Templeton Gap Trail is an important east west multi use trail in central Colorado Springs that follows the Templeton Gap Floodway. The trail provides a key connection between neighborhoods, parks, open spaces, and several major trail corridors, making it a popular route for both recreation and transportation.
Trail Experience
Templeton Gap Trail is approximately 4 miles long and runs primarily east to west alongside the Templeton Gap Floodway. The trail begins near Mark Dabling Boulevard at the Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex and continues west to Palmer Park, with a northern fork extending toward Union Meadows Open Space near Austin Bluffs Boulevard and Union Boulevard.
The trail surface is primarily concrete, with some sections of asphalt and gravel. Elevation changes are generally mild, though users should expect a few moderate hills along the route.
Road Crossings and Navigation
Templeton Gap Trail includes several street crossings, including a major crossing at North Nevada Avenue. A short discontinuity exists near North Hancock Avenue by Portal Park. The trail runs on both sides of the floodway; however, to pass under Union Boulevard near Hancock Avenue, it is recommended to remain on the south side of the floodway for a more continuous route.
Connections
Templeton Gap Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway at Goose Gossage Youth Sports Complex. From this location, users can also access Sinton Trail to continue west. On the eastern end, the trail links to Austin Bluffs Trail near North Union Boulevard, providing access toward the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus. Additional connections include Greencrest Trail into Palmer Park and easy access to Union Meadows Open Space.
Cottonwood Creek Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
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.
Sand Creek Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
Sand Creek Trail is an evolving multi segment trail system in Colorado Springs that follows Sand Creek through residential areas, parks, and open spaces. When complete, the trail will serve as an important east west and north south connector, linking neighborhoods to recreation facilities and the city’s larger trail network.
Location: Eastern and southeastern Colorado Springs, following Sand Creek from Woodmen Road to Airport Road
Trail Experience
Sand Creek Trail is currently made up of two primary segments that are not yet connected. Each segment is approximately 4 miles in length and offers a different trail experience depending on location and surface type.
The southern segment runs diagonally through southeast Colorado Springs, beginning near El Pomar Youth Sports Park and extending east toward Wildflower Park. From Wildflower Park, the main trail continues north of Airport Road, while the East Fork Sand Creek spur heads east and ends just before Powers Boulevard. This section is largely concrete and offers a mild, accessible route for walking and biking. Users should expect two major street crossings at Hancock Expressway and Chelton Road.
A short central section of Sand Creek Trail was constructed between Platte Avenue and Galley Road as part of the Patriot Park development, creating a partial link through the corridor.
The northern segment of the trail runs north south alongside Sand Creek between Woodmen Road and Barnes Road. This section features mostly hardpacked natural surface, with a concrete segment between Barnes Road and Stetson Hills Boulevard. The northern portion offers a more natural setting, with open views and access to nearby parks and open space.
Connections
Sand Creek Trail connects directly to the Pikes Peak Greenway at El Pomar Youth Sports Park, providing access to the larger Front Range trail system. The trail also offers convenient access to the Southeast Family Center YMCA and surrounding neighborhoods.
The northern segment connects to Stetson Park and Stetson Hills Open Space, expanding recreational opportunities and linking users to additional trail and open space experiences.
Sand Creek Trail represents a growing investment in trail connectivity for Colorado Springs. As additional segments are completed, it will continue to strengthen access to parks, neighborhoods, and regional trail corridors across the city.
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.
Homestead Trail – Colorado Springs, CO
The Homestead Trail is a long, neighborhood-spanning urban trail that weaves through eastern Colorado Springs, connecting parks, open spaces, and residential areas. Stretching approximately 7 miles in total, the trail offers a challenging and varied experience for cyclists, runners, and walkers looking for a route that blends recreation with everyday city connectivity.
With rolling terrain, multiple park connections, and future expansion planned, the Homestead Trail plays an important role in the city’s growing trail network.
Trails and Recreation
The Homestead Trail is divided into two main segments, separated by a short on-street connection.
Northern Segment (≈2 miles): This portion branches off the Cottonwood Creek Trail about a mile south of Woodmen Road. It travels southeast before ending at Templeton Gap Road, where users must transition to sidewalks to reach the southern segment.
Southern Segment (≈5 miles): The more commonly used section begins at the High Chaparral Open Space parking lot, located off Stetson Hills Boulevard (accessible when traveling eastbound). From there, the trail travels south, crossing several major streets, passing neighborhood parks, and eventually terminating at Radiant Drive.
The Homestead Trail is not an easy ride or walk. Users should expect rolling hills and a mix of trail surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, and dirt. While much of the trail is paved, some sections are rough or deteriorated, adding to the challenge.
Parks and Connections
One of the Homestead Trail’s strengths is its proximity to numerous parks and open spaces. Along the route, the trail travels through or alongside:
Old Farm Park
Rudy Park
Homestead Park
Villa Loma Park
Penrose Park
The trail connects directly to Cottonwood Creek Trail, and with some street or sidewalk travel, users can also access Palmer Park and the Rock Island Trail. The Homestead Trail shares a trailhead and parking area with High Chaparral Open Space, making it a key access point for both trail and open space users.
Management and Stewardship
The Homestead Trail is managed by City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, which oversees maintenance, safety, and long-term planning for the trail.
Because the trail passes through busy urban areas, stewardship focuses on:
Safe street crossings
Trail maintenance and surface improvements
Balancing recreation with neighborhood use
Improving long-term connectivity
Plan Your Visit
Access Points:
Cottonwood Creek Trail connection (north)
High Chaparral Open Space parking lot (south, via eastbound Stetson Hills Blvd)
Parking:
Available at High Chaparral Open Space
Limited neighborhood access points along the route
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Tips:
Expect hills and uneven surfaces
Use caution at major street crossings
Bring water—shade is limited in many sections
Check conditions before biking due to rough pavement in spots
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.
