Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Eastern Plains Travel Guide

4.8 (6563)

Explore stunning red rock formations, hike scenic trails, and discover the rich history of Colorado Springs' Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

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Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space, located in Colorado Springs, is a 1,474-acre park featuring stunning red rock formations, miles of trails, and a rich history dating back to 7000 B.C.. It offers a diverse landscape for hiking, biking, climbing, and exploring former industrial sites reclaimed as natural areas.

A brief summary to Red Rock Canyon Open Space

3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80904, US
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Monday 5 am-11 pm
Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
Thursday 5 am-11 pm
Friday 5 am-11 pm
Saturday 5 am-11 pm
Sunday 5 am-11 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Bring plenty of water, especially during summer, as the trails can be dry and exposed.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven and rocky terrain.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly.
Register at the Garden of the Gods visitor center if you plan to do any technical rock climbing.
Be aware of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions and bears, and take necessary precautions.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Mountain National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

Explore Red Rock Canyon Open Space on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Red Rock Canyon Open Space, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From downtown Colorado Springs, take US-24 W towards Manitou Springs. Turn left onto Ridge Road, after the 31st Street light. Enter the roundabout and take the second exit onto W. High Street. The two parking areas for Red Rock Canyon Open Space will be on the right. Parking is free. Expect heavier traffic and limited spaces on weekends and holidays.
Public Transport

Mountain Metro Transit Route 3 provides service to the area [https://coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro-transit/page/route-3?mlid=741]. From downtown Colorado Springs, take Route 3 towards Manitou Springs. Get off at the stop closest to Red Rock Canyon Open Space on Highway 24. From there, walk south on Ridge Road to the park entrance. A one-way fare is $1.75 [https://coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro-transit/page/fares-passes?mlid=746]. Be aware that the bus stop is located on a busy highway, so exercise caution when walking to the park entrance.
Walking

If you are in Manitou Springs, you can walk to Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Head east on US-24. Turn right onto Ridge Road and follow it south to the park entrance. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take about 30 minutes. Be aware that you will be walking along a busy highway with limited pedestrian infrastructure, so exercise caution.

Discover more about Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a 1,474-acre park in Colorado Springs, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park's stunning red rock formations are part of the Fountain Formation, the same sandstone rocks that create the iconic Garden of the Gods. These parallel ridges and eroded canyons, known as hogbacks, offer a dramatic landscape for outdoor adventures.Red Rock Canyon's history stretches back to 7000 B.C., with evidence of early settlements by American Indian tribes like the Jicarilla Apache and the Utes. In the late 1800s, the area became a hub for quarrying, providing building materials for nearby communities. The Kenmuir Quarry, once operating seven days a week, supplied Lyons sandstone for various construction projects. The Colorado-Philadelphia Company Mill refined ore shipped from Cripple Creek gold mines and was the largest of its kind in the U.S. until the early 1900s.In the 1920s and 1930s, John George Bock purchased the land, and his family envisioned a resort community. However, only a few residences, mobile home sites, a landfill, and gravel quarries were built. In 2003, the City of Colorado Springs acquired the property, transforming it into a public open space. Today, Red Rock Canyon Open Space features over 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It also includes specialized areas like a dog park and a bike park. Technical climbers can register at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center.