Editor’s Note: The travel experts over at Only In Colorado hand-picked this article for our audience. Their writers and editors explore the country, tracking down hidden gems, local favorites, natural wonders, and so much more. Check out more finds in your area at OnlyInYourState.com.
When it comes to urban hiking, Colorado Springs offers some of the best trails in Colorado that are all within city limits. These trails provide the opportunity to disconnect in nature without wandering too far from home – a great option for those with busy schedules who find it hard to get away. One trail in Colorado Springs leads to a beautiful natural wonder in Colorado that’s just a few miles from the parking lot, and it should be doable for most hikers.
Pulpit Rock is an infamous rock feature that juts out of the landscape in Colorado Springs just north of Downtown. At 6,621 feet in elevation, this conglomeration of sandstone rock features is easily spotted from Interstate 25. It is located within Austin Bluffs Open Space, which comprises 584 acres of pristine natural landscape that has been painstakingly preserved and protected by the community of Colorado Springs.
The historic sandstone rock formations are estimated to be roughly 66 million years old. (Jessica Moore / Only In Your State Contributor)
Truthfully, having hiked and explored this area extensively myself, there are so many trails and paths that lead up to Pulpit Rock that there is no singular correct route to reach these amazing rocks. But for our purposes, this map of the Summit Loop on AllTrails represents what I feel is the easiest route to reach the summit of Pulpit Rock. I'd recommend following the loop clockwise (in other words, branching off to the east, or left, on your way up, then retracing this same path on your way back down), as the western portion of the loop is not very well maintained. For that reason, I recommend that you download AllTrails + so that you can download topographic and other detailed trail map types for offline use.
The trail is just shy of 2 miles in length if you complete the whole loop, it gains about 300 feet of elevation, and it is moderate in difficulty, making it a very doable trail for most hikers, even if your schedule may be more limited. These historic sandstone rock formations are estimated to be roughly 66 million years old, and much effort has been exhausted by the city and the community to preserve them; as such, please refrain from attempting to climb these rocks.
As you meander along the looping trail toward the rocky Pulpit Rock Summit, you'll be fascinated by the hoodoo-like rock formations, and in particular, pay attention to the twisting Juniper and Pine Trees that grow directly out of the rocks, seemingly in defiance of nature itself.
Pulpit Rock offers truly magnificent views of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak. (Jessica Moore / Only In Your State Contributor)
As you traverse around these rocks you may be fascinated, as I was, to learn that people have been inhabiting this area for approximately 10,000 years, as evidenced by archeological discoveries in the area that trace back to the Plains and Ute Indian tribes. Given the high vantage point that offers sprawling 360-degree views of the now-urbanized landscape below, and the opportunities for shelter provided by these rocks, it's not a stretch to envision a time when Native tribes once traversed these lands.
Pulpit Rock offers truly magnificent views of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak. Although its urban setting makes it a popular trail for hikers and cyclists in the summer months, you are still likely to find some peaceful respite in the quiet of nature if you can aim to hike on a weekday morning. I personally love hiking up to Pulpit Rock year-round, but I come prepared with microspikes once wintertime cold sets in, as the trail can get icy.
For more hiking inspiration, I recommend checking out these 11 Best Hiking Trails in Colorado. You'll find that each trail offers something for everyone, and the natural beauty you'll discover is unparalleled.
