Cottonwood Creek Trail is a major east west urban trail in northern Colorado Springs and a key connector within the city’s trail system. Following Cottonwood Creek, the trail links neighborhoods, parks, and regional trail corridors while providing a smooth and accessible route for everyday recreation and transportation.
Location: Northern Colorado Springs, following Cottonwood Creek from Powers Boulevard to the Pikes Peak Greenway near I 25
Trail Experience
Cottonwood Creek Trail is just over 6 miles long and features a smooth concrete surface throughout. The trail runs east to west along Cottonwood Creek, beginning near Frank Castello Park at Powers Boulevard and continuing west to connect with the Pikes Peak Greenway and Front Range Trail near I 25.
The trail is generally flat with gentle elevation changes, making it accessible for walkers, runners, cyclists, families, and users of mobility devices. The corridor offers a mix of riparian habitat, open space, and neighborhood views, with long straight segments that are well suited for longer outings or commuting. Benches, trail access points, and nearby amenities allow users to easily tailor trips to their preferred distance and pace.
A dirt trail alternative runs between Union Boulevard and Rangewood Drive, providing a more natural surface option and forming a pleasant 3 mile loop with convenient parking at Cottonwood Creek Community Park.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Cottonwood Creek Trail includes one major street crossing at Union Boulevard. Trail users should use the marked crosswalk at Woodland Hills Drive when crossing Union Boulevard. The trail passes alongside Frank Castello Park and includes a spur connection to Dublin Park; however, accessing Dublin Park requires crossing Dublin Boulevard, which currently does not have a designated pedestrian crossing.
Connections
Cottonwood Creek Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway and Front Range Trail just south of the Woodmen Road and Rockrimmon Boulevard area. Multiple neighborhood access points provide easy connections to Cottonwood Creek Community Park, nearby residential areas, and the YMCA. The trail also links to Woodmen Trail and other local trail segments, strengthening north south and east west connectivity across northern Colorado Springs.
Skyline Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Skyline Trail is a neighborhood focused urban trail in northern Colorado Springs that provides an important north south connection through the Briargate area. Often referred to locally as the Powerline Trail due to its alignment with overhead powerlines, Skyline Trail is well used by nearby residents for walking, running, and biking.
Skyline Trail is approximately 2 miles long and features a mix of wide concrete and dirt trail surfaces. South of Research Parkway, the trail is smooth concrete, while the segment north of Research Parkway transitions to a dirt surface. Rolling terrain creates noticeable elevation gain and loss, giving the trail a moderate difficulty rating.
The trail includes several distinctive switchbacks near Mirage Drive that offer views across the surrounding neighborhoods and open spaces. Despite its urban setting, the corridor provides a sense of separation from nearby roads and is popular for short neighborhood outings as well as longer connected trips.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Skyline Trail includes several street crossings and users should proceed with caution at all crosswalks. Major crossings occur at Briargate Boulevard and Research Parkway. When crossing Research Parkway, users should use the signalized intersection at Chapel Hills Drive for improved safety. Trail signage varies by segment, and awareness is recommended when navigating transitions between surfaces.
Connections
Skyline Trail transitions into Woodmen Trail at Briargate Boulevard, allowing users to continue east west through northern Colorado Springs. A spur trail provides access to Rampart Community Park, which includes a disc golf course, sports courts and fields, and a dog park. The trail passes near High Plains Elementary School and offers views of Reflection Pond, which can be accessed via sidewalks on Parliament Drive.
Sidewalk connections along Briargate Parkway allow access to John Venezia Community Park and the Briargate Trail. Multiple neighborhood access points along the route make Skyline Trail easy to reach from surrounding residential areas.
Skyline Trail plays an important role in connecting neighborhoods, parks, and trails across northern Colorado Springs while offering a moderately challenging route with varied terrain and strong local use.
Sinton Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Sinton Trail is a scenic urban trail in central Colorado Springs that follows Douglas Creek and an adjacent drainage canal. The trail offers a peaceful corridor through an otherwise developed area, connecting major trail systems while providing opportunities to experience wildlife, seasonal color, and quiet open space close to the city.
Location: Central Colorado Springs, between Garden of the Gods Road and Mark Dabling Boulevard
Trail Experience
Sinton Trail is approximately 3 miles long and runs northwest to southeast between Garden of the Gods Road and Mark Dabling Boulevard, just north of the Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex. The trail surface is primarily asphalt, with short sections of concrete and gravel. Elevation changes are gradual, with a gentle uphill grade when traveling west.
The trail is well suited for walking, running, and biking and is accessible to a wide range of users. One of the highlights of the trail is its proximity to water and riparian habitat, which supports birdwatching opportunities, particularly near Sinton Pond Open Space. Waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife are commonly observed in this area.
In autumn, mature cottonwoods and other trees along the corridor provide vibrant fall color, making Sinton Trail especially popular during the changing seasons. The combination of water, vegetation, and separation from traffic creates a calm and immersive trail experience.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Sinton Trail includes two at grade street crossings at North Chestnut Road and Holland Park Boulevard. The trail also passes under Centennial Boulevard via a narrow metal tunnel, which requires users to proceed with caution and be aware of oncoming traffic, particularly cyclists.
Connections
Sinton Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway and Templeton Gap Trail, making it an important link within Colorado Springs’ urban trail network. With minimal use of sidewalks and local streets, users can also reach 30th Street to connect with the Foothills Trail and Garden of the Gods Park.
A short dirt path provides access to Sinton Pond Open Space, a 13 acre natural area that offers a quiet detour and additional wildlife viewing opportunities within a densely developed part of the city.
Sinton Trail serves as both a functional connector and a natural refuge, offering year round recreation, seasonal beauty, and access to some of Colorado Springs’ most popular trail corridors.
Shooks Run Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Shooks Run Trail is a central Colorado Springs urban trail that follows Shooks Run Creek through historic neighborhoods, community spaces, and growing arts and garden corridors. The trail provides an easy, accessible route for walking, biking, and everyday recreation while connecting several key trail systems and local destinations.
Location: Central and southeast Colorado Springs, following Shooks Run Creek from Lilac Street to Fountain Boulevard
Trail Experience
Shooks Run Trail is approximately 4 miles long and runs north to south along Shooks Run Creek. The trail begins near Lilac Street and the Rock Island Trail in the north and continues south to Fountain Boulevard and South Shooks Run Park. The paved surface makes for an easy walk or ride, with a slight downhill grade when traveling south.
The trail is well suited for all ages and abilities, with benches and picnic tables placed along the route for rest and gathering. Shooks Run passes through residential areas and community focused spaces, creating a neighborhood oriented experience that blends everyday use with access to nature. Several street crossings occur along the trail, so users should proceed with awareness at intersections. Several parks can be found along or near the trail.
History and Character
One of the defining features of Shooks Run Trail is its connection to Colorado Springs’ early rail history. At the southern end of the trail, users pass through a historic rail underpass built in 1887, a reminder of the city’s industrial and transportation roots. Beyond the underpass, the trail reaches the Concrete Coyote property, owned and stewarded by Concrete Couch, which has become a hub for community creativity and placemaking.
Connections
Shooks Run Trail connects directly to the Rock Island Trail, expanding access to north south travel across the city. Sidewalks and neighborhood streets provide frequent access points along the route, making the trail easy to reach from surrounding homes and businesses.
With limited on street or sidewalk travel, users can connect to the Pikes Peak Greenway, further linking Shooks Run into the broader Front Range trail network. The trail also passes near Pikes Peak Urban Gardens and the Sustain a Center, where the Trails and Open Space Coalition office is located just off the corridor.
Shooks Run Trail plays an important role in connecting neighborhoods, supporting local community spaces, and strengthening the urban trail network in Colorado Springs. It is a trail built for everyday use, local connection, and continued investment in accessible outdoor spaces.
Rock Island Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
The Rock Island Trail in Colorado Springs follows a historic railroad corridor through the heart of the city, providing an easy, accessible east west route that connects neighborhoods, parks, and major trail systems. Built along the former Rock Island Railroad bed, the trail reflects the city’s transportation history while serving modern recreation and commuting needs.
Location: Central Colorado Springs, running east west alongside Constitution Avenue from Weber Street to Powers Boulevard
Trail Experience
The Colorado Springs segment of the Rock Island Trail is approximately 6 miles long. It runs east west from Weber Street to Powers Boulevard, generally paralleling Constitution Avenue. The trail surface is a mix of concrete and asphalt, creating a smooth and accessible experience for walking, biking, and other non motorized uses.
The trail has a gentle grade, with a gradual uphill slope when traveling east. Several at grade street crossings occur along the route, so users should exercise caution at intersections. The corridor passes through residential areas and urban landscapes, offering a practical and well used route for everyday recreation and transportation.
Connections
Rock Island Trail connects directly to the Shooks Run Trail, creating a continuous north south and east west trail link through the city. With limited street or sidewalk travel, users can also connect to the Pikes Peak Greenway, Homestead Trail, and Palmer Park, making this trail an important part of Colorado Springs’ broader urban trail network.
Midland Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
The Midland Trail is a key east west urban corridor in Colorado Springs, following Fountain Creek and the historic Midland rail alignment. The trail provides a smooth, accessible route through the city, connecting downtown destinations, parks, and major trail systems while offering views of the creek and surrounding landscape.
Location: West and central Colorado Springs, paralleling U.S. Highway 24 (Cimarron Street) from America the Beautiful Park to Ridge Road
Trail Experience
The Midland Trail is approximately 8 miles long and runs east west along Fountain Creek. The trail begins near America the Beautiful Park in downtown Colorado Springs and continues west to Ridge Road. The surface is primarily concrete, making it suitable for walking, biking, and other non motorized uses.
The trail features a mild grade, with a gradual downhill slope when traveling east. Several at grade street crossings occur along the route, with pedestrian signals at major crossings including 31st Street and 8th Street. There is a short gap in the trail between 21st Street and 25th Street, where users are directed to use Naegele Road, a lightly traveled roadway.
The corridor blends urban scenery with riparian habitat along Fountain Creek and passes through areas of public art and community investment. An art bench created by Concrete Couch can be found near 17th Street and serves as a unique landmark along the trail.
Connections
Midland Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway, America the Beautiful Park, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. With limited street or sidewalk travel, users can also reach the Foothills Trail, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and the City of Manitou Springs, making the Midland Trail an important link between urban and foothills recreation.
The Midland Trail plays a central role in Colorado Springs’ trail network, providing access to cultural destinations, regional trails, and everyday outdoor recreation along Fountain Creek.
Foothills Trail
The Foothills Trail is a major multiuse pathway on the west side of Colorado Springs, stretching approximately 6.5 miles and connecting multiple neighborhoods and open spaces near Garden of the Gods. Running primarily north to south, the trail parallels Flying W Ranch Road and 30th Street while following an irrigation channel through scenic foothills terrain.
Recreation
The Foothills Trail is popular for walking, running, cycling, and dog walking, offering mostly gentle grades and wide, accessible sections. Its length and connectivity make it ideal for both short outings and longer fitness-focused rides or runs. Many users enjoy the trail for daily exercise, commuting, and sunset walks with mountain views.
Trails and Connections
The trail begins in the north near Oak Valley Ranch Park and continues south along Flying Ranch Road and 30th Street. Near Garden of the Gods, a short spur provides access to the Sinton Trail, while the main route continues south toward additional west-side trail systems. The Foothills Trail also connects to Palmer Mesa Trail, Blodgett Peak Open Space, and nearby neighborhood routes, allowing for extended loops and point-to-point trips.
Wildlife and Scenery
The route passes through grasslands, shrublands, and foothills habitat that support deer, rabbits, hawks, and songbirds. Views of sandstone formations, rolling hills, and Pikes Peak shift with the seasons, making the trail especially popular with photographers and nature enthusiasts. Spring wildflowers and fall colors add to the corridor’s visual appeal.
History
The Foothills Trail was developed as part of Colorado Springs’ effort to link major open spaces along the city’s western edge. By following existing irrigation corridors and foothills terrain, the trail preserves access to scenic landscapes while strengthening regional trail connectivity.
Plan Your Visit
Location: West Colorado Springs, from Oak Valley Ranch Park south past Garden of the Gods along Flying W Ranch Road and 30th Street Parking: Available at Oak Valley Ranch Park, Garden of the Gods, and nearby open space trailheads Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset Fees: Free
Tips: Bring water and sun protection, as shade is limited in some areas. Use caution at road crossings, yield on shared sections, and stay on designated trails to protect sensitive foothills habitat.
The Crews Gulch Trail is about 2.5 miles long. The trail winds through neighborhoods, along a riparian corridor and through Widefield Park. The trail begins in the west at John Ceresa Memorial Park, travels northeast to Widefield Community Park and ends abruptly at Fontaine Blvd. The trail surface is mostly gravel, with some paved areas. There are several neighborhood street crossings.
Connections: Crews Gulch Trail links into Fountain Creek Regional Trail, near Willow Pond #2. There are several neighborhood connections along the trail, providing easy access to Widefield Community Park and Fountain Creek Park & Nature Center.
Future Plans: Once completed the trail will connect Bluestem Prairie Open Space to Fountain Creek Regional Park.
Colorado Front Range Trail – El Paso County, CO
The Colorado Front Range Trail is a long term vision for a continuous multi use trail system that will one day extend from Wyoming to New Mexico, following the Front Range of Colorado for approximately 876 miles. In El Paso County, this vision is already taking shape through a connected network of regional trails that provide important recreation and transportation opportunities across the Pikes Peak region.
Trail Experience
In El Paso County, the Colorado Front Range Trail consists of roughly 43 continuous miles of multi use trail. The surface varies by segment and includes dirt, gravel, asphalt, and concrete. When traveling south, the route generally follows a gradual downhill slope, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
Because the Front Range Trail is made up of multiple existing trails, it is known by different names depending on location.
Trail Segments
New Santa Fe Regional Trail The northernmost segment begins in Palmer Lake, north of Monument, and extends approximately 17 miles south through open landscapes and natural areas. This section is primarily gravel, about six feet wide, and is generally straight and level. A critical 6.9 mile portion crosses U.S. Air Force Academy property via a designated trail easement. Visitors must remain on the trail at all times while on Academy land.
Pikes Peak Greenway Near Woodman Road, the route transitions into the Pikes Peak Greenway, which runs north to south through the heart of Colorado Springs for approximately 16 miles. This largely paved corridor follows Monument Creek and Fountain Creek alongside I 25 and serves as the spine of the city’s urban trail system. Investments from Great Outdoors Colorado and the Trails Open Space Coalition TOPS program helped create an eight foot wide concrete commuter trail between Monument Valley Park and Highway 24. The Greenway connects to dozens of east west trails and passes near popular destinations such as Pikeview Reservoir, Monument Valley Park, America the Beautiful Park, and El Pomar Youth Sports Park.
Fountain Creek Regional Trail South of El Pomar Youth Sports Park, the trail becomes the Fountain Creek Regional Trail. This segment follows Fountain Creek south toward Fountain Creek Regional Park, terminating near Bandley Drive. The trail is approximately 10 miles long, with an additional three mile disconnected segment within Clear Springs Ranch Open Space. This section features a dirt surface and more elevation changes than the northern segments.
History
The foundation of the Front Range Trail in El Paso County began in April 1982 with the formal opening of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, which originally extended from Palmer Lake to the U.S. Air Force Academy. In 2013, a generous donation from REI Colorado Springs supported a partnership between the Trails and Open Space Coalition, the City of Colorado Springs, the Greenway Fund, and Leadership Pikes Peak to establish 15 adopter groups along the Pikes Peak Greenway, strengthening long term stewardship and community involvement.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Palmer Lake to Fountain, following the Front Range through El Paso County Length: Approximately 43 continuous miles Surface: Gravel, dirt, asphalt, and concrete depending on segment Amenities: Multiple trailheads, connections to local parks and neighborhoods Tips: Stay on designated trails, especially on U.S. Air Force Academy property. Check segment specific conditions before heading out.
The Colorado Front Range Trail in El Paso County represents decades of collaboration, investment, and community stewardship. As connections continue to improve, this regional corridor will play an increasingly important role in linking communities, supporting active transportation, and expanding access to outdoor recreation across the Pikes Peak region.
