Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a free municipal preserve at 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, on the city’s west side between Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. Acquired by Colorado Springs in 2003, this former quarry landscape combines tilted red sandstone walls, wooded gullies, open grassland, and trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Travelers come for close-up geology, historic stonecutting scars, and views toward Pikes Peak without leaving the urban edge.
What to Expect at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
The roughly 1,474-acre open space protects outcrops of the Fountain Formation, sedimentary rock deposited around 300 million years ago and later tilted during mountain building. Unlike the sculptural towers of nearby Garden of the Gods, much of the drama here comes from parallel sandstone ridges and narrow valleys. Nineteenth-century quarrying left sharply squared walls, extraction grooves, and steps cut into the stone. Follow Red Rock Canyon Trail toward Quarry Pass Trail to see the contrast between natural erosion and industrial cuts; the quarry steps require careful footing.
The wider connected trail network offers more than 40 miles of routes. Start with the lower canyon trails for a manageable introduction, then add Mesa Trail for broader views or the Contemplative Trail for a quieter walking experience. Trail designations matter: some routes are pedestrian-only, while others accommodate bicycles and horses. Small ponds near the lower canyon provide a change from the dry slopes, and scrub oak, yucca, grasses, and scattered conifers shape the landscape. This is an outdoor recreation area, not a landscaped garden with irrigated lawns or formal flowerbeds.
- Historic quarry walls: Geometric cuts reveal how sandstone blocks were removed for building projects.
- Quarry Pass Trail: Stone steps climb through the quarry landscape, adding history and elevation to a walk.
- Mesa Trail: Higher, open terrain provides expansive views across the sandstone ridges toward the mountains.
- Contemplative Trail: A pedestrian-focused route offers a slower alternative to the shared-use corridors.
- Designated dog loops: Marked off-leash areas near the entrance complement the wider network, where dogs must remain leashed.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 |
| Neighborhood / Area | West Colorado Springs, between Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs |
| Operating Hours | Daily, May–October: 5 a.m.–11 p.m.; November–April: 5 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free admission and trailhead parking; $ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Mountain Metro Route 3 along Colorado Avenue; free surface parking at the main entrance off Ridge Road, south of US 24 |
| Official Website & Phone | Friends of Red Rock Canyon; +1 719-385-5940 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early on weekends for parking and cooler walking conditions. Summer afternoons can bring lightning; turn back before storms reach exposed ridges. Spring thaw and rain soften the trails, so avoid muddy sections rather than widening them by walking around puddles. Autumn brings gold scrub-oak foliage, while winter shade can conceal ice. Carry drinking water, sun protection, and a downloaded trail map. Ordinary trail visits need no reservation; technical rock climbing requires the city’s free climbing registration and appropriate equipment. Trails are not illuminated, so finish before dark.
Drivers enter from Ridge Road just south of US 24. Route 3 stops along Colorado Avenue offer a walking approach; use designated crossings around the highway rather than shortcuts. Lower trails include broad, unpaved sections, but loose gravel, slopes, and quarry stairs limit wheelchair and stroller routes; choose a short out-and-back rather than Quarry Pass. Trailhead restrooms and picnic facilities make useful stopping points. For nearby pairings, walk north toward West Colorado Avenue’s restaurants or the Fountain Creek corridor, roughly 10–15 minutes from the entrance depending on your crossing and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when is the best time to visit?
The preserve opens daily at 5 a.m., closing at 11 p.m. May–October and 9 p.m. November–April. Early morning offers cooler summer temperatures and easier parking; winter visitors should prioritize daylight and watch for ice.
Is admission free, and do I need reservations?
Admission and trailhead parking are free, and ordinary hiking requires no reservation. Climbers must complete the city’s free registration before technical climbing; consult the Colorado Springs municipal website for requirements.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1.5–3 hours for a lower-canyon walk with quarry stops and photographs. Longer mesa routes or connections into adjoining open spaces can fill half a day.
Is it suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
Families can choose shorter lower-canyon outings, keeping children away from quarry edges and climbing walls. Unpaved surfaces and changing gradients require route-specific judgment for wheelchairs; a rugged stroller is more practical than a small-wheeled model.
When planning your Colorado Springs travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Colorado Springs, pair this stop with standout local spots including Strawberry Fields, Shuga's, The Mining Exchange, and Garden of the Gods (2.3 km away).
