Waldo Canyon

Directions:

From Colorado Springs, head west on Cimarron/Highway 24. As you head up Ute Pass, the trailhead is located on the right side of the highway just after one of the many sharp curves, about 2 miles after the traffic light for Cave of the Winds. There is a large parking lot with a fire danger billboard at the far end.

Length:

6.8 miles

Description:

Although it is not exactly a local secret, Waldo Canyon is popular for good reason—it is a beautiful trail that passes through a wide variety of terrain and geological features, and it’s not necessarily crowded if you can hit it on a weekday. Its longer length tends to spread people out so that sometimes, it feels downright secluded.


The trail is in the shape of a “lollipop loop,” with the first mile and a half forming the stem, followed by a three and a half mile loop, then back out the stem for a total of about seven miles. The loop itself climbs a ridge and eventually descends again.  Going clockwise offer a shadier and less steep uphill. As you ascend the ridge, don’t be alarmed if you hear gunfire from the shooting range in the distance.

You’re in for an interesting hike, from the massive quartz outcropping near the beginning of the trail to small creek crossings in the valley to sweeping views of Pikes Peak once you have gained some elevation on the loop. Crops of boulders provide plenty of opportunities for resting and picnicking.

The old signs explaining the geology are often more confusing than informative, but any scientific eye can see that there is quite the story behind the varied types of rock underfoot and the striped layers of the canyon. Expect many interesting sights!