect hike.

1 mile > Duration ranges from about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on ability

The Incline is surrounded by the rolling hills and mountains of Manitou Springs. On the way up, you’ll be able to turn and look out at Colorado Springs in the distance.

No special equipment or permits are needed, but free reservations must be made at this time to ensure proper distancing on the popular trail. Reservations can be made at: https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/manitou-incline

How to Get There

From I-25 in Colorado Springs, take exit #141 (US 24), go west (toward mountains) on US 24 for four miles to Manitou Avenue exit. Go west on Manitou Avenue one and one-half miles to Ruxton Avenue (traffic circle). Turn left and go to the top of Ruxton Avenue, three-quarters of a mile. You will come to the Cog Railway Depot. However, do not park in the Cog Railway parking lot. Go past the Cog parking lot and park at the Barr Trail Lot. There is also free parking at the Hiawatha Gardens building, 10 Old Man’s Trail with free shuttle service to the Incline. The City of Manitou Springs generously funds this service so please take advantage of it, unless of course, you’d like that extra couple of miles jogging up and back.

Mt. Muscoco Hiking

Mt. Muscoco is one of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in Colorado Springs located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. The beginning of the trail is shared with Mt. Cutler, a shorter, more popular hike. Often, people never take the right turn to head up Mt. Muscoco. It starts off steep as you gain elevation, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views the entire way up with great locations for photo opps at the summit.

Incredible lookouts at the summit and great place to rest and reset with tree covering at the mid-point.

If hiking in the winter months, be aware of ice and snow. Pack microspikes for the steep parts of the trail.

4 miles > 1.5-3 hours

How to Get There

Driving south on I-25 take exit 140 Tejon street to W Cheyenne Blvd. Follow it all the way until you reach the Starsmore Discovery Center where you keep right to enter the canyon. Trailhead parking for Muscoco Mountain and Mt.Cutler is on the left side after 1.5 miles.

Looking for more ideas for hiking in Colorado? Check out my video for backpacking Rocky Mountain National Park!