United States

Colorado Springs, CO

A comprehensive guide to the best places to run in Colorado Springs

Train like in Olympian in Colorado Springs! Just 60 miles south of Denver, this Rocky Mountain town is a paradise for lovers of outdoor sports. Its mountains and foothills — including the 14,115 foot Pikes Peak — are brimming with challenging trails, so it’s no wonder that both the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy have made 6,000 foot high Colorado Springs their proving grounds. Even in town, the numerous city parks and open spaces invite an atmosphere of exercise. Note: Be aware of the altitude and make sure you adjust and hydrate when running in Colorado Springs.

We’ve created 15+ routes in Colorado Springs — some of them easier road runs, and others more for trail running. Local running experts say to start out on the Pikes Peak Greenway, a multi-use trail that cuts conveniently right through the center of town. Garden of the Gods is the iconic trail run in Colorado Springs. Other particularly scenic spots include Red Rock Canyon, Bear Creek, and Ute Valley. For road running or multi-use trails, check out or Legacy Loop, Shooks Run Trail, Midland Trail, Downtown Colorado Springs, Broadmoor, and New Santa Fe Regional Trail.

A car is very helpful in Colorado Springs, but the Mountain Metro bus system is actually quite extensive, and they offer a handy tool to find the closest bus stop and next arrival near you.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Colorado Springs, CO

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  • Iconic Routes
  • Weather & Climate
  • Where To Stay
  • Stores & Group Runs
  • Events

Colorado Springs has hot summers and cool winters. The climate is fairly dry. In summer, temperatures reach into the mid-80s (29C), but due to the dry air, nights cool off reasonably. You might even need a layer on early summer mornings! In winter, daytime highs reach into the 40s (5C), and nights can be cold, dipping into the teens (-9C). It can snow in winter but the climate is generally sunny and dry. In summer, most precipitation comes from thunderstorms.

Check out VisitCOS.com for helpful tourism info.

STORES

There are plenty of great running stores (with great running advice) in Colorado Springs, including: Runners RoostBoulder Running Co, and Colorado Running Co.  See the map on the city home page for location and event information.

GROUP RUNS

Garden of the Gods Park hosts a 5k group run Thursdays, 4pm-6pm. Information and Registration.

For group runs, check in with the Pikes Peak Road Runners.

Looking for road or trail races in this area? Find them on RaceRaves, the best online race calendar and reviews community for runners!

Find races in Colorado Springs, CO

You can also find upcoming events on the Pikes Peak Road Runners’ site.