LOCATION:
On Highway 24 just before Manitou
TRIP TIME:
1-3 hours (depends on route)
DISTANCE:
1-5 miles (depends on route)
ELEVATION:
Start- 6,150 ft
Top 6,700 ft
RATING:
Scenery- 9
Crowds- 8 (10 is packed)
Difficulty- 3
My Overall- 7
WHAT TO BRING:
-Water bottle
-Running shoes/ light hikers
-Cell Phone
-You might want a rain coat
RED ROCK CANYON
RESOURCES:
RED ROCK CANYON
THE HIKE:
Once the home of an ore mill, a rock quarry, and a landfill, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is now a local favorite. In a way, it’s like Garden of the Gods’ little brother—less popular, but arguably cooler.
ROUTES:
There’s no shortage of trails in Red Rock Canyon. And each one is worth hiking. That being said, I can’t pick one and tell you to ignore the rest. Instead, I think it’s best to explore. Get on one trail, and when you come to its end, hop on a different one.
When you get tired or have to go back to the real world, find a trail that goes downhill. They all lead back to the car at some point.
GOOD TO KNOW:
-Weekends can be busy. I think the tourists in Garden of the Gods push the locals out. And the locals all go to Red Rock Canyon.
-On the East side of the park, just off 31st, there’s an another parking area. This access point is less busy and easier to get out of.
-There are two little pond-ish reservoirs in Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Both are great for dogs in need of a swim. But don’t bring your suit. I promise you won’t need a swim that bad.
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