Seasonal Trail Guides: Explore Colorado Springs Year-Round
As a teacher, finding time to recharge is essential—and nature is the perfect for that. Whether you're chasing fall colors, spring wildflowers, or winter snow, Colorado Springs offers trails that match every season and skill level. Here's your guide to seasonal hiking adventures.
🍂 Fall Foliage Favorites
Palmer Trail (Section 16)
Location: Bear Creek Cañon Park
Distance: 5.7 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,292 ft
Estimated Time: 3–3.5 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
The Crags Trail
Location: Pike National Forest
Distance: 5 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 830 ft
Estimated Time: 2.5–3 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
Mesa Trail to Red Rock Canyon Loop
Location: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Distance: 3.3 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 518 ft
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
🌸 Spring Blooms and Wildflowers
Mount Muscoco Trail
Location: North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Distance: 3.7 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1,299 ft
Estimated Time: 2–2.5 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trail Loop
Location: Garden of the Gods
Distance: 4 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 439 ft
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon Path Loop
Location: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Distance: 1.8 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 262 ft
Estimated Time: 0.5–1 hour
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
❄️ Winter Snowshoeing Adventures
Black Forest Section 16 Loop
Location: North of Colorado Springs
Distance: 3.9 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 249 ft
Estimated Time: 1–1.5 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
Mueller State Park Trails
Top Picks: Lost Pond Loop, Cheesman Ranch Loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 300–600 ft (varies by trail)
Estimated Time: 1.5–3 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
Beaver Creek Snowshoeing Loop
Location: Pike National Forest
Distance: 3.7 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 433 ft
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
Trail Info [alltrails.com]
🧭 Trail Tips for Teachers
Download maps from AllTrails before heading out.
Pack layers and water—Colorado weather changes fast.
Start early to enjoy quiet mornings and avoid crowds.
Bring poles or spikes for winter hikes.
Whether you're grading papers or planning your next weekend escape, these trails offer a beautiful way to live the teacher life with balance and adventure. Which trail will you try first?
