Hiking in Colorado: The Crags Trail near Colorado Springs

I know that Fall is beautiful in a lot of places, and not just Colorado.  I know that…but it’s really hard to feel that after you spend your fall in the majesty of the orange and gold Aspen of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

Last September I got to fill my heart with fall colors unlike anything I had ever seen before!! I went on hikes, drives, day trips – you name it, and I tried to fit it into my days off! One of the best hikes I went on for fall colors was the Crags Trail in Divide.  It was magical – it was so pretty I was angry for most of the hike. Truly, this hike was an unforgettable memory that I cherish to this day!

I’m not really trying to write this post to highlight the fall colors, especially because it’s May right now. I’m just a girl trying to write an informative post about an awesome trail close to Colorado Springs! But let’s be honest, it’s pretty evident that A) I went hiking here in the fall and B) the fall colors were pretty spectacular which is impossible to ignore, and C) I may have an obsession with fall colors.

So enough about fall colors (for now). Let’s get to talking about hiking the Crags trail, which I’m positive is beautiful really any time of the year!!

(But probably most beautiful in the fall…)

(If you’re interested in hiking other trails around the Divide/Cripple Creek area, click here!)

Directions: From Colorado Springs – Take Hwy 24W toward Divide.  Stay on Hwy 24W until you get to Divide (your turn-off will be where Venture Food Store is).  Turn left at CO-67, which will direct you toward Cripple Creek. Just past the entrance to Mueller State Park, there will be a sign for the Crags Campground on your left, which is Teller County Rd 62.  Turn left and follow the signs for the Crags.  You will turn right when you see the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, and you will feel like you’re driving through their property (which you are) but don’t let that deter you because National Forest land is coming up soon. Keep following this road past the parking lot for Raspberry Mountain, and you will shortly arrive at the parking lot for the Crags.

Restrooms: Yes

Distance: Right around a 5-mile round trip, out and back trail

Difficulty: easy-moderate

Pets OK: Dogs are OK on leash

Crowds: moderate-heavy

Fees/Permits: none

Tips:

• The trail starts out with a small incline and some switchbacks but then it levels off really nicely for the majority of the trail.  When you get close to the top it will start to climb again but it really isn’t bad and there’s no scrambling.
• The Crags trail splits off close to the beginning (about a tenth of a mile in) giving you access to the Devil’s Playground trail which takes you up the side of Pike’s Peak. To stay on the Crags trail keep straight. The right branch will take you up to Devil’s Playground.
• A patient of mine who worked for the Forest Service told me that the Crags trail is one of the best trails for snowshoeing around Colorado Springs! I have not tried it, but know that the road can be difficult to pass in the winter with potential for a lot of snow! I’ve read that some people parked further away from the trailhead and hiked in..this would greatly increase the length of the hike so take that into consideration.  You will probably need high clearance AWD/4WD if we’ve had a lot of snow like we have this year!
• If you are interested in snowshoeing and have the proper vehicle to get here, Pikes Peak Outfitter offers rentals for the equipment you’ll need in Colorado Springs!
• This hike is a great hike for those who are new to the area or visiting on vacation! It offers amazing 360 views, interesting rock formations, and is level for most of the hike!
• If you are not from the area, plan on taking it easy due to the elevation and bring lots of water!
• If you’re hiking this in the summer (July/August) then you are hiking in monsoon season. Make sure you are prepared for the possibility of afternoon showers – which could possibly have hail. Dress in layers that are both waterproof and warm, because if it starts raining and you are like me then you’ll be cold!
• Hiking to the top of a mountain = wind, so be prepared!
• Be aware that wildlife is in the area!!!! Be vigilant, especially if you have small kids!
• This hike is exposed for the majority of the hike, so bring sun protection!! The sun is intense at this altitude.

Even though it was September, it was a warm and beautiful sunny day!

This trail is marked by a lot of interesting rock formations and of course Aspen groves!  I’m looking forward to visiting this trail again in the summer when the Aspens have new growth. I don’t expect it to beat the fall colors, but Aspen trees are impressive pretty much any time they have leaves, in my opinion!

I won’t lie, one of the things I liked best about this trail was how level it was! Don’t get me wrong – I’m up for strenuous hikes, but it’s nice to catch a break sometimes and not sacrifice beauty!

Beautiful.

The trail is well marked and easy to follow.  I can see how it would make a good snowshoe trail. Not that my Texas self will ever want to be subjected to the cold involved in snowshoeing.

He’s my PIC.

These rock formations look much larger in person!

I will not continue to go on and on about how awesome the fall colors were.

I won’t!!

Eventually, the trail becomes less open as you start hiking in a forested area again.  This is where a brief ascent begins leading to the top.

In no time at all, your brief uphill battle will end and you’ll be rewarded with a close-up view of the Crags and amazing 360 views of the surrounding area!

She’s a great hiker! Of course, I would be too if I was carried everywhere… below is a short video of the 360 views from the top!

Views to the north

Catamount Reservoir

Views to the West

People were actually pretty friendly on this hike.  It must’ve been the beautiful scenery…………………or maybe it was the fall colors!!

Whatever it was, there was a man nice enough to take a family shot for us at the top.  We stayed up there for a while drinking in the views before heading back to the parking lot.

I can’t recommend this hike enough, and hope I have encouraged you to visit!

Don’t forget to leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Until next time!