Pulpit Rock Park
Discover stunning city and mountain vistas from easy trails at Pulpit Rock Park, a free natural gem in Colorado Springs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Pulpit Rock Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning city and mountain vistas from easy trails at Pulpit Rock Park, a free natural gem in Colorado Springs.
"The view on the top is great. You can even see the Garden of the Gods from there."
🎯 Easy Access, Tricky Entry
Parking is free near I-25 & Nevada Ave. Look for signs to the official entrance on the left. :world_map:
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots for unpaved trails. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Summit
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Colorado Springs and the Front Range mountains from the top.
Unique Rock Formations
Various points in the park
Marvel at the striking sandstone formations, including the iconic 'pulpit' itself.
Garden of the Gods Vista
Summit
From the summit, you can often spot the distinct red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Entrance
Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Easy Access, Tricky Entry
Parking is free near I-25 & Nevada Ave. Look for signs to the official entrance on the left. :world_map:
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots for unpaved trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 No Restrooms On-Site
Plan ahead! There are no restrooms within the park. :toilet:
📸 Capture the Vista
The summit offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for photography. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Easy Access, Tricky Entry
Parking is free near I-25 & Nevada Ave. Look for signs to the official entrance on the left. :world_map:
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots for unpaved trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 No Restrooms On-Site
Plan ahead! There are no restrooms within the park. :toilet:
📸 Capture the Vista
The summit offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for photography. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore Multiple Trails
Discover various intersecting trails, some may be closed for restoration. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pulpit Rock Park for its stunning panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the Front Range, as well as its accessible and easy hiking trails. The free entry and parking are significant draws. However, some find the entrance and parking difficult to locate, and the lack of restrooms is a noted inconvenience. The proximity to the highway can also detract from the natural ambiance for some.
"A small but interesting place to visit and hike in Colorado Springs. The trail is about less than 2 miles and it's quite easy. The view on the top is great. You can even see the Garden of Gods from there. The only problem is to find the parking lot and entrance. Google Map didn't give the right place. The parking lot is just right at the highway I-25 and the Nevada Avenue, and it's not paved but free. The official entrance is at the left of the parking lot and there are signs to follow. You shouldn't take the shortcut(see picture) but I think people do that. Overall it's a nice hiking place for kids."
J. X. (JX2069)
"Neatly situated park in Colorado Springs with amazing views off to the southwest from the summit. Lots of intersecting trails, some closed for restoration. Not too crowded on a Sunday morning."
Nick Sullivan
"Great place for hiking and biking. Make sure you use the restroom ahead because there are no restrooms present. There are also multiple entrances so pay attention to which way you are on the trails. You can also see The garden of the gods from the top!"
Joseph Nance
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pulpit Rock Park is located in Colorado Springs. The most common access point is via I-25 and Nevada Avenue, where you'll find free, unpaved parking. The official entrance is typically to the left of the parking lot. Be aware that Google Maps may not always direct you to the precise entrance.
Yes, there is free parking available at Pulpit Rock Park. The parking lot is unpaved and located near the intersection of I-25 and Nevada Avenue.
Information on public transportation routes directly to Pulpit Rock Park is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to access the park.
Yes, there are multiple entrances and intersecting trails within Pulpit Rock Park. It's important to pay attention to trail markers to ensure you're on the desired path.
Absolutely! Pulpit Rock Park is a great stop for a road trip, offering a relatively short hike with rewarding views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pulpit Rock Park is free to enter. There are no admission fees required to access the park and its trails.
Pulpit Rock Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check local park advisories for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
No, tickets are not required for Pulpit Rock Park as it is a free public space. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
While generally open, some trails may be temporarily closed for restoration. Always be mindful of posted signs and park regulations.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, many parks in Colorado Springs allow dogs on leash. It's best to confirm local regulations before visiting with pets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Pulpit Rock Trail is considered easy to moderate. It's about 1.2 miles round trip with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors.
The hike to the top of Pulpit Rock Trail typically takes around 1 to 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views.
You can expect stunning panoramic views of Colorado Springs, the Front Range mountains, and even the Garden of the Gods from the summit.
No, there are no restrooms available within Pulpit Rock Park. Visitors are advised to use facilities before arriving.
Yes, Pulpit Rock Park is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking, with various intersecting trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for soft, beautiful light. Weekday mornings also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
You can capture stunning landscape photos of the city, mountains, and unique rock formations. The summit provides excellent vantage points for panoramic shots.
The summit offers the most iconic views. Look for interesting angles of the rock formations themselves, and capture the expansive vistas.
Yes, on a clear day, you can often see and photograph the Garden of the Gods from the top of Pulpit Rock Park.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the park.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While there are no food or drink facilities on-site, packing your own picnic is a great way to save money and enjoy the scenic views.
The relatively short and easy hike means you don't need specialized gear, making it an affordable outdoor activity. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The striking sandstone formations provide unique subjects for close-up shots and creative compositions. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and get unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Beyond the main trail, the park features numerous intersecting paths, some of which are paved and others unpaved. These offer opportunities for longer exploration and are popular with both hikers and mountain bikers.
When planning your hike, consider wearing sturdy footwear like hiking boots or good sneakers, as the unpaved sections can be uneven.
The Iconic 'Pulpit'
While the hike to the summit is rewarding, the rock formations themselves are worth appreciating up close. Visitors can often climb around the base of the formations, but caution is advised, especially on steeper or looser terrain.
Views and Vistas
These views are particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, offering photographers and nature lovers alike a breathtaking spectacle.
The relatively easy access to such expansive scenery makes Pulpit Rock Park a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking a quick escape into nature with a rewarding payoff. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit