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Pulpit Rock Park: A Colorado Springs Landmark

Hike to panoramic views at this Colorado Springs landmark; explore trails, spot wildlife, and discover ancient history at Pulpit Rock Park.

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Pulpit Rock Park, nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs, is a 584-acre open space featuring the iconic Pulpit Rock formation. This park offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the city, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains. With archaeological evidence of Native American presence dating back 10,000 years, it's a place of natural beauty and historical significance.

A brief summary to Pulpit Rock Park

  • Monday 5 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-9 pm
  • Friday 5 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as some trails can be challenging.
  • Be aware of wildlife, including snakes, especially during warmer months.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly.
  • There are no restrooms or water fountains, so plan accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Pulpit Rock Park is easily accessible by car from I-25. Take the N Nevada Avenue exit and head east. Follow the road behind Mowers and Motors to find the main parking lot. Parking is free, but the lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. If the main lot is full, street parking or parking at nearby businesses is available.

  • Public Transport

    Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) provides bus service to the vicinity of Pulpit Rock Park. Check the MMT website or Google Maps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the nearest bus stop on N Nevada Avenue, it's a short walk to the park entrance. A single bus fare is $1.75.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off near the park entrance. From downtown Colorado Springs, a ride to Pulpit Rock Park typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on demand and traffic.

Unlock the Best of Pulpit Rock Park

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Discover more about Pulpit Rock Park

Pulpit Rock Park, a prominent landmark in Colorado Springs, is located within the Austin Bluffs Open Space. The park's namesake, Pulpit Rock, is a geological formation estimated to be 66 million years old, part of the Dawson Arkose Formation. The U.S. Forest Service recognizes the open space as a unique landscape due to its distinct rock formations. Archaeological findings suggest human activity in the area dates back 10,000 years, with evidence of early toolmaking by Native Americans. More recently, the stone enclosures surrounding Pulpit Rock are believed to have been used in Ute vision quests. The name "Pulpit Rock" comes from its resemblance to a church pulpit. The park offers a variety of trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The most popular trail is the 1.2-mile Pulpit Rock Summit Trail, providing stunning views from the top. Other trails include the 4.2-mile Pulpit Rock Trail Loop and the longer 8.2-kilometer Pulpit Rock via Pulpit Valley, North Meadow, Rim, and University Loop. Visitors can observe seasonal wildflowers, desert vegetation, and local wildlife such as mule deer, foxes, and various bird species. The climb to the top of Pulpit Rock can be steep and may require some scrambling, so caution is advised. The park is open year-round, but spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit due to potentially unsafe snowy or icy conditions in winter. There are no restrooms, benches, or picnic areas available within the park.

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