Three Glorious Autumn Hikes Near Colorado Springs

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”
-Emily Bronte

There’s something about that crisp autumn air that makes it seem like it’s the freshest of the year–and with the trees flaunting their brightly colored leaves, fall is one of the best seasons to venture outside and go for a hike. We’ve narrowed down the three best autumn hikes near Colorado Springs:

Gold Camp Road
(photo courtesy of http://cospringstrails.com)

1. Gold Camp Road – Following the former railroad from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek known as the “Short Line,” as you hike along Gold Camp Road, you can venture back to the past. Imagine a busy railroad, a product of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, ushering passengers along and offering champagne dinners. Click here for directions and more information about this trail.

Seven Bridges Trail to Jones Park
(photo courtesy of http://cospringstrails.com)

2. Seven Bridges Trail to Jones Park – As the name suggests, you will be hiking over seven bridges on this trail. Along the way, you will see gorgeous views of Undine Falls, Cheyenne Canyon, and the city. If you’re feeling up for a longer hike, you can head north to see the remains of Loud’s Cabin.  (Frank Herbert Loud was the head of the department of mathematics in the late 1800s at Colorado College.) For more details and directions to this trail, click here.

Cub Lake
(photo courtesy of KelvinfromKS)

3. Cub Lake – Want to get away? You can make the three-hour drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park and hike to Cub Lake. Be sure to be on the look out for elk, which are prevalent on this hike in the fall. When you reach the lake, you will be able to see Stones Peak in the distance. Click here for more information and directions.

Love hiking? Did you know that Garden of the Gods Club has its own Hiking Club? Please join us on our final hiking adventure of the season on Sunday, October 14, from 12 pm to 5 pm at Pancake Rocks. You will see spectacular views behind Pikes Peak as well as stacks of huge boulders that look just like flapjacks. Click here for more information.