Climb Colorado Spring’s Pulpit Rock

Have I ever told y’all how much I love living in Colorado?? New Mexico and Texas have their good qualities, but they don’t really compare to the Rockies, if ya know what I mean! Today’s hike is a little different in the fact that it’s not in the mountains, but right in the middle of a shopping area in Colorado Springs!

Pulpit Rock is found in central Colorado Springs off I-25, right in the middle of the city! The above picture was actually taken from Nevada St, to give an idea of how close it is to shopping!

This is a pretty cool hike and I definitely recommend it to those who are able and in the area. It’s not that long of a walk from the parking lot, and as you will see in the below pictures, the end rewards you with a fantastic view of Pikes Peak and the Front Range of the Rockies. Hiking to the top can range from anywhere between 1-4 miles. There are many foot paths that lead to the top, some are easy and some are more challenging due to the fact that they aren’t actual trails. There is also a loop that you can hike that’s around 4 miles, with several takeoffs that lead you to the top.

Directions: From I-25, exit N Nevada St and head south on Nevada. Just past the Harley Davidson dealership you will come to a light, which you will turn left. The road is not on the map but I think it’s actually titled Pulpit Rock. There’s a dirt lot for parking at the trailhead. If you start to pass Trader Joe’s or UCCS you have gone too far.

Restrooms: No

Distance: Varies due to network of trails, could be between 1-4 miles depending on chosen path

Difficulty: The surrounding area is easy, the climb to the top is intermediate

Pets OK? Yes, on leash

Crowds: Variable, you can tell by the parking area or even looking at the top of Pulpit Rock to see how crowded it is at a given time

Fees/Permits: none

Tips:

There are snakes in this area, so please be careful with yourself, your family and your pets. I have actually heard of someone’s pet dying from being bit by a rattlesnake on this hike, so bear in mind this very real problem.
Not everyone cares for this hike because you don’t get away from the sounds of the city, and some people don’t want views of the city. I personally don’t mind these things and I enjoy the unobstructed view of the Front Range, and on a clear day you can even see the Spanish Peaks to the south!
This would be a great place to watch the sunset or to come to at night to look at the city lights
Pets are welcome on leash. Our dog made it to the top, but I don’t think that would be the case with every pet…we basically had to carry her the last bit of the way. And by we, I mean my husband.
This hike, or at least those planning to go to the top of Pulpit Rock, is not for everybody. When you get closer to the top it can be slippery on the rock in certain points. Trekking poles may be useful to some, and be sure to wear proper shoes!
I don’t recommend hiking after rain, as it’s extremely muddy and difficult to hike uphill…and yes, that’s experience talking!
I would personally advise against very young children going to the top unless they are in a carrier. Hiking the surrounding area would be fine, but the top is characterized by areas that have steep drop offs
This network of trails is not well marked. We had to finally choose a path to start heading up to the top. I recommend coming around the north side of the Rock, as there is eventually a decent path that cuts up toward it.
July and August are good times to go to see the wildflowers!

This picture doesn’t show it well, but it was extremely muddy when we went!

The closer you get to the top the prettier it gets!

This hike quickly rewards you with unobstructed views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak!

Getting close to the top!

Try and leave time to hike the beautiful surrounding area!

Before you reach the very top there are several level spots for you to enjoy the view and hangout!

The girl in the above picture literally…took…1,000…Selfies. There was an unspoken courtesy everyone gave each other, allowing people to have their time on the top before coming up themselves. Don’t be like this girl and hog the top for 20 min before deigning to come down.

Cassie made it to the top but then refused to get off all fours! I guess she has more sense then we do!

Props to myself for making it to the top 5 months pregnant! (Disclaimer, I am not suggesting this hike for pregnant women, always hike at your own comfort level)