Red Rock Canyon Open Space at a glance
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a city open space in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is not the Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada, which is a different place in a different state. If your navigation offers both, pick the address in Colorado Springs.
The trails are natural surface paths for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and dogs on a leash. There are two parking areas on W. High Street, and portable toilets at both main lots. This is an independent guide, not run by the city. Rules and details below are as listed in October 2026 and can change.
The trails by name
These are the routes the city names for the open space.
- Contemplative
- Sand Canyon
- Mesa and Greenlee
- Roundup
- Quarry
- Hogback and Lion Loop
The city also lists connections to the Section 16 and Intemann trails.
Trail lengths and climbs depend on how you link the loops, so check a current map before you set out. Start with a short loop, and add more once you know how the terrain feels.
Tours and tickets around Colorado Springs
Red Rock Canyon is a do-it-yourself visit. If you want to add a guided jeep ride, an e-bike tour on roads or a day trip, these tours and tickets around Colorado Springs come with current prices and availability.
Rules that matter here
The city sets the rules for this open space.
Dogs
Dogs must be on a leash on the trails. There are separate off-leash areas, the Upper and Lower Dog Loops.
E-bikes
City open space stays closed to e-bikes of every class. Regular bikes share the trails, and a separate area is for bikes only. Since 1 July 2025, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed only on selected city urban and regional trails.
Climbing
A climbing permit is required. The city issues a free annual permit for climbing in its parks, with an online application. Technical climbing is allowed only in the parks the city approves, so read the rules for rock climbing first.
Fire and smoking
Fires, grilling and smoking are not allowed. Burn restrictions in force since 17 February 2026 also ban outdoor smoking in all city parks and open spaces.
How it compares with Garden of the Gods
Both are city-managed places with red rock, but the setting is different. The Garden of the Gods has a visitor center and one-way park roads with bike lanes. Red Rock Canyon is a trail area with two lots and portable toilets.
| Red Rock Canyon Open Space | Garden of the Gods | |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | On a leash, plus two off-leash loops | On a leash |
| Climbing | Permit required | Permit required |
| Fire and smoking | Not allowed | Outdoor smoking banned under burn restrictions |
| Toilets | Portable, at both main lots | At the visitor center |
Planning your visit
Three steps before you leave the car.
Find the entrance
Follow US 24 to Ridge Road. The roundabout leads to W. High Street, where the two parking areas are on your right.
Pick a trail by name
Choose one of the named routes above, and use the map to check where it joins others. Hogback and Lion Loop and the Quarry trail are separate names, so do not mix them up.
Use the toilets first
The portable toilets are at the two main lots, not on the trails. Carry out everything you bring in.
Weather and timing
Open ground offers little shelter.
Open trails give you little cover when a storm arrives. Summer is the wetter season in Colorado Springs: the long-term averages at the airport station are 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain in July and 75 mm (3.0 in) in August (1991 to 2020 normals, not a forecast). In thunder, get into a solid building or a fully enclosed vehicle. Outdoors there is no fully safe place when lightning is close, and the National Weather Service advises you to stop in good time.
Carry your own water and a hat. For the monthly picture, from freezing winter nights to warm July afternoons, see the best time to visit. For the larger and better known park, see the Garden of the Gods trails and the visitor center.
Nearby places
Combine the open space with another stop.
Things to do in Colorado Springs
Fifteen ideas beyond the Garden, with 2026 prices and hours.
Manitou Springs
Mineral springs and historic brick buildings on the main street.
Cave of the Winds
Cave tours and outdoor rides, with 2026 prices.
Garden of the Gods trails
Easy loops with a view of Pikes Peak.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space: frequently asked questions
Is this the Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas?
No. This Red Rock Canyon Open Space is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 3550 W. High Street near US 24. Make sure your navigation points to Colorado.
Where do I park?
Use the two parking areas on the right side of W. High Street. You reach them from Ridge Road and its roundabout. Portable toilets stand at both main lots.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash on the trails. The Upper and Lower Dog Loops are separate off-leash areas.
Can I ride an e-bike here?
No. City open space is closed to e-bikes of every class. Regular bikes are allowed, and there is a bike-only area. Since 1 July 2025 Class 1 e-bikes are limited to selected city urban and regional trails.
Can I climb here?
Only with a climbing permit. Fires, grilling and smoking are not allowed.
Is there a fire or smoking rule right now?
Yes. Burn restrictions, in force since 17 February 2026, ban recreational fires and outdoor smoking in all city parks and open spaces. Check the city's current notice before you go.