Pulpit Rock Park, Pikes Peak Region Travel Guide

4.7 (1162)

Hike to panoramic views at this Colorado Springs landmark, a natural rock formation with trails, wildlife, and ancient history.

Pulpit Rock Park, nestled in 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 a history dating back 10,000 years to Native American settlements, it's a place of natural beauty and historical significance.

A brief summary to Pulpit Rock Park

1005 Garlock Ln, Colorado Springs, Northeast Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80918, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pulpit Rock Park.

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.
Wear sturdy shoes, as some trails are steep and rocky.
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, including snakes, especially in the summer.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change quickly.

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Explore Pulpit Rock Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Pulpit Rock Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Pulpit Rock Park is located off Nevada Avenue, near Interstate 25. From I-25, take the Nevada Avenue exit and head north. Follow the road behind Mowers and Motors to find the parking lot. Parking is free. If the main lot is full, street parking and parking at nearby businesses are available.
Public Transport

Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) provides bus service in Colorado Springs. Check the MMT website or Google Maps for the nearest bus routes and stops to Pulpit Rock Park. A one-way bus fare is $1.75. A day pass costs $4.00. Exact change is required on the bus.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Colorado Springs. From downtown Colorado Springs, a taxi ride to Pulpit Rock Park would be approximately 5 miles and cost around $12. Fares may vary depending on the company and time of day.
Walking

From the University Village Shopping Center, it is possible to walk to Pulpit Rock Park. Head east towards N Nevada Ave, then turn left onto N Nevada Ave. Walk north for approximately 1 mile, then turn right onto Garlock Ln. The park entrance will be on your left. Note that there are no sidewalks for a portion of this walk.

Discover more about Pulpit Rock Park

Pulpit Rock Park, a prominent landmark in Colorado Springs, encompasses 584 acres within the Austin Bluffs Open Space. The park's namesake, Pulpit Rock, is a geological formation of sandstone and mudstone, part of the 66-million-year-old Dawson Arkose Formation. Its white-grey face stands as a testament to the area's ancient geological history.Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the Austin Bluffs area dating back 10,000 years, with artifacts and stone tools discovered on site. More recently, the Ute people are believed to have used stone enclosures around Pulpit Rock for 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 leads to the summit of Pulpit Rock, rewarding visitors with views of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, and the Front Range. Other trails wind through the open space, showcasing wildflowers, native plants, and wildlife such as mule deer, foxes, and various bird species. The park is open year-round, but spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit. Winter conditions can make trails unsafe due to snow and ice.