High Point Overlook
High Point Overlook: Garden of the Gods' Crowning Vista
Red Rock Canyon Open Space: A Natural Playground
Explore stunning red rock formations, scenic trails, and historical sites at this expansive Colorado Springs open space.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space, located near Colorado Springs and Manitou 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's a popular destination for hiking, biking, climbing, and enjoying scenic views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Driving
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is located off Highway 24 between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. From I-25, take the Cimarron Street exit west, which turns into Highway 24. Turn left onto Ridge Road after the 31st Street light. The park is on the south side of the street, with parking available past the traffic circle. Parking is free.
Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Red Rock Canyon Open Space, you can take a bus to the Highway 24 and 31st Street intersection and walk approximately one block south on 31st Street to the trailhead. Bus fare is approximately $2.00 - $2.50 [ESTIMATE BASED ON GENERAL TRANSIT FARES].
Ride Share
From downtown Colorado Springs, a ride-share to Red Rock Canyon Open Space will cost approximately $15-25 [ESTIMATE BASED ON GENERAL RIDE SHARE FARES], depending on the time of day and demand. The drop-off location is at one of the parking lots near the main entrance.
Local tips
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Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as the trails can be dry and exposed.
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Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain.
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Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.
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Register at the Garden of the Gods visitor center if you plan to do any technical rock climbing.
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Take a picture of the trail map at the trailhead to help navigate the area.
Discover more about Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers a unique 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 make up the nearby Garden of the Gods. These formations were mined in the late 1800s, providing building materials for Old Colorado City and surrounding communities.
Evidence suggests that the area was settled as early as 7000 B.C., and various American Indian tribes, including the Jicarilla Apache and the Utes, regarded the land as sacred. In later years, the land was used for various industrial purposes, including quarries, gravel pits, and a gold refining mill.
Today, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a popular recreational area with over 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park also features an off-leash dog area, a bike park, and picnic areas. Technical rock climbing is permitted with registration at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. Visitors can enjoy views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range while exploring the canyons and ridges of this beautiful open space.
A brief summary to Red Rock Canyon Open Space
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