From Fall to Winter: Embracing Colorado Springs Hiking Year-Round
by Melody Monberg, Hike for Life Operations Manager
With fall in our rearview mirror (or almost there), it’s time to start thinking about how to truly enjoy Colorado Springs during the winter months.
For years, I struggled with the dramatic temperature swings. Those who’ve lived here a while know exactly what I mean—one day it’s sunny and warm, and the next we’re dealing with sleet and snow.
Rather than fighting these wild weather patterns, I’ve learned to embrace them. Winter shouldn’t keep us from enjoying our incredible outdoors.
When you’re armed with the right layers, warm shoes and socks, hiking Colorado Springs trails in winter months invites you into this calm, almost sacred space. There’s something magical about crunching through fresh snow or basking in that ever-present sunlight we’re blessed with year-round.
The trails become yours in a way they never are during busy summer months.
The Magic of Garden of the Gods in November
A few years ago, I discovered the absolute magic of Garden of the Gods during this transitional time of year. The heavily trafficked summer trails transform into peaceful wandering paths, and when we get those first dustings of snow on top of those iconic red rocks, the contrast is absolutely breathtaking.
November brings crisp, clear air and stunning visibility, and the Garden does an amazing job showcasing Pikes Peak’s dramatic views without the summer crowds.
My favorite trails during this time are the Ute and Niobrara trail loop (1.8 miles, 177 feet elevation gain) on the outskirts of the park.
This route gives you breathless landscape views from around the inner garden loop with full sky views of the park and Pikes Peak—absolutely perfect for capturing the contrast between the red sandstone formations and early snow.
When I’m in the mood for a longer Garden adventure, I love linking together the Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Garden trails (4.3 miles, 610 feet elevation gain).
There is incredible variety on this trail—from intimate canyon views to sweeping vistas—and really showcases why November is such a special time to explore the Garden when the light is softer and the temperatures are perfect for a longer adventure.
Of course, the Garden is just the beginning of what Colorado Springs has to offer during this beautiful transitional season. Here are some of my other favorite trails that truly shine when the weather starts to turn crisp.
Trail Recommendations for Winter Adventures
Mount Muscoco Trail
Trail Stats: 4.0 miles | 1,292 feet elevation gain | Out and back | Moderate difficulty
Located near Garden of the Gods in North Cheyenne Canyon, this steady uphill climb rewards you with 360-degree views at the top. The trail is well-marked with some fun scrambling at the end. Great for families with elementary-aged kids and older. Dogs are welcome on leash. Allow 2-2.5 hours.
Catamount Falls Trail
Trail Stats: 5.8 miles | 1,646 feet elevation gain | Out and back | Moderate difficulty
Located in Green Mountain Falls, this trail rewards you with a beautiful reservoir and varied terrain. Dogs are welcome on leash. Allow 3-4 hours.
Northern Colorado Springs: Pineries Open Space
Trail Stats: 3.2 miles | 400 feet elevation gain | Loop | Easy to Moderate difficulty
Located in northern Colorado Springs, the Pineries offers excellent winter hiking with varied terrain, beautiful views, and well-maintained trails. Great for families and dogs on leash. Allow 2-3 hours.
That Rookie Mistake
When I first moved to Colorado almost 30 years ago, I made a rookie mistake that still makes me laugh. I checked the weather forecast—30 degrees at sunrise—and clearly lost all common sense. I layered on every piece of winter gear I owned: thermal underwear, fleece, puffy jacket, you name it.
By the time I hit the trail, I resembled a very determined marshmallow attempting to hike.
Twenty minutes in, with Colorado’s brilliant sun beating down and my heart rate climbing, I was sweating buckets. I spent the next hour awkwardly peeling off layers and tying them around my waist like some sort of fabric octopus.
Not my most graceful hiking moment!
That day was definitely a wake-up call about layering for this tricky season.
Here’s what I’ve learned works: start with a pair of pants layered with a short sleeve shirt, long sleeve, and puffer vest. Add a waterproof/windproof jacket, hat and gloves, along with wool socks.
The key is bringing a backpackl to stow those layers as you warm up—you’ll avoid spending your entire hike wrestling with jackets tied around your waist.
Don’t forget water—you might feel cold, but you’re sweating and working hard. I often bring an insulated bottle of warm water for those early cold mornings.
Pack snacks too; the cold zaps calories as your body works to stay warm while hiking. Finally, know where you’re going—when the weather settles in, it can sometimes be challenging to see the trail. Download a map or, better yet, bring a paper copy.
As Hike for Life reminds us, the 5 essentials should be on every hike, no matter how short or long. If this is your first time exploring trails during the winter months, consider hiring a local guide.
Hike for Life offers several guided hikes in the area that will take you up and over to incredible views, including routes through Palmer Park.
For transitional fall-to-winter hiking, proper gear makes all the difference. From layering strategies to traction devices, being prepared transforms winter hiking from challenging to magical.
Don’t let Colorado’s unpredictable weather keep you indoors this winter.
With the right preparation and mindset, our trails offer some of their most spectacular and peaceful experiences when touched by snow. Bundle up, grab your gear, and discover the quiet magic of Colorado Springs in winter. For more Colorado winter hiking tips and gear recommendations, check out this hiking guide at coloradohikesandhops.com/blog/colorado-winter-hiking-tips.